Discover Kiawah Island,
South Carolina

Kiawah Island SC is a pristine Lowcountry retreat just off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina.

Preserved from nearly all commercial encroachment, this idyllic island is a haven for nature lovers, golf and tennis enthusiasts, and those seeking quiet family time at the beach.

Click a link below to take you right to my recommendations and information on Kiawah accommodations, restaurants, activities and more!

Whether you visit The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, the five diamond resort that combines luxury with a real sense of hominess, or take advantage of a rental villa, your perfect Kiawah Island vacation awaits!

The Island features world-class golf courses and tennis facilities. From biking to beaching, alligator watching to perusing the local farm market (literally, on a farm), there are plenty of ways to enjoy all that this sleepy yet elegant island has to offer.

The Kiawah Island beach is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. It is one of the only beaches on the East Coast that runs East to West and actually faces South. You can walk or bike towards the sunrise in the morning and towards the sunset in the event.

Its East-West orientation yields another benefit – minimal surf. Combined with the characteristic hard-packed sand of the Sea Islands, the Kiawah Island beach is wonderful for young children. Easy walking and little surf makes it safe and comfortable for little visitors, and shallow tide-pools create warm, watery worlds for toddlers to wade in and explore.

Wide and flat, the beach is also excellent for biking, strolling or jogging. It's rarely ever crowded since there is only one hotel on the island. If you’re a nature-enthusiast, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more pristine beach than this one.

» TIP: Find out when high tide occurs from an online schedule or your hotel. The ocean comes all the way up to the dunes at high tide check before you set out with arms full of beach chairs, towels, toys, coolers, etc.! It's usually low during the day, but best to make sure, especially if you plan on hitting the beach early or staying late.

» TIP: If you're an early riser, you might see the "Turtle Patrol" working on the beach. These Kiawah residents aid and protect the Loggerhead turtles. In the summer, you may come upon them helping a "crawl" full of newly hatched loggerhead turtles make their way to the water. Feel free to watch and learn about these incredible creatures!

One of my favorite things to do in the evening while I'm on Kiawah is stroll down to the beach with my husband and a glass of wine and watch the sunset. It's simple, but it's so relaxing and makes me fall even more in love with both my husband and with Kiawah every time. I recommend it highly (but remember to put a little bug spray on your legs before you go!)

Need Beach Equipment?

• Guests of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort (which includes the Sanctuary) can rent beach umbrellas, beach chairs, carrying caddies, toys, and more through Resort. The Resort sets up beach umbrellas at various points along the beach for Resort guests if you choose to rent them.

• If you are not staying with the Kiawah Island Resort, check with the rental home owners or rental company you are using – The villa or home you're in might come with these supplies already. Otherwise, you can buy beach chairs, toys and more in Freshfields Village.

For a sense of true Lowcountry history and fine cuisine, Charleston, South Carolina is just down the road. Take a carriage ride through downtown for a fun dose of history, stroll along the Battery, shop in the high-end stores along King Street, and sample upscale Lowcountry dining for a sense of what Charleston is all about.

Travel to Kiawah Island

Kiawah is about a 45 minutes drive outside of Charleston, South Carolina.

To get to Kiawah Island, you can fly into the Charleston, South Carolina Airport (airport code CHS). From there, you will need to drive out to the island. You can either:

1. Rent a car at the airport and drive to Kiawah,
2. Taxi (typically costs $62 to get to the Kiawah Island main gate), or
3. Allow the Resort to assist you in coordinating transit from their recommended executive transportation providers.

Charleston Executive Airport (airport code JZI), a small airport available to private charters, is located 15 minutes from Kiawah Island on neighboring John's Island.

Driving Directions

From the Airport, follow the directions below. If driving, take 26 East off of Interstate 95 and then follow these directions:

• I-526 West towards Savannah.
• At the end of the interstate, turn right onto Savannah Highway/US 17 South.
• Continue on US 17 South for five miles. At the 5th traffic light, turn left onto Main Road. (Landmark is the BP Gas Station on far corner).
• Continue on Main Road for 15 miles (it becomes Betsey Kerrison Parkway), after which you will arrive at a circle.
• Stay in left lane as you enter the circle and go 3/4 way around to exit onto Kiawah Island Parkway.
• Once on the island, you will pass through the security gate (left lane).
• If you are heading to the Resort, it will be 2 miles past the gate. Turn right at the sign for the Sanctuary.

Kiawah Island provides exquisite luxury and elegance while maintaining its quiet, rustic island feel. It's a contradiction that results in giving you a wonderful and relaxing vacation!