What to Do on Kiawah Island When it Rains

Generally speaking, Kiawah Island has comfortable weather all year round — but there is the chance for afternoon thunderstorms during the summer months and rainy days no matter when you visit. Maybe you’ve found yourself on the island on one of these days and are wondering what there is to do on Kiawah Island when it rains. There’s no need to worry if you see the storm clouds start to roll in, we have the perfect indoor activities and entertainment to keep you and your family occupied while the storm passes!

Things to do on the island when it rains

Learn about nature: Head over to The Nature Center at Night Heron Park to check out a diverse selection of animal exhibits! You’ll find everything from young alligators who have been rescued to local diamondback terrapins and a 10-foot-long Burmese python! While you’re there, you can learn more about all of their guided tours and events to participate in once the sun comes back out.

Plan your next bike adventure: With over 30 miles of paved biking trails, there is always somewhere new to explore! Have you seen the views from the hidden watchtowers or taken the beautiful and scenic ride to The Ocean Course? Head over to our ultimate bike guide to learn more.

Enjoy a meal with family and friends: A rainy day is an excellent opportunity to try that one restaurant you haven’t yet! Have you seen the newest dining addition on the island? It’s the Players’ Pub at Cougar Point Clubhouse — which is a must for a casual lunch or dinner. Other choices include Cherrywood BBQ and Ale House, The Market at Town Center, and the Forbes 4 Star and AAA 4 Diamond rated Ocean Room at The Sanctuary Hotel. If you want to explore the area, there is also a wide range of restaurants at Freshfields Village to experience.

Get creative at your vacation home: Watching the storm come in and leave can be a marvelous experience for the entire family. You may even catch a glimpse of a rainbow! But, if that’s not your thing or if you have children with you, many of our Kiawah Island vacation rentals have collections of games, movies, and books for your enjoyment. Depending on where you rented, you’ll even find video game consoles or a mini indoor golf putting green mat like the one at 195 Governors Drive. If you don’t see a game or book that is up your alley, there are some great shopping options nearby.

Places to explore near Kiawah Island on a Rainy Day

Go shopping at Freshfields Village:
Speaking of the shopping choices, you’ll find everything you need for your rainy day adventures at Freshfields Village, just a short drive from all of our vacation homes. There are boutique shops, restaurants, a wine bar, the closest grocery store, and more! If you’re looking for a great book to read, Indigo Books is the place. For those who would like to treat themselves to some shopping therapy, there are over 20 options! No matter if you’re looking for the latest fashions, jewelry, or unique gifts and treasures, there’s something for you to discover here!

Head over to Bohicket Marina for a bite to eat:
The Marina is currently going through some changes, but Fischer’s Sports Pub and The Salty Dog Cafe are still open! Both offer a very casual dining experience, and The Salty Dog Cafe has impressive marina views from many of the seating areas. And, yes, it’s still gorgeous even if it’s raining. When the weather clears up, take a look at some of our favorite things to do at Bohicket!

See a movie: You won’t find any commercial movie theaters on the island, but if you’re looking to catch a flick in a unique atmosphere, we recommend the Terrace Theater! It’s just down Maybank Highway, on the other side of the Stono River. Another option nearby is the Citadel Mall IMAX in West Ashley. Or, if you’re up for a drive across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. bridge to Mount Pleasant, we highly recommend Cinebarre!

Discover Downtown Charleston

Ready for an adventure? There’s nothing quite like a day trip into Downtown Charleston! Some of the most popular things to do when it’s raining on Kiawah Island include going to the aquarium and learning about Charleston’s history. Here are some of our favorites:

South Carolina Aquarium: Walkthrough exhibits of the coast and saltmarsh to the piedmont and mountain forest! With over 4,500 animals who call the aquarium home, you’ll learn all about what makes South Carolina unique. See alligators, bald eagles, turtles, river otters, snakes, and more! Pro-tip: check to see when the daily dive shows are happening before leaving to go downtown and plan accordingly.

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon: Explore where the Constitution was signed at what’s considered Charleston’s most historic building! Admission includes a self-guided exhibition of the top two floors along with a 25 minute guided tour of the Provost Dungeon. During the guided tour of the bottom floor, you’ll experience the history of Charleston firsthand with a tour guide dressed in proper Colonial attire! Hear all about pirates, patriots, and presidents from the colonial era to the modern preservation movement.

The Charleston Museum: America’s first museum? Yes, that’s The Charleston Museum! Partially inspired by the creation of the British Museum, it was founded in 1773. Exhibits here include natural and local history that feature various artifacts, furniture, and textiles from the Civil War. Two National Historic Landmark houses are also a part of the museum — The Joseph Manigault Historic House and Heyward Washington Historic House.

Nathaniel Russell House: Another National Historic Landmark to not miss while you’re downtown is the Nathaniel Russell House. Built in 1808, it is a true example of Federal architecture with incredible features like the three-story free-flying staircase and elaborate plasterwork! The home offers a look into the lives of the mercantile elite who prospered in the late Colonial and early Federal periods.

Even if you happen to be on Kiawah Island when it rains, there is an abundance of activities to keep you and your family occupied. Ready to explore everything Kiawah and the surrounding areas have to offer? Browse through our wide selection of vacation rentals or reach out to us directly! We’d love to help you choose the perfect vacation property for you and your family.