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Slap on the Sunscreen – It’s Charleston Beach Season!

By: PremiereCharleston.com Beaches Editor

05/05/2010

You know, if you live in or around Charleston, and you aren’t hitting the beach several times during the summer, you are really missing the point of living here.

This bit of wisdom occurred to me as I sat on the beach at Kiawah. I was propped up in the shorty lawn chair and properly greased, taking in the sights, the warmth, the breeze and the waves. I turned to La Se?nora and said, “Anyone who isn’t hitting the beach several times during the summer is really missing the point of living here. And, dang, wouldn’t that make a good opener for a web article?”

Anyway, heading out to one of Charleston’s fine beaches is an activity that is both common and specific – everybody does it, and everyone that does seems to have their favorite beach. It may be the proximity, or the waves, or the general vibe, but people generally pick one location and stick with it.   

So, this month PremiereCharleston.com decided to take a look at a few of the Charleston area’s favorite sun-and-fun destinations, and some of the reasons people cite when they express their beach preference.

We decided to limit our scope to Kiawah, Folly Beach and Isle of Palms. It is sort of an “all things being equal” thing, as each of these popular beaches are Charleston County Parks.  So, each are going to have relatively similar amenities like:

• Dressing areas,
• Restrooms,
• Picnic area with grills,
• Outdoor showers,
• Boardwalks,
• Snack bar,   
• Beach chair & umbrella rentals, and
• LIFEGUARDS (which is pretty important!)  

Folly Beach vs. Isle of Palms – the Debate Lingers!

An interesting “can’t we all just get along?” discussion revolves around people’s decision to choose Isle of Palms (IOP) over Folly Beach, or vice versa. Indeed, the two have just enough similarities to make it almost a coin-toss decision. Each is roughly the same distance from downtown, each has similar amenities, and each has similar access to lodging options, retail and dining.

So what’s the debate all about? Really, it’s about who you want to see lying on the beach towel next to yours.  Beach buffs make a lot of hay with the notion that IOP is more upscale or yuppie, while Folly is more college or surfer-oriented. All we can say is that stereotypes come from an element of truth, and nobody seems to be too offended by these assessments. Folly fans have a slight clarification to this notion, which is that families, college kids and surfers tend to self-segregate. Whatever your groove, you should have no trouble finding those of a like mind to groove with!

Kiawah Island Stands Alone

Kiawah Island manages to avoid all of this fussing and feuding. It is a little over twice the distance from Downtown Charleston as Folly Beach or IOP. Kiawah has all the same amenities as the other county-park beaches, but it is definitely off the beaten path in terms of lodging and dining. 

Kiawah’s Beachwalker Park was recently recognized by a nationally known beach expert (because that’s a thing now.) According to Dr. Stephen Leatherman, known throughout this land of R’s as Dr. Beach, Beachwalker Park was the 10th best beach in America for 2009.  Primarily, he notes that it is more than fun in the sun – there is a strong conservation element as well. In fact, locals do seem to get worked up over the endangered loggerhead turtles that hatch each spring. I think it’s because they are, like, endangered.

You Can’t Go Wrong, Whichever Charleston Beach You Choose!

So, what are you seeking in a Charleston beach experience?  Are you looking for a short hop or a long drive in the country? Do you want to shake off the sand and step right into your hotel or a restaurant, or is sun and surf the entire mission? Well, the obligatory statement at this point is to say that, whatever beach experience you are seeking this summer, you will find it Charleston. Bonus: this statement is not only obligatory – it’s true!

Charleston Beach Park Details:

Finally, let’s take a look at some of the details of these beaches. First, the things that are common to all Charleston County Parks Beaches.
   
Admission (All Beach Parks):
Standard vehicles:  $7 (or 4 Piggly Wiggly Greenbax)
RV/Campers:  Daily Parking Only, $10 (or 6 Greenbax)
Buses/Large Vehicles:  $25 (or 16 Greenbax)
Walk-ins/Bicycles:  No charge
Annual Gold Passes valid for vehicle admission are available.

And now, some places where each park differs:

Kiawah Beachwalker Park Hours
January & February:  Closed
March & April: Weekends only, 10am- 6pm
May – Labor Day, 9am – 7pm
September, 10am- 6pm
October:  Weekends only, 10am- 6pm
November & December:  Closed

Kiawah Beachwalker Park Dog Restrictions:
Dogs must be leashed at all times.

Folly Beach County Park Hours:
January & February:  10am- 5pm
March & April: 10am- 6pm
May – Labor Day, 9am – 7pm
September & October:  10am- 6pm
November & December:  10am- 5pm

Folly Beach County Park Dog Restrictions:
Dogs are not allowed on Folly Beach at any time from 10am to 6pm, May 1 through September 30. Before 10 and after 6, dogs must be on a leash at all times.

Isle of Palms County Park Hours:
January & February:  10am- 5pm
March & April: 10am- 6pm
May – Labor Day, 9am – 7pm
September & October:  10am- 6pm
November & December:  10am- 5pm

Isle of Palms County Park Dog Restrictions:
Dogs must be leashed at all times.
 

 

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