It's hard not to be entranced by Kiawah Island's beauty, with varied wildlife and picturesque scenery abounding on this South Carolina barrier island. Cycling and walking are great ways to appreciate the natural delights, whilst fishing and enjoying the excellent golf courses are other rewarding activities. You'll find outstanding vacation rentals, including spacious oceanfront properties, so that you can let your cares drift away on the sea breeze.
Family bonding time
Bohicket Marina offers boat tours and fishing equipment, so the whole family can spend quality time together amidst the idyllic natural scenery of Kiawah Island. Rent a bike from one of the island's three rental companies and explore miles of coastal trails. The kids will love discovering the stunning, wildlife-filled tidal creeks and salt marshes.
Don't miss Captain Sam's Inlet, where you can see bottlenose dolphins feeding, whilst kayaking is a firm favourite with youngsters, who will be entertained by a variety of tidal trails and resort paddling tours to suit all experience levels.
Exploring the island
With miles of beaches and coastal marshland to explore, Kiawah Island is all about the outdoors. Hiking is a great way to see the island, and one of the best vantage points is Marsh Hawk Tower, a wildlife viewing location accessed via the Kiawah River marshlands. Bring your binoculars and look out for the array of birds, or watch out for the alligators floating in nearby Bass Pond.
Venture out at dawn or dusk to see the many species that inhabit Kiawah's diverse woodlands and dunes, including bobcats, deer and foxes. Atmospheric East End Lagoon, home to the rare Snowy Plover bird, is also not to be missed.
Getting the most out of island life
Beachwalker County Park
This idyllic beach is ideal for sunbathing and water sports. Take advantage of the picnic area and grill for laid-back barbecues as the sun goes down.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
A glamorous resort with incredible coastal views, the Kiawah Island Golf Resort is the perfect place to tee off. Aside from golf, you can indulge in spa treatments or play a little tennis before a feast in the superb clubhouse restaurant.
Freshfields Village
Freshfields Village is a mall boasting shopping, dining and entertainment for every taste. With 60 events annually including a seasonal farmer's market, concerts and kids' events, there's always something exciting happening here.
Night Heron Park
Encounter the natural environment through the Nature Program at Night Heron Park. A diverse range of activities for the whole family, as well as beautiful flora and fauna await.
Osprey Point Golf Course
Completely renovated in 2014, this stunning course extends across maritime forests, lagoons and saltwater marshes. It was recently awarded a near-perfect 4.5 stars in Golf Digest's 'Best Places to Play' list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical availability of vacation rentals on Kiawah Island?
We found 1,697 vacation homes on Kiawah Island available for your next trip.
What are the most popular vacation home amenities on Kiawah Island?
When looking to book a vacation home on Kiawah Island, the most requested amenities include Pool, Pets allowed, and Internet.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals on Kiawah Island?
Yes, there are 234 pet-friendly vacation rentals on Kiawah Island, with an average nightly price of $987.
What's the best month to visit Kiawah Island?
If you're looking for balmy weather, July and August are typically the hottest months on Kiawah Island with temperatures around 32 °C. January and February on Kiawah Island are the coldest, with 5 °C on average.