Seasonal Events and Activities This Fall on Kiawah Island

With its postcard-worthy Atlantic beach and renowned golf courses, Kiawah Island remains a popular barrier island getaway. Of course, it’s always a beautiful place to visit, but the fall season is one of our favorite times of the year and promises a myriad of things to see and do.

When making plans this autumn, you’ll want to include these Kiawah Island events and activities on your to-do list. Nearby Johns Island and downtown Charleston also feature some exciting seasonal attractions, so you’ll have little trouble filling in your fall season with fun for your entire family.

Kiawah Island Golf in the Fall

Golfing on Kiawah Island during the fall months is particularly coveted because of the cooler autumn weather! Needless to say, if you’ve been wanting to play a round of golf at The Ocean Course since watching the 2021 PGA Championship, this time of year is perfect for planning your Kiawah Island golf vacation.

As we’re sure you already know, Kiawah boasts five world-class golf courses that are public, including The Ocean Course, Osprey Point, Turtle Point, Cougar Point, and Oak Point.

Kiawah Island Triathlon

Whether you’re interested in competing or simply witnessing this spectacular event, you’ll want to make special arrangements to attend the Kiawah Island Triathlon, one of the only triathlon events in the region to feature ocean swimming. The annual triathlon in South Carolina takes participants .7 miles swimming, 25.1 miles biking, and 6.1 miles running. This year it will start at Night Heron Park promptly at 7:30 am on October 3, 2021.

An exciting test of athleticism, this fall event is also inspiring to watch. So, even if you don’t partake, come out and root for the participants while enjoying the glorious beach and the gorgeous scenery at Night Heron Park.

Legare Farms Pumpkin Patch

Open weekends in October, Legare Farms Pumpkin Patch also features a dizzying array of gourds and fun harvest-time adventures. While the farm also offers hayride activities and a farm animals barnyard that’s popular with kids, it offers some unique attractions.
When planning your visit to this pumpkin patch, you’ll want to include time for a horseback ride or to explore the onsite gem mine. You can also visit the farm’s Scarecrow Factory to create your own scarecrow kit to construct back home. Finally, if you’re celebrating a fall birthday, you might want to host it at the patch; birthday families get free admission!

Lowcountry Fishing

Fishing enthusiasts look forward to the fall and the waters off Kiawah Island. The water’s clarity becomes quite good because the zooplankton and phytoplankton blooms gradually decrease as the water temperature cools. The fish are active, attempting to fatten up for the cold season. You can plan either an in-land or off-shore fishing adventure.

If you opt for in-land fishing, you can expect to catch southern flounder, redfish, and spotted sea trout. The calm days of fall are ideal for off-shore fishing and catching redfish, weakfish, and triggerfish. Charter a boat at Bohicket Marina or simply find a cozy spot on the Kiawah River and drop your line when you can make time for a Kiawah Island fall getaway.

The fall season is just about the perfect time to spend the day shopping at Freshfields Village. Sip some rich coffee or seasonal apple cider as you explore the open-air shopping venue. The village’s outdoor shops and dining options are fan favorites. We even have a list of the restaurants you don’t want to miss at Freshfields Village.

During the fall, you’ll find lots of seasonal treats and products. When planning your fall Kiawah Island getaway, you’ll want to set aside time to mingle with other island enthusiasts while shopping at this relaxing outdoor market.

Piazzas and Gardens Tour

Hosted by the Charleston’s Preservation Society, the Piazzas and Gardens tours are a celebration of the city’s private house piazzas, porches, and gardens. During the tours, you’ll become acquainted with each setting’s architectural details, local history, and exciting lore that is sure to nurture a more profound love for Charleston’s distinctive past. This fall event in Charleston can be enjoyed every Friday and Saturday in October.

The Preservation Society also features other fall Master Series tours like its Master Architecture Series and Master Garden Series. The tours are a fun way to get out into the crisp autumn air and immerse yourself in Charleston’s heritage.

Harvest Festival

Johns Island County Park will host its annual Harvest Festival on November 6 from 11 am to 5 pm this year. Expect plenty of live music for ambiance and treats like kettle corn and Carolina BBQ. In addition, the festival will feature activities like hayrides, pumpkin decorating, and even an archery competition. It’s a perfect place to visit to enjoy the harvest season with family and friends. In addition, the park is revered for its equestrian and hiking trails that are especially popular during the autumn months.

Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch

Last but not least, if you’re looking for a family-friendly activity to enjoy when you visit Kiawah Island this fall and don’t mind the drive to Mount Pleasant, plan to visit Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch. Here you can pick out the perfect pumpkins for jack-o-lantern carving while you’re on vacation. The annual pumpkin patch features pumpkins of all shapes and sizes; you’ll find lots of orange varieties along with other colors too.

In addition to its pumpkin patch, Boone Hall also features fun fall activities such as hayrides, corn mazes, and a petting zoo. For older kids, be sure to check out Boone Hall Fright Nights. Dates are still to be determined, but keep checking the plantation calendar for postings of haunted adventures!

Although it’s always pleasant to enjoy Kiawah Island — its beaches, water activities, and Lowcountry ambiance, there’s something special about visiting during the fall. If you were questioning when the best time to visit Kiawah Island is, we hope we answered some of your questions!

But, there’s nothing like being here in person. Come and see for yourself why fall is the best time to explore the island. As you plan your Kiawah Island vacation, you’ll have lots of vacation rental options if you choose to stay for a week or a month. ESPM can help you find the ideal rental property to accommodate your needs and budget.