Kiawah Golf Vacation Archives - Kiawah Exclusives Vacation Blog

August 4, 2022December 15, 2023

How To Bike Around Kiawah Island?

Nestled on South Carolina’s Atlantic coastline between the historic City of Charleston and the private oceanfront resort community of Seabrook Island is Kiawah Island. Kiawah is a vacation destination with vast and scenic Lowcountry landscapes best explored on two wheels to venture freely.

With over 30-miles of paved flat paths connecting the island from West Beach Village and East Beach Village to Vanderhorst Plantation, and beyond, you can take a “park and forget it approach” on Kiawah Island. Kiawah Island’s tranquil Lowcountry bike trails are all you need for getting around, sightseeing, shopping, and socializing on your vacation.

WHERE TO FIND BIKE RENTALS ON KIAWAH ISLAND?

Save money, pack light and plan your bike adventures on Kiawah Island with Surfscooter Rentals (Bonus: 5% discounted rates for all Kiawah Exclusives guests)! Surfscooter Rentals have been serving our guests to Kiawah and Seabrook Island with unbeatable customer service and southern hospitality for over 20 years!

The rental process is simple and hassle free – pick the bike rentals and gear best suited for your pedal adventures, order direct online, and have everything delivered right to your vacation rental, ready to hit the trails on arrival – there’s no need to even be there! They conveniently pick up on departure too.

Whether you’re on a romantic rendezvous or an unplugged family vacation for you and the kids, there’s a set of wheels with your name on it! Surfscooter Rentals have all the bike gear to get your whole family on the trails and beach. Surfscooter’s high quality and well maintained bike rentals include 24-26” adult bikes, 16-20” kids bikes, baby seat rentals, chariot rentals, tag-a-longs, and bike trailers to load up and venture beyond Kiawah Island. Any problems, they’ll come find you and make a swap!

THE BEST BIKE ROUTES ON KIAWAH ISLAND

The bike trails follow the main roads on Kiawah Island including Kiawah Island Parkway, Governor’s Drive, Ocean Course Drive and Flyway Drive. Ride your bikes to the shore, store, and golf tee times, or venture off the beaten path to explore secret spots on the island not accessible by car. Here’s a guide to our favorite bike routes on Kiawah Island!

Beachwalker Park

The 10-mile stretch of shoreline at Beachwalker Park is consistently ranked one of Dr Beach’s Top 10 Beaches in America. When you’re not enjoying a classic beach day, Beachwalker Park is one of the best places to ride bikes on Kiawah Island as well as experience our local wildlife. Head out after a high tide for hard packed sands, watch dolphin’s strand feeding at Captain Sams Inlet, and take a slow ride along the shoreline to the award-winning PGA Ocean Course in Vanderhorst. Surfscooter’s bike rentals are built for the sand and there are dozens of boardwalks making beach bike riding easily accessible – and fun!

Night Heron Park

Night Heron Park is nestled in the heart of East Beach Village with 21 acres of gorgeous scenery, ponds, and tranquil walking and biking paths in the ancient oaks, perfect for a family bike ride and nature adventure. Begin your bike ride at the Heron Park Nature Center, spot wildlife in the wetlands, stop for lunch at Night Heron Bar and Grill, and end your day with a classic Lowcountry eco-adventure or water activities offered by Kiawah Resort.

Mingo Point

Pack a picnic and bike to Mingo Point, located just outside the main Kiawah Island gate near West Beach Village. Mingo Point is famous for its Lowcountry Oyster Roasts and tranquil setting on the banks of the Kiawah River. Park your bikes, refuel with a picnic and rent a kayak or SUP to play on the water. From Mingo Point pedal along the Kiawah Island Parkway trail to Marsh View Tower for expansive views of Cougar Point Golf Course and the Kiawah Island wetlands. Bring the binoculars and the camera!

Vanderhorst Plantation

Vanderhorst Plantation is situated through the second set of gates on Kiawah Island, accessible only to residents and guests. But, you can venture through on the bike trails! The Kiawah Island Parkway leads to the Bass Pond and fishing dock and beautiful scenery in Rhett’s Bluff. Ride the trail along Governor’s Drive to the Marsh Island Park View Tower, Blue Heron Pond Observation Tower, and on to Eagle Point Landing. Wind your way towards the Atlantic to the Ocean Course, home of the 2021 PGA Championship, for sundowners at the Ryder Cup Bar. This Kiawah Island bike route is soaked in serenity with sweeping wetland views, maritime forests, marshlands, lagoons, and an abundance of wildlife.

