Kiawah Island Beach is located 25 miles southwest of Charleston in Charleston County, SC. Primarily a private beach and golf resort, the barrier island consists of 10 miles of pristine beach and is comprised of two areas known as East Beach and West Beach. Behind the gate, many private beach accesses are available to property owners, their guests, and renters. Kiawah Beachwalker County Park is the only public beach access on the island and is located on the west end (West Beach) of Kiawah Island. Pets must be leashed at all times when they are outside unless they are in an enclosed area (pen, fence, etc.); the only exception to this rule is on the beach where there is a designated year-round dog off-leash area and seasonal leash restrictions for the rest of the beach.
• Dog Use Area: Dogs are allowed off-leash year-round in the designated “dog use area” located between the eastern boundary of the Beach Club and the Ocean Course Clubhouse from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. provided they are under control. Pets must be leashed in this area from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. The owner must have a leash in their possession; pets must be leashed if requested by another beachgoer or by Beach Patrol.
• Seasonal Dog Leash Area (remainder of the beach): From March 16 – October 31 dogs must be leashed at all times; from November 1 – March 15 dogs are allowed to be off-leash from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. everywhere on the beach except in the critical habitat area. Pets must be leashed from 7 p.m. – 7 a.m, but must be under control.
• Critical Habitat Area: Dogs are prohibited in the designated critical habitat areas located on each end of the island.
More information on Kiawah Island Beach
Kiawah Island Beach Dog Restrictions Map
More information on Kiawah Beachwalker County Park Public Beach Access
