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VISIT KIAWAH ISLAND

Visit Kiawah is the go-to Kiawah Island Travel Guide for planning your next vacation to this beautiful area! We offer personalized travel advice and vacation tips on the top things to do and see. Take a look around, explore what the island has to offer and plan your next vacation with us! We are truly the insider’s and visitors guide, our website was started by a full-time resident wanting to share tips and information so that you can experience “everything Kiawah”. With miles of unspoiled beaches, nature walks, bike paths, world renowned golf and tennis facilities, boating, fishing and close proximity to historic Charleston, Kiawah Island, SC is truly a dream! Don’t hesitate to comment on our pages with more information or contact us with questions.

From one bedroom scenic views to magnificent oceanfront homes, Kiawah has the perfect accommodation to relax with your family and friends!

FIND YOUR PLACE

Eat + drink.

There’s wide variety of dining options on island and in the near vicinity! Each restaurant with their own speciality from local seafood to ice cream.

There’s plenty to choose from: world-class golf courses, top-ranking tennis, 10 miles of pristine beach, and 30 miles of paved biking trails! Take your pick.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Fun for your entire group, there’s always something exciting happening! From on-island activities to events at Freshfields Village and Bohicket Marina.

FIND EVENTS

The unofficial kiawah island travel and visitors guide, recent posts and news.

Experiencing all of the fun Easter festivities on the island has become a family tradition for many. How does bathing suits, towels and sunblock sound instead of digging through your holiday closet to find the bunnies, baskets, and pastel linens at home?

What is the nightlife on Kiawah Island like? The sun has set after a day filled with fun in the sun, you found the perfect restaurant for dinner and now the question is what to do next for those not ready to wind down quite yet…

Is this your first year on Kiawah Island for Fourth of July or need the times of the fireworks? We have you covered! Check out the information below for the main staples…

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8 Things To Do In Kiawah Island, South Carolina

It’s high time you added this Lowcountry destination to your beach bucket list.

Stay Like A Local

Spend a day on the sand, hit the links, go for a cruise, visit heron park nature center, explore freshfields village.

• Venture To Bohicket Marina & Market

Attend An Oyster Roast

Follow winding, oak-shaded roads 25 miles southwest of downtown Charleston's cobblestone streets and celebrated restaurant scene, and you'll find yourself on Kiawah Island. Carved by the Kiawah River on one side and fronting the Atlantic Ocean on the other, the barrier island is a true escape. Here, nature reigns supreme: 10 miles of beaches roll out along the Atlantic; cicadas form their own sort of soundtrack; and lights-out is often determined by the sea turtles ' nesting season. Even so, there's plenty to do for travelers who like their time in nature punctuated with good food, luxurious creature comforts, and a frozen drink in hand. Here are eight things to do in Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

For access to all of Kiawah's amenities, from bike rentals to pools, you'll have to stay on the island. For an experience that's luxurious but unpretentious, book a room at The Sanctuary , an oceanfront hotel known for its five-star service and elevated onsite dining. For families who want a little room to spread out (or a kitchen), villa and home rentals are a smart choice; reserve through the resort directly, or book through a site like VRBO or Airbnb.

kiawahresort.com ; One Sanctuary Beach Drive, Kiawah Island, SC 29455; 888-601-4904

On the west end of the island, Beachwalker Park , Kiawah's only public beach access, feels like a hidden gem thanks to its wide, unspoiled expanses of sand. It offers the best of both worlds: In addition to the ocean frontage, you can also score views of the Kiawah River here.

David Cannon/Getty Images

Five state-of-the-art golf courses are open to the public. For avid fans of the sport, the Ocean Course alone makes Kiawah worth the trip. Host to two PGA Championships, the 18-hole course is not for the faint of heart. Raised above the dunes to capitalize on the expansive shore views, golfers are also subjected to ocean breezes (which don't make for an easy or predictable trip around the green). Try Cougar Point for marsh views and a slightly less technical experience.

One of the best ways to explore the island is to leave the car in park and take a beach cruiser for a spin (you can reserve them through the resort or bring your own). Between 30 miles of paved trails and 10 miles of hard-packed beach, there's no shortage of routes to explore. Ask for directions to the Marsh View Tower, an observation deck primed for birdwatching and soaking in the marsh and river scenery.

The naturalists here will school you in many of the species who call the island home, from bobcats and white-tailed deer to loggerhead sea turtles and American alligators. Sign up for a guided tour, like "Back Island Birding", "Marsh Kayaking," or "Ocean Seining and Beach Combing," or ask for their recommendations for the best nature-spotting places in the area.

Built around a lush lawn, Freshfields Village has plenty of restaurants and shops to explore, plus a boutique stay, the Andell Inn. Pick up a beach read at Indigo Books; snag treats for your four-legged friends at Dolittle's; and gear up for island adventures SeaCoast Sports and Outfitters. Start the morning with coffee and a breakfast sandwich from Java Java; settle in for grilled cheese and a milkshake at retro Vincent's Drugstore & Soda Fountain; or cap off the day with a glass of wine at FortyEight Wine Bar and Kitchen. Check their calendar for seasonal events, like summertime's "Music on the Green" concert series and farmer's market.

freshfieldsvillage.com ; 165 Village Green Ln, Kiawah Island, SC 29455

Venture To Bohicket Marina & Market

Make the short drive to neighboring Seabrook Island for a taste of the area's salty maritime culture. Snag a umbrella-shaded table on the upper deck at Salty Dog Café for fresh catch, a cold beer, and riverfront views of the boats coming and going from the marina.

If the Palmetto State had to choose a favorite meal, it'd undoubtedly be oysters and barbecue. Experience the time-honored tradition of a proper oyster roast and pig pickin at Kiawah Resort's Mingo Point Oyster Roast and BBQ . The family-friendly event is held on major holidays and on Monday nights throughout the summer. Chow down on fresh oysters roasted over an open fire, a classic Lowcountry boil, and barbecue meats ranging from smoked chicken to ribs.

