Guide to Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Kiawah Island is a thoughtfully designed residential community that seamlessly integrates a world-class resort and a vibrant shopping village within a carefully preserved natural setting. Kiawah is home to 5 championship golf courses operated by the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, which dominates the island and provides visitors with a range of amenities such as restaurants, pools, and direct beach access.

Beyond its renowned golf, the Island also features a well-preserved natural environment. Visitors can explore the island’s maritime forests, sand dunes, and marshes, which are home to a diverse array of wildlife including white-tailed deer, alligators, bobcats, seabirds, and sea turtles.

Where to stay in Kiawah Island?

During your trip to the island, you will search for the best places to stay. Here are the most important places:

The Sanctuary Hotel

• The luxurious Sanctuary Hotel on Kiawah Island offers guests the gracious Southern charm of a sprawling seaside mansion.
• With 255 rooms, the hotel provides exceptional hospitality, featuring handcrafted furnishings and custom-made beds in each guest room.
• Visitors can indulge in personalized spa treatments, play tennis, or take a dip in the Olympic-sized family pool.
• The hotel also features a dedicated children’s pool with water slides for young guests to enjoy.

Andell Inn

• Located within the vibrant Freshfields Village, the Andell Inn provides some of Kiawah Island’s more affordable yet stylish accommodations.
• Guests can choose from studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom suites, all equipped with fully functional kitchens and living areas.
• Amenities include a saltwater pool, fitness center, and the Porch Bar. Complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi are also available.

Kiawah Golf Resort’s Villas and Private Homes

• For larger groups or those seeking greater privacy and space, Kiawah Golf Resort offers a selection of deluxe villas and private homes scattered across the island.
• These accommodations feature varying levels of amenities, ranging from 3-bedroom ocean-view villas to 4- to 8-bedroom private homes.
• Guests can enjoy the convenience of fully equipped kitchens, complimentary transportation around the island, and access to the resort’s pools and golf courses.

Where to eat in Kiawah Island?

Among the most important places to eat fine dining during your trip to the island:

Jasmine Porch

• When visiting the South, indulging in the region’s renowned low-country cuisine is a must.
• Jasmine Porch elevates classic low-country fare with a high-end twist, featuring expertly prepared dishes such as crab bisque and shrimp and grits.
• Other highlights include butternut squash and apple bisque, as well as fried green tomatoes served with pimento cheese, roasted shallot aioli, and pickled okra.
• For dessert, guests can savor the delectable peach bread pudding with brown sugar ice cream and salted caramel sauce.

Southern Kitchen

• Start your day on Kiawah Island with a hearty meal at Southern Kitchen, a local favorite for breakfast and brunch.
• Indulge in the Kiawah Benedict, featuring two poached eggs atop crab cakes and gouda-grit cakes, all topped with hollandaise sauce.
• Classic Southern dishes like biscuits and gravy, and chicken and waffles are also on the menu.
• For those seeking a lighter option, the menu offers yogurt and fresh fruit, as well as oatmeal.

Ryder Cup Bar

• After a long day on the golf course, unwind with a cold beverage and a delicious meal at the Ryder Cup Bar.
• While taking in the sweeping ocean views from the verandah, you diners can enjoy warm crab dip, followed by a burger topped with smoked cheddar and peppered bacon.
• For a more substantial option, the restaurant’s fish and chips with pickled pepper tartar sauce are sure to satisfy.

What to do in Kiawah Island?

You can enjoy many recreational activities during your trip on the island, and the most important of these activities that you can do are:

Tee Off at a Premier Golf Course

• Island is renowned for its exceptional golfing opportunities, boasting some of the finest courses in South Carolina.
• The Kiawah Island Golf Resort features an impressive five championship-caliber courses, including the iconic Ocean Course, which has the distinction of hosting every major PGA event in the United States.

Unwind on the Beach

• Kiawah Island’s coastline is graced with ten miles of windswept beaches.
• While the majority of the beaches are privately accessible through the Kiawah Island Resort, the public Kiawah Beachwalker Park, located on the island’s western end, offers a family-friendly option.
• Kiawah Beachwalker Park is equipped with lifeguards, dressing rooms, showers, restrooms, picnic areas, and rentals for umbrellas and beach chairs, the park provides the perfect setting to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

Seabrook Island

• For an even more serene and relaxing experience, a 20-minute drive to the neighboring Seabrook Island offers a tranquil respite.
• Featuring 2.5 miles of pristine beaches, windswept dunes, and quiet residential communities, Seabrook Island provides ample opportunities for exploration and leisure.
• The island also boasts tennis, golf, and horseback riding facilities. As Seabrook Island is a private community, visitors must contact the town to schedule their visit.

How are you getting from the Airport to Kiawah and Back?

For most visitors, the nearest airport is Charleston International Airport (CHS), located approximately 45 minutes from the Island. Upon arrival, guests have main transportation options:

Rent a Car at the Airport from MECCA LIMO SERVICE:

This is the most convenient way to travel to, from, and around Kiawah Island. Arrange your rental car in advance online for a seamless experience.

For more tips chech this: How to get to Folly Beach and Kiawah Island?

The Best Time to Visit Kiawah

A serene boardwalk leading to the beach under a clear blue sky epitomizes the best time to visit Kiawah Island. The island enjoys a subtropical climate, with warm summers featuring temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the low 90s, and mild winters where temperatures hover between the mid-40s and low 60s.

The peak season on Kiawah Island spans from early April to late October when the weather is at its most pleasant. However, the remaining months also present an excellent opportunity to experience Kiawah’s cool, crisp weather without the crowds.

Conclusion

Kiawah Island, located just off the South Carolina coast near Charleston, is a premier vacation destination that offers more than just exceptional golf. While the island boasts 10 miles of stunning beachfront with picturesque dunes and swaying sea grasses, its world-class golf courses are a major draw for visitors. This unique blend of luxury, recreation, and environmental stewardship is being maintained and enhanced for the enjoyment of both current and future generations of visitors.

For more guide tips check this out: Kiawah Island Vacation Guide