Total Days: 3 Days | Accommodations: Kiawah Island Villa | Transportation: Biking and Kiawah Island Golf Resort shuttle | Traveled: with friends| Type of Trip: Relaxing and leisure sports | Highlights: Dolphin sightings, world-class golf and jungly bike rides
If you are visiting Kiawah, you are either staying at the Sanctuary Hotel or the Andell Hotel, one of the hotel villas or through a private rental. This itinerary can be used for any of the above, although you will need a car if you are staying at a private rental or the Andell Hotel. Check out this blog for more tips!
DAY 1
Welcome to Kiawah! This beautiful island oasis is ideal for leisure activities and relaxing. Once you have settled in, get the lay of the land, which is actually mostly water! Rent a kayak or take a kayaking tour along the marshes. This is one of the most bio diversified environments in the world and a unique way to experience the little creeks, lush grasses and wildlife.
Then head back and get ready since you are going all out tonight! Start with a beverage at the Ryder Cup Bar, located on the famous champions Ocean Course with 10/10 views. After, head to the Sanctuary Hotel and amble around the beautiful grounds and lobby with murals, paintings and antiques. Finally, treat yourself to the best steakhouse on the island at the Ocean Room, located within the hotel. Book well in advance!
DAY 2
Good morning! Make some coffee and kick off the day with an early tee time. Ideally you are out on the course before 8am…in other words before it gets too hot and humid. These five 18 hole courses are some of the best in the world and there are options for beverages and food along the way. As an alternative, book a court at the Roy Barth Tennis Center, one of the top facilities in the country.
For lunch, head to the Sanctuary pool bar at Loggerhead Grill. This is your piña colada moment, or Kiawah colada as they’ve modified. Then enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. The Sanctuary Beach is just next to the pool, or check out Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island’s public beach. Either way, the sand is beautiful and the water is warm. Keep an eye out for dolphins!
Dinner should be at Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill in Freshfields Village. On the weekends, there is usually live music or community events. It’s also the best spot to shop for any of your Lilly Pulitzer or SeaCoast Sports and Outfitters needs. For a glass of wine post dinner, check out FortyEight Wine Bar & Kitchen, where you can create your own tasting by pouring a 1 oz., 3 oz., or 6 oz. glass.
DAY 3
Day three calls for a bike ride! Your hotel will have rentals available, or Surfscooter Bikes is an easy alternative. Not only is this a great way to see most of Kiawah Island but you can access more private and remote parts! Ride along the Kiawah Island Parkway to Rhett’s Bluff. This area is full of beautiful scenery including spectacular marsh views and also the Bass Pond. Then take the trail to Cherrywood BBQ and Ale House for lunch, located at the Osprey Point Golf Course Clubhouse.
On the way back, bike on the compact sand of the beach. Get as close as you can to Captain Sam’s Inlet, where the river meets the ocean. It’s a popular spot for Dolphins to feed.
For a longer ride, set the destination to The Vanderhorst neighborhood, one of Kiawah’s most desirable areas. Explore the charming homes with the traditional southern architecture of the Lowcountry.
