About Kiawah Island: The Ultimate Guide
The pristine barrier island of Kiawah serves as the backdrop to a thriving community where residents and visitors savor the amenities of coastal living. The lavish getaway lifestyle of waking up to salt-filled air from warm ocean breezes is woven seamlessly into the world-renowned, first-class amenities with which Kiawah Island has become synonymous. Whether you’re visiting with family for a summer vacation, escaping for a few months in the off-season, or for a quick weekend retreat with your special someone, Kiawah Island offers a rare combination of untouched natural beauty, thoughtful development, and five-star hospitality. From its expansive beaches to its championship golf courses, the island strikes an elegant balance between recreation, relaxation, and preservation.
Natural Beauty and Island Preservation
Still boasting much of the natural beauty first claimed by the Kiawah Indian tribe, this sprawling island in South Carolina offers over 10,000 acres of maritime forests, salt marshes, and jungle-esque landscapes along with 10 miles of beach. It’s a place where the rhythm of nature sets the pace — slow and steady, peaceful yet alive with wildlife.
Through careful development, Kiawah Island has maintained a quiet yet powerful bond between its human and wildlife residents — a relationship the community actively protects. Every building, trail, and home has been designed with the surrounding environment in mind. That’s why, unlike many beach destinations, Kiawah’s natural beauty feels as rich and intact today as it did decades ago.
A great starting point for nature enthusiasts is the Heron Park Nature Center, offering guided tours and hands-on activities that showcase Kiawah’s remarkable ecosystem. Guests can join birdwatching tours, dolphin-spotting excursions, or educational programs highlighting the island’s efforts in conservation and sustainable living.
Kiawah is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including deer, alligators, bobcats, and countless species of birds. The tidal marshes provide a critical habitat for fish, crabs, and oysters, while the beaches serve as nesting grounds for endangered loggerhead sea turtles.
If you’re lucky, you may even witness local dolphins strand feeding!
Things to Do on Kiawah Island
Enjoying the pristine nature and wildlife is only the beginning! Kiawah is home to five public championship golf courses — the crown jewel being the acclaimed Ocean Course, home of the 1991 Ryder Cup, 2012 PGA Championship, and 2021 PGA Championship. Designed by some of golf’s greatest architects, such as Gary Player and Tom Fazio, each course on the island offers its own unique set of challenges and breathtaking views. Additional golf courses on the island include Osprey Point Golf Course, Turtle Point Golf Course, and Cougar Point Golf Course.
The island is also famous for its thriving tennis community, established in 1976 by Roy Barth and ranked #1 by Tennis Magazine on its list of “Greatest US Tennis Resorts.” Between the Roy Barth Tennis Center and West Beach Tennis Center, guests can enjoy lessons, clinics, and match play on a variety of clay and hard courts.
Beyond golf and tennis, Kiawah’s 30 miles of paved bike paths invite visitors to explore the island on two wheels. Cruising through maritime forests or along hard-packed sandy beaches, biking is one of the most popular and scenic ways to enjoy Kiawah. Families especially love spending the afternoon pedaling from their vacation rental to parks, shops, and restaurants — picnics and wildlife sightings included.
For water lovers, Kiawah offers everything from kayaking and paddleboarding through tranquil marshes to inshore and deep-sea fishing charters. Dolphin sightings are common, and there’s no shortage of beautiful spots to cast a line or simply watch the sunset over the Kiawah River.
Kiawah also provides family-friendly fun for younger guests. Programs like Kamp Kiawah offer kids ages 3–11 the opportunity to enjoy their own island adventures, complete with scavenger hunts, art projects, pool parties, and campfire activities — all supervised by experienced and attentive staff.
Dining on Kiawah Island
Aside from its sporting accolades, Kiawah is also home to world-class restaurants featuring a multitude of delectable dishes everyone in your group will enjoy!
The Sanctuary Hotel hosts a variety of dining experiences on its campus: The Ocean Room, Kiawah’s signature steakhouse and the only steakhouse in the U.S. to earn both Forbes 4 Star and AAA 4 Diamond ratings; Jasmine Porch, a Lowcountry experience pairing refined southern-style seafood and organic local produce; Loggerhead Grill, an al fresco cafe with an upscale twist on poolside favorites; and Beaches & Cream, a sweet shop filled with desserts and refreshments.
Each clubhouse also features a signature restaurant serving up different cuisine: The Atlantic Room at the Ocean Course is Kiawah’s signature seafood restaurant and a proud member of the Sustainable Seafood initiative; Tomasso at Turtle Point is an authentic Italian family-gathering experience, specializing in homemade pasta, sauces, and breads; Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House is a southern tradition of smoked meats and side dishes, also featuring over 60 local & imported beers.
Nearby Attractions and Local Lifestyle
While Kiawah Island feels beautifully secluded, it’s also surrounded by charming destinations that add even more variety to your visit. These nearby areas help create a full Lowcountry experience, whether you’re looking to shop, dine, or enjoy more outdoor activities.
Freshfields Village
Located just before the entrance to Kiawah Island, Freshfields Village is a one-of-a-kind shopping and dining destination that blends upscale boutiques, local shops, restaurants, and essential services. Visitors can browse a wide range of items — from fine jewelry and designer apparel to home decor and outdoor gear. Freshfields also hosts a full calendar of events year-round, including outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and holiday festivities.
For those staying nearby, Freshfields Village is a convenient stop for stocking up on vacation essentials, grabbing a coffee, or enjoying time with family and friends.
Bohicket Marina & Market
Just a short drive from Kiawah, Bohicket Marina & Market offers stunning waterfront views along with a laid-back marina atmosphere. This is the go-to spot for booking fishing charters, renting boats, or simply enjoying a meal overlooking the water. The market features shops selling everything from local art to outdoor gear.
Bohicket also hosts events such as live music nights and seasonal festivals, making it a fun and family-friendly destination to visit during your stay.
Seabrook Island
Adjacent to Kiawah, Seabrook Island is a private residential community that offers its own unique set of attractions. While access is somewhat more limited, many visitors enjoy horseback riding at the Seabrook Island Equestrian Center, which offers beach and trail rides suitable for all skill levels. It’s one of the few places on the East Coast where you can experience horseback riding along the beach.
Seabrook also features golf courses, dining options, and pristine beaches — offering a quieter, more residential feel that complements Kiawah’s resort-like energy.
Historic Charleston
Less than an hour from Kiawah Island, historic Charleston, SC, offers a perfect day-trip opportunity. Stroll cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old architecture, explore world-class dining and boutique shopping, or visit iconic sites like The Battery, Rainbow Row, and the Charleston City Market. It’s the ideal complement to Kiawah’s relaxed coastal vibe — adding a touch of historic charm and cultural exploration to your Lowcountry getaway.
Ready to Experience Kiawah Island?
With its rare blend of untouched natural beauty, world-class amenities, and relaxed luxury, Kiawah Island is more than just a destination — it’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left. If Kiawah is one of your vacation considerations, there’s only one question we can ask: Why go anywhere else? Start browsing vacation homes now or let our team help you find the perfect vacation home for your getaway! Whether you’re seeking an oceanfront villa, a private home tucked into the island’s lush landscape, or something in between, we’re here to make the process easy.