Just 25 miles from downtown Charleston, Kiawah and Seabrook islands are the destinations for anyone looking to escape the bustle of the city. These islands offer so much more than beautiful beaches. They have sports, spas, top restaurants and amazing shopping.
We’ve compiled a guide for tourists and locals drawn to the islands’ natural beauty. Whether you like fine dining or a relaxed day on the golf course or the beach, we have a guide for you. ExploreThe two barrier islands each offer world-class golf courses that have been featured in major sporting events.
Anyone looking to live out their professional golf fantasy can find a home at Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Ocean Course. The resort has twice hosted the PGA Golf Championship, in 2012 and in 2021. The resort renovated all of its courses in preparation for the 2021 tournament which brought thousands of fans to the island.
Those looking for a golf membership should also consider the Seabrook Island Club. The club’s two courses, Ocean Winds and Crooked Oaks, are open to members, group outings and events. The two islands aren’t just for golfers; they also feature world-class beaches.
Kiawah alone has 10 miles of beaches. The Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission operates Beachwalker County Park, the only beach on the island open to the public. Seabrook’s Pelican and North beaches also offer views of the sunset and sunrise, although they are not open to the public.
The rest of Kiawah’s beaches are privately owned, so those looking for a longer stay should consider all-access options. The islands are also a great place to explore Lowcountry wildlife. Those looking to get up close to dolphins should visit the northernmost tip of North Beach during low tide at Seabrook or Captain Sam’s Inlet on Kiawah.
Bottlenose dolphins are known to strand-feed there — a technique the dolphins used to trap fish and drive them onto sandbars and shorelines. Kiawah’s brackish and freshwater ponds are also home to alligators throughout the island. They can be seen lying on pond edges, basking in the sun.
The islands also serve as nesting grounds for sea turtles. From mid-May through early August, female turtles come ashore to lay anywhere from 100 to 150 eggs in nests they dig in the sand. Island patrol members and wildlife officials work to protect the nests from human interference throughout the season.
ShoppingInterested in shopping? All Kiawah visitors need to do is travel to Freshfields Village near the island’s entrance. Water, manicured lawns, nature trails and a variety of trees are hallmarks of the Kiawah lifestyle. It has a plethora of high-end clothing chains such as Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines and Johnny Was.
There are shops offering apparel and wares for both men and women, including Southern Tide, and stores for outdoor enthusiasts, such as SeaCoast Sports and Outfitters. Seabrook also offers many shopping options for visitors. Seabrook Shoppe offers an array of souvenirs.
Eat and drink like a localThe islands have restaurants for every type of foodie. Kiawah offers high-end fare such as Jasmine Porch and The Ocean Room at the Sanctuary hotel. People can also visit Beaches & Cream for coffee and dessert or grab Italian food at Tomasso at Turtle Point.
The island also offers more casual eateries like Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill for Japanese lovers, and Cantina 76 for Mexican fans. Seabrook boasts relaxed food like McCann’s Irish Pub and Kiss Cafe..