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How to Spend the Perfect 24 Hours on Kiawah Island, South Carolina

While Charleston is a beloved South Carolina destination, nearby Kiawah Island tends to fly under the radar — and that’s exactly what makes it the perfect place to unwind for a day.

As soon as you arrive on the magnolia-lined avenues of Kiawah, serenity sets in... Perhaps that's why it's consistently voted by T+L readers as one of their favorite islands in the U.S. The only commercial development you'll find on the island is Freshfields Village, a small town center with an assortment of shops and restaurants, and the crowds of other coastal retreats are blissfully absent.

One of the main draws of Kiawah is the award-winning golf courses. With five public courses to choose from you certainly won’t run out of holes to work on your chip shot. The only danger? Letting the stunning ocean vistas distract you into scoring a double-bogey rather than a birdie.

Kiawah is a quick island getaway that offers pristine natural beauty — with wide golden beaches, maritime forests, and picturesque marshland — and a laid-back, Lowcountry vibe. Here's how to spend the perfect 24 hours on the charming island.

8 a.m.: Breakfast at Java Java

Start off the day with — what else — coffee, brewed with beans from award-winning King Bean Coffee Roasters in Charleston, or a fresh fruit smoothie if coffee isn’t your preferred morning drink. The cafe also serves a delicious selection of breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Take your brew to go as you window shop the more than 30 boutiques in Freshfields .

9 a.m.: Tee time at the Ocean Course

Of all of the beautifully designed courses on the island, Ocean Course is the most famous — it has hosted several PGA Championship tournaments, and is considered one of the best golf courses in the world. Scoring a tee time at this course guarantees some incredible panoramas of the Atlantic surf while you play. Designed by legendary course designer Pete Dye, the Ocean Course hugs almost three miles of coast, boasting the most seaside holes in the Northern hemisphere.

1 p.m.: Lunch at Ryder Cup Bar

Head straight off the final hole to some post-round drinks at the Ocean Course’s Ryder Cup Bar , where they serve elevated pub fare with low country flair. Order the signature Crispy Shrimp, made with American white shrimp caught by the trawlers you'll see on the horizon. Ask to sit on the veranda so you can soak in the ocean breeze.

2:30 p.m.: Relax on the sand at Beachwalker Park

One of the most unique characteristics of Kiawah is that it runs east-west as opposed to north-south, so while many other barrier islands battle beach erosion, Kiawah’s 10 miles of beaches are actually growing wider with each passing year. Building regulations on Kiawah keep houses well past the second row of dunes, leaving the beaches peaceful and pristine.

Head to Beachwalker Park , a yearly pick on Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches in America list . Despite the accolades, the beach remains uncrowded even during high season. And with its calm surf and amenities (lifeguards, restrooms and changing rooms, snack stand), it’s a great beach for families with kids of all ages. Didn’t pack beach gear? Chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards are available to rent from Island Beach Services. They even offer surf lessons if you’re really feeling adventurous.

4:30 p.m.: Bike ride along the nature paths

After enjoying the island’s beautiful Atlantic coast, it’s time to take in another side of Kiawah: its interior, dense with sprawling live oak trees draped with Spanish moss, towering palmettos, stout yucca plants, and expansive marshlands with sea grasses and river tributaries. The best way to explore is via the island’s 30 miles of bike paths.

Don't be surprised to come across some of the island’s abundant wildlife: bobcats, alligators, herons, deer, bottlenose dolphins, and loggerhead sea turtles are just some of the fascinating animals that make up the island’s ecosystem. (Just remember to always keep your distance and to never feed wild animals.) If you’re hoping to participate in the Turtle Patrol volunteer program to help track turtle nesting and hatching, plan your trip for July through October. Bikes are available to rent from Kiawah Island Golf Resort and SeaCoast Sports and Outfitters in Freshfields Village.

6:30 p.m.: Oysters at Mingo Point Oyster Roast and BBQ

End your bike ride at Mingo Point on the island's western end, where Kiawah’s longest running tradition happens every Monday night all summer long: a community feast of oysters roasted over an open fire; barbecued ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and steak; along with an assortment of classic Southern side dishes like mac ‘n cheese, collard greens, and Lowcountry red rice and sausage. Live music and watching the sun set over Kiawah River make it the perfect way to close out the evening.

7:30 p.m.: Dinner at The Ocean Room

For a memorable meal to end your stay, make a reservation at the upscale Ocean Room at the Sanctuary resort, which offers gorgeous coastal views as you dine. The elegant, wood-paneled steakhouse is perennially awarded both Forbes 4-Star and AAA 4-Diamond ratings. Dining here promises superb food and impeccable service, so get dressed up (t-shirts, jeans, shorts, and sandals are not allowed) and indulge.

The menu reflects chef Kyle Bowling’s dedication to using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, with five cuts of steak from cows raised on a nearby family farm raised especially for the Ocean Room, as well as expertly-prepared local seafood. Those more inclined towards surf than turf will approve of the restaurant’s impressive sushi lounge. Be sure to also enjoy a selection from the 1,000-bottle wine list to complement your meal.

10 p.m.: Book a room at The Sanctuary

After being thoroughly wined and dined, turn in right upstairs at this five-star oceanside resort , which feels more like a lavish Southern estate rather than a hotel. The lobby is set up like a richly appointed living room. Cozy seating areas around limestone fireplaces open to a foyer with double curved staircases reminiscent of a grand plantation home. Each guest room is outfitted with a soaking tub and walk-in marble shower, plus a private balcony with either ocean or dune views.

With three pools, 22 tennis courts, a luxury spa, nature programs that include marsh canoeing and ocean kayaking, and access to five golf courses, you won’t run out of activities to fill your time.

