Car Accident Attorney inKiawah Island, SC

It’s high time you added this Lowcountry destination to your beach bucket list.

Follow winding, oak-shaded roads 25 miles southwest of downtown Charleston's cobblestone streets and celebrated restaurant scene, and you'll find yourself on Kiawah Island. Carved by the Kiawah River on one side and fronting the Atlantic Ocean on the other, the barrier island is a true escape. Here, nature reigns supreme: ten miles of beaches roll out along the Atlantic; cicadas form their own sort of soundtrack; and lights-out is often determined by the sea turtles' nesting season. Even so, there's plenty to do for travelers who like their time in nature punctuated with good food, luxurious creature comforts, and a frozen drink in hand. Here are seven things to do in Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

Stay Like a Local

For access to all of Kiawah's amenities, from bike rentals to pools, you'll have to stay on the island. For an experience that's luxurious but unpretentious, book a room at The Sanctuary, an oceanfront hotel known for its five-star service and elevated onsite dining. For families who want a little room to spread out (or a kitchen), villa and home rentals are a smart choice; reserve through the resort directly, or book through a site like VRBO or Airbnb.

Spend a Day on the Sand

On the west end of the island, Beachwalker Park is Kiawah's only public beach access feels like a hidden gem, thanks to its wide, unspoiled expanses of sand. It offers the best of both worlds: In addition to the ocean frontage, you can also score views of the Kiawah River here.

Hit the Links

Five state-of-the-art golf courses are open to the public. For avid fans of the sport, the Ocean Course alone makes Kiawah worth the trip. Host to two PGA Championships, the 18-hole course is not for the faint of heart. Raised above the dunes to capitalize on the expansive shore views, golfers are also subjected to ocean breezes (which don't make for an easy or predictable trip around the green). Try Cougar Point for marsh views and a slightly less technical experience.

Go for a Cruise

One of the best ways to explore the island is to leave the car in park and take a beach cruiser for a spin (you can reserve them through the resort or bring your own). Between 30 miles of paved trails and 10 miles of hard-packed beach, there's no shortage of routes to explore. Ask for directions to the Marsh View Tower, an observation deck primed for birdwatching and soaking in the marsh and river scenery.

Visit Heron Park Nature Center

The naturalists here will school you in many of the species who call the island home, from bobcats and white-tailed deer to loggerhead sea turtles and American alligators. Sign up for a guided tour, like "Back Island Birding", "Marsh Kayaking," or "Ocean Seining and Beach Combing," or ask for their recommendations for the best nature-spotting places in the area.

Explore Freshfields Village

Built around a lush lawn, Freshfields Village has plenty of restaurants and shops to explore, plus a boutique stay, the Andell Inn. Pick up a beach read at Indigo Books; snag treats for your four-legged friends at Dolittle's; and gear up for island adventures SeaCoast Sports and Outfitters. Start the morning with coffee and a breakfast sandwich from Java Java; settle in for grilled cheese and a milkshake at retro Vincent's Drugstore & Soda Fountain; or cap off the day with a glass of wine at FortyEight Wine Bar and Kitchen. Check their calendar for seasonal events, like summertime's "Music on the Green" concert series and farmer's market.

Venture to Bohicket Marina & Market

Make the short drive to neighboring Seabrook Island for a taste of the area's salty maritime culture. Snag a umbrella-shaded table on the upper deck at Salty Dog Café for fresh catch, a cold beer, and riverfront views of the boats coming and going from the marina.

Nestled between the incredible beaches of South Carolina lies a true gem of Kiawah Island, known for its stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, and abundant wildlife. However, beyond its natural beauty and luxurious amenities, this charming island offers numerous activities and experiences that will make the trip even more memorable. From exploring the island's rich history to indulging in local cuisine, the article lists some of the best things to do in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, to make one's trip to this stunning spot all the more memorable.

Enjoy The Serenity At Kiawah Beachwalker Park

Located on the western end of Kiawah Island, Kiawah Beachwalker Park is a public beach and one of the many popular and magical island getaways in the US, thanks to its pristine white sand shoreline and all-year-round recreational activities. The park features outdoor showers, picnic areas, and a beautiful boardwalk with an observation deck offering incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, the park is a popular spot to enjoy sunbathing, beachcombing, birdwatching, swimming, and playing volleyball at the beach.

