Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Kiawah Island, SC

  • Published 2022/09/23

Whether you are looking forward to a thrill or relaxation, the available activities in Kiawah Island are extremely vast!

All of this exclusive luxury enclave’s amenities include 10 kilometers of gorgeous, pristine beaches, carefully maintained maritime woods, ancient dunes, verdant marshes abundantly populated by birds, and tranquil waterways abundantly populated by fish.

Here are the best things to do in Kiawah Island, South Carolina:

Experience the Tranquil Environment at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Exterior of the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

JASON TENCH / Shutterstock.com

One of the resort’s main attractions is The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s spa.

It’s one of the factors for the venue’s stellar global image.

After a day of golf, volleyball, kayaking, or diving to get your adrenaline pumping, relax and rejuvenate in the spa’s quiet atmosphere, where the trained staff will restore and revive your senses and body.

You can choose from a single spa treatment, such as an Ocean Fossil Fusion, or a whole day of relaxation.

Begin with a private workout at the resort’s gym, cleanse with an Athletics Healing Massage, pamper yourself with a Sodashi Luxury Facial, and luxuriate in a Sanctuary Makeover.

Have Fun Walking at the Night Heron Park

Are you looking for disc golf, basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, or any other outdoor sports where you can freely let yourself or your children play?

Night Heron Park is a great choice!

On Kiawah Island, Night Heron Park is one of the hubs of family enjoyment.

With two age groups, Extreme laser tag is one of the most incredible events on the calendar of organized team sports activities.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are two more activities that are not just enjoyable and entertaining but also an excellent opportunity to know more about the island’s wild aspect.

Every year for 4 months, the Sundown Festival features bouncy towers, musical performances, balloons, trips, and a picture studio.

There are also live performances and outdoor movie theatre regularly.

Explore the Island of Tidal Trails Tours/Kayak

In just 4 minutes of drive time from Night Heron Park, you can also visit Tidal Trails.

Since you’re already there, why not savor your time by having more than one destination?

If you like to get up enough, getting closer to Kiawah Island, Tidal Trails got this simple and pleasant for you – they’ve been doing it for more than two decades.

In Kiawah’s unique spit of land environment, students may participate in a variety of interesting outdoor pursuits with their instructors and advisors.

You can choose between a paddling or a kayak tour!

See dolphins in their genuine world, where they are uninhibited and content.

Additionally, you may choose to go through your own and observe wildlife in their homes as they fly through the bright blue sky.

The gear has been carefully chosen to complement the Kiawah surroundings.

For its clients, Tidal Trails offers kayaking, even if you’ve never done so before, there really is no prime spot to do it than Kiawah, with its quiet, mild seas.

Visit the Freshfields Village’s Shopping Center

In just 10 minutes, you can arrive at the unique shop of the town!

Freshfields Village is a bustling combination of companies, stores, and various restaurants, located in an upmarket, suitable place where you can have all you need while on vacation or a resident in Kiawah.

There are frequent seasonal celebrations and live music performances on the charming town squares, blanketed in flowers.

In Freshfields Village, you can do almost everything you want, such as groceries, dry-cleaning, having your teeth cleaned, renting a bicycle or having a house, or even satisfying your tastebuds!

Brace yourself for this shop because all items are incredibly captivating!

Have Your Kids Enrolled in Kamp Kiawah

Kamp Kiawah offers a variety of activities for your kids.

Under the supervision of highly trained and devoted counselors, the children participate in a variety of exciting activities in the beautiful Night Heron Park.

They now have Camp Xtreme, which offers extreme enjoyment for youngsters aged 8 to 15 in a secure setting.

Various team-building activities, sports, treasure expeditions, a Ninja fighter training, and other activities are included.

Experience Camp provides a variety of activities for children who want a more autonomous action, including kayaking, motorboat excursions, cast nets, watersports, tennis, biking quests, shooting, and much more.

Find a Perfect Bike at Alligator Bike

If you are looking for something that can make your day productive, ride a bike!

For the past three decades, Alligator Bike has continuously serviced the island, and it is a guarantee that you can trust them to locate the perfect bicycle for you.

Most folks visit Kiawah Island for its world-class golf enrollments, but there’s more to see and do on the island, and cycling is the ideal way to see it all.

In great condition, they offer cargo trailers and trikes as well as bicycles, infant carriages, cub wagons, and children’s bicycles available for rent. They can take you around the peninsula’s 30-mile path system or to the 10-mile beachfront.

They will even deliver your selected bike to your home or hotel, making it even more enjoyable.

Rent a Bike at Kiawah Island Bicycle Rentals

Kiawah Island is well-known for its incredible, genuine beauty and diverse species.

