Kiawah Island Activities: Things to Do
Kiawah Island is without a doubt a year-round destination! Our winters are mild and our summers wonderfully long; spring and fall offer the perfect balance of warmth and seasonal temperatures. Our fantastic weather makes Kiawah a prime spot for beach lovers, golfers, and tennis players. It’s also a hot destination for those who like fishing, swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and biking, as well as long days lounging on the beach. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or on a solo retreat, here’s a complete guide to some of the best activities Kiawah Island has to offer! There’s something here for everyone in your group:
Beach Days
With 10 miles of pristine, sun-kissed shoreline, Kiawah Island is a beach lover’s dream. Lounge by the waves, hunt for seashells, or simply soak up the sun. Here are some helpful services for planning your upcoming beach days:
Beach Gear Credit
Most of our vacation rentals include beach gear credits through our partnership with VayKLife — meaning you’ll have access to bike rentals, beach equipment, and more. You can find what each property offers within the description.
Beach and Games To Go
Beach chair and umbrella rentals, plus games and accessories to keep the whole family entertained.
Island Beach Services
On-the-beach setups for chairs, umbrellas, and more.
Bicycling
One of the most popular and scenic ways to explore the island is on two wheels. Kiawah offers 30 miles of paved biking trails that weave through maritime forests, marshlands, and beachfront pathways.
Pro Tip: Pack a picnic, binoculars, and a towel for spontaneous stops along the way. Kiawah’s bike trails are pedestrian-friendly, so be sure to keep an eye out for fellow walkers and joggers. For more details and recommendations, check out our Ultimate Kiawah Island Bike Guide.
Bicycle & Equipment Rentals
As a special bonus for our guests, we offer beach gear credits with the majority of our vacation rentals! This means you will have a credit towards equipment rentals of all kinds, including bikes. Learn more about our partnership with VayKGear and how to access your credit after you have reserved a property through us. There are also numerous bike rental companies that will deliver bikes to your property, including:
- Beach Gear Credit for ESPM Guests
- Alligator Bikes (ESPM guests get discounted rates)
- Island Bike and Surf Shop
- Kiawah Island Bike Rentals
- Seacoast Sports & Outfitters
- Seaside Cycles
- Surfscooter Bikes
Golfing
Kiawah Island is nothing short of a golfer’s dream destination. With five championship golf courses designed by legends of the game, every round offers dramatic landscapes, challenging layouts, and signature Southern charm. No matter if you’re a seasoned pro or new to the game, Kiawah’s legendary courses welcome players of all skill levels.
Kiawah Island Golf Courses include: The Ocean Course, Turtle Point, Osprey Point, Cougar Point, and Oak Point. As a fun fact, The Ocean Course is one of only five in the world to have hosted every major PGA event with the next PGA Championship scheduled for 2031.
Tennis
Kiawah Island isn’t just for golfers — tennis lovers visit from all over for world-class instruction and play at Roy Barth Tennis Center! Kiawah has even been ranked #1 for Best Tennis Instruction and Programming by TennisResortsOnline.com and named the #3 U.S. Tennis Resort by Tennis Magazine. The center features 19 Har-Tru clay courts, 3 hard courts, a practice court, and more! From private lessons to group clinics and casual matches, there’s something for every level of play.
Water Activities
From peaceful paddles through the marsh to thrilling fishing charters, Kiawah Island’s waterways offer endless opportunities to explore and unwind. Glide through scenic inlets, observe local wildlife, or spend a day out on the water with an expert guide.
Kayaking, Paddleboarding & Surfing
Navigate Kiawah’s rivers, tidal creeks, and marshes by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Rentals and guided eco-tours are available through Water Dog Paddle Co., making it easy to experience Kiawah’s natural beauty up close. Tidal Trails also offers rentals, tours, and even surf lessons! Speaking of surfing, Charleston Surf Company offers a Summer Surf Camp experience you won’t want to miss.
Fishing & Sailing Charters
Kiawah Island is a prime spot for both inshore and offshore fishing. Cast a line for redfish, trout, flounder, or venture into deeper waters for a bigger catch. Local guides include:
Want to see the coastline from a whole new perspective? Step aboard a private sailboat with Holy City Sailing, offering luxury sailing charters from nearby Bohicket Marina — just a short drive from Kiawah Island.
Horseback Riding
From beautiful beach and scenic trail rides, the Equestrian Center at Seabrook Island offers horse lovers a wonderful experience. Rides are available for all skill levels and ages. The bonus?
Seabrook Island is only a short car ride from Kiawah!
Nature Tours & Wildlife Watching
Kiawah Island is part of a delicate and diverse coastal ecosystem, home to everything from dolphins and alligators to rare bird species. While you’re here, you can explore:
Portrait & Family Photography
Your Kiawah Island vacation is the perfect time to capture memories while you’re with family and friends! The following photographers offer portrait and family sessions:
Resort Activities & Events
You’ll soon discover that there’s always something happening on Kiawah Island! While ESPM guests do not have access to the resort pools, you have access to amenities such as tennis, golf, restaurants, children’s camp, recreation, events, and so much more.
Ready to Experience Kiawah Island?
A.k.a Paradise on Earth