How to Get There

Kiawah is about a 40-minute drive southwest from Charleston. If you’re coming from farther away, you can fly into Charleston International Airport or access Kiawah by way of Charleston Executive Airport (JZI), approximately 20 minutes away on Johns Island, where many private jet companies fly.

Want to make your trip to Kiawah a regular event? Private jet company NetJets has an exclusive partnership with Kiawah Island Club that offers access to private events hosted on the island, as well as complimentary discovery visits to experience everything on Kiawah .

The Best Times to Go to Kiawah Island

Conveniently located mid-way up the Atlantic coast, Kiawah enjoys pleasant weather even when temps on New England islands are too cold and Florida islands are too hot. The best time to go for optimal weather is in late spring and early fall.

Summer temperatures (averaging between the high 70s and low 90s) are pleasant with ocean breezes, but keep in mind that this is also the island's most popular season.

Inside Kiawah Island, Coastal Charleston’s Private Preppy Paradise

The South Carolina island, which has hosted guests like George Clooney and Donald Trump, boasts some of the best golfing in the world.

And then there’s Kiawah Island .

Arguably the most luxurious and insider-y of the small islands dotting the coastal South, a number of billionaires, VIPs, and celebrities call Kiawah Island’s ten miles of beaches home. What separates it from the pack, however, is its highly private nature: Kiawah can only be fully enjoyed by property owners.

While there is a gorgeous five-star hotel called the Sanctuary allowing non-residents to at least get onto the island (and stay overnight), Kiawah deliberately goes out of its way to exclude everybody but residents who have club memberships, cocooning its secrets and restaurants and spas in ever smaller and more exclusive enclaves, like a series of Russian nesting dolls.

Without a full-service Kiawah Island Club membership (which runs more than $100,000), the island’s forbidden fruit is limited. No doubt you’ll have an amazing time, but you can’t access the bevy of amenities—the restaurants, golf courses and private special events—that are the main Kiawah draw.

Located 21 miles away from Charleston , the gated island’s various communities count 4,200 residents—and for most of those people, the houses are second, third, or even fourth residences. As is always the case, there’s a hierarchy, and pleasures don’t come cheap: one house is currently on the market for $22 million .

The crème de la crème of Kiawah’s gated communities is called Cassique , boasting coastal "cottages" and golf course views, and in closer proximity to Charleston than other areas of the sprawling island. Other communities, such as Marsh Island Woods and Oyster Rake, offer a more affordable slice of island life, with condos from half a million dollars.

"Kiawah is the perfect blend of southern beach vibe but with upscale resort amenities," says Kim-Marie Evans of the site Luxury Travel Mom , who lives most of the year in Greenwich, Connecticut and has been coming to her home on Kiawah for 11 years with her four children in tow. "I love taking my kids paddle-boarding in the Kiawah river every morning. Dolphins literally swim up next to us, and no matter how many times it happens, I still scream with excitement. But when we are done, there is staff to put the board away and a cocktail waiting."

Indeed, it’s that balance between leisure and luxury that makes Kiawah so special—and makes it a magnet for well-heeled homeowners over Easter, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. During the holidays, residents fly in on jets from New York, Connecticut, or Massachusetts, dress the kids in matching Lilly Pulitzer and Roberta Roller Rabbit outfits, and hire photographers to take Kennedy-style family shoots at one of the many picturesque Lowcountry spots throughout the island. Seemingly everybody on Kiawah has four children (four is the new three), and they are all impossibly, improbably well-behaved.

Perhaps it’s because the island’s delights are a kid’s—and adult’s—dream come true, tailor-made to relieve any stress (whether of the playroom or boardroom variety): 10 miles of master-planned beaches, two private golf courses, 30 miles of paved bike paths, horse trails, oysters roasts, dolphin pods, full-moon kayaking, and food trucks.

The island also boasts some of the world’s best golfing. Its seven golf courses were designed by household names like Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Fazio, and Pete Dye, and include the elite Ocean Course , home to the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championship. The destination golf has reportedly roped in many a Kiawah faithful, although they come back for the extras like sake tasting classes, celebrity concerts featuring face-painting and food trucks, parent/child tennis tournaments, holiday extravaganzas, and a dreamy, Norman Rockwellian atmosphere that makes Mayberry look like New York City.

The neighbors aren’t bad, either; when I was recently on the island, those in residence included a popular congressman and a household name musician, while past guests have included such power players as Bill and Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, George Clooney, Reese Witherspoon, George W. Bush, and even Donald Trump.

For those hoping to snag a piece of the Kiawah lifestyle, there are two options: befriend somebody with a Kiawah home (and full club membership) and get them to invite you, or buy your own. While, yes, you can rent a home on VRBO, it’s the equivalent of staying at the Sanctuary Hotel or Andell Inn : lovely but limited. It will be a relaxing vacation with scads of resort amenities … but one without the keys to the private kingdom.

Of course, Kiawah isn’t for everybody: there’s no real nightlife to speak of and only one small (albeit luxurious) shopping center . Of equal importance—the private nature of the island could make socializing difficult for the shy, not to mention for those who can’t make it down during the busy periods when the island comes alive.

For the indoctrinated like Evans, however, there’s no alternative.

"How can Kiawah be considered anything but heaven?"

Nadine Jolie Courtney is a lifestyle writer whose work has appeared in Town & Country , Robb Report , and Angeleno ; a graduate of Barnard College, her fourth book, All-American Muslim Girl , was named a Kirkus Best Book of 2019. She lives in Santa Monica, California, where she posts too many photos of her daughter on Instagram.

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10 Reasons You’ll Fall In Love With Beautiful Kiawah Island, South Carolina

• Activities and Interests
• Destinations
• South Carolina
• United States

Kiawah Island is stunning. It is an unspoiled barrier island with an incredible ecosystem that includes 10 miles of pristine Atlantic coast beach, a maritime forest, and a labyrinth of saltwater marshes. The forests, marshlands, brackish waterways, and Atlantic Ocean are home to 300 species of birds, 18 species of mammals, and 30 species of reptiles. With so many incredible features and natural beauty, it’s hard to accurately describe this unique place located around 25 miles south of Charleston, South Carolina.