Freshfields Village

The bike routes are not limited to the island and extend past the guardhouse on to Freshfields Village, 1.8-miles from the Main Gate. Freshfields Village has it all – amazing restaurants and cafés, open air shopping, spas and salons, wine and whisky tastings, jazz nights, and fabulous farmers markets, festivals, and events on the Village Green. It’s family-friendly, pet-friendly, and a short bike ride from Kiawah Island. The bike trail continues on to Bohicket Marina, home of the famous Salty Dog Café, boat rentals and charters, and insta worthy South Carolina sunsets, then on to the private resort community of Seabrook Island.

RULES FOR RIDING THE KIAWAH TRAILS

Keep to the right on all trails.
Announce your presence when approaching or overtaking.
Observe all STOP signs.
Lights must be used after dark.
Helmets are encouraged but not required.
Bicycles must be parked only in designated areas.
Bikes are not allowed on the golf cart paths.
Please walk bicycles across the beach boardwalks and stay away from the dunes.
Biking and jogging on the road is prohibited when there is a designated bike path nearby.
When a bike path is not available, please ride single file, near the curb, and with the flow of traffic
E-bikes are prohibited on Kiawah Island, only bicycles and non-electric scooters are allowed on the trails.
The Town of Kiawah requests that bikes are not visible from the street. Please store bikes responsibly after your adventures.

UNWIND WITH KIAWAH EXCLUSIVES

After all that pedaling, Kiawah Exclusives have the perfect place to put your feet up, relax and unwind in style. Our selection of 100+ Kiawah Island vacation rentals include villas and homes in West Beach Village, East Beach Village, and through the second set of gates in Vanderhorst Plantation, all a quick bike ride away from wherever you choose to adventure on Kiawah Island.

Browse our luxury Kiawah Island rentals online, call our on-island team on (843) 768-0273 to assist with vacation planning, or if you’re dreaming of owning your own Lowcountry retreat on Kiawah Island, our real estate partner Pam Harrington Exclusives can make that dream a reality!

We hope to see you on the Kiawah Island bike trails soon!

August 4, 2022August 24, 2023

5 Best Labor Day Weekend Events on Kiawah Island

Labor Day is an annual celebration of American labor achievements and contributions… So it’s the perfect time to party with your friends and family, right? There’s no better way to celebrate with your favorite people than attending local events, relaxing on the beach, or taking a trip to one of America’s top destinations for luxury resort living in harmony with nature…. Kiawah Island!

There are several events taking place around town for the whole family to enjoy, from fireworks and dancing to restaurants and live music. Check out our favorite events to share with your crew below.

1. Lowcountry Jazz Festival

September 2nd – 3rd, 2023

Gaillard Center in Charleston, SC

Take a scenic 45-minute trip to Charleston for South Carolina’s premier annual Smooth Jazz event continues its Labor Day weekend tradition, kicking off the weekend with a stellar lineup.

2. Edisto Beach Shag Festival

September 1st – 3rd, 2023

Bay Creek Park in Edisto Beach, SC

Take an hour trip over to Edisto Island to dance the night away to favorite coastal shag hits or enjoy food, drinks, arts & crafts, and more fun for the whole family.

3. Labor Day Concert at Kaminski House Museum

September 4th, 2023
6:00PM – 7:00PM

Kaminski House Museum in Georgetown, SC

Take a day trip to Georgetown for a free outdoor concert featuring the Indigo Choral Society. Bring your picnic basket, lawn chairs, and blankets to celebrate on the lawn under the stars!

4. Labor Day Weekend Music on the Green

September 1st, 2023
Julio & The Saltines
6:00PM – 9:00PM

Freshfields Village in Kiawah Island, SC

Bring your blankets and chairs for the Music on the Green Concert Series from 6:00 to 9:00 pm! This free, family friendly concert series features a variety of music from regional bands including beach music, country, and more.

5. Labor Day Weekend Art Show and Sale

TBD
Check out the events page for the most up-to-date information HERE!

Seabrook Island Artist Guild in Seabrook Island, SC

Drive over to neighboring Seabrook Island for one of the biggest shows of the year for many talented and prized artists of the Seabrook Island Artist Guild. Expect to see oil paintings, watercolors and pastels of seascapes, landscapes, wildlife and more.

Stay with Kiawah Exclusives this Labor Day Weekend

As summer comes to an end and the summer sun cools down on Kiawah Island, Labor Day Weekend is the perfect time to visit. Check out our incredible list of properties to stay in HERE!