9 Take A Bike Ride On The Beautiful Trails Of Kiawah Island

With over 30 miles of paved bike trails and countless scenic beaches, biking is a great way to explore the island's natural beauty and unique ecology. Tourists can rent a bike from several places on the island to ride through the beautiful trails winding through the island's beautiful parks and golf courses with incredible views of the beach and island skyline. The most popular biking routes on the island include the Marsh View Trail, Beachwalker Park Trail, Night Heron Park trail, and Ocean Course Loop, offering visitors a glimpse of the island's beautiful landscape.

Play Golf At Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Located on Kiawah Island, Kiawah Island Golf Club is a world-renowned golf resort known for its five championship golf courses, namely the Ocean Course, Turtle Point, Osprey Point, Oak Point, and Cougar Point. Besides the beautiful golf courses, the resort has several other amenities for visitors, including a pro shop, practice facilities, and various dining options serving delicious local and continental cuisines. Guests can also enjoy various recreational activities while taking nature tours around the resort to explore the island's natural beauty.

Related: 10 Reasons South Carolina Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

Go Fishing At Mingo Point

Mingo Point is a popular fishing point and outdoor event venue on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, featuring beautiful views of the scenic marshes, surrounded by tall grass and live oak trees, with gleaming waters of the Kiawah River. During summer, Mingo Point hosts weekly events, such as oyster roasts, barbecues, and live music performances, offering a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, crabbing, and kayaking. The venue also has an outdoor restaurant that serves classic Lowcountry cuisine for guests to enjoy scrumptious meals under the shade of lush green trees, overlooking the stagnant waters of the river.

6 Kayak Through The Waters Of Kiawah Island

Kayaking is a popular and enjoyable activity in watersports on Kiawah island for visitors of all ages. There are several kayaking tour companies and rentals on Kiawah island, offering visitors a unique perspective on the area's abundant wildlife and stunning scenery. The popular kayaking destinations on the island include the Kiawah River, the Stono River, Bohicket Creek, and Folly Beach (which is beautiful in the fall), winding its way through marshes and creeks, offering an opportunity to see dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of bird species, including, pelicans, egrets, and ospreys.

5 Take A Sunset Cruise Around Kiawah Island

Taking a sunset cruise from Kiawah Island is one of the best ways to experience the island's natural beauty while soaking in the breathtaking views of the sunset and local wildlife on the coast of South Carolina, including various seabirds and marine animals such as sea turtles and dolphins. During the cruise, the guests can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery while sipping a drink with light snacks. Some companies even offer dinner or dessert cruises, allowing passengers to enjoy a full meal while relaxing with the incredible sunset vistas.

Related: 10 Awesome Things That You Can Do In South Carolina

4 Explore Kiawah Island History At Rockville Historic District

Located on the southern end of Wadmalaw Island, just a few minutes' drive from Kiawah Island, Rockville Historic District is one of the well-preserved and beautiful 19th-century towns in South Carolina. Established in the 1800s, the district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, giving visitors a glimpse into the early life of the inhabitants of the region. Some of the main attractions in the district include the Rockville Presbyterian Church and the Toogoodoo Plantation House, and the Rockville Center, a popular spot for visitors to purchase local goods and souvenirs.

3 Experience The Luxury Spa At The Sanctuary Kiawah Island

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort features a luxurious spa offering a wide range of treatments and services designed to help guests relax and rejuvenate, making the vacation even more memorable. The spa facility has a serene and relaxing ambiance featuring various treatment rooms, a couple's suite, a relaxation room, a sauna facility, and whirlpools. The spa offers various services, including facials, body treatments, and other salon treatments, for the visitors to enjoy a luxurious and relaxing retreat after a tiring sightseeing seeing session at Kiawah island.

2 Discover The Local Food Scene At Freshfield Village

Freshfields Village is a shopping and dining destination on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, offering a diverse food scene. The place is a pedestrian-friendly, open-air district offering a variety of upscale restaurants and casual eateries, including Ladles Soups and King Street Grille, and Obstinate Daughter. Visitors can also enjoy a number of other activities, including live music, concert holiday celebrations, and seasonal festivals taking place throughout the year.

