Just an hour from Charleston and less than a day’s drive from Atlanta, Kiawah Island combines Southern charm and upscale accommodations with breathtaking ocean views. If you're a golf enthusiast, you've likely heard of the island's award-winning courses or watched a PGA Championship held at the location. But Kiawah Island has so much more to offer outside of incredible golfing. Whether you're a nature enthusiast ready to explore beaches and maritime forests or a foodie eager to try local cuisine, we're rounding up our top favorite things to do on Kiawah Island.
Home to five world-class public golf courses, Kiawah Island is a popular vacation destination for those who enjoy golfing with a view. Interested in hitting the links on your trip? Check our favorite courses below.
Known as one of the world's most iconic golf courses, Kiawah Island Golf Resort's Ocean Course has hosted numerous tournaments, including the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships. This 18-hole course boasts the most seaside holes in the northern hemisphere, with coastline views at every hole. After your round, grab drinks at the Ryder Cup Bar overlooking the 18th green, with live music Friday and Saturday evenings from 7-10 PM.
Starting Fees: $373-$463 for non-resort guests (seasonal pricing); Resort guests: $234-$330. Twilight rates (after 2 PM in summer): approximately $260-$400. Mandatory forecaddie included.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort's Osprey Point, rated one of the top courses in South Carolina by Golf Advisor in 2018 and 2022, offers a premier golfing experience. The course spans from the north side of the island to the south shore. While it doesn't offer coastal views like the Ocean Course, Osprey Point incorporates more strategically placed water features to challenge players.
Starting Fees: Approximately $240 per round (cart included) for resort guests
The most player-friendly of Kiawah's five courses, Clyde Johnston's Oak Point is ideal for beginners and families. The course features wide fairways and fewer water hazards, making it a confidence-building round for all skill levels.
Steven Ellis, a founding partner of Akers Ellis Real Estate & Rentals and a Kiawah Island local, recommends biking on the beach during your visit. With over 30 miles of paved bike trails and ten miles of beach, biking is one of the best ways to explore the island. Below are two of our favorite locations to bike while visiting.
Bike along marshes, forests, and the ocean at Beachwalker Park. This path is especially nice after high tide when the hard-packed sand is ideal for biking. This route offers stunning views and frequent wildlife sightings, including dolphins, herons, and occasionally alligators.
Marsh Island Park, accessible via the Kiawah Island Bike Trail, features a scenic boardwalk and a lookout tower. It's a great spot to enjoy a picnic while looking for wildlife the elevated platform provides excellent opportunities to spot wading birds and ospreys.
Night Heron Park's trail system winds through 21 acres, connecting beaches, playgrounds, sports fields, and the Nature Center, ideal for families combining biking with other activities.
Paddleboarding is a great way to explore the Kiawah River in summer. Enjoy a sunny day gliding through the marshes with plenty of access points along this easy-flowing river. Check out one of the following locations for guided paddleboarding tours.
Water Dog Paddle Co's signature Kayak and Paddleboard Dolphin Tour takes you through the saltwater marsh estuaries of Kiawah and Seabrook for a two-hour adventure. Perfect for all ages and skill levels, this tour offers a chance to search for sea life, birds, and, of course, dolphins. Price starts approximately $65-$85 per person.
The Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers three stand-up paddleboarding options. The resort's stand-up paddleboard tour is perfect for intermediate paddlers, providing a guided adventure through the marshes with a brief on-land lesson. New to paddleboarding? No worries! Beginners can take lessons designed to teach the basics and build confidence. For teens, the Teen SUP class offers a chance to bond with peers and learn fun tricks like handstands.
Freshfields Village is the main shopping hub on Kiawah Island, offering a mix of upscale and boutique stores. In addition to popular brands like Lululemon and Vineyard Vines, explore these local favorites for a unique shopping experience.
Specializing in coastal décor and home accents, Aubergine Home Collection crafts high-quality custom bedspreads, accent pillows, and draperies. The store also features luxury bath accessories, bedding essentials, linens, and home furniture.
Indigo Books is one of the few remaining independent bookstores in South Carolina. Stop by and shop for everything from mysteries to the classics. The store also offers fun knick-knacks and souvenirs like puzzles, journals, and stationery.
After a day on the links or at the beach, it's time to relax and refuel. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants on Kiawah Island.
Hege's Restaurant offers a blend of classic French and international dishes, focusing on fresh, local seafood. Enjoy a rotating menu, including specialties like lobster ravioli and pan-roasted duck, complemented by an extensive wine list.
At FortyEight Wine Bar & Kitchen you can sample 48 wines by the glass using their WineStation SmartCard, with options for 1 oz., 3 oz., or 6 oz. tastes. The bar also offers over 1,000 retail wine labels from major varietals and regions worldwide. Enjoy a menu featuring lump crab cakes, steak frites, and a range of appetizers, small plates, and desserts. . Daily happy hour from 4-6 PM features discounted wines and appetizers.
Experience authentic Lowcountry cooking with signature dishes like creamy shrimp and grits, rich she-crab soup, and expertly prepared crab cakes. Sunday brunch features live jazz and an extensive buffet.
An official stop on South Carolina's BBQ Trail, Cherrywood smokes meats low and slow over local hardwoods. With 60+ craft beers on tap and a casual atmosphere, it's perfect for families.
The 100 Collection™ is proud to partner with Akers Ellis Real Estate & Rentals for premier Kiawah Island Vacation Rentals. This collection of Kiawah homes features a curated selection of properties, including oceanfront villas, private-pool retreats, and pet-friendly beach cottages. Guests can enjoy beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, including gourmet kitchens, private pools, and outdoor living areas.
7 Bedrooms | 6.5 Bathrooms | Sleeps 16
Stunning owner's primary residence available for 10-week rental blocks with sightlines stretching from golf-course greens to Atlantic whitecaps. This impeccably maintained home ranks among the best-situated villas on Kiawah Island.
Amenities include:
5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms | Sleeps 10
Reverse-floorplan oceanfront home maximizing breathtaking beach views from inside, the large back deck, and private pool area. Over 4,000 square feet with direct beach boardwalk access from the driveway.
Amenities include:
3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Sleeps 6
Every room in this marvelous Windswept corner villa serves up ocean views. The maritime viewshed enlivens the seaside deck, accessed from both living and dining rooms for seamless al fresco dining and sunrise meditations.
Amenities include:
Kiawah Island offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, championship golf, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights. From pristine beaches and maritime forests to world-class courses and fresh Lowcountry cuisine, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy in this coastal haven. So pack your bags, book your vacation rental with Akers Ellis Real Estate & Rentals, and prepare to create lasting memories on one of South Carolina's most beautiful barrier islands. Your Kiawah Island adventure awaits!