It was named for the Kiawah Native Americans. They lived off the land and fished from the ocean long before the colonists arrived in the Carolinas. The history continued with tales of pirates, plantation owners, enslaved people, lumbermen, and investors. Each inhabitant made Kiawah what it is today: a beautifully preserved nature sanctuary that is also a vacation paradise. Fortunately (since 1997), the land is overseen by the Kiawah Conservancy, a group whose mission steers them to balance nature with development so that visitors and residents can enjoy what is truly unique about the setting.

Kiawah Island is a 45-minute drive from Charleston airport, has an average temperature that varies from 43 to 88 degrees from winter to summer, and has been my resort of choice for the past 20 years. Here are 10 reasons to fall in love with Kiawah Island in no particular order. Once you visit, you will return, like I do, again and again.

1. 10 Miles Of Top-Rated Beach

Kiawah’s shoreline is pristine and consistently ranks amongst the best in the world. One of the top beaches in Charleston , it was also voted the second-best island in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler in 2020. Its east-west orientation offers a prime spot for viewing sunrises and sunsets. The packed sand allows for recreation, including beach games of all kinds, building sandcastles, and biking along the water’s edge.

On the west end of Kiawah Island, Kiawah Beachwalker Park offers the only public beach access on the island. Since the rest of the beach is private, a vacation there requires renting a villa or home through Kiawah Island Golf Resort or booking a stay in The Sanctuary beachfront hotel. The Sanctuary is the island’s Forbes 5-star oceanfront accommodation that resembles a seaside mansion. Once you have secured your rental or reservation, you can arrange a setup of beach chairs and toys for maximum enjoyment.

Patrick O’Brien / Kiawah Island Club & Real Estate

2. World-Class Public Golf Courses

Kiawah has a global reputation for incredible golf. The site of three previous PGA Championships, Kiawah Island Resort most recently hosted the tournament in 2021 on the Ocean Course . Regarded as one of the finest golf courses in the world, this championship course provides views of the Atlantic from every hole.

In addition to the Ocean Course designed by Pete Dye, you can choose to play five different courses when you stay at the resort: Osprey Point designed by Tom Fazio, Oak Point designed by Clyde Johnston, Cougar point designed by Gary Player, and Turtle Point designed by Jack Nicklaus.

The island’s setting and the architect’s challenging designs incorporating the rolling sand dunes, marshes, and forests make for exciting play. Private instruction and group lessons are available if you want to up your game.

3. Roy Barth Tennis Center

Since the late ’70s, the tennis program at Kiawah was built to be one of the best. First under Roy Barth, and now under his son Jonathan, Kiawah Island’s tennis program is consistently ranked as one of the top tennis resorts in the U.S. The facility features 22 tennis courts, including 10 new Har-Tru clay courts.

There are various vacation packages for tennis enthusiasts. But if you are on vacation and just want to play a few times, you can reserve a court, rent or buy equipment, take individual or group lessons, and experience why Kiawah is considered one of the top tennis resorts in the world.

4. Biking On Kiawah

It’s easy to rent a bicycle on Kiawah. If you stay at The Sanctuary, the bike pavilion is open for walk-up rentals daily for half-day and full-day options. If you stay at a villa or home, you can reserve bicycles for 2 days or longer by making reservations with the resort. The bikes are dropped off and picked up directly from your accommodations.

You can take Kiawah bikes on the beach to ride on the hard-packed sand, which is a ton of fun. You can also steer them along 30 miles of paved bike trails. If there is no trail, you may have to ride on a road (helmets are available with rentals free of charge by request). Along the way, there are towers that allow you to look over the marshes and view birds and wildlife in their natural habitat.

5. Nature Programs

One thing that sets Kiawah apart from other resorts is its nature programs . There is something for everyone, from youngest to oldest and in between. If you are active, there are kayaking, paddling, and fishing excursions. Some seasons even offer 5Ks, polar plunges, or triathlons. If you are artistic, there are painting, photography, and other creative classes. Yoga on the beach? Surf camp? Shelling? Yes, all that and more. And there is a daily newsletter you can read to discover what to see (nature-wise) while staying at the resort.

6. The Spa At The Sanctuary

The Spa at The Sanctuary offers even more relaxation, if that is possible. There are single or full-day services available at their luxurious facility. There are combination sessions where you start the day with a personal training meeting and then get a relaxing massage or other treatments. There are couples therapies and salon experiences, including manicures and pedicures available at the spa. When you book a service, you are welcome to relax in the whirlpool, sauna, and steam room on the day of your treatment for as long as you want to linger.

7. Dining On Kiawah

Dining on Kiawah offers vacationers a variety of choices. If you rent your own villa or home, you might want to make some meals, especially if you enjoy cooking. The resort program will have groceries delivered to your resort accommodation before your arrival if you prefer. The Market at Town Center at East Beach Village serves casual meals and has provisions for sale. If you need eggs, milk, bread, snacks, or sandwich fixings, you can find them here. For prepared meals, dine-in, pick-up, or delivery for breakfast, lunch, or dinner selections is available. There are also bottles of wine or beer and Kiawah Island logo merchandise for sale.

Other dining options include a dozen eateries, including elegant and casual restaurants as well as poolside and outdoor cafes. Resort guests enjoy charging privileges and door-to-door ride service to any of the restaurants on the resort. The fare ranges from Lowcountry cuisine, Italian, steaks, and BBQ to the freshest seafood imaginable. The dining choices at Freshfields Village , just outside Kiawah Island Resort’s gates, offer additional restaurants to choose from and a full supermarket.

8. Shopping

The lobby-level promenade in The Sanctuary hotel offers exciting shopping in a relaxed setting, but there are various shops throughout the resort. The Sanctuary shops include The Golf Shop and different boutique stores that sell signature clothing for every family member. If you don’t have time to relax at the spa, the spa shop has lovely items to bring the relaxation home with you.

