My husband and I often remind ourselves to take a step back, and stop doing day-to-day life on the island, and "live like we're on vacation". We do, after all, live on Kiawah Island! We usually travel away from South Carolina for Spring Break, but with a new baby, we decided to stay home, and to make things extra magical, Emily and her family are joining us on the island for the whole week! As I plan our itinerary for our week together, I decided to include some tips here on planning an escape to Kiawah Island. It offers a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Parts of the island are private and only available to club members and their house guests, but there are a lot of public options for all to enjoy. With 10 miles of pristine coastline, winding bike trails, world-class dining, and an abundance of wildlife, this barrier island is a special place to recharge and reconnect with nature, and each other.
Nature & Wildlife: A Coastal Wonderland
One of the most captivating aspects of Kiawah is its untouched beauty. The island is covered in sprawling live oaks and palmetto trees, creating a lush canopy that makes every bike ride feel like a journey through a secret garden. Keep your eyes open—you’re likely to spot deer grazing in the dunes, bobcats slinking through the trees, or a grey fox darting across the path. Our boys love watching the bobcats at play on our driveway camera and we come home daily to a family of deer eating our butterfly bushes.
The salt marshes are teeming with life, from the tiny scurrying fiddler crabs to river otters playing in the creeks. Birdwatchers will be in paradise, with osprey soaring overhead, great blue herons stalking the shallows, and pelicans gliding along the surf. We have even seen a bald eagle while dining on the porch at Cherrywood BBQ. And, of course, no trip to Kiawah is complete without spotting an alligator sunning itself along the lagoons- this will never NOT scare me!! A fun activity at any age is to visit the secret Nature Walk on the island. It is accessible by bike and you will see so many fiddler crabs at low tide, plus there is a view tower overlooking Kiawah River. Our boys love spotting the male crabs with their one giant claw waving in the air. So where is it? Take Governor's Drive to Persimmon Ct and look for a wooden "marsh walk" sign and follow the path.
For those fascinated by marine treasures like us, Kiawah Island offers exceptional shelling opportunities. Accessible only by boat, guided shelling expeditions escort you to remote barrier islands renowned for their abundance of shells. These excursions allow you to collect unique marine mollusks while learning about the delicate coastal ecosystem. You would not believe the amount of conchs we have found on simple beach walks over the years. We have jars of shell treasures around our house.
One of the most remarkable wildlife behaviors observed on Kiawah Island is dolphin strand feeding. At Captain Sam’s Inlet, located at the western end of the island, bottlenose dolphins exhibit this unique hunting technique. They work together to herd fish onto the shore, temporarily stranding themselves to feed before sliding back into the water. This behavior is most commonly observed two hours before and two hours after low tide. Witnessing this event is a rare and unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the intelligence and adaptability of these marine mammals.
Where to Eat & Drink: Coastal Elegance Meets Casual Comfort
After a day of exploring, unwind at some of Kiawah’s top public dining spots:
• The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary – A fine dining experience with impeccable steaks and ocean views. I prefer to eat at a banquette in the bar area to make this a "less fine dining" option. Grab a drink in the lobby bar before heading upstairs for dinner!
• Ryder Cup Bar at The Ocean Course – The perfect place for a sunset cocktail while overlooking the Atlantic. Our boys bring their putters and play on the putting green while we wait for our dinner to be served.
• Players’ Pub at Cougar Point – A relaxed spot for an easy meal with family. Also a perfect place to watch the Masters, or any other sporting event.
For great options outside of the gates, head up the road to Freshfields Village, where you’ll find:
• La Tela Pizzeria – Often regarded as the best pizza in Charleston.
• 48 wine bar – Perfect for a leisurely afternoon sip. You can charge your wine card and have 1-5 ounce pours from the wall.
• Cafe Eugenia – Wonderful for breakfast and lunch with take & go dinner options available in the case. If you give her 24 hours notice, she also makes beautiful charcuterie, Southern-fare, and Mediterranean boards for pick-up.
If you continue on to Kiawah River, you'll find Rosebank Farms Market, full of local produce, fresh cut flowers, and homemade provisions- the perfect way to shop for a night of cooking. And if you visit in the summertime, we love a Mingo Point Monday night Oyster Roast. The last thing I'll say about food, if you aren't in the mood to dine out every night and you would like a break from cooking, there are so many private chefs that will come to you!!! From casual poolside BBQ menus with Gringo Ninjas, or planned coursed meals with The Carolina Chef, the dinner possibilities are endless on the island.
Outdoor Adventures: You Name it, We've got it (including Water Slides)
Kiawah isn’t just about relaxing on the beach—there’s plenty to do for those who love to stay active or are traveling with children:
• Biking – Ride along 30+ miles of scenic trails, weaving through maritime forests and along the beach.
• Fishing & Dolphin Encounters – Book a fishing charter or a guided dolphin encounter to get up close with Kiawah’s marine life.
• Moonlight Kayaking – Experience the magic of the island’s waterways under a starlit sky.
• Tennis & Pickleball – The Roy Barth Tennis Center offers top-notch courts for both sports.
• Water Slides – Night Heron Park has a playground, a nature center, a painting studio, scheduled family events and carnivals throughout the year in the field, as well as a pool complex, complete with a splash pad for all ages and 2 giant water slides for anyone over 42 inches tall. They also serve lunch poolside and provide the towels so all you need to bring is yourself. (note, you must book through the resort or be a member of the governor's club to access the pools).
• Equestrian – On the other side of the roundabout is Seabrook Island, home to a full-service Equestrian Center. They offer beach horseback rides and caters to riders of all skill levels with guided trail rides and pony rides.
• Golf – There are 5 public courses available to you on the island, including The Ocean Course, which has 10 seaside holes.
Where to Stay: Luxury or Laid-Back Living
Visitors can choose from two main lodging options:
• The Sanctuary Hotel – A five-star oceanfront resort offering world-class amenities.
• Villa & Home Rentals – Available through Kiawah Island Golf Resort for a more private, home-away-from-home experience.
Beyond the activities, what makes Kiawah truly special is how it makes you feel. There’s something about the quiet bike rides, the sound of waves crashing, and the fresh salt air that nourishes the soul. Whether you’re looking for adventure or pure relaxation, Kiawah Island in the spring is an unforgettable escape. And speaking of relaxation, did I mention the spa at the Sanctuary?
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