Related: These Waterfalls In South Carolina Are Some Of The Most Stunning

1 Explore The Incredible Salt Marshes Of Kiawah At Marsh Island Park

Marsh Island Park is a small island on the Kiawah River, accessible only by boat or kayak, featuring a boardwalk and hiking trails winding through the island's natural marshland and forested areas. The highlight of the park is a wooden lookout tower offering panoramic views of the beautiful salt marshes and surrounding landscape. Visitors to the park can enjoy birdwatching, fishing, crabbing, and other outdoor activities with various picnic tables and benches to relax and enjoy the scenic views, making for a peaceful spot for nature lovers and enthusiasts.

Just 25 miles from downtown Charleston, Kiawah and Seabrook islands are the destinations for anyone looking to escape the bustle of the city.

These islands offer so much more than beautiful beaches. They have sports, spas, top restaurants and amazing shopping.

We’ve compiled a guide for tourists and locals drawn to the islands’ natural beauty. Whether you like fine dining or a relaxed day on the golf course or the beach, we have a guide for you.

Explore

The two barrier islands each offer world-class golf courses that have been featured in major sporting events. Anyone looking to live out their professional golf fantasy can find a home at Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Ocean Course. The resort has twice hosted the PGA Golf Championship, in 2012 and in 2021.

The resort renovated all of its courses in preparation for the 2021 tournament which brought thousands of fans to the island.

Those looking for a golf membership should also consider the Seabrook Island Club. The club’s two courses, Ocean Winds and Crooked Oaks, are open to members, group outings and events.

The two islands aren’t just for golfers; they also feature world-class beaches. Kiawah alone has 10 miles of beaches. The Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission operates Beachwalker County Park, the only beach on the island open to the public.

Seabrook’s Pelican and North beaches also offer views of the sunset and sunrise, although they are not open to the public. The rest of Kiawah’s beaches are privately owned, so those looking for a longer stay should consider all-access options.

The islands are also a great place to explore Lowcountry wildlife. Those looking to get up close to dolphins should visit the northernmost tip of North Beach during low tide at Seabrook or Captain Sam’s Inlet on Kiawah. Bottlenose dolphins are known to strand-feed there — a technique the dolphins used to trap fish and drive them onto sandbars and shorelines.

Kiawah’s brackish and freshwater ponds are also home to alligators throughout the island. They can be seen lying on pond edges, basking in the sun.

The islands also serve as nesting grounds for sea turtles. From mid-May through early August, female turtles come ashore to lay anywhere from 100 to 150 eggs in nests they dig in the sand. Island patrol members and wildlife officials work to protect the nests from human interference throughout the season.

Shopping

Interested in shopping? All Kiawah visitors need to do is travel to Freshfields Village near the island’s entrance.

It has a plethora of high-end clothing chains such as Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines and Johnny Was. It also has boutiques such as Signature Oak, SHOWROOM and Holly & Brooks.

There are shops offering apparel and wares for both men and women, including Southern Tide, and stores for outdoor enthusiasts, such as SeaCoast Sports and Outfitters.

Seabrook also offers many shopping options for visitors. Seabrook Shoppe offers an array of souvenirs.

Eat and drink like a local

The islands have restaurants for every type of foodie.

Kiawah offers high-end fare such as Jasmine Porch and The Ocean Room at the Sanctuary hotel.

People can also visit Beaches & Cream for coffee and dessert or grab Italian food at Tomasso at Turtle Point.

The island also offers more casual eateries like La Tela Pizzeria, Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill for Japanese lovers, and Cantina 76 for Mexican fans.

Seabrook boasts relaxed food like McCann’s Irish Pub and Kiss Cafe.

Kids may be returning to school, but there’s still plenty of summer left for a few rounds of golf in South Carolina.

But where should you tee off to get the best bang for your buck?

The Palmetto State isn’t hurting for golf courses. Myrtle Beach alone has more than 90 courses, most of which are public. How about letting Golf Digest help you decide?

The popular monthly magazine has compiled its list of the 100 best public golf courses in the U.S. for 2023. This year, Golf Digest placed four South Carolina public golf courses on the list. However, only one course broke the top five, ranking third on the list this year.