The most excellent way to experience the island and its special dunes, nooks, and lagoons are by bike, which has essentially flat terrain, 30 miles of paved paths, and 10 miles of packed sand beach.

Beach cruisers are available for rent at Kiawah Island Bicycle Rentals for guests of all ages.

The Island Bicycle Rentals also has available bikes for kids with training wheels, helmets, and tow carts.

Don’t forget to bring your water and snacks, and ask for a basket for yourself to be installed on your bike.

With the fantastic view of the city, you will indeed have a long trip!

Be Part of the Kiawah Island Club

If you are curious about Kiawah Island Club, you should not also miss becoming a member of this private club!

There are vast opportunities open for every member of the club, such as getting in touch with your neighbors so you can always feel at home in Kiawah Island.

Other than that, the solidarity of the people therein is really strong, and this club will let you participate in all social activities and recreations such as golf, happy hours, tennis matches, book clubs, needlepoint, and many more!

There are countless interests and recreational activities once you become a member, and you will never regret becoming one!

What’s the best thing here, you can have access to Beach Club, Cassique, BizHub, Kiawah Island Sporting Club, and other private offices and facilities in Kiawah Island!

How cool is that?

Don’t miss the chance to become part of the strong and enjoyable organization!

Play Golf at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Daytime view of Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Elizabeth Foley / Shutterstock.com

The Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a high-end, private resort on South Carolina’s Kiawah Island.

It first commenced in May 1976 and has built its prestige for excellent recreation in a beautiful, unspoiled environment.

The resort offers high-end accommodations, first-rate facilities, a vibrant social scene, and entrance to the stunning coastline scenery.

The resort is known across the world for its various golf courses, which professionals frequent.

There are 24 play areas for courts, a gourmet resto, spa, pools, entrance to a lovely beach, kayaking, bikeways, and island excursions

A lake at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Bill Showalter from Greeneville Tennessee, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Play Tennis at Roy Barth Tennis Center

When it comes to sports, the possibilities for showcasing your abilities and skills are endless!

You’ll come to Kiawah Island’s most considerable pride – 24 excellent tennis courts – as you wander around the pine trees and along a meandering road flanked by scented palmettos, oleander, and pampas grass.

The scent in this place is extremely relaxing!

Clinics, mini camps, private lessons, and round-robins are all part of a weekly schedule of activities offered by both.

The staff of qualified tennis experts will elevate your gameplay to the next level, from fundamental strokes to angles and strategy.

Go on Fishing at SaltFisher Charters LLC

Fishing has always proven to be fun, especially when done with your loved ones.

Why not try your luck to catch a big fish in Salt Fishers Charters?

The boat can easily seat six people and features a top cover, suitable for every sunny day of the summer season.

The US Coast Guard has licensed Saltfisher and its skipper, and they have all of the necessary safety equipment onboard since your safety and convenience is their top priority.

This is always best to do with your friends and families as the time spending together is always well spent!

Enjoy the Water Activities at SeaCoast Sports and Outfitters

Whether you reside on Kiawah Island or are there for a vacation, you will need the appropriate equipment for all-year-round pursuits like surfing, golfing in an international facilities, volleyball, hiking, parasailing, kayaking, and so much more.

Whatever you’re looking for, from footwear and eyeglasses to a unique swimsuit or cap, you can have it all at SeaCoast Sports and Outfitters!

They provide all you need, including surfboards and fisherman rods, kayaks, and bicycles to rent with each within a week or day, being the island’s most prominent sports equipment store.

Satisfy Your Taste Buds at Mingo Point Oyster Roast and BBQ

Every summertime Monday night on the Kiawah River, the Mingo Point Oyster Roast and BBQ has been going strong.

There’s enough to load on your plate, from flavorsome oysters to smoked chicken and pulled pig, as well as Southern traditional foods and pastries and mouth-watering mains grilled over an open fire.

While some are feasting, others may be found stomping their feet on the scene to local musicians.

Local artisans set up shop to sell anything from jewelry to wood crafts, while craft classes and island hair braiding give the kids an opportunity to join in the Lowcountry excitement!

Have Some Fun in Porch Bar at Andell Inn

This is not just a typical Inn, but you can enjoy an impressive Porch Bar inside as well!

On summer Thursday nights at the Porch Bar, a resident classic in Kiawah’s Freshfields Village, you’ll discover the ideal trinity of cold beverages, toe-tapping songs, and pleasant wind.

While local jazz bands provide a piece of wonderfully peaceful summer music, see a sunset over Andell Lake, recline onto a southern swing or comfy recliner, and order your favorite drink.

Freshfields Village presents weekly Friday night Music on the Green concerts in the summer for a more lively atmosphere suited for the whole family and friends.

