Kiawah Island combines miles of sandy beaches, championship golf anchored by the Ocean Course, trails for walking and biking, paddling opportunities, and protected coastal habitats. Night Heron Park offers a nature center and trails. The island is a known nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles, with nesting season in the warmer months. Accommodations range from resort properties to rental homes, and visitors should consult local resources for seasonal programs and wildlife-friendly rules.
Why visitors come to Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island sits off the coast of Charleston County, South Carolina, and remains a popular holiday destination for beachgoers, golfers and nature lovers. The island combines wide, sandy beaches with maritime forests, salt marshes and quiet residential neighborhoods.Golf, tennis and dining
The island is best known for its golf facilities, anchored by the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - a links-style layout carved along the coastline that has hosted major professional events. Beyond the Ocean Course, the resort and surrounding Charleston area offer extensive golf and tennis options and a range of dining from casual to fine.Beaches and outdoor recreation
Kiawah's beaches run for miles and are used for swimming, sunbathing and low-key beachcombing. The island also has a network of paved and unpaved trails for walking and biking, plus waterways suited to kayaking and canoeing. Guided paddles and self-guided options let visitors explore creeks, inlets and tidal marshes to look for wildlife and unique coastal plants.Wildlife and conservation
Conservation plays an important role on Kiawah. Night Heron Park hosts a nature center and marked trails where visitors can learn about the island's ecosystems. The island supports a range of birds, mammals and coastal plants that thrive in the salt marsh and maritime forest habitats.Loggerhead sea turtle nesting
Kiawah Island is a known nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Adult females commonly come ashore to nest during the warmer months; nesting typically begins in late spring and continues into the summer. Each nest can contain many eggs, and hatchlings generally emerge about two months after incubation and make their way to the ocean. Beachfront lighting rules and turtle-friendly practices help protect nesting females and hatchlings.Places to stay
Accommodations on and near Kiawah range from resort properties to rental villas and private homes. Visitors can choose full-service resort stays or quieter rental options that emphasize access to the island's natural areas.Plan your visit
Kiawah suits a variety of trip styles: active vacations focused on golf or tennis, relaxed beach stays, and wildlife-oriented trips that center on birdwatching and coastal ecology. Check local resources and the island's management or nature center for seasonal programs, guided tours and rules designed to protect sensitive habitats.FAQs about Kiawah Island
When do loggerhead turtles nest on Kiawah Island?
Can I paddle or kayak around Kiawah?
What golf facilities does Kiawah offer?
Are there nature programs on the island?
What kinds of places can I stay on Kiawah?
News about Kiawah Island
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