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July 27, 2022July 7, 2023

5 Tips To Help Plan Your Dream Kiawah Vacation

There’s no better way to spend your summer season than a trip to the beach. Kiawah Island is a beach destination abounding in natural beauty with 10-miles of award-winning beaches, wetlands and waterways teeming with wildlife and resident bottlenose dolphins, Audubon certified golf courses, tranquil trails weaving through the island, and world-class shopping, dining and resort amenities.

Here’s our top tips to plan your dream summer vacation, soak up the sun and the slower pace of life, and satisfy your summer wanderlust on Kiawah Island.

1. Arrange Your Transportation

Getting to and around Kiawah Island is easy but with the increasing cost of gas prices and airfares, the first decision is whether to fly or take a classic road trip on your last minute summer getaway.

Kiawah Island is located approximately 30 miles south from historic Charleston and is an easy drive-to-destination from many east coast cities with most of the major airlines (American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, Silver Airways) offering daily non-stop flights into Charleston International Airport (CHS).

Rental cars are still in high demand so reserve your rental car at Charleston Airport as well in advance as possible or arrange ground transportation to Kiawah Island. Taxis operate from the Charleston Airport from 5am until after last flight, Charleston Limousine & Shuttle Services offer individual and group transportation, or reserve a ride with Island Transportation, the best local car service on Kiawah Island.

Once on Kiawah Island there are 30+ miles of interconnected trails to get around by bike or rent an electric cart to buzz about the island (and save on gas!)

2. Create a Vacation Wish List

Whether you’re squeezing in last minute summer fun before school starts or a romantic beach escape surrounded by luxurious Lowcountry leisure, Kiawah Island ticks all the boxes for a dream summer vacation.

Creating a vacation wish list is where it all comes together! Kiawah Island is a family oriented destination with outdoor activities for every age and adventure level, amazing Lowcountry festivals and events, and a diverse selection of restaurants and cafes with authentic coastal Carolina cuisine. Start planning your last minute beach escape with our Kiawah Island travel blog where we highlight the best places to stay and play on Kiawah Island.

Award-Winning Beachwalker Park

Night Heron Park

Kiawah Island Bike Trails

Five Championship Golf Courses

Roy Barth Tennis Center

Live Music Concerts

Lowcountry Farmers Markets

Freshfields Village

Bohicket Marina

The Sanctuary

Kiawah Island Kids Camps

3. Reserve your Restaurants & Activities

Kiawah Island offers epic eco-adventures, nature programs, golf and tennis, and unique experiences year round! You’ve created a vacation wish list, now it’s time to book your experiences and make your restaurant (and spa day!) reservations to avoid disappointment.

Charters & Fishing at Bohicket Marina

Guided Nature Tours & Activities at Night Heron Park

Water Sports & Activities

Sightseeing Tours of Charleston

Surfscooter Bike Rentals

Tee Times at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

World-Class Tennis & Pickleball at Roy Barth Tennis Center

Restaurants & Lowcountry Dining Experiences

Health & Wellness

4. Rent Your Vacation Gear

Take the hustle and hassle out of your vacation planning and rent all your vacation gear! From baby gear and beach gear to water sports, bike rentals and electric carts, Kiawah Exclusives partners with reliable locally-owned companies to supply all your beach vacation needs. Reserve your rental gear in advance, have it delivered to your vacation home prior to your arrival, and spend less time planning and more time playing on Kiawah Island.

5. Stay with Kiawah Exclusives

Searching for the perfect vacation rental need not be stressful when you stay with Kiawah Exclusives. We offer a collection of 115+ of the finest vacation rentals on Kiawah Island and a team of local vacation specialists to assist in planning your last minute summer vacation! Browse our portfolio of Kiawah Island vacation rental villas and private vacation homes for last minute availability or take a sneak peak at a few of our favorite summer rentals centrally located in the heart of Kiawah Island’s popular East Beach Village.

Our team has been locally operated since 1978 and are here to assist with your vacation planning. Whether you need guidance finding the perfect last minute rental or recommendations for on-island tours, activities, rentals or dining – our local experts are only a phone call away on (843) 768-0273. We look forward to hosting your last minute summer vacation on Kiawah Island!

July 19, 2022July 7, 2023

Best Fishing Charters on Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island is a destination known for its award-winning white sandy beaches, oceanfront golf courses, and untouched landscapes teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. The island’s pristinely preserved and unique ecosystem of beaches, maritime forests, protected sand dunes, and fragile marshlands are a habitat for a diverse array of beautiful birdlife, wildlife, majestic marine mammals, Loggerhead sea turtles, and fish species inhabiting the local waters.

