Between Charleston’s popular Folly Beach and the laid-back charm of Edisto Island lies a treasure trove of secret coastal walks waiting to be discovered. These hidden stretches of sand offer something special that crowded tourist beaches simply can’t match. From dolphin watching spots to ancient maritime forests, each walk tells its own story of South Carolina’s wild coastline. Pack your walking shoes and sense of adventure for these six amazing beach experiences.
1. Beachwalker Park to Captain Sam’s Inlet (Kiawah Island)
During low tide, at Captain Sam’s Inlet, dolphins actually beach themselves on purpose to catch fish. This rare feeding behavior called strand-feeding makes Kiawah one of the most exciting dolphin watching spots on the entire East Coast.
Start your adventure at Beachwalker Park, Kiawah’s only public beach access point. Walk southwest along the pristine sand for about a mile until you reach the inlet where bottlenose dolphins often perform their amazing hunting tricks.
Remember to keep your distance and never try to help dolphins back to deeper water – they know exactly what they’re doing!
2. Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve’s Boneyard Beach (Edisto Island)
Nature created something truly magical here where ancient oak trees now stand like ghostly sculptures in the surf. Years of erosion have toppled these massive trees, leaving their bleached skeletons scattered across the sand in haunting beauty.
You’ll need a free day pass from the gate kiosk before starting your walk across the marsh to Pockoy Island. Time your visit for low tide since water levels control beach access completely.
Photographers absolutely love this spot, and while the shelling looks incredible, remember that collecting anything here is strictly forbidden. The preserve stays closed on Tuesdays and during hunting seasons.
3. Edisto Beach State Park: Trails-to-Beach Walk
Why choose between forest hiking and beach walking when you can enjoy both in one perfect afternoon? This unique combination lets you wander through shady maritime woods before stepping onto sunny ocean sand.
The Scott Creek and Spanish Mount trails wind through beautiful live oaks and towering palmettos that provide cool shade on hot days. From the trail junction, it’s just a quick 0.4-mile stroll along the Edisto Bike Trail to reach the beach.
State park fees apply, but you’re getting incredible value with facilities, maintained trails, and easy beach access all in one location. Perfect for families wanting variety in their outdoor adventure.
4. Jeremy Inlet Walk (North End of Edisto Beach)
Sunrise shell hunters have discovered something special at Jeremy Inlet where tides deposit treasures on quiet sandbars. This peaceful end-of-the-island location offers the kind of solitude that makes beachcombing feel like a treasure hunt.
Access the walk from any public beach entrance along Palmetto Boulevard, then head north toward the inlet. The early morning light here creates absolutely stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
While “Shell Island” across the channel looks tempting, resist the urge to wade over – the currents here are notoriously dangerous. Stick to the Edisto side where you can safely enjoy this tranquil coastal experience.
5. Otter Island (St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve) – Boat Access Required
Welcome to South Carolina’s wildest beach experience, where civilization feels like a distant memory. Otter Island sits in the heart of the ACE Basin, offering miles of completely undeveloped shoreline that few people ever see.
You’ll need to arrange boat transportation to reach this remote paradise, but the effort pays off with pristine beaches and incredible wildlife viewing. The island allows primitive camping with permits for those wanting an overnight adventure.
Pack out everything you bring since this preserve maintains strict leave-no-trace policies. Day hikers can explore the open coastline while enjoying some of the most unspoiled scenery on the entire South Carolina coast.
6. Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary (Mouth of North Edisto River) – Seasonal Access Only
Thousands of seabirds call this small island home during nesting season, creating one of the most important bird sanctuaries on the East Coast. Brown pelicans, black skimmers, and various terns pack every available space during peak times.
Access rules are extremely strict and change seasonally to protect nesting birds. From March 15 through October 15, the entire island closes completely to all visitors including the intertidal areas.
During the limited winter access period (October 16 through March 14), you can only visit the area below the high-tide line during daylight hours. Dogs are never allowed, and recent state regulations have made these closures permanent annual events.
