If you didn’t grow up in the area OR you are not a golfer, chances are you haven’t heard of Kiawah Island. I traveled there for a wedding and was blown away by how gorgeous it was. However, I had no idea it was such a private community. With only two hotels, one grocery store and a gate to get through, it’s good to plan your stay beforehand! Here’s what I wish I had known before my trip!
- Kiawah is an island located 25 miles southwest of Charleston.
- It takes about 45 minutes without traffic. There are no shuttles, buses or trains that run there – so you will need a car or be willing to pay for a car service.
- Most of the island is a gated beach and golf resort, private residences or private rentals.
- There is a $12 fee to enter the gates of Kiawah via car, unless you are a resident, a resident’s guest or have a golf/dinner reservation.
- If you want to explore Kiawah without a car, take the right before the gates onto Beachwalker Drive from Kiawah Island Parkway. Then you can visit the public beach, walk or bike ride through the island.
- The majority of the island is large houses, golf courses, swamps and beaches.
- Half of the 10,000 acres is protected lowlands. The ocean may be right next to you but you won’t see it because of the dense trees unless you make a deliberate effort to go there.
- It can be very humid.
- Kiawah is home to five championship golf courses. They are open to the public and especially scenic with marshes, lagoons, forests and the Atlantic Ocean. If you are a golfer, book a tee time beforehand.
- The closest retail, restaurant and grocery store is Freshfields Village. Andell Inn is the boutique hotel within the village so if you want convenience, this is where to stay. It is located just outside the main Kiawah gate.
- Bobcats, gray foxes, raccoons, and ospreys are just some of the wildlife in the area. It’s a natural habitat for otters and sea turtles. Deer are literally everywhere. Canvasback Pond Dock, Willet Pond and the Marsh Hawk Tower are good viewing areas.
- Meanwhile, alligators are actually out and about. There are signs everywhere about not approaching or going swimming in the lakes. But even so, they like to sun themselves around the lakes and will occasionally cross the street to get to their next destination. Be on the lookout!
- The Sanctuary Hotel is the heart of the island. Though it has all the old southern charm, it is on the newer side – built in 2004. This is where you go if you want to treat yourself.
- If staying at The Sanctuary, you will have access to everything you need at the resort.
- If staying at one of the Sanctuary villas, be aware that they are not all within walking distance to the main hotel. There is on-island transportation service available from 7am-11pm. There aren’t cafes or restaurants in each villa area so go to the grocery store beforehand!
- Biking is an awesome way to see the island and stop at cool scenery or animal sightings. The sand on the beach is so compact that you can bike along the 10 mile stretch as well.
- The Roy Barth Tennis Center at the Sanctuary is an award-winning tennis facility with hard and clay courts and pros on hand. If you’re not a golfer, this is an excellent alternative.
- The beaches are clean with soft sand and beautiful warm waters. Keep an eye out for dolphins and the occasionally shark. Kiawah Beachwalker Park is the only beach open to the public.
