Just 40 minutes from downtown Charleston, Kiawah Island is a stunning barrier island known for its pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and untouched natural beauty. Unlike Folly Beach or Isle of Palms, Kiawah is a private, gated island with exclusive resorts, luxury homes, and a slower, more refined vibe. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, whether for a romantic weekend, a family vacation, or a golf retreat, Kiawah is the place to be.

🏝️ What Makes Kiawah Island Special?

Kiawah isn’t just another beach—it’s a nature lover’s paradise. The island is home to 10 miles of unspoiled beaches, marshlands teeming with wildlife, and some of the best golf courses in the country. Expect quiet, serene beaches, lush maritime forests, and a level of privacy and exclusivity you won’t find on Charleston’s other islands.

🌊 What to Do on Kiawah Island

☀️ Beach Time at Kiawah’s Public Beach – While most of Kiawah is private, Beachwalker Park on the west end of the island is open to the public. It’s consistently ranked one of the best beaches in the U.S., thanks to its soft sand, calm waves, and incredible natural beauty.

🚴 Bike the Island – Kiawah has 30+ miles of bike trails that wind through marshes, maritime forests, and beachfront paths. You can rent bikes at The Sanctuary or several other spots on the island.

🛶 Kayak or Paddleboard Through the Marshes – Rent a kayak or paddleboard from Kiawah Island Nature Centerand explore the calm waters of the Kiawah River, where you might spot bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and even alligators.

🐬 Dolphin Watching at Captain Sam’s Inlet – One of Kiawah’s most magical experiences is watching dolphins strand feed, a rare hunting technique where they push fish onto the shore. The best place to see this? Captain Sam’s Inlet, near Beachwalker Park.

🐊 Wildlife Watching & Nature Walks – Kiawah is home to hundreds of bird species, white-tailed deer, bobcats, and alligators. The Marsh Island Park & Tower is a great spot for birdwatching and taking in the panoramic marsh views.

🚗 Getting to Kiawah & Parking

Kiawah is a private island, meaning that unless you’re staying at a rental home, The Sanctuary, or playing golf, you can’t drive onto the island. However, Beachwalker Park is public and has a paid parking lot (which fills up quickly on weekends).

📍 Why Visit Kiawah Island?

If you’re looking for a quiet, luxurious, and nature-filled escape, Kiawah is the ultimate Charleston retreat. Whether it’s lounging on secluded beaches, golfing on a world-class course, exploring marsh trails, or enjoying a sunset cocktail at The Sanctuary, Kiawah is pure coastal elegance.

📍 Pro Tip: Book Golf at one of the public courses, which will allow you access past the island’s private gates - it's also some of the best golfing available in the country.