Some of the best fishing in the Lowcountry is found right here on the inshore waterways and offshore reefs surrounding the beautiful barrier islands of Charleston, SC. Kiawah Island has lots of on-island fishing spots. You can surf fish from the Kiawah shoreline, cast a line from the fishing docks, bait a fish from a kayak on the Kiawah River, or find prime fishing grounds only a boat ride away on an epic Lowcountry fishing charter.

Whether you’re seeking a short family fishing charter for the kids, a customized experience, or the thrill of catching a sailfish in the deep blue waters of the Atlantic, you’ll find it here on Kiawah Island. Our local charter captains have spent decades navigating the waters, have an intimate knowledge of the island’s best fishing spots, and provide everything you need for a top-notch Lowcountry fishing experience.

Types of Fishing Charters

Inshore Fishing Charters: Inshore fishing charters navigate the smaller channels, creeks, inlets, and marshlands along the thriving Kiawah River. Fish species include common saltwater fish such as spotted sea trout, flounder, croaker, and large schools of redfish feeding on the flats. Sharks are commonly caught on inshore fishing charters.

Near Coastal & Reef Fishing: Venture one to three miles offshore on an action-packed adventure bottom fishing the wrecks and reefs surrounding Kiawah and Seabrook Island. Near coastal and reef fishing charters are geared for both families and serious anglers with likely catches of redfish, sheepshead, sea bass, cobia, and large sharks too!

Offshore Fishing: If hunting for big game fish in the Lowcountry is on your bucket list, an offshore fishing charter on Kiawah Island is unbeatable! These full-day charters take you on a deep-sea adventure for a trophy catch of grouper, mahi mahi, tuna, marlin, and a wide variety of shark species.

Shark Fishing Charters: Sharks are regularly encountered when fishing in Kiawah Island’s waterways and ocean, and it’s a thrill! Shark fishing charters are an extraordinary experience for anglers of all ages and abilities and are geared towards fun and excitement for the whole family.

Top Tips for a Memorable Lowcountry Fishing Charter

Book well in advance!
Dress in layers with light rain gear for changing weather conditions.
Wear soft sole, non-marking shoes.
Pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed sun hat, UV protection sunglasses, and bug spray for the South Carolina no-see-ums.
Consider motion sickness medication if it’s your first time out on the water!
Stock a cooler with snacks and drinks, if required.
Bring binoculars for dolphin and wildlife watching.
Take 100s of photos for lifelong memories.

Where to Find A Fishing Charter on Kiawah Island?

Night Heron Park

Kiawah Island
Phone: (843) 768-6001

Night Heron Park is a haven for outdoor exploration on Kiawah Island, a destination that connects you with nature, wildlife, and exceptional experiences on land and water. Wherever you stay on Kiawah Island, Night Heron Park is only a short bike ride away and is the best place for on-island fishing, boat charters, eco-tours, and an excellent variety of inshore, nearshore, and shark fishing charters. Other tour options include dolphin encounters, shelling expeditions, sunset cruises, crabbing tours, birdwatching tours, Holy City Harbor cruises, and custom charters for sightseeing in South Carolina’s beautiful barrier islands.

Captain Jacks

Bohicket Marina
Phone: (843) 343-1772

Captain Jack is on deck to take you on a leisurely dolphin cruise, sailing adventure, or customized family fishing charter aboard the Palmetto Tide, a 33-foot sailboat based at Bohicket Marina. A Lowcountry fishing experience with Captain Jack means “It is your day. Your Way!“ – a unique Kiawah Island fishing experience personalized for your family with lifelong fishing memories to match!

Keen Eye Charters

Bohicket Marina
Phone: (843) 814-8982

Captain Chris at Keen Eye Charters has been a professional guide since 2004 and knows where to find the fish in the Lowcountry waters. Go inshore fishing on the creeks, bottom fishing the wrecks and reefs, trolling offshore for big game fish, or customize a charter for kids fishing! Captain Chris also offers custom 2 or 3-hour charters with sunset cruises, dolphin-watching excursions, crabbing, shelling, and eco-adventures to the barrier islands.

Sonny Boy Charters

Bohicket Marina
Phone: (843) 708-1486

Coastguard Captain Brad is the highly skilled and knowledgeable skipper behind Sonny Boy Charters serving Kiawah & Seabrook Island from Bohicket Marina. Choose from a variety of inshore, nearshore, and shark fishing charters as well as guided dolphin eco-tours, shelling expeditions around the islands, or sunset cruises along the Lowcountry waterways.

