Spend Your Summer Vacation on Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island is incredible in the summertime. It’s a slice of paradise and a hidden gem in the heart of the Lowcountry. With miles of pristine beaches, an abundance of wildlife free to roam about, and some of the most elegant hotels and restaurants in the state… there’s no better place to spend your summer vacation than on Kiawah Island. 

A secluded Island with this much history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities offers the perfect vacation for everyone. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or an adventure for your family, you will never forget the time you spend here. 

To get started on planning your perfect summer vacation, take a look at our Kiawah Island Summer Vacation Checklist. Learn some of the best things to do around the Island and experience Kiawah like a local. By the end of your trip, don’t be surprised if you are inspired to extend your vacation a bit longer!

Kiawah Island Summer Vacation Checklist

Feel the Ocean Breeze 

While most people long to spend their summer vacations lounging around on a quiet beach and soaking up the sun, this is one of the main attractions on Kiawah. 

As a Club Member, enjoy access to the incredible Members-only Beach Club, where oceanfront views meet luxury living. Lay poolside at one of three beautiful pools for a day of good food with full service and cocktails at the Club’s bar with views of the sea. Or, take the family to The Sandcastle for access to a private beach, resort-style pools, children’s wading pools, a fitness center, and more. 

Elevate your Kiawah Island experience with a Club Membership and gain access to the most luxurious amenities, including the Sancastle and recently renovated Beach Club, that the Island has to offer. Click below to start your journey.

 

Alternatively, a more active crowd looking for a thrilling adventure can rent a variety of boards for surfing or skimming the ocean waves. Even games like cornhole and bocce ball are available for rent if your family never misses out on game night. 

The greatest benefit of spending summer vacation on Kiawah is the Island’s privacy. Local residents and resort guests have exclusive access to the entire Island, meaning less tourists and a better experience for you. 

Play a Round on Several of the Best Golf Courses in the World

If a relaxing summer spent golfing is what you are in search of, you will find it here. Club Members have access to two private, championship-level golf courses, The River Course and Cassique Golf Course. Both of these courses have made a name for themselves in difficulty as well as design, and are frequently ranked in the Top 200 by Golf Digest. Learn more about these incredible private courses.  

Island guests, on the other hand, are able to play at any one of the four expert-level resort golf courses that are open to the public — Osprey Point, Turtle Point, Cougar Point, and Oak Point. Each fairway has been designed to maximize scenic views while providing a challenging game.  

By far the most famous course on the Island is The Ocean Course, which was designed by the legendary Pete Dye. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean, this course has more seaside holes than any other course in all of North America, making it a must-play on every golfer’s bucket list. Additionally, it is just one of a handful of courses to have hosted each of the PGA of America’s major championships and is set to host its second PGA Championship in 2021. 

Vacation tip: The possibilities for adventure are endless on Kiawah Island. Complete your summer vacation with one of the many unforgettable tours and excursions offered.

Embrace the Culture of the Lowcountry

Get a sense of Kiawah’s past and explore some of the most historic and charming parts of town. Start by taking a stroll down Eugenia Avenue, named after the wife of real estate developer C.C. Royal, who built the first summer vacation home on the Island back in 1950. 

Take note of the distinct architectural style of the buildings and residential homes on Kiawah, there is a good chance you have never seen anything like it. Thanks to the resident’s dedication in preserving the Island’s beauty, the community’s architectural design focuses on blending in every man-made structure with its surrounding scenery. This ensures that Kiawah maintains the vast landscape without much disturbance.

In true Southern fashion, spend your afternoons sitting on a porch with a glass of sweet tea and watch as the world slows down around you. There are several excellent outdoor seating areas across the Island where you can take in views of the sea, marsh, or one of the many award-winning golf courses. To enjoy a private view all to yourself, book an oceanfront suite at the luxurious Sanctuary Hotel where you can look out at the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean from your own balcony. Don’t forget to have room service bring up your sweet tea!

Indulge in the Innovative Culinary Scene

The food scene on Kiawah is simply outstanding thanks to its many talented chefs blazing a trail in the Island’s culinary scene. With such a wide range of options to choose from, you will never have to leave the Island in search of good food.  

Kiawah Club Members can dine on cuisine created by a Top Chef and James Beard Award finalist. Chef Tom Colicchio, the consulting chef at Voyses, is known for his work as a judge on the Food Network’s Top Chef. Likewise, Chef Mike Lata, is the consulting chef for the B-Liner restaurant and owner of the notable FIG restaurant in Charleston. 

If you are in the mood for a romantic evening and the finest dining, make a reservation at The Atlantic Room Steakhouse or The Ocean Room for freshly caught, local seafood. Both restaurants offer seasonal menu items along with an extensive selection of curated wines to go with your meal. 

On the other hand, families in search of an authentic Southern dinner will enjoy the outdoor experience at Mingo Point Oyster Roast and BBQ. Savor the taste of fresh oysters roasted over an open fire, along with a traditional South Carolina barbeque. Situated along the banks of the Kiawah River, this iconic spot is perfect for a fun night together as a family.

Appreciate the Island’s Local Wildlife

Being as close to nature as you are on Kiawah gives you a deep appreciation for the native wildlife. This is why Kiawah is the perfect place to teach your children the importance of protecting wildlife and preserving nature through conservation. Learn about the area’s ecosystem during a trip to the Night Heron Park Nature center where you can speak with an expert area naturalist. 

To see Kiawah’s wildlife in its natural habitat, explore the vast salt marshes as you paddle through winding tidal creeks. Kayaking through the marsh is one of the best ways to see the Island’s wildlife up close and personal. A private boathouse with access to kayaks and bookable tours is available to Club Members as well. If you are lucky, you may come across a group of wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins feeding. To give you an idea of the wildlife to expect when visiting, these Dolphins are actually one of the most common marine mammals that inhabit the Island! 

Extend Your Summer Vacation by Calling Kiawah Island Home

Kiawah Island is hard to emulate because the experience you will have here is unforgettable. The good news is, the fun doesn’t have to end once your summer vacation is over. Let your Kiawah summer fade into fall, winter, and spring by purchasing your dream home on Kiawah Island. Browse available homes for sale below.