Location: Kiawah Island
Top Things to do in Kiawah Island
Top Restaurants in Kiawah Island
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Things to do in Kiawah Island, South Carolina (SC): The Best Outdoor Activities
Nature lovers unite on this barrier island on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean 21 miles south of Charleston. Brimming with lush foliage at every glance, Kiawah Island has ten miles of wide sandy beaches, 123 acres of parks, 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, and world-class golf courses. To get a true sense of the beauty of Kiawah Island venture to Marsh Island Park where you’ll be rewarded with stunning scenic views atop the Marsh Island Lookout Tower of the Kiawah River, saltwater marshes, and island hammocks. For animal lovers, don’t miss the Heron Park Nature Center where you can participate in nature tours and programs, birding walks, butterfly walks, and alligator walks. Bird admirers love the Great Egret Rookery, a spot where you can typically see several dozen of the magnificent white birds in trees over a lagoon. For an exceptional picnic area head to Beachwalker Park, which has a wide boardwalk that winds through palmettos, oaks, and pines. Golf on Kiawah Island is not just any recreation amenity, it’s a way of life. There are five championship courses on the island highlighted by the Pete Dye designed Ocean Course site of the 1991 Ryder Cup matches and 2007 Senior PGA Championship. In 2012, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort will host the 94th PGA Championship. Other courses to play include the Jack Nicklaus designed Turtle Point and Gary Player designed Cougar Point courses.
Restaurants in Kiawah Island
1. Saltfisher Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
For the best of Kiawah Fishing Charters, Dolphin, Eco Tours, Charleston Harbor History tours, contact us! Capt. Mike has conducted several thousand excursions for the Kiawah Nature Center since 2004 and is an expert in the local waters. The boat is a 26 foot Avenger that carries a maximum of 6 people. When you call to make your reservation, request Capt. Mike. He loves sharing his passion for the outdoors with visitors to the area.
2. Sonny Boy Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Operating out of Bohicket Marina, Sonny Boy Charters provides unforgettable nearshore and inshore fishing charters, dolphin watching tours, or sunset cruises in and around Kiawah and Seabrook islands.
3. Alligator Bike
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
4. Kiawah Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 574 reviews
A major golf course, beautiful beaches and miles of conservation land make this private island a desirable attraction.
Reviewed By dlifton
Kiawah Island is a special place on earth! Wonderful stretches of uncrowded beach on this private island. Great family vacation spot to rent a home / condo with options of riding on the bike trails, seeing magnificent homes, play tennis, golf, fish / crab and use a gateway to visit historic Charleston.
5. Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 reviews
Reviewed By 710januaryh
Disclaimer: I've been spoiled by Florida Gulf Coast beaches over the years, so at first I was sad, but not surprised, to discover a lack of soft white sand and crystal clear blue waters. But the beach itself was still very much worth the drive. This is perhaps one of the widest beaches I've seen from shore to water - especially when the tide rolls out. There's so much space that you can sit back from or move away from the crowds and find your own peaceful part of this paradise. And that's the thing, it feels like paradise because the crowds are small. Due mostly because the only way to access this public beach is through the parking lot. There's no parking near a store or a side road and simply walking over - unless you're renting a vacation home or staying in the nearby resort, which I believe has its own access point. You have to pay a modest fee to park in the lot but it's good for the whole day. It's not a small lot but it's not super big either - maybe 70 cars or so can park, give or take. So you can see why the crowds are smaller than most. But don't let that fool you into ease of getting in during peak season — every space was filled by the time I left mid-afternoon. There's also a snack bar, restrooms, changing rooms, outdoor showers - all very convenient. There's even a place to rent chairs and an umbrella for the day on the beach - they set everything up for you. The one thing missing were the shells. I only found the tiniest of sea shells, unfortunately. You can find bigger and better elsewhere but other than that, had a great and much-needed restful day at the beach!
6. Kiawah Island Tennis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By MKuenne - Charlotte, United States
I've been playing tennis most of my life and the Roy Barth Tennis Center is one of the best facilities anywhere as it comes to the actual courts and atmosphere. I've visited Kiawah for years, and the center and programs continue to evolve and the classes, staff and courts are all great. The facility is top notch with everything you need without being pretentious, and there is literally something for every skill level. Great place to play tennis!
7. The Ocean Course
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 271 reviews
Highly recommended golf course with dramatic views of the Atlantic.
Reviewed By whiggy2016 - Jefferson, United States
Morning tee time with my son. Caddies made the round very enjoyable. The course is very challenging and very enjoyable. 18 is a. Ice challenging finish taking 3 shots with a head wind. Definitely recommend doing it once even if it is a bit pricey.
8. Osprey Point Golf Course
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By JenlockRN
Wow! My husband and I played at Osprey Point last week and it was one of the most enjoyable rounds of golf ever. From start to finish it was perfect. The pros in the shop were professional but personable. The starter approached us and told us there were two foursomes about to tee off and suggested that we go off now, even though we hadn't warmed up, and hit a few off the tee. He said we didn't have to but it would make for a more enjoyable round. He was so right! We had no one in front of us or pushing us the whole round. He explained the course perfectly and gave some valuable advice. The Marshall approached us several times and told us we were well above the pace of play and told us to hit a couple of balls and take some time to enjoy the scenery. They were both great! The course itself was in pristine condition. It is scenic, playable, and was in amazing shape. It was a great round to prepare us for the ocean course the next day. I highly recommend fitting this course in to your trip to Kiawah. We cannot wait to go back and play again.
9. Turtle Point Golf Course
10. Cougar Point Golf Course
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By mauiwolf - Las Vegas, United States
The golf course is truly beautiful. The conditioning is immaculate. The greens have a weird grass I had never seen before that made the putts roll slow, so it took a bit to get used to that. But a very playable course if you can manage to keep it away from the OB stakes that are on almost every hole. The Players Pub - we went here for dinner. Outside seating only, but they have quite a few tables wrapping around their large porch. The view is nice. Our server, Karen, was good. Food was decent, though the steak sandwiches could have had real steaks in them and not Steak-Um. I give the restaurant 4/5, but golf course 5/5. One disappointing aspect is traveling here from across the country and not being able to go in the pro shops to buy things. They should be able to work that out.
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