Kiawah Island

[The Princess]

What is Kiawah Island like?? We are going on vacation with another family (they are golfers we are not) they brought up Kiawah Island not to sure about it since we aren't golfers so I am a little concerned...what are your thoughts if you have been there??

 

[java]

Love it there. We are not golfers and love the beach. If you are renting through the resort you get free use of the facilities and activities. Of which there are tons. Every day there are multiple things happening, from dolphin excursions to kayaking, to alligator watch to crafts. Check them out online and view the activities calendar.


And charleston is so nearby. We love the Fat Hen. Delicious. You can rent a beach setup in advance and it will be waiting for you.

We love it and wish we were heading there this year. The kids club is amazing too. My kids never do those elsewhere, here they beg to go. They do really fun activities.

 

[Buckalew11]

Love it!! Enjoy your trip!

 

[nursebetty]

I was just thinking I would like to return to Kiawah Island. It was years ago, but such a peaceful vacation. With a beautiful beach and bike paths all around the island. There are alligators (small ones), but still. You can go into Charleston, although it's did take longer than I expected or had hoped for. Worth it though. There was a marina with some shops and eating places.

 

[dis-happy]

I spend my summers there. It's one of the best preserved barrier island on the east coast...the drive in is the prettiest I've ever seen.

The island itself is pretty quiet, beach and bikes are big draws. The resort has a lot of activities for all ages...write ahead and ask them to send you the summer activity guide. They just put in a large waterpark pool last year, I think they are trying to compete with Disney for family visits. You can only access it if you are a resort guest or club member, so if a pool is important make sure you book through the resort. Very few rentals have pool access (other than private houses with pools).

Charleston is a 45 minute drive away, with all it has to offer.

GL on your trip!

 

[low-key]

I cant imagine any Island not being cool

 

[Bob NC]

I cant imagine any Island not being cool

Rikers.

 

[MrsPete]

Expensive
Nature-oriented: Kayaks, nature hikes, two-person bikes
Quiet beaches
Heavily wooded, lots of shade
Little in the way of shopping, dining
Condos rather than hotels
Family and couple oriented
Expensive

 

[tar heel]

I've gone to Kiawah at least every other year for 25 years. I don't play golf or tennis, but it is most definitely a paradise for either.

My favorite thing about Kiawah is the uncongested beaches and the miles and miles and miles of bike trails. There's a lot of wildlife in general - deer, raccoons, etc. As MrsPete said, there are a lot of condos as well as many houses (most behind the second gate). There is a hotel, of course, but it definitely isn't All Stars! It's fun to bike over there and look around.

There are some restaurants on the island, but they tend to be very expensive. There are more restaurants nearby than there used to be, especially since the huge Freshfields Market center was built.

We always go to Charleston a couple times and go over to Bohicket Marina on the next island to look at the boats. You can rent one, but we never have.

One thing to keep in mind about Kiawah is that getting there isn't like going to Nantucket or somewhere like that. You just go over a bridge, and not a very big one at that.

Kiawah is a very different atmosphere than, say, Myrtle Beach. We like it, but it's not for everyone.

java - We also love the Fat Hen, which is between Kiawah and Charleston. Someone on the Dis boards originally told me about it! Maybe it was you!

 

[tar heel]

OP - My concern for you is that you would end up babysitting while the other couple played golf. If they're really into golf, they might want to play every course. Of course, they'll have to bring a LOT of money to do that! The free activities someone mentioned do not include golf.

 

[dis-happy]

It doesn't have to be an expensive vacation there....many things are completely free.

If you book throught the resort (and I'm not talking about a room at The Sanctuary, but one of their villa rentals, cost shared between 2 families) you will have free access to the pools and chidlren's waterpark area.

Anyone can attend the free movie and pool time night at The Sanctuary, typically reserved for Thursday nights in summer.

There are free activities for family members of all ages at Night Heron...I've dropped the older kids off at teen night a couple of times, for example. Also at Night Heron is the Nature Center, no cost to go there and see all the animals and exhibits. Plus there is a game area if you want chill for awhile.

The beach always beckons!

Off-site bike rentals are more economical than the on-site one.

Eating out doesn't have to be hugely expensive. At East Beach there is a food court with many different food offerings. Area chefs and chefs in training prepare some wonderful entree selections. Plus there is pizza, sandwiches, several soups, fab desserts.

Tomasso at Turtle Point Golf Course is a favorite place for a meal, they serve lunch and dinner. The mushroom pasta dish is to die for and you can order a smaller plate if desired.

Several places at Fresh Fields get rave reviews, again, not crazy expensive.

My neighbor swears by the fried chicken they sell at the General Store, located at the gas station right before you enter.

Stop by the open air market Rosebank Farms, and pick up fresh shrimp and Geechee Boy grits for an amazing at home meal.

Stop by the side of the road between Kiawah and Fresh Fields and take the kids on a crab fishing adventure! You can buy nets for under $5. at WalMart.

Get up for an early morning walk on the beach...you may luck out and see baby turtles hatching, or a hatched nest being dug by the Turtle Patrol.

Sit out at night and watch the stars. With no pollution and "lights out for turtles" you'll get lost in the heavens. If it's a full moon, take a swim in the moonbeam. You might see me out there!

 

[wiigirl]

Rikers.

 

[dis-happy]

Rikers.