The Wells Gallery represents a variety of artists from around the area and the globe in various mediums. The gallery specializes in works of art that celebrate Kiawah Island. The Heron Park Nature Center Island Outpost offers apparel by Patagonia, field guides, children’s toys, locally made or environmentally responsible gift items, and more. Just outside the gates of Kiawah Island Resort, Freshfields Village has terrific shopping from sporting goods to home decor and clothing.

9. Special Events

During the summer, there are daily special events with themes and entertainment. On the Fourth of July, the all-day celebration of food, games, and fun concludes with a breathtaking fireworks show. One favorite summer event that occurs every Monday evening from Memorial Day to Labor Day is the Mingo Point Oyster Roast and BBQ. Fresh roasted oysters, a full Lowcountry boil, and southern BBQ, plus a sunset over the Kiawah River and dancing under the moonlight to live music make for a popular event. There is nothing better.

Holidays are also special celebrations at the resort. Check the Kiawah Island Resort website for more information about how to book and what to look forward to for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.

10. Nearby Charleston

Charleston , South Carolina, has been voted the number one city in the United States by Travel + Leisure for the past decade. It is one of the oldest, most inviting, and romantic places to visit. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride or stroll down the cobblestone streets to explore the antebellum architecture south of Broad Street and the pastel homes along Rainbow Row.

The history, the food, the harbor, and the vibe all make Charleston a great stop while visiting Kiawah Island. You can book tours right from the concierge. Or make a plan to visit before or after your stay on the island. One thing is sure: You must make a visit to the Holy City when you stay on Kiawah.

Pro Tip: The Charleston Tea Garden makes for a fun day trip. You can spend a few hours learning how tea is processed and produced at this location. Another popular attraction is the Angel Oak , a local treasure that must not be missed.

Best Time To Visit Kiawah, SC

The best time to explore Kiawah and Charleston is in the fall. Tourists love to flock to these areas from April to October because of the weather and the beaches. I always stayed on Kiawah in July or August due to school schedules, but it’s sweltering and can be buggy. The spring is also a beautiful time, and the blooms are glorious.

Related Reading:

• 9 Incredible Things To Do On Kiawah Island During The Off-Season
• Hilton Head Vs. Kiawah: 8 Key Differences Between These Two Islands
• My 7 Favorite Beaches To Visit In South Carolina

Jeanine Consoli is a freelance travel writer, photographer, and foodie based in Washington Crossing, PA. A retired elementary school teacher, she used her summers to feed her passion for travel and kept journals of all the destinations she explored. Today, Jeanine is working as a writer full-time. She loves uncovering the history and understanding the culture of each location, including the local flavors of each unique place. She has traveled extensively in the United States and Europe and is excited to keep adding to the list, finding special places that are off the beaten path both at home and abroad. Follow along with her travels on Jeanine Consoli Travels .

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Kiawah Island – A First-Timer’s Guide

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Navigating the tree-lined winding road leading to a roundabout, the suspense builds; to the right, the road leads to Seabrook Island, to the left and I’m on my way to Kiawah Island. Having visited Charleston several times, this is my first stay at nearby Kiawah. I’m a Kiawah neophyte if you will. The barrier island with its lush maritime forests, wildlife, beaches, and golf delivers a one-of-a-kind South Carolina beach experience.

Here are a few things this Kiawah first-timer discovered.

Kiawah Island Lodging

Once the decision to visit Kiawah Island is made, choosing accommodations becomes a priority. That being said, there are relatively few hotel options on Kiawah. There’s the Andell Inn outside the gates and Kiawah Island Golf Resort and The Sanctuary on Kiawah inside the gates – that’s it for hotels.

Nevertheless, rentals abound. From tony beach homes to cozy villas and condos, from Wyndham Rentals to VRBO and FlipKey Kiawah boasts a plethora of beach getaways in a range of sizes, styles, and prices. Most rentals require a multiple night stay and there are strict rules pertaining to the number of overnight guests per rental unit. The precise formula is as follows; 2 persons per bedroom with an additional 2 per home.  

I found a reasonably priced condo rental though I will advise, even if the price per night seems modest, look out for additional expenses; cleaning fee, damage waiver, and the mysterious  service fee  tacked onto the cost can quickly bump you over your budget. The price of a stay on Kiawah is typically more than other South Carolina beaches, but upon visiting Kiawah it becomes apparent why folks happily accept the higher price tag.

Preparing For Your Arrival

Yes, you’re still in the United States despite the fact you’ll be convinced you’re in the tropics. Palm trees, deer, and gators are only a few of the tropical effects to note upon arrival at Kiawah Island. In addition to packing sunblock, you’ll want a good mosquito repellent as well.

Oh, and I cannot forget the humidity with a capital  H ! The Lowcountry is sultry. Hats and ponytails are the best hairstyle and method of combating what I affectionately call, Charleston Hair .

If you’ll be cooking your own meals, the grocery shopping options on Kiawah are few. At the roundabout just before arriving on Kiawah in  Freshfields Village is a Harris-Teeter grocery store. There are also a couple of convenience shops on the island and a few somewhat budget-friendly grocery stores along the road prior to reaching Kiawah. If you’re keeping tabs on expenses, bring a cooler and shop before you get all the way to Kiawah.

Once you reach Kiawah Island you’ll discover it’s a gated community. Be sure to obtain your access pass before your arrival if you’re staying within the gates. You don’t need a pass if you’re cycling or walking on the island.

Kiawah Island Fun

What’s there to do on Kiawah Island?

Well, there’s a beach, beach and more beach. It’s possible to spend an entire vacation enjoying the pristine beaches, 10-miles of beaches in fact. Should you fancy a change of scenery or a little more excitement, there are miles of trails to walk or pedal , places to eat, shopping, nature, fishing, arts, and cultural events, Tidal Trails kayaking, eco-adventures, water sports, tennis, and pickleball. There’s really no time to become bored unless boredom is your objective.

