Most travellers know Charleston, the darling southern gem only a stone’s throw from South Carolina’s coast. However few find out about all of the enjoyable issues to do in Kiawah Island, the naturally preserved escape that’s only a 35-minute drive from the town.
Dwelling to a nature sanctuary, championship golf programs, a sprawling open-air market, and vigorous Lowcountry gatherings, Kiawah appears like a world of its personal.
You’ll spot dolphins splashing in its river, households watching films or dancing collectively on its village inexperienced, and cyclists pedaling by its miles and miles of motorcycle trails.
Issues To Do in Kiawah Island
Half sandy seashore, half maritime forest, and half resort-style village, Kiawah Island has lots to supply all several types of vacationers.
So whether or not you’re searching for a low-key and stress-free getaway to the seashore or a coastal journey for the entire household, try this listing of the highest 10 issues to do on Kiawah Island.
1. Watch The Solar Rise Over The Ocean
In the event you’ve visited (or reside on) the East Coast, seeing the dawn over the ocean might be one thing you knocked off your bucket listing a very long time in the past.
However as a result of Kiawah Island is of course preserved and extra sparsely populated than other beach destinations, dawn is a bit more magical.
Wake at first gentle and bike all the way down to the seashore to unfold a blanket, see the solar peek out over the ocean, and watch coastal birds swoop round looking for breakfast.
Higher but, reserve an oceanfront vacation rental and produce espresso out to the balcony for a second to your self earlier than the world wakes up — you might even spot Kiawah’s white-tailed deer grazing within the dune grass throughout these quiet morning hours.
2. Chow Down at a Lowcountry Cookout
Each Monday evening in the summertime (and on most main holidays), islanders and guests alike head to the banks of the Kiawah River for a long-standing custom: the Mingo Point Oyster Roast and BBQ.
There’s lots to pile onto your plate together with Southern aspect dishes and desserts and mouth-watering mains cooked over an open fireplace — from fresh-caught oysters to smoked hen and pulled pork.
Whereas some feast, you’ll spot others kicking up their ft on the dance flooring to native bands. Craft workshops and island hair braiding supply an opportunity for the little ones to get in on the Lowcountry enjoyable, and native artisans arrange store to promote every part from jewellery to wooden crafts.
Mingo Level Handle: 876 Kiawah Island Pkwy, Kiawah Island, SC 29455, United States. Get directions here.
3. Journey Bikes On The Seaside and Via The Marshlands
With over 30 miles of paved paths and 10 miles of hard-packed, bikeable seashore, biking is a most well-liked methodology for getting round Kiawah Island.
Not solely are the bike paths a low-stress option to get from level A to level B, however they’re additionally typically a vacation spot in themselves.
Spend a day biking alongside tropical wetlands, then cease to tour Marsh Island Park and climb the tower, which presents views out over Kiawah’s preserved marshes and coastal panorama.
Proceed pedaling alongside the Kiawah Island Parkway and out to Rhett’s Bluff to find the previous Shoolbred cemetery and the dock overlooking the Kiawah River. Or just coast alongside the tide line to see the size of the island’s total shore.
4. E book a Tee-Time at Championship Golf Programs
It’s no secret that Kiawah is residence to a number of the nation’s finest golf. Links Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, and Golf World have all acknowledged the island as a prime golf vacation spot, and its 5 world-class programs appeal to golfers from close to and much.
Highlights of Kiawah’s golf choices embody Turtle Level, a Jack Nicklaus-designed course that blends seamlessly into the scenic panorama, and Osprey Level, that includes 4 pure lakes and dense forests.
However essentially the most spectacular of Kiawah’s programs is the Ocean Course, which has been residence to an array of championships together with the 2012 PGA Championship, and is scheduled to host the PGA Championship once more in 2021.
Each considered one of its 18 holes presents jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic — in reality, it boasts essentially the most oceanside holes of any course within the Northern Hemisphere.
However it’s not simply stunning; it’s additionally tough. Coastal winds make this course a formidable problem for even seasoned golfers.
5. Watch a Film within the Pool or Below The Stars
On Kiawah, watching films isn’t only a wet day affair. Throughout summertime, you’ll have two choices for alfresco flicks.
Dive-in films are a Tuesday evening custom at Night Heron Park. Households collect with pool floats in tow to relax whereas a collection of kid-friendly favorites play on a giant display screen.
And each Wednesday, Freshfields Village hosts Starlight Cinema, the place visitors of all ages huddle up on seashore chairs and blankets on the village inexperienced to catch family-friendly films on the large display screen.
These occasions are a number of the finest free issues to do in Kiawah Island. It’s the best option to wind down within the night whereas nonetheless having fun with some exterior time.
6. Go Fishing
Everybody from beginner anglers to seasoned execs can discover the proper spot to go fishing on Kiawah Island. Landlubbers can forged a line off the fishing dock at Bass Pond, a scenic and well-liked spot close to Rhett’s Bluff, whereas these searching for slightly extra journey can fee a constitution out of Bohicket Marina.
Wish to take to the waters? Cruise by Kiawah’s creeks and marshes on a four-hour inshore fishing tour. These catch-and-release charters maintain a most of six folks, and visitors may have the prospect to hook flounder, redfish, and noticed trout.
For many who’d prefer to enterprise slightly additional offshore, close to coastal and reef fishing charters will whisk you as much as synthetic reefs and wrecks as much as seven miles out, the place giant sharks and black sea bass are widespread catches.
River creek charters additionally supply a family-friendly possibility for younger anglers to try to catch widespread saltwater fish. And each Wednesday morning, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Bohicket Marina incorporates a fishing event only for youngsters ages 4-14! Learn more here.
