Tucked away just 25 miles southwest of Charleston, Kiawah Island is one of South Carolina's best-kept secrets. With ten miles of pristine beach, winding Spanish moss lined forests, and abundant wildlife, including beloved loggerhead sea turtles, this barrier island feels like a world away from the everyday bustle.
In the early 90's a neighbor told my parents about Kiawah Island and we booked our first trip. We returned every year, enjoying the seclusion and the beauty of this hidden gem, even spending our honeymoon on the island! After nearly thirty years since our last visit, we found ourselves on the east coast, and I had a desire to see how Kiawah Island had changed through the years, and if it still remained a hidden gem.
I'm happy to report that it still very much has its coastal charm and I'm sad that I waited that long to return! If you're planning your first Kiawah getaway or you're simply craving a new kind of coastal vacation, here's your complete guide to visiting, exploring, and soaking up the best of this hidden paradise. From bike rides under Spanish moss to sunrise turtle patrols, Kiawah has something for everyone!
How to Visit and Explore Kiawah Island, South Carolina: A Complete Guide to South Carolina’s Coastal Gem
A Short History of Kiawah Island
Before you dip your toes in the Atlantic surf or ride along the shaded trails, it's worth knowing how Kiawah came to be the peaceful haven it is today. To note, Kiawah Island's history is deeply intertwined with the plantation era and the use of slave labor.
Long before resorts and golf courses, Kiawah Island was inhabited by the Kiawah Indians, a Native American tribe who lived in the region when English colonists arrived in the late 1600's. The island takes its name from this tribe, whose people used the rich marshes and forests for hunting, fishing, and gathering.
In 1675, the English colonists "acquired" Kiawah Island from the Kiawah tribe. The island changed hands multiple times over the centuries, serving as private hunting retreats and estates for wealthy plantation owners. By the early 1900s, it was mainly used for logging and cattle farming.
It wasn't until the 1970s that Kiawah began transforming into the world--class resort community it is today. A group of developers purchased the island with a vision to create a luxury community that preserved its natural beauty. They succeeded with careful planning and strict environmental protections that have kept Kiawah free from the overdevelopment you see in many other coastal spots.
Today, Kiawah balances luxury and nature. It's a place where you can tee off at a championship golf course, stay in five-star resorts, yet still spot deer, alligators, and nesting sea turtles right outside your door!
When to Visit Kiawah Island
Kiawah is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your vacation style:
Spring and early summer {April-June} This is my favorite time to visit the island. You'll find plenty of warm days, sea turtle nesting, and lush green landscapes.
Summer {July-August} This is the most popular time for families. Expect lively beaches, an abundance of kids' activities, and lots of sunshine {and humidity!}.
Fall {September-October} This is a sweet spot for mild weather, fewer crowds, and perfect biking conditions.
Winter {November-March} It's always quiet and peaceful on the island, but this time of year, even more so! It's ideal for long walks on the beach, birdwatching, and discounted villa rates!
Where to Stay: From Luxury Resorts to Private Homes
Part of Kiawah's charm is that there's something for everyone when it comes to accommodations. Whether you're looking for five-star luxury, a family-friendly villa, an oceanside mansion, or a cozy cottage surrounded by nature, you'll find it here!
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
If you want the ultimate luxury escape, book a room at The Sanctuary, Kiawah's grand oceanfront hotel. You'll get sweeping views of the Atlantic, an award-winning spa, and multiple upscale restaurants. The Sanctuary feels like an elegant Southern mansion {read also a little like visiting your elderly aunts house in terms of décor} but with all the modern perks.
There is a pool that is divided into an adults only section and also a family pool. You don't have to be a guest to enjoy the restaurants, so you can always come pop into the hotel for a visit and wander. That's what I did! It's worth a visit, even if you aren't staying on the property.
Villas and Vacation Homes
Part of my childhood nostalgia is that since I used to come BEFORE there were resorts and hotels on the island, the only acceptable option I see is renting a home or condo. This is also an incredible option if you are traveling with a family or a group. It's one of the best ways to experience Kiawah like a local.