Kiawah Island Is A Golf Paradise

With year-round balmy weather, lush scenery and a tranquil setting, this is a golfer’s paradise. Internationally recognized as a golf destination, there are nine world-class courses sprawling across and around Kiawah Island. Seven of these courses, including the Ocean Course, is owned and operated by The Kiawah Island Golf Resort and designed by some of golf’s most elite course designers. The resort is also home to a golf academy affording golfers of all skill levels the chance to train and enhance their game in a state-of-the-art facility.

Dining on Kiawah

Finding good food on or near Kiawah Island is easy.

There are the clubhouse options the resort offers including The Atlantic Room, The Ryder Cup Bar, Cherrywood BBQ and Ale House, and Tomasso at Turtle Point. Other restaurants on the island such as The Night Heron Grill, West Beach Cantina, and Inn Side Scoop provide a fun mixture of culinary choices and styles. I enjoyed a reasonably priced tasty meal at Southern Kitchen which was an easy walk from where I was staying. Another great dining alternative is  Charleston . The Holy City is a short drive away with its renowned restaurant scene beckoning.

Prepare For Gorgeous Sunsets!

Yes , I realize the sun sets in the west and this is the Atlantic Ocean, but watching the last moments of daylight on Kiawah Island is breath taking. It’s even more memorable if you watch the gloaming while sipping a cool beverage on the 18th hole at the Ocean Course Clubhouse. It’s worth every penny you pay for the drink served with superior ambiance.

A First-Timer’s Take-Away

The one thing I found most captivating about Kiawah Island is its natural beauty and the way the community has managed to control its growth while optimizing and maintaining the environment. The island is filled with gorgeous homes and rental properties yet they all blend beautifully with the setting. This is no tacky beach town, this is an island paradise.

Kiawah Island is a bit pricier than most South Carolina beaches and may even be a tad haughty compared to others but its natural beauty, wildlife, and laid-back atmosphere made this first-time visitor fall in love with the Lowcountry sea island gem.

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4 thoughts on “Kiawah Island – A First-Timer’s Guide”

I’ve never been to Kiawah, but someone I work with spends a week there every summer and loves it 🙂 A friend and I have been talking about doing the Kiawah Island marathon/half marathon this December – hopefully the humidity won’t be insane in December! We figure it would be a nice winter vacation 🙂

Looks like a lovely place to go. It has been on my list for a while. Thanks for the info.

We plan to travel to Kiawah Island in November, traveling with carriage driving horses.

That’s a lovely time of year for Kiawah! Sounds like an awesome trip, enjoy! 🙂

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How to Get To/From and Around Kiawah: Your Ultimate Guide

Nestled just off the city of Charleston, Kiawah Island is a serene, secluded paradise that offers a tranquil getaway unlike any other. Despite its beauty, the remoteness of Kiawah Island comes with its own set of transportation challenges. In this guide, we’re going to de-mystify the process of reaching and navigating Kiawah Island, ensuring that your journey is as smooth as possible.

**Getting There**

Your adventure begins at Charleston Airport (CHS), which is approximately a 45-minute drive from the island. You’ve got 2 main options as a source of transportation to and from the island:

1) Rent a Car (roughly $90/day or $500/week)

Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach Kiawah Island. Websites like www.rentalcars.com offer a variety of vehicles available for airport pickup. Having a rental car allows you to explore the island at your own pace and take day trips to nearby attractions. Many car rental companies offer useful add-ons like GPS and child seats. It’s a hassle-free and flexible option that enhances your overall travel experience.

2) Rideshare to the Island (roughly $75) and Private Car Service to Return (roughly $160)

Alternatively, you could use a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber to get to the island. Bear in mind there are no rideshare services or public transportation available on Kiawah Island, however the island is quite pedestrian and cyclist-friendly so if you are able, this could be a great option for you. When you are arranging your rideshare, a great tip is to check both apps (Uber and Lyft) as the prices can vary drastically. When you’re ready to return to the airport, you can arrange a private car service such as Island Transport .

3) Getting Around Kiawah Island by Bike ($45 for 3 days / $62 for a week)

One of the most immersive ways to explore Kiawah is by bike. Bike rentals are available at reasonable prices from bikekiawah.com . Cycling not only offers a fun way to get around the island (see our article on bike riding around Kiawah here and our map of the best trails here , but also provides access to areas like “Eagles Point”, which are usually restricted to residents.

**Buying Groceries and Provisions**

Remember to stock up on supplies at the grocery store in Freshfields, called The Village market, which is conveniently located at the entrance of the island. Here’s  the exact location. If you’re using a ride share service to get to the island, consider asking your driver to stop here so you can get your groceries on your way in.

Planning your trip to Kiawah Island is crucial. Whether you choose to rent a car, use rideshare services, or cycle, there are plenty of convenient options to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. Just remember, the serene beauty and tranquility of Kiawah Island are well worth the effort. So, start planning today and prepare to immerse yourself in the peacefulness of Kiawah.

Jeanette and Shawn

Founders of Kiawah Island Getaways, a luxury vacation rental company with over 20 years of experience serving guests on Kiawah. See our 5 star reviews here and our availability here . Book your rental today!

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South Carolina’s Kiawah Island Bucket List: 6 Best Things to Do

With acres and acres of preserved marshland, a pristine beach, and a thriving wildlife population, it’s hard to believe that Kiawah Island is less than 45 minutes from a major southern city. But it’s true: this 13-square-mile island—home to endangered turtles, a lively village, and championship golf courses—is just 25 miles southwest of Charleston.

Whether you’re here to perfect your golf game or to find back-to-nature serenity, the island has plenty in store for you. Here are six bucket list moments for your Kiawah Island Getaway.