7. Get pleasure from Reside Music and a Summer season Breeze
Chilly drinks, toe-tapping tunes, and a heat breeze — you’ll discover this good trifecta on summer time Thursday nights on the Porch Bar, a neighborhood favourite in Kiawah’s Freshfields Village.
Catch a sundown over Andell Lake, settle right into a southern swing or rocking chair, and order your favourite cocktail whereas native jazz bands present a very stress-free summer time soundtrack.
For a livelier expertise that’s match for the entire crew, Freshfields Village hosts weekly Friday Night time Music on the Inexperienced live shows in the summertime.
Convey your chairs and blankets and relax, or rise up and bust a transfer to the tunes of southeastern musicians and teams. Every week brings a unique act, starting from groovy jam bands to rock-and-rollers.
Freshfields Village Handle: 165 Village Inexperienced Ln, Kiawah Island, SC 29455, United States. Get directions here.
8. Witness Wildlife Up Shut
Whether or not you’re searching for it or not, you’ll probably spot Kiawah’s native wildlife throughout your travels on the island. Chances are you’ll glimpse dolphins strand feeding within the Kiawah River, an alligator wandering throughout a golf course, or a white-tailed deer prancing within the dune grass.
None of these sights are unusual, and so they’re what makes Kiawah really feel just a bit bit completely different from extra typical seashore locations.
However if you happen to’d prefer to be slightly extra intentional in your wildlife search, register for a naturalist-led bike tour by Kiawah’s wetlands, a birding tour to distant island locations, a gator stroll, or a dolphin cruise.
Naturalists additionally set out on images excursions for individuals who need to take residence reminiscences of the creatures they meet throughout their time on Kiawah Island.
9. Wine & Dine
Homey Italian eateries, basic sports activities bars, high-class French institutions — there’s slightly little bit of every part on the subject of eating in Freshfields Village.
Convey the children for a laid-back household dinner at King Avenue Grille, or deal with your self to a three-course meal ready with native elements at Hege’s Restaurant.
In the event you’re trying to enterprise slightly additional out, John’s Island is residence to genuine Mexican eating places, farm-style southern gems, and French-Southern fusion. And for die-hard foodies, the varied eating scene of peninsular Charleston is only a 45-minute drive away.
For a very memorable eating expertise, guide a trip rental with a full kitchen and rent a neighborhood chef for an at-home meal that rivals the island’s finest eating places.
Higher but, make a visit to Forty-Eight Wine Bar beforehand to pattern reds and whites and decide up a bottle to take pleasure in together with your gourmand dinner.
Planning a Journey to Charleston? Listed here are just a few of the top-rated excursions there:
10. Bask in Retail Remedy
Certain, you possibly can hit the mall again residence. However procuring’s slightly extra enjoyable at Freshfields Village. This open-air market is Kiawah Island’s model of Important Avenue, and it’s lined with high-end retailers, native craftspeople, and quaint boutiques.
Spend the afternoon indulging in slightly little bit of retail remedy, then end off the day with a glass of wine or a rejuvenating spa therapeutic massage.
The place to Keep on Kiawah Island
This can be a small island, however there are some distinctive lodging. Listed here are just a few nice choices:
- Andell Inn: Positioned in Freshfields Village, the attractive suites right here embody a scorching breakfast. There’s an onsite swimming pool, a bar, and free parking is accessible on the property. Click here to learn more.
- Tennis Club 4773: This vacation residence is a superb possibility for households and teams. With 3 bedrooms and three bogs, there’s a number of house. Plus, the seashore is simply 650 meters from the home. Click here for details.
- Marsh Vista: That is one other 3 bed room, 3 toilet home that’s good for teams or households. The kitchen has all of the necessities you’ll want, plus there’s satellite tv for pc TV and parking. Click here to learn more.
Visiting Kiawah Island: FAQ’s
You’ll be able to spend a day at Kiawah Island having fun with a spherical of golf, lunch and procuring at Freshfields Village, a swim on the seashore, or a hike one of many nature trails. End the time without work with oysters at Mingo Level BBQ.
Kiawah Island is finest identified for its pure magnificence and luxurious. On the island, you’ll discover world-class {golfing}, facilities, and resorts, with the chance to see dolphins, alligators, turtles and different wildlife of their pure habitat. This unspoiled barrier island presents nature and a little bit of luxurious.
Many celebrities have homes (or had previously) on Kiawah Island. Reese Witherspoon, Dan Marino, Richard Gere, George Clooney, and Bruce Willis, to call just a few. There are different well-known athletes who additionally personal properties on Kiawah.
Sure, anybody can go to Kiawah Island. This can be a widespread query, nonetheless, as there’s a guard on the essential entrance. However, even if you happen to’re not staying on the island, you’re nonetheless capable of go to for the day. By automobile, flip proper simply earlier than the primary guard gate, and if you happen to preserve driving to the top, you’ll arrive at Beachwalker Park. From the park, nonetheless, you’ll should go by foot or by bicycle if you wish to see different areas of Kiawah Island.
Now You Know What To Do in Kiawah Island
Able to make your escape to Kiawah Island? This well-liked vacation spot is only a fast journey from Charleston, making it a terrific getaway for a day, a weekend, or every week. Begin by searching Kiawah Island Getaway’s assortment of scenic-view and oceanfront trip leases on Kiawah Island.
From penthouses excessive above the seashore to cozy hideaways surrounded by maritime forest, take your decide of picture-perfect leases to function your property base throughout your time on the island. Pack your baggage and luxuriate in!
