What To Do on Kiawah Island Throughout the Year

Kiawah Island has so much more to offer than just its natural beauty. After all, there’s a reason Kiawah has been awarded as Conde Nast Traveler Best U.S. Islands Readers’ Choice for several years now. 

Whether you’re planning a trip to the Island, or are simply seeking inspiration, here are nine activities you can enjoy all year long on Kiawah. 

Relaxing Things To Do on Kiawah Island

Play a Round of Golf

The Kiawah Island Golf Resort boasts five premier golf courses with public access. Each top-rated course showcases its own unique scenery of the Lowcountry that can be played year-round. 

1. The Ocean Course

The most famous course on Kiawah Island is The Ocean Course, which is set to host the 2021 PGA Championship and is the fourth greatest public course in the nation according to Golf Digest. It’s no wonder this course is a favorite amongst professionals and beginners alike. 

2. Osprey Point Golf Course

The notable Osprey Point Golf Course was once a Members-only course, but has since opened its doors to the public. With four challenging Par 5s, the Osprey Course is sure to test your golfing skills (and patience). 

3. Oak Point Golf Course

The third course on our list is a recent recipient of the Charleston Golf Course Owners Association Course of the Year award. The Oak Point Golf Course is nestled between coastal forests and surrounded by the Kiawah River and Haulover Creek on either side. It’s truly a can’t-miss for those visiting the Island. 

4. Turtle Point Golf Course

Turtle Point Golf Course has hosted the Carolina’s Amateur, Carolina’s PGA, and several PGA Cup Matches. After a nine month renovation period lead by Jack Nicklaus, Turtle Point reopened in 2016 and has since been reviewed as one of the most sharply-designed courses in the area. 

5. Cougar Point Golf Course

Last but not least, the Cougar Point Golf Course has been touted as the resort’s “must-play” course. This striking course provides a playable round coupled with impeccable landscaping. 

Melt the Stress Away with a Spa Day

Close your eyes and relax while spending a day at the incredible Sanctuary Spa at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Allow yourself to be pampered with a massage treatment or custom facial by their expert staff.  

Kiawah Island Club Members enjoy exclusive access to the resort’s private spa for Club Members only. Clodagh Design is the mastermind behind the Sasanqua Spa, which has been designed to strengthen your connection to the outdoors with the use of natural treatments and products.

Shop and Stroll through Freshfields Village

Nothing takes the stress away quite like a shopping day. While you could visit nearby Charleston for your shopping excursion, we suggest spending the day strolling through Freshfields Village. With more than 30 shops, Freshfields has something for everyone. 

Start your day by ordering a latte and a scone from Java Java, then explore the variety of shops and boutiques until lunchtime. Cantina 76, FortyEight, and Fuji Sushi Bar and Grill are some of our favorite lunch spots for a quick bite and adult beverage. Then, conclude your day with a relaxing manicure at Kiawah Nail Studio — you deserve it.

Romantic Things To Do on Kiawah Island

Pack a Picnic for Two

Nothing is more romantic than a picnic, especially on the beaches of Kiawah at sunset. Bring some food and wine to create the perfect dinner for two. Or, order a picnic bag from The Market at Town Center for a freshly prepared meal you can take with you. 

Go Out for Dinner and a Drink

For a casual date, make a reservation at Hege’s for simple, yet traditional, French cuisine. If you’d like dinner with a view, we recommend The Atlantic Room at The Ocean Course where you can dine on local seafood while gazing out at the famous golf course. Afterward, indulge in a nightcap on the patio of the Ryder Cup Bar. 

Adventurous Things To Do on Kiawah Island

Tour the Island by Bike

Feel the breeze through your hair and see Kiawah from a different perspective — by bike. With over 30 miles of biking trails, the options for exploring are endless. Biking can be a romantic excursion for just the two of you, or a collaborative experience for the whole family. You can’t go wrong either way. 

If you don’t have your own bike, we suggest renting a beach cruiser from Alligator Bikes for the day. 

Spot the Local Wildlife 

Connect with nature in an exciting way by booking one of Kiawah Island’s many wildlife excursions. Watch first-hand from the deck of a boat as Bottlenose Dolphins swim and play, or catch that night’s dinner by booking a crabbing excursion for the entire family to enjoy together. 

Try Your Hand at Surfing

Visitors and locals of all ages can learn how to surf and glide the waves of the Atlantic Ocean throughout the year on Kiawah. Both group and private lessons are available, depending on how much personalized training you’re looking for. 

If you’re not ready to try your hand at surfing though, another option is stand-up paddle boarding. With paddle boarding docks across the Island, there are plenty of opportunities for you and your family to put your balance to the test.

Shoot Clays at the Sporting Club

Families with Club Memberships can spend their day shooting clays and firing air rifles with Marty Fischer or Elizabeth Fennell, two of the most prestigious clay shooters in the nation. Members can schedule their private lessons by emailing Member Services. 

No matter where you turn on Kiawah Island, you’re bound to find something to do. If you’d like more ideas for things to do around Kiawah Island, are interested in calling Kiawah home, or would like to learn more about Club Memberships, contact us. With decades of experience, we know the Island better than anyone else and are happy to provide our recommendations to help you make the most of your experience here.