The Best Things to Do on South Carolina’s Kiawah Island

1. see baby loggerhead turtles make their first trek to the ocean.

For nearly 50 years, Kiawah’s volunteer Turtle Patrol has helped fill holes, count nests, and keep an eye on the endangered loggerheads that call the island home. Mother turtles (who weigh up to a hefty 350 pounds!) climb ashore to nest in late spring and early summer.

Mid-summer through early fall is hatching season—and if you happen to catch it, you’re in for a sight that’s equal parts majestic and adorable. As each tiny loggerhead bursts from its nest, it takes its first steps down to the tideline. Most nests contain 100 to 150 eggs, so if you’re lucky enough to spot a hatching, you may witness a whole parade of baby loggerheads making their very first trek.

Hatching times vary based on Mother Nature’s whims. While it’s impossible to plan a trip specifically to see a hatching, your best chances to witness one are between July and October. Book an oceanfront rental to improve your odds—that way, if a hatching does take place, you’ll be that much closer to the action.

2. Witness Deer Prance Around the Dunes at Dawn

If baby loggerheads are the darlings of Kiawah Island, then deer are its beloved mascot. Kiawah’s home to a herd of about 500 white-tailed deer who can often be spotted frolicking on the beach around dusk and dawn.

If you’re staying oceanfront, bring morning coffee out to your balcony for a sunrise show. If not, pack a breakfast picnic for the beach and keep your eyes peeled. You may see a family of deer playing in the dune grass—or even splashing around in shallow surf—as the sun rises over the Atlantic.

3. Watch the Sun Set over Kiawah River

Because the sun sets in the west, East Coast beachgoers don’t often put sunsets on their vacation bucket list. But Kiawah River flows along the western side of Kiawah Island, which means you can witness magnificent sunsets over scenic waters (riverfront rentals offer an ideal spot to see the nightly show). Plus, the island runs east to west, so you can still see stunning displays of color from beachfront balconies even without watching the sunset directly.

Kiawah River is also home to a playful population of dolphins. If you’re lucky, you may spot them strand feeding—an act in which they herd a food source onto a sand bar and jump out of the water to feast on it—as the sun sets.

4. Tee Off on an Oceanfront PGA Championship Course

It’s scenic. It’s challenging. It’s the Ocean Course, the most famous of Kiawah Island’s five championship courses. This 18-hole beauty is tucked right along the beach, with ten oceanside holes—the most of any course in the Northern Hemisphere. Its spectacular setting comes with a serious trade-off: mighty coastal winds. Plenty of advanced golfers who live for a challenge have this tricky course on their bucket list.

Designed by Pete and Alice Dye, the Ocean Course is consistently heralded as one of the world’s best courses by revered golf publications. It’s played host to the 2012 PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup, and the World Cup, and is scheduled to host the PGA Championship again in 2021.

5. Ride Bikes Along the Tideline or to Marsh Lookout Towers

Thirty miles of bike trails wind through Kiawah Island, and its hard-packed sands make for prime bicycling conditions. You could spend all day pedaling along the tideline or through the marshlands, feeling the ocean breeze or spotting wildlife along the way.

Plus, there are plenty of destinations along the bike trails that are worth working up a sweat for. Ride out to Kiawah’s marsh lookout towers for birds-eye views across the island. Pedal along the shore to the Ocean Course clubhouse for cocktails on the beach. Or head out to Mingo Point to feast at a Lowcountry cookout.

6. Sip Wine and Catch Live Jazz at an Island Village

Accessible both by roads and bike trails, Freshfields Village is a gathering place that serves as a community hub for Kiawah Island. During a summertime visit to Freshfields, you may stumble upon families huddled on picnic blankets for movies on the green or local vendors peddling fresh produce at a Kiawah farmers’ market.

All year long, the village’s wine bar hosts special tastings on Thursday nights. It’s the perfect way to kick off your evening before settling in for French fare at Hege’s, a village fine dining favorite. Afterwards, catch live jazz at Thursday evening’s weekly set at the Porch Bar.

When you stay with Kiawah Island Getaways, you won’t miss a Kiawah Island bucket list moment.  Scenic-view rentals perched on palmetto-studded marshland and oceanfront penthouses and condos place you at the center of the island’s action and natural beauty.

Start planning your trip by finding your ideal Kiawah Island accommodations .

1 thought on “South Carolina’s Kiawah Island Bucket List: 6 Best Things to Do”

Thanks a lot for sharing a hidden island I had no knowledge of. Noted for my next adventure.

Those are some seriously wow and amazing pictures.

Keep shining the light and keep up the good work.

Greetings from New Zealand

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Kiawah Island—Home to Former Presidential Hopeful Nikki Haley—Is One of America’s Hot Housing Markets

Strong demand for the charming, marshy enclave outside of charleston, south carolina, has sent prices soaring in recent years, kiawah is a barrier island about 21 miles from charleston., newsletter sign-up, week in review.

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Live oaks draped in Spanish moss, miles of pristine Atlantic shoreline, and marsh grasses that turn golden in the winter and verdant green in the heat of summer: This is Kiawah Island, the charming, exclusive enclave outside of Charleston, South Carolina.

MORE: How U.S. Homeowners Can Cash in on the Domestic Travel Boom

A world-class destination for golf, with seven private and public courses, Kiawah is a no-brainer for enthusiasts of the sport. For those who don’t partake, it offers an escape into the natural world with its south-facing beaches, more than 30 miles of walking and biking trails, and a master plan that prizes upholding the natural surroundings.

“When you cross the little bridge over the Kiawah River, it’s like somebody swooped down and took away all your cares and problems,” said Pam Harrington of local real estate firm Pam Harrington Exclusives. “It’s just a really, really special place.”

About 21 miles south of Charleston, Kiawah is a roughly 13-square-mile barrier island with beachfront and marsh vistas aplenty. The Kiawah Island Parkway is the main road into and out of town, and crosses over the Kiawah River that creates the island’s north border from the mainland. 

