Kiawah Island is ten miles of wide, immaculate, oceanfront beach that invites you to stroll or cycle for hours without interruption. The beach is complemented by the island’s river, meandering lagoons, pristine marshlands and maritime forests. It’s a haven for wildlife which includes over 400 alligators, 400 deer, and an amazing array of shorebirds. As a barrier island, Kiawah has a unique Southern facing beach so you can enjoy the sunrise and the sunset from the very same beach! A leisure trail runs throughout the island and is perfect for long walks, jogs, or bike riding.
Golf
In order to reserve a tee time, please contact Kiawah Island Golf Resort Concierge ((800) 654-2924) to receive a preferred rate.
The Ocean Course
Home to the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships as well as the iconic 1991 Ryder Cup dubbed the “War by the Shore”.
Other Resort Courses: Osprey Point, Cougar Point, Turtle Point and Oak Point. All amazing courses! Each course has a restaurant as well. See below for more info on dining.
As a reminder, if you are staying through Kiawah Island Golf Resort or The Sanctuary, the discounted golf rates are as follows:
The Ocean Course: $475
Osprey Point: $245
Cougar Point: $245
Turtle Point: $245
Oak Point: $245
May 2026 tee times are available to book now!
Bike
Kiawah Island is renowned for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. There is no better way to reach them than on a bicycle. Ride along 30 miles of paved leisure trails and 10 miles of hard packed beach.
Bike Rental Reservations:
By Phone: Advance reservations are recommended for bike rentals, please call Recreation Reservations at 843-768-6001.
Walk-Up Bike Rentals:
There are 2 convenient locations for walk up service, offering rentals from half-day to monthly. Hours of operation vary seasonally, so please call ahead or make an advance reservation.
The West Beach Bike Shop: Located at the West Beach Pool Shop, steps from the Villa Front Desk and West Beach Conference Center.
The Sanctuary Bike Pavilion: Located in East Beach Village at The Sanctuary, 1 Sanctuary Beach Drive. You will find bike rentals under the green awning in the west–side parking lot.
For more info on bike rentals: https://kiawahresort.com/recreation/bike-rentals/
Some popular sites to see
Marsh Island Park ~ View Tower ~ Kiawah Conservancy
262 Governors Dr
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
Bass Pond Fishing Dock
Rhetts Bluff Rd
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
Night Heron Park
Basketball courts, soccer fields, pool, market, and more.
Beach Access
East Beach and West Beach accommodations offer beach access in most neighborhoods, some of our favorites include:
West Beach: Boardwalk 18, restrooms and rinse stations available.
East Beach: Boardwalk 27, located near the Sanctuary
If you are a guest of The Sanctuary, beach services are complimentary with your stay and do not need to be reserved.
https://kiawahresort.com/recreation/beaches/beach-services/
Tennis/Pickleball
Court Fees $46.00 per hour plus 5% tax.
Roy Barth Tennis Center
1 Sanctuary Beach Dr
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
Pool:
KIGR Villa guests may enjoy complimentary use of resort pool facilities located at Night Heron Park and West Beach. The Sanctuary pools and fitness center are reserved exclusively for guests of The Sanctuary.
https://kiawahresort.com/recreation/pools/
Island Recreation
Kayaking, fishing, bird watching, paddleboarding, and fitness.
https://kiawahresort.com/recreation/
The Angel Oak
On your way out to Kiawah from the airport if driving we encourage you to make a quick stop at The Angel Oak . The Southern Live Oak tree is a historical site and is considered to be the largest Live Oak Tree east of the Mississippi. It is estimated to be 300 to 400 years old. It’s a quick stop and on the way to Kiawah!
Freshfield’s Village
Check out Freshfield’s Village website for shopping and dining! A few favorites of ours:
LaTela - A favorite family-owned Italian restaurant
Hege’s - A gourmet dinner for seafood, steak, and more
48 Wine Bar - 48 wines on tap, full bar, and great cheese and charcuterie
Java Java - Coffee shop, pastries, and smoothies
Café Eugenia - Salads, sandwiches, light bites, and coffee
Coop - Light bites and amazing frosé
Harvest Healthy Eats - smoothie bowls, salads, and grain bowls
Fuji - Sushi and hibachi
Cantina 76 - Queso and tacos
Seabrook Island/Bohicket Marina
A few casual eateries right on the river and the Bohicket Marina has great fishing charters. Also for casual breakfast or lunch on Seabrook is the SDM Café-amazing quiche and crazy good selection of pastries!
The Dunlin Hotel
A beautiful resort just 10 minutes off of Kiawah Island, located on the Kiawah River. Home to another one of our favorite restaurants, Linette's.
Downtown Charleston
Downtown Charleston is about 45 minute drive from Kiawah Island
The Kiawah Dining Collection’s restaurants, cafés and eateries across the island offer a diverse range of culinary explorations that stay true to our coastal Carolina roots. A few of our favorites below:
The Nest Market | Cafe
Grab-and-go meal selections for your active Island days as well as grocery staples and must-have sundries
Jasmine Porch
Genuine Lowcountry cuisine at breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner
Player’s Pub at Cougar
Classic American fare and pub food
The Atlantic Room at Ocean Course
Iconic seafood restaurant committed to using locally caught, sustainable fish and shellfish
The Ryder Cup Bar at The Ocean Course
Modern pub fare and creative cocktails with prime views of The Ocean Course
Tomasso at Turtle Point
Contemporary Italian fare on an expansive back porch overlooking the course
The Lobby Bar at The Sanctuary
Extensive menu of specialty cocktails, wines, and beers
Visit the website below for more info on dining options.
*Note: Some restaurants will require advance reservations so please plan accordingly.