Located on the eastern-most end of Kiawah Island, the Ocean Course has the most seaside hills in the Northern Hemisphere. The course was designed to give players an unobstructed view of the coastline from every hole.

The course can also be particularly challenging, due to strong winds from the Atlantic.

“Every hole is edged by sawgrass, every green has tricky slopes, every bunker merges into bordering sand dunes,” Golf Digest writes. “The Ocean Course will forever be linked with Phil Mickelson and his improbable victory at the 2021 PGA Championship.”

#27 Harbour Town Golf Links

This perennial favorite among PGA Tour players is located on Hilton Head Island. The course has undergone recent enhancements, such as new Celebration Bermuda grass for the fairways and a new irrigation system. Since 1969, it has been home to the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing.

#51 May River Golf Club at Palmetto Bluff

This 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in Bluffton is surrounded by century-old live oaks and scenic native landscapes. The 7,171-yard course includes several holes on the bank of the river.

“The classic routing has the front nine turning clockwise through forest while the back nine circles counter-clockwise, and each touch repeatedly on the wetlands of namesake May River,” Golf Digest wrote. “Gorgeous and mysterious at every turn, the course is at its best when it gets players thinking, like at the short par-4 seventh where they must decide to either lay up to an island of fairway or take a swipe at a shallow green situated on another small isthmus of land along the marsh.”

#71 The Dunes Golf & Beach Club

Built in the 1940s, the Dunes Golf and Beach Club dubs itself as the premier country club in Myrtle Beach. The 18-hole, oceanside course has been host to numerous high-end golf tournaments, from the PGA Senior Tour to the USGA Women’s Open.

This story was originally published August 11, 2023, 6:00 AM.

Have you ever dreamed of rolling out of bed to watch the sun rise over the ocean waves? Do you find that a week at the beach is too short? If you love to spend your days searching for sea shells, watching for marine wildlife, or simply walking in the sand, you may have thought about purchasing a second home that would let you enjoy the ocean any time you please. In fact, some of the beaches in South Carolina are among some of the most popular in the entire country.

Each year, thousands of visitors flock to Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, and other beachside towns in South Carolina and its neighboring states of Georgia and North Carolina. Yet if you have ever considered purchasing a beach house, you know that oceanfront property does not come cheap. This article covers five of the most popular and most expensive beaches in South Carolina. You will discover basic facts about each place and the key numbers that prove that they are among the most expensive places to buy a beach house in the entire state. Let’s dive in now, starting with the most expensive beach community in South Carolina.

Sullivan’s Island

First on the list of most expensive beaches in South Carolina is the town of Sullivan’s Island. Sullivan’s Island is a barrier island close to Charleston Harbor. This 2.5-mile island has a small-town feel with gorgeous beaches, marshes, and plenty of history and culture for visitors to enjoy. Located only about 10 miles outside of downtown Charleston, you can reach Sullivan’s Island after a quick 20-minute drive. This beach town is a popular destination for families with young children and retirees alike and provides plenty of award-winning restaurants, watersports like kayaking and swimming, and historic landmarks.

The quiet, picturesque town gives residents and visitors a sense of rural peace while a population of only about 2,000 ensures that neighbors know each other. The majority of homes are owned, with fewer than 20% of residents renting their homes on Sullivan’s Island. However, purchasing a home here will come at a steep price tag.

In June 2023, the average home price in Sullivan’s Island was around $3 million – but in 2022 the majority of single-family homes in Sullivan’s Island sold for $3.8 million. Halfway through 2023, the year’s median was up to $4.7 million. In June 2023, one oceanfront home sold for an incredible $6.29 million, setting a record for the year. Back in November 2020, another oceanfront villa sold for a whopping $8.2 million! Not only is Sullivan’s Island the most expensive beach community in which to buy a house in South Carolina, but it is also one of the top most expensive in the country!