The island’s positioning, with its beach frontage facing south rather than east like many barrier islands along the Atlantic, is a boon.  

“We refer to it as the Kiawah bubble,” said Dan Whalen, president of Kiawah Island Real Estate, which handles about 80% of transactions on the island. When it comes to dodging major storms and their damage, “we’ve been very, very blessed,” Whalen said.

Price Range

Homes on Kiawah range from smaller condo-like dwellings referred to as villas to sprawling single-family homes.

“From the low-end standpoint, as far as the villas are concerned, we have small one-bedroom efficiencies that are in the high $400,000 range,” said Danielle Whitson, a real-estate agent with KIRE. “And then we run the gamut all the way up to single-family homes that top out just under $19 million.”

This home on Eugenia Avenue is asking $13.99 million.

Of the roughly 140 island properties listed on Redfin, prices reflect what Whitson said with some developable lots asking in the mid-$400,000s. The most expensive home on the market right now is an 8,400-square-foot home built in 2020 with five bedrooms, six and a half bathrooms, and ocean views. It’s asking $18.7 million, down from $20.8 million.

Pricing on Kiawah Island has risen steadily since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2019 the median price point was $1.2 million, in 2021 it was up to $2 million and by the end of 2023, it was $3 million, Whalen said.

Housing Stock

Kiawah’s residential development began in earnest in the mid-1970s, when the island was purchased by the Kuwaiti Investment Company for $17 million. It was the KIC that created the master plan for the island, said Harrington. 

Even though the island has changed hands several times since, with South Street Partners acquiring master developer Kiawah Partners in 2013, everyone has continued to follow the 1970s master plan. As such, the island’s housing stock is none too old and honors the master plan’s commitment to preserving the island’s natural beauty. 

The island’s Architectural Review Board ensures homes maintain the island’s natural beauty.

“When you drive down the main parkways, you don’t get any feeling of habitation,” said Harrington. “You see beautiful trees and flowers. It’s just a heavenly place to be.”

The island’s Architectural Review Board makes sure homes meet the standards set for maintaining not only the island’s natural beauty but also the integrity of its seven golf courses. 

“We’re really mindful about positioning of pools, height of those pools, how they incorporate with the back of the house, to make sure that there’s not an impediment to the golf course experience,” Whitson said.

The island’s homes tend to lean toward the Lowcountry southern style, with “a lot of cedar shake siding, cedar shake roofs and large columns,” Whalen said. “But over the years we’ve started to see some other architecture work its way onto the island. Right now, contemporary architecture is quite prevalent on the far east end in a neighborhood called Ocean Park.”

What Makes It Unique

Sure, people come to Kiawah for its 10 pristine miles of Atlantic Coast shoreline and 30 miles of biking and walking trails, but the real crown jewels are the seven private and public golf courses, and their associated amenities, that canvas the land.

Homes with a view of the island’s marshes are coveted.

Among those courses are the Tom Watson-designed Cassique and the Tom Fazio-designed River Course, both exclusive to Kiawah Island Club members and their guests. The five additional courses operated by Kiawah Island Golf Resort, which is a separate entity from the Kiawah Island Club, are open to the public.

In addition to soaking in the scenery while walking and biking, Harrington said home buyers prize views of the island’s marshes. 

“These are very long, beautiful views and you look over several bodies of water, potentially,” she said. “A lot of people who start on the ocean end up reverting to the marsh because the ocean’s lovely, but it is what it is. Whereas with the marsh, the colors and the bird life are ever-changing.”

Luxury Amenities

A membership to the Kiawah Island Club is the ultimate amenity here, but it can’t be simply purchased. 

Memberships are acquired by purchasing a previously unsold homesite or a resale property from a Kiawah Island Club member who’s offering their membership with the home sale.

There are three tiers of club membership: social, sports (which requires members to pay a greens fee) and golf (which includes the greens fee). Members pay an initial deposit of $85,000, $125,000 and $150,000, respectively, with varying monthly dues.

Members who opt out of their membership get 50% of their initial deposit back, but should be mindful that whether a for-sale property is or is not being offered with a club membership can seriously impact the selling price.

“It has a significant bearing,” Whitson said, adding that trading without a membership can bring the price of a property down “anywhere from $200,000 to $400,000.”

The island has seven golf courses.

In addition to golf course access, membership comes with entry to a beach club designed by the vaunted Robert A.M. Stern Architects, a boat concierge that will manage the maintenance and docking of members’ vessels, and a 10,000-square-foot spa and salon, among many other perks.

There are plenty of ways for those who don’t have a club membership to enjoy the island, too, including a visit to the Sanctuary, a luxury beach resort hotel with a spa and high-end dining and shopping.

Who Lives There

Kiawah is home to about 2,000 people with a median income of $214,250 and a 31% employment rate, according to the U.S. Census Bureau . The population swells in the peak season to about 11,000, according to Whalen.

Whitson said those who live on and visit the island run the gamut. “You’ve got everything from young families to full-time owners who are retired empty-nesters and who are enjoying their children bringing their grandchildren to the island,” Whitson said. “It’s a generational community, it’s all about family.”

A homesite on Kiawah’s Little Eagle Island is on the market for $2.149 million.

Notable Residents

Former Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley is one of the island’s better-known residents. Whitson said other political figures and some notable retired sports players also live on the island, though she wouldn’t name them.

“What’s really nice about Kiawah is you come here to get away from all that,” she added.

Like in many communities with abundant access to outdoor amenities, Kiawah real estate saw a huge boost during the pandemic.

“Values have gone up considerably in the last three years. Our market was a real hot tamale,” Harrington said. “Once something got listed you’d have multiple offers. We’re still somewhat in that market, but things have slowed down a bit.”

Harrington noted that in 2019 there were enough homes on the market to satiate buyers for three years, but the pandemic rush wiped that out and the number of homes on the market remain low and are still selling, keeping prices high.

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