Kiawah Island Travel Agent Specialist

Osprey Point at Kiawah Island Golf Course

There is just something about Kiawah Island that is above and beyond other U.S. coastal islands. I personally believe it is the most stunning island in South Carolina, and quite possibly in the entire U.S.  I might be a bit biased, since I am a golf and tennis lover, and Kiawah is at the always ranked at the top of the list for those activities, especially golf!  But, after a visit, I guarantee you will share my opinion about this paradise.

Kiawah is an unspoiled barrier island with an incredible ecosystem that includes 10 miles of pristine Atlantic coast beach, a maritime forest, and a labyrinth of saltwater marshes. The one thing I have always found most captivating about Kiawah is its natural beauty, and the way the community has managed to control its growth while optimizing and maintaining the environment.  That’s probably why Kiawah was voted the second-best island in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler in 2020.

If you are not an avid golfer or tennis player, it’s possible to spend your entire vacation in Kiawah enjoying the incredible beaches.  Kiawah’s shoreline is pristine and consistently ranks amongst the best in the world. Its east-west orientation offers a prime spot for viewing sunrises and sunsets. The packed sand allows for recreation, including beach games of all kinds, building sandcastles, and biking along the water’s edge. 

One thing that sets Kiawah apart from other resorts, is its nature programs. There is something for everyone, from children to adults. If you are active, there is kayaking, paddling, and fishing excursions. Some seasons even offer 5Ks, polar plunges, or triathlons. If you are artistic, there is painting, photography, and other creative classes.  Some other activities of note are yoga on the beach, Surf camp, and Shelling.

Golf!!!  There is no way to avoid the topic, golf is Kiawah’s big draw. Internationally recognized as a golf destination, there are nine world-class courses sprawling across and around Kiawah Island designed by some of golf’s most elite course designers including Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Clyde Johnston, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus! 

With year-round balmy weather, lush scenery and a tranquil setting, this is a golfer’s paradise.  The island’s setting and the architect’s challenging designs incorporating the rolling sand dunes, marshes, and forests make for exciting play.  The site of three previous PGA Championships, Kiawah Island Resort most recently hosted the tournament in 2021, on the Ocean Course. Regarded as one of the finest golf courses in the world, this championship course provides views of the Atlantic from every hole.

After a long afternoon on the golf course, kick back with a cold beer and a tasty meal at the Ryder Cup Bar.  While admiring sweeping views of the ocean from the verandah, diners can chow down on an order of warm crab dip followed by a burger topped with smoked cheddar and peppered bacon.  But, trust me, you don't have to be a golfer to enjoy your vacation on Kiawah, it's just an added bonus!

The tennis program at Kiawah was built to be one of the best.  Kiawah's tennis program is consistently ranked as one of the top tennis resorts in the U.S, with 22 tennis courts, including 10 brand new clay courts.  If you love tennis, you know nothing beats the experience of playing on clay.

Kiawah is really a nature observers dream come true.  The forests, marshlands, brackish waterways, and Atlantic Ocean are home to 300 species of birds, 18 species of mammals, and 30 species of reptiles. There are towers that allow you to look over the marshes and view birds and wildlife in their natural habitat.

I think one of the best parts of vacationing in Kiawah is how short of a drive it is to Charleston.  Charleston has been voted the number one city in the United States by Travel + Leisure for the past decade, so it’s like you are getting 2 vacations in 1!

When I vacation in Kiawah, I end up spending almost every night in Charleston for fine dining.  If you love fresh seafood, it doesn’t get much better.  After dinner, you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, or a stroll down the cobblestone streets to explore the city’s amazing architecture, the pastel homes along Rainbow Row and many other historical sites.

To top everything off, it’s only a 20-minute drive to tiny Seabrook Island.  The island's 2 and a half miles of pristine beaches, windswept dunes, and quiet communities offer ample opportunity for exploration. The island is also home to tennis, golf, and horseback riding facilities. I have stayed a few times in Seabrook, and it is one of the most relaxing and calming places I have ever visited.

With all that said, I have just barely scratched the surface of the reasons that Kiawah Island is at the top of my U.S. coastal island destinations.  I know that with my help, your vacation to Kiawah Island will be perfect, and you will be longing to go back to that pristine little island off the coast of South Carolina, again and again.