Options range from one-bedroom condos near the beach to oceanfront homes with private pools and expansive decks. Rentals through Kiawah Island Golf Resort often come with access to resort amenities like pools, golf, tennis, and complimentary shuttles around the island. There are local agencies you can rent through as well as on VRBO and Airbnb.
A rental lets you settle in, cook your own meals and enjoy lazy mornings and sunset bike rides right from your doorstep! You'll also have a little bit more space to spread out.
Some things to note when renting a vacation home on Kiawah Island
If you book privately {through VRBO for example} you will likely not have access to community pools.
Many condos or homes will have a short walk to the beach. Kiawah Island has great trail systems.
Note that even homes on the ocean may feel set back from the beach. There is a set of protected dunes between the ocean and the oceanside homes.
Make note of included amenities like beach chairs, beach toys, and bikes. These included amenities can save you money on rentals!
Boutique Hotels Nearby
Prefer a boutique hotel vibe? Check out the Andell Inn at Freshfields Village. This modern, stylish hotel sits just before the Kiawah gate and is steps from shops, restaurants, and a seasonal farmers market {which sadly, I found a bit lackluster}. It's a convenient option if you want easy access to both Kiawah and neighboring Seabrook Island.
For even more luxury, you might want to look at The Dunlin on Johns Island. It combines charm with upscale amenities, but do note that it's on the Kiawah River and is about a 15 minute drive to get to Kiawah Island. We stopped into this hotel on our drive out and holy cow it's a whole vibe! After walking around the grounds, I definitely wanted to stay there, but I will say, it definitely isn't the same as staying ON Kiawah Island. It's a different and separate experience.
Things to Do: More Than Just the Beach
While Kiawah's beach is its biggest natural draw, all 10 miles of soft sand, gentle surf, and uncrowded shoreline, there is much more to do once you've soaked up all the sun.
Championship Golf
Kiawah is world-famous for its golf. The island is home to five championship courses, including the legendary {and very expensive!} Ocean Course, which has hosted multiple PGA championships and the Ryder Cup. I've never golfed on the island in all my years of visiting, but I also lived in Indianapolis for 20 years and never went to the Indy 500, so take that with a grain of salt!
Tennis & Pickleball
The Roy Barth Tennis Center and the West Beach Tennis Club both offer beautiful courts, clinics, and lessons. Roy Barth was literally in our back yard at our most recent home rental and it was always packed in the morning! But don't worry, it didn't bother us during our stay. There are designated hours.
Pickleball is growing in popularity on the island too and there are several courts!
Water Adventures
The island's creeks and marshes are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and dolphin watching. Guided eco-tours are available for all ages and experience levels, or you can rent gear and explore on your own.
As a kid, we used to rent a boat for the day at Bohicket Marina. We'd head out to a deserted island to go shelling and then would go into an inlet to go crabbing in the afternoon. The marina still rents out boats.
Nature Walks & Night Heron Park
Night Heron Park is the hub for family-friendly activities. Here, you'll find nature trails, playgrounds, ponds, and the Heron Park Nature Center, which offers programs like reptile talks, bird walks, and crabbing lessons.
There are also nightly activities at Night Heron Park ranging from carnival type games to live music for the whole family to enjoy and outdoor movie nights.
Kiawah Island is the only place where you will see dolphins strand feeding! You have to make sure you go at least two hours before and two hours after low tide. Check out our experience and some more tips on how you can see it too!
See the Island by Bike
One of the best ways to experience Kiawah Island is on two wheels. The island has more than 30 miles of flat, paved bike trails that meander through maritime forests, marshlands, golf fairways, and quiet neighborhoods, with plenty of beach access along the way.
Heck, you even have 10 miles of sandy beach you can ride your bike on to add to those paved trails! Best tip, is to go at low tide and ride on the compact packed sand.
