Enjoy a Weekend Getaway with These Kiawah Island Activities

On Kiawah, the relaxed lifestyle is defined by gentle ocean breezes, vast marshland, and a sense of refinement that sets it apart from other Southern beach towns. 

While locals get to experience the Island’s elegant Lowcountry personality day-to-day, visitors can also see what Kiawah has to offer, even in just a short period of time. As Charleston’s sophisticated little sister, Kiawah Island has enough things to do to keep you busy for an entire weekend — and have you planning a second trip before you even leave. 

If you want to experience Kiawah like the locals do, here’s our list of where to stay, what to eat, and other Kiawah Island activities so you can plan the perfect weekend getaway. 

Where to Stay

You will find various accommodations that offer you a tailored experience during your stay on Kiawah. Choose from a seaside resort or a private villa as your homebase during your 36 hours here.

The Sanctuary Hotel

As part of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, this hotel is the definition of Southern Charm. Guest rooms at The Sanctuary are comfortable retreats with luxurious detail throughout. The resort’s 5-star service makes it easy to indulge in relaxation, even if only for 36 hours. A few resort amenities include olympic-size swimming pools complete with poolside food and drink service, access to some of the best golf courses in the country, and a private beach for a day of memorable fun with your family. 

Private Villas 

Travelers wanting privacy or a more intimate experience should look no further than the Resort’s private villas. Along with excellent service and the amenities included with the hotel, the villas grant visitors complete access to the entire Island — something no other accommodation on Kiawah can offer. Consider a villa rental to truly live like a local and enjoy the Island at your own pace.

What to Eat

Dining on delicious food is without a doubt one of the greatest Kiawah Island activities you will enjoy during your trip. Depending on the atmosphere and presentation you are looking for, restaurants can be classified as fine dining or relaxed.

Fine Dining

The Ocean Room is known as Kiawah’s ‘Signature Steakhouse.’ Being the only steakhouse in the country to earn both Forbes 4 Star and AAA 4 Diamond ratings, you can expect the ultimate fine dining experience when coming here. 

For spectacular seafood, try out The Atlantic Room. Here you will find elegant cuisine highlighting regional ingredients. Sip on a glass of wine and look out across the famous Ocean Course as golfers move across the landscape adjacent to the water’s edge. We suggest the lobster deviled eggs featuring local caviar to start.

Relaxed Dining

The Jasmine Porch offers southern-style seafood options that are locally sourced. Stop by here if you need something more casual but want to soak in some views of the Atlantic ocean. Try the she crab bisque and shrimp and grits for an authentic taste of the Lowcountry. 

Set in a relaxed atmosphere, The Ryder Cup Bar is the perfect place to enjoy delicious pub fare while laughing over drinks with friends. Stop by for lunch or a casual dinner after a day of excursions or golf. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask for the Gator Bite — a cocktail with a spicy kick that is surprisingly refreshing. 

What to Do

With so many Kiawah Island activities to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a romantic getaway, or a girl’s trip there’s almost too much to do in just 36 hours! Here are some ideas to get you started.

Family-Friendly Activities

Kiawah Island is a kid’s paradise. The nature, beach, and wildlife make this Island ideal for kids of any age who love to explore and have fun. 

If it’s your first time visiting, we recommend spending at least one afternoon at the Nightwalker Beach. Consistently voted one of the top beaches in the area, you can soak in the sun while your kids run free among the sand dunes. With a variety of games available to play, why not have your usual family game night on the beach for an unforgettable time together.

Family-friendly recreational activities such as kayaking excursions, surfing lessons, and much more are also available right on shore. Let the kids pick an activity while you unwind and find a quiet spot to enjoy a picnic or cocktail while watching them learn something new. Better yet, join in on the fun and take a lesson with them!

Romantic Activities

Take your vacation a different direction and cherish quality time with your partner on Kiawah Island. Romantic activities such as a sunset cruise and a nighttime beach walk are the perfect way to watch a dreamy sunset as you explore the ins and outs of Kiawah’s natural landscape. 

The following day, plan a picnic for two and order a curated picnic basket to-go and savor your favorite bites as you overlook the water. Use this time to reconnect as you take in the sights and sounds of the sea. 

End the day by experiencing the tranquility and stillness nighttime brings to the marsh. Partake in a twilight kayaking tour where you will be guided through tall marsh grasses and winding creeks that will leave you in awe.

Girl’s Trip Activities

A girl’s trip isn’t complete without a visit to a world-class spa as one of your planned Kiawah Island activities. Rejuvenate your mind and body at the incredible Sasanqua Spa. Allow yourself to be pampered with a massage treatment or custom facial while catching up with your closest friends.  

Afterwards, go out for appetizers and drinks at one of the Island’s restaurants. For some of the best views of Kiawah, make reservations at the Atlantic Room and dine on bites of fresh seafood accompanied by expertly-selected wines. 

Tour Real Estate

You can’t visit Kiawah without seeing some of the finest in homes in America. On the Island, all homes and structures are built to mirror the natural beauty of the landscape, resulting in luxury homes that provide seamless indoor-outdoor living. 

Let one of our Sales Executives take you to the Island’s most eastern tip and discover the Ocean Park community, one of the most exquisite areas of the Island. Here, you can see the Island’s newest collection of homes, The Cottages at Marsh Walk. You will also get the chance to learn about the exclusive Kiawah Island Club and its many amenities offered to Club Members. 

Living on Kiawah Island

There’s no better way to experience the Island than to eat, drink and take part in Kiawah Island activities like a local. 

To experience all of this yourself contact us to plan a discovery weekend. We can assist you in planning a trip to Kiawah Island to help you imagine what life here would be like.