Kiawah Island

Next up is Kiawah Island, a beach in South Carolina called an “oasis of untouched natural beauty and renowned hospitality.” The town of Kiawah Island is located about 21 miles outside of Charleston. With 10 miles of beaches and diverse habitats – from sand dunes to forests and marshes – Kiawah Island is the place to find wildlife thriving. From sea turtles to alligators and whitetail deer and bobcats, Kiawah Island is a window into ocean ecosystems and land mammals alike. This resort island has world-renowned golf resorts, including the famous Kiawah Island Golf Resort which has hosted golfing championships.

This charming resort island has a regular calendar of events, a thriving restaurant and shopping scene, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Buying a home on Kiawah Island, however, could be an adventure of its own. Most of the homes on Kiawah Island are rented out during the year to the numerous guests visiting the beaches. Homeowners can expect to pay steep homeowners association (HOA) fees, significant upfront costs, flood insurance, and more. However, the local market makes up for that with a lot of options. Do you want to live in a condo? Would you prefer to buy a house? Are you looking for a beachfront mansion? Whichever it is, Kiawah Island has it all.

In 2022, the median price of a single-family home was $2.7 million. The island saw an incredible $742 million in sales.

Isle of Palms

The town of Isle of Palms is located on the barrier island also called “Isle of Palms.” This residential and resort community with a population of just over 4,300. Take a 20-minute drive from Charleston, and you might end up walking the six miles of white, sandy beaches. Isle of Palms has many bike paths around the island, lots of recreation facilities and opportunities to enjoy every sport from tennis to softball. On the north end of the island, the Wild Dunes Resort commands 1,500 acres of land. There, you will find pools, tennis courts, and golf, as well as homes and vacation rentals.

Isle of Palms is often voted one of the best places to live in South Carolina since the town offers plenty of restaurants and activities and operates like a tiny city. This self-contained ecosystem has everything you will need to live or vacation in a beachside house.

However, purchasing a home on the Isle of Palms might not be easy. In 2022, the median home price for a single-family home was $1.98 million. Yet by June 2023, the median home price was already up to $2.15 million – and prices still seemed to be on the upswing.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach is a town on Folly Island. In this beachfront city just south of Charleston, life revolves around the ocean. Whether biking the beachfront trails, kayaking, surfing, swimming, or boating, visitors flock to Folly Beach to enjoy the sun, surf, and sand. This 12-square-mile barrier island offers 6 miles of beaches and a quirky assortment of local businesses – from seafood restaurants to cafes and small shops.

Folly Beach is also steeped in history. From pirate legends to Civil War history, Folly Beach was historically the site of dastardly deeds and military occupation. Despite being abandoned after the Civil War and later being hit by devastating hurricanes, Folly Beach made an amazing comeback during the 20th century. Today, the boardwalk and the many local attractions bring thousands of visitors to the town that 2,400 residents call home.

In 2022, the median cost of a single-family home in Folly Beach was $1.66 million. Even a small two-bedroom bungalow could easily set you back $1.2 million.

Seabrook Island

Yet another Charleston-area beach town is Seabrook Island. This small, welcoming oceanfront community boasts of natural beauty, miles of pristine beaches, forest, and marshland. Seabrook Island is a private community on a gated barrier island. This means that Seabrook Island is exclusively accessible to residents and their guests. Privacy, peace, and nature attract members who want to enjoy the natural wonders away from crowded beaches.

Thanks to its exclusivity, Seabrook Island features many luxury homes, including those that look out at the ocean or feature river, marsh, forest, or golf course views. As a planned community, Seabrook Island’s designers sought to maintain the natural habitat, keep the local wildlife, and provide luxury real estate.

Unlike in other towns on this list, there is a unique process to become part of the Seabrook Island community. The Seabrook Island Real Estate team is your official source for buying and selling homes in Seabrook Island. You get the choice to buy a unique home or build your own, with the chance to surround yourself with incredible sights. The average home size on Seabrook Island is about 3,000 square feet. With 2,600 residential properties, you can choose from among 38 different mini-communities “within the community” – get a villa, cottage, or townhome.

In 2022, the median cost of a single-family home on Seabrook Island was $1.2 million. By June 2023, that cost had risen to $1.37 million.

Share this post on:

About the Author

Carrie is a writer and fan of all types of plants and animals. Her apartment is home to more than dozen different houseplants and she aspires to adopt more in the near future. You can find Carrie taking long walks or reading a book under the trees in the park.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.