We rented bikes from Alligator Bikes. This is a family-owned company that's been delivering bikes to Kiawah vacationers for over 30 years. They offer classic beach cruisers for adults and kids, trikes, bike trailers for little ones, and even cargo carts if you want to haul all those beach supplies. Each rental includes a lock, basket and a helmet, and they deliver your bikes right to your rental home or villa so you can hit the trails as soon as you arrive!Riding a bike on Kiawah is more than just practical, it's part of island life! We parked the car and rode our bikes everywhere, riding 20+ miles daily! There are plenty of places to lock up your bike at the beach, the markets, or even at sunset lookouts. It's the perfect way to slow down and savor Kiawah's natural beauty.
Pro tip: We would often head out for a sunset ride. It does get dark really quickly. Pack a headlamp or bring along a bike lamp so you can enjoy the cooler evenings safely.
Kiawah Island Observation Towers
There are three observation towers sprinkled around Kiawah Island that give a totally new perspective. It was a fun challenge to ride to one a day. All of them are nestled off of preserve trails and have beautiful scenic overlooks.
We found that google maps did a good job of directing us to their locations. They are as follows:
1. Blue Heron Pond Tower-this one overlooks a pond and has some scenic seating
2. Marsh View Tower-this is a great place to watch the sunset!
3. Marsh Island View Tower-this one is accessed through a walk bridge that spans across a saltmarsh
Witness Wildlife: Join the Loggerhead Turtle Patrol
One of Kiawah's most magical experiences happens every spring and summer when loggerhead sea turtles return to the island's beaches to nest. Kiawah is part of an important coastal habitat for these endangered turtles, and volunteers play a huge role in protecting them.
Every May through October, the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol works tirelessly to monitor nesting sites, record data, protect nests from predators, and guide hatchlings safely to the ocean. Visitors can often spot marked nests along the beach just by looking for wooden stakes and cross hatched fencing on the ground. If you're an early riser, you might see the dedicated volunteers patrolling at dawn, looking for fresh tracks and new nests.
You can also join the volunteers. I happened on them while out on a beach bike ride around 6:30 am. I spotted some interesting marking in the sand that went from the surf to the dunes. Turns out, a loggerhead had laid it's eggs just a few hours prior! I learned so much from stopping and watching the volunteers who were all happy to share their knowledge as they relocated the eggs to a safer spot up the dune. I was invited to return the next day as well! They love their volunteers! I'd love to come back sometime to watch a hatchling make its way to the Atlantic!
Where to Eat and Drink
I'm not going to dance around it, I'm not a foodie. Good food doesn't move the needle for me. But also, when my husband and I celebrated our honeymoon on Kiawah Island, on a very tight budget we splurged on a meal on the island. It was the worst thing I've ever ordered at a restaurant and it's stuck with me!
I know things have changed, but I have a hard time embracing the restaurants on the island. Instead, I'm happy going to Freshfields Village and stocking up on groceries for our visit!
Though I have heard good things about The Ocean Room for upscale steak and seafood, Loggerhead Grill for casual poolside eats, or Jasmine Porch for Lowcountry classics. Mingo Point Oyster Roast and BBQ is a beloved seasonal tradition, serving up oysters, pulled pork, and live music every Wednesday by the marsh.
Pro Tip: Mingo Point is THE best place to watch sunset on the island!
Final Tips for Visiting Kiawah Island
The island is committed to sustainability and single-use plastics are discouraged. If you have a water bottle, bring that and make sure you are packing in and out your trash.
Respect the dunes and wildlife. Stay on marked paths and keep your distance from deer, alligators, dolphins and nesting turtles.
Book activities early! Turtle walks, bike rentals, golf tee times, and popular restaurants can fill up fast, especially during peak season!
Explore nearby Charleston. If you can tear yourself away from the beach, spend a day wandering the cobblestone streets, historic homes, and famous eateries of Charleston. It's just a short drive away.
We actually tacked on a two night stay in Charleston after our Kiawah trip. You can read more here!
Whether you're biking beneath the moss-draped trees, watching hatchings race to the sea, or simply relaxing on ten miles of soft sand, Kiawah Island is a coastal escape that blends Southern charm, conservation, and luxury in all the right ways.
So pack your beach bag, rent that bike, and come see why Kiawah Island is a place that people return to year after year, generation after generation! Experience this hidden gem yourself!
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