Top 5 Things to Do on Kiawah Island, SC
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.
1. Kiawah Island Golf
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.
The Ocean Course
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.
Osprey Point
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 close to 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.
2. Biking
Steven Ellis, an Akers Ellis Real Estate & Rentals founding partner and 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.
Beachwalker Bike Path
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.
Marsh Island Park Trail
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.
3. Paddleboarding
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.
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.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
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.
4. Shopping
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, be sure to explore these local favorites for a unique shopping experience.
Aubergine Home Collection
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
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.
5. Dining
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
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.
FortyEight Wine Bar & Kitchen
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.
Best Places to Stay on Kiawah Island
The 100 Collection™ is proud to partner with Akers Ellis Real Estate & Rentals for premier Kiawah Island Vacation Rentals. This collection of Kiawah homes offers a range of curated properties, including oceanfront villas, private pool retreats, and pet-friendly beach cottages. Guests can enjoy beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces with features like gourmet kitchens, private pools, and outdoor living areas.
