Summer Activities on Kiawah Island to Enjoy

Discover the best summer activities on Kiawah Island and in the surrounding areas to enjoy while you’re on vacation! Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or a combination of the two — you’ll find something for everyone in your group to enjoy during the summertime on the island!

BIKE RIDE

Whether you prefer a leisurely ride down the 10-mile beach with hard-packed sand or an adventure through the 30+ miles of trails that wind through the marshlands and maritime forests, this is one of the best ways to explore the island! Learn all about biking riding by reading our Ultimate Kiawah Island Bike Guide.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Is horseback riding on the beach one of your bucket list items? Look no further! The Seabrook Island Equestrian Center is a full-service center that caters to all skill levels, including walking beach rides for beginners and pony kids for the kids. You’ll also find private instruction, which is perfect if you need a refresher lesson or have never ridden before.

KIAWAH’S CAMPS FOR YOUNG VACATIONERS

There’s always something fun happening at Kiawah’s legendary camps during the day! Your young family members will find something to fall in love with and talk about for hours afterward — from themed adventures, exciting games, and crafts. There are a couple of options to choose from, mainly based on how old your child is. Kamp Kiawah is geared for those between the ages of 5 and 7 years old. Then, Camp Xtreme is structured for older kids from 8 to 15 years old!

GOLFING

Start your day with a round or two of golf on one of Kiawah Island’s 5 championship golf courses! Or, head over to The Tommy Cuthbert Golf Learning Center to experience a variety of golf instruction with PGA-certified pros. No matter your skill level, they’re there to help golfers of all ages improve their game in world-class facilities.

TENNIS

Competitive tennis match with friends or ready to up your game? With 22 tennis courts, you won’t be disappointed in the two state-of-the-art tennis facilities located on the island! The acclaimed Roy Barth Tennis Center is conveniently located in East Beach and the West Beach Tennis Club is right down the road from many of our vacation homes. There are both hard and clay courts available, along with racket rentals if needed.

There are numerous ways to discover the waterways through Kiawah and the surrounding areas. Leisurely paddle boarding and kayaking adventures to fishing trips and sailing charters are all available! We recommend scheduling a tour or charter out of Bohicket Marina for paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing. And Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers a wide range of summer activities on Kiawah Island and fishing charters to experience.

For those interested in fishing on the island, you don’t even need to charter a vessel! There are many areas on Kiawah that are perfect for a morning or afternoon fishing expedition. Our favorites include Night Heron Park, the Kiawah River, and Bass Pond’s fishing dock! All you will need is a fishing license from SCDNR (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources), which is extremely easy to obtain on their website.

COOL OFF WITH A SCOOP (OR TWO) OF ICE CREAM

If one thing is certain, summer days call for a large scoop of your favorite ice cream! Whether it’s a mid-day stop after your preferred activities or an after-dinner treat, there are several options to choose from on the island! Our favorite spot on-island is Beaches & Cream at The Sanctuary Hotel… and if you’re headed to Freshfields Village, there’s now a Ben and Jerry’s serving their classic flavors like Cherry Garcia, Chunky Monkey, and Triple Caramel Chunk!

GO ON A SHOPPING ADVENTURE

Golf and Kiawah-themed merchandise can be found in many locations throughout the island, including the golf course clubhouses and Town Center Market in East Beach! But, shopping doesn’t have to stop there. For a truly immersive shopping experience, we recommend heading up to Freshfields Village. You’ll find the latest fashions, gorgeous swimsuits, coastal home decor, children’s apparel, toys, and more from favorites like Lilly Pulitzer, Las Olas, and Seacoast Sports!

SIP CRAFT BEERS AT THE OSPREY POINT CLUBHOUSE

With over 60 beers to choose from, even the most critical beer connoisseur will not be disappointed at Cherrywood BBQ and Ale House! Here you’ll be able to overlook the Osprey Point Golf Course or lounge in the bar while enjoying your meal and drinks! Plus, the food is outstanding — our favorites include the mac and cheese and the overnight beef brisket that is smoked for a minimum of 12 hours before being served.