Bring your blankets and seats and relax, or get up and dance to the sounds of Southeast performers and ensembles.

Each week, a new group, ranging from jazzy jam bands to rock-and-rollers, will perform.

Wander Around the Kiawah Beachwalker Park

If you want a beach park that has up on the whole thing, Kiawah Beachwalker Park is a perfect choice!

A beachfront and river panorama, as well as the only open ocean views on beautiful Kiawah Island, can be found at Kiawah Beachwalker Park, which is located on the west end of the island.

The wonderful and clean beach to spend time with your loved ones; lifeguards are everywhere to ensure everyone’s safety.

This beach park is one of the visited destinations in Kiawah Island, especially in the year 2021.

Visitors find the best time to spend together as the facilities never failed to satisfy every client.

Never miss the opportunity to visit the best beach park in the town!

Take Part in a Game at the Ocean Course

Join the group of committed players who put Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Ocean Course on their must-play checklist for a real test of ability.

The Ocean Course, situated on the eastern part of the Island, has the most seashore holes in the Northern Hemisphere, with 10 of its holes bordering the Atlantic and the remaining eight running across to it.

Alice Dye, the spouse of course designer Pete Dye, proposed lifting the entire course so golfers could see Kiawah’s breathtaking coastline from every hole, even though it was initially supposedly built behind the dunes.

Depending on the severity of the wind, golfers may experience a hole differential of up to 8 clubs.

On The Ocean Course, there are no predominant winds; therefore, Dye created two courses, one for an eastbound breeze and another for a westbound wind.

View Exhibitions at Wells Gallery

The gallery actively represents a diverse group of current artists from the local area and beyond who paint in an array of genres and content through its constantly evolving collection of fine art.

The flagship gallery at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is committed to offering its visitors a unique collection of contemporary artworks, carrying on the heritage of the Wells Gallery.

This cutting-edge and distinctive gallery, housed within The Sanctuary hotel’s grounds, has been thoughtfully created to captivate guests with its variety of exceptional oil paintings, watercolors, sculptures, and glass works made by some of the country’s most desirable artists.

The gallery is the only one in the area to concentrate on works of art that commemorate Kiawah Island, mostly exhibiting the works of local artists who have demonstrated an appreciation for the Island in all its magnificence and natural splendor.

The gallery intends to hold exhibitions for touring artists from across the nation in addition to shows and training with local artists.

Make a Scented Present at Palmetto Scent Studio

Palmetto Scent Studio is the ideal location for a fun activity with friends or family!

Since 2015, the local, family-run small business, Palmetto Scent Studio, has had access to the customized scent experience.

Enter their workshop and choose from one of more than 80 pre-made candles, or sit at their fragrance station and let them assist you in creating one-of-a-kind custom-scented goods.

You may add a unique twist by choosing from a range of containers and creating a label.

Their creations are fantastic housewarming presents or souvenirs for friends and family.

Reservations are now highly encouraged for those who wish to pour a personalized-scented candle, home goods, or body lotion.

Have Brunch at Jasmine Porch

Jasmine Porch serves authentic Lowcountry fare for morning to evening meals and has been selected “Best Downhome Cookery” by the esteemed Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report.

The fresh fish caught in the Island’s waterways and the region’s organically grown crops serve as the inspiration for seasonal menu items.

The Atlantic Ocean as a setting, oak-plank floors, and original Charleston brick walls provide the ideal backdrop for this modernized Lowcountry food.

Jasmine Porch will wow food enthusiasts with its distinctive and novel approach, with cuisine that emphasizes the quantity of seafood available in Charleston combined with locally grown fruit that has been certified organic.

Every day during daytime meals, the Jasmine Porch exudes southern elegance.

Admire the Views at Ocean Park

About 270 single-family house sites make up the proposed community of Ocean Park on Kiawah Island.

The success of Kiawah Island in general and of Ocean Park, in particular, depends on driving a wedge between architecture and nature and developing methods for tourists to interact with that natural beauty.

It is surrounded by 250 acres of magnificent low country environment, and the hamlet is bisected by a continuous park that extends for more than a mile.

Residents of Ocean Park have stunning views of the marshes, stream, shoreline, and, of course, the renowned Ocean Course.

A unique tree house and play area that promotes imaginative play, physical activity, and taking part in the authentic coastal forest experience can be found at the center of Ocean Park.

Final Thoughts

Now that you already know how beautiful Kiawah Island is, never miss each chance to visit them!

Kiawah Island is a kind of city that upholds the things that made it famous around the world and continually maintains it over time.

Remind yourself that we only live once, make the most of it by visiting Kiawah Island of South Carolina!

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