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Getaway Guide

Kiawah Island

Graceful coastal living in South Carolina with world-class golfing, pristine beaches, and coveted vacation homes.

Home to several championship golf courses and miles of nature trails, Kiawah is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.
Home to several championship golf courses and miles of nature trails, Kiawah is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.

Relaxed resort living in a beautiful coastal setting.

Kiawah Island is one of the barrier islands on the Atlantic coastline of the United States, beloved for a sense of privacy that can be hard to come by in other resort destinations. Located just 25 miles southwest of Charleston, South Carolina, Kiawah is known for its world-class golf courses, pristine beaches, and spacious villas perfect for family reunions, group trips, and romantic getaways alike. However you choose to spend your time, you’ll quickly realize why Kiawah Island sets the standard for natural East Coast beauty. For one of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean, visit Beachwalker County Park on the western side of Kiawah Island. If you’re lucky, you may even see dolphin pods that have been known to live in the area. Witness more of Kiawah's natural beauty with a walk or bike ride through 30+ miles of paved and natural trails. When exploring the beaches and trails of Kiawah, common sightings include great blue heron, fiddler crabs, egrets, and ancient oaks dressed in fine Spanish moss. The most famous of these oak trees is the Angel Oak located nearby on Johns Island, thought to be one of the oldest living organisms east of the Mississippi River. Standing 65 feet (or 6 stories) tall, the Angel Oak is estimated to be around 500 years old.

Great blue heron, fiddler crabs, egrets, and bottlenose dolphins are all common sightings for those exploring Kiawah's many beaches and trails.
Great blue heron, fiddler crabs, egrets, and bottlenose dolphins are all common sightings for those exploring Kiawah's many beaches and trails.

Idyllic beaches, championship golfing, cycling & more.

With championship golf courses, top-ranked tennis programs, miles of nature trails, boutique shopping and dining, and gorgeous beaches and waterways, Kiawah Island has plenty of activities for everyone in your group to enjoy.

For those looking to be active, biking, paddle-boarding, and kayaking are popular recreational sports in the area. With thirty miles of paved trails, Kiawah Island is ideal for running and cycling - rent a bike and soak in the beautiful scenery around every corner, from stunning seascapes to ancient oak trees covered in Spanish moss. For those who want to be on the water, you can charter a boat and try your hand at catching a trophy fish with Lil Darlin' Fishing Charters or Saltfisher Charters, which takes groups of up to six people out for fishing excursions on its 24-foot bay boat in the summertime. For those in the mood to shop, visit Freshfields Village, a charming old-fashioned village center with a lively mix of upscale shops and restaurants. And no trip to Kiawah would be complete without playing a round of golf at one of the island's seven championship courses at the world-class Kiawah Island Golf Resort, where pros from all over the globe come to tee off amidst a stunning natural landscape. The Ocean Course offers unparalleled views of the beautiful coastline, while Oak Point sits by the Kiawah River, surrounded by the island’s lush maritime forest.

Nestled within an unspoiled Lowcountry setting, Kiawah's ten-mile stretch of shoreline is an idyllic setting for recreation and relaxation.
Nestled within an unspoiled Lowcountry setting, Kiawah's ten-mile stretch of shoreline is an idyllic setting for recreation and relaxation.

Lowcountry dining on an iconic barrier island.

  • For sophisticated regional fare: Jasmine Porch. Looking to try some of the region’s most beloved dishes? If so, head over to Jasmine Porch. With sweeping views of the Atlantic, this beautiful island restaurant serves up Southern fare with sophisticated flare. On the menu, you’ll find everything from she-crab soup to savory grits, certified organic local produce and all of the classic foods loved in the Lowcountry.
  • For casual oceanside elegance: The Ryder Cup Bar. This open porch bar features modern, oceanside elegance with an upscale bar menu and specialty cocktails. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Casual beach-side atmosphere at the Ocean Course Clubhouse.
  • For a quick bite at a low-key local favorite: Café Eugenia. Located in nearby Freshfields Village, Café Eugenia is a cafe and gourmet market, named after Kiawah Island’s historic avenue. The Mediterranean-influenced menu focuses on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced products with a rotating selection of delightful salads, dips, and take-away prepared dishes.
  • For Southern comfort food with a view: Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House. Open for lunch & dinner at Osprey Point Clubhouse, this casual ale house offers southern BBQ platters, salads, signature sides, and sauces with fairway and lagoon views. The veranda bar offers al fresco dining and extensive beer list. The sumptuous mac 'n cheese is not to be missed.
  • For a fun experience with the kids: The Soda Fountain at Vincent's Drug Store. Vincent's is a full service drug store and old fashioned soda fountain. Enjoy hand dipped ice cream, milkshakes and traditional sodas. The hamburgers, hot dogs, wraps and chicken salad are popular choices, especially with the little ones.
  • For a special occasion: The Ocean Room. Celebrating a special occasion? The Ocean Room at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is the island’s premier steakhouse, awarded a Forbes 4 Star and AAA 4 Diamond rating as well as winning the “Best Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator for its sommelier wine pairing selections.
  • For group gatherings at home: When gathering with families and friends, some of the most special moments together happen over group meals at home. Stop by The Village Market and The Market at Storey Farms to pick up fresh produce and meats from local farms, or arrange a convenient grocery delivery with Delivery Boy or Groceries Ahead to your vacation rental so you're stocked with everything you need to grill up a relaxed coastal feast served alfresco. Your trip designer can also help arrange private chef and catering options at your vacation home upon request.
Enjoy Kiawah living at its finest when you stay in a private vacation home on the island. Featured Haven No. 185108
Enjoy Kiawah living at its finest when you stay in a private vacation home on the island. Featured Haven No. 185108

From luxury beach villas to family-friendly vacation homes, our experts are here to help you find your haven and enjoy island living at its finest.

Kiawah Island is an ideal vacation destination for families and friends - one you'll want to return to, again and again. When traveling with a group, a vacation rental offers the best way to experience Kiawah, with multiple bedrooms and unique amenities like a private pool, BBQ grill, and full kitchen. Discover our expert picks of premium vacation homes in Kiawah and the surrounding areas, where you can sit back and relax for a group getaway you’ll never forget. View some of our top picks at the links below in Kiawah’s unspoiled barrier island paradise.

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