Lil Darlin’ Charters

St. Johns Marina
Phone: (843) 442-4706

Departing from St. Johns Yacht Harbor on the Stono River, Lil Darlin’ Charters offer a variety of top-rated eco-tours and fishing charters along the waterways surrounding historic Charleston. Whether you’re a novice, a fishing family or a serious angler, Captain Lindsay’s knowledge of the local waters, passion for fishing, and top-notch fishing gear guarantees a memorable fishing experience during your Kiawah Island vacation.

Hook A Vacation Home with Kiawah Exclusives

Ready to reel in the perfect vacation on Kiawah Island? Hook a luxury vacation home with Kiawah Exclusives. We pride ourselves on offering 100+ of the finest vacation rentals in the beautiful communities on Kiawah Island, ranging from oceanfront and lagoon villas to private cottages on the Kiawah River and luxurious vacation homes for large groups or family reunions. View our exclusive collection of Kiawah Island rentals online or give our team a call at (843) 768-0273. Our vacation specialists have 40+ years of local knowledge and are happy to assist through the vacation planning process. From hooking you up with a vacation rental to match your needs to local tips and recommendations to create the ultimate vacation itinerary – we’re here to help!

July 13, 2022February 2, 2024

How To Plan a Golf Vacation on Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island is ranked one of the “Top 25 Golf Islands in the World” and is home to some of the best golf courses in the US, designed by top golf architects and played by many of the greatest legends in golf history.

Nestled on the South Carolina coastline directly south of Charleston, Kiawah Island is a natural barrier island with miles of stunning Atlantic beaches and tranquil waterways teeming with wildlife, elegant plantation style homes and villas, and a laid-back, luxurious lifestyle of outdoor activities and sporting.

Known as the “Landscape of Legends”, Kiawah Island boasts two private courses (Cassique Course and River Course) and five award-winning Audubon certified championship courses – Osprey Point by Tom Fazio, Turtle Point by Jack Nicklaus, Cougar Point by Gary Player, Oak Point by Clyde Johnson, and the iconic Ocean Course designed by Alice and Pete Dye.

Kiawah Island is home to some of the best golf courses in the nation designed by world-renowned golf architects and played by some of the greatest legends in golf history. The Island is home to five award-winning golf courses, including the famed Ocean Course designed by Pete Dye and several other luxurious and oceanfront fairways.

With five Audubon certified championship courses to choose from, it can be difficult to find the perfect course to explore on your next vacation. We’ve put together this guide ranking all the golf courses on Kiawah Island to help you plan your must-play golf courses list!

1. The Ocean Course

The Ocean Course is ranked the #4 Public Golf Course in the US and ranked among the Top 25 of 100 Greatest US Golf Courses by Golf Digest. Kiawah’s Ocean Course is a true test of skill for avid golfers as a par 72 course with 18 holes designed by Pete and Alice Dye.

This course lies at the easternmost point of the island with ten holes hugging the Atlantic Ocean, making it the most beachfront course in the Northern Hemisphere. While this makes for one-of-a-kind unmatched scenery as you golf with a panoramic ocean view, it also exposes players to difficult breezes and unpredictable winds. If you’re up for the challenge, The Ocean Course is the number one course on Kiawah Island that should be first on your must-play list!

2. Oak Point Golf Course

The Oak Point Golf Course was awarded the 2019 Charleston Golf Course Owners Association “Course of the Year” for its strategic challenges and fresh design. The par 72 course features 18 holes designed by Clyde Johnston, a well-known Southeastern golf architect.

Think you have what it takes to take on the Oak Point Golf Course with strategy over power? Then Oak Point Golf Course should be next on your list!

3. Osprey Point Golf Course

Osprey Point Golf Course started out as just a private members-only golf course, but quickly became well-known for its playability and notable layout. Now known as one of Kiawah’s championship Audubon certified courses, Tom Fazio led its renovation in 2014.

Every hole on the Osprey Point Golf Course is notable, with four par-3s, four par-5s, and ten par-4s ranging from 340 to 461 yards. If you’re up for the challenge, head over to Osprey Point Golf Course for a challenging but memorable day on the green!

4. Turtle Point Golf Course

The Turtle Point Golf Course underwent extensive renovations in 2016 with architectural and design assistance from Jack Nicklaus and his team. Since these improvements, the course has seen rave reviews from fans and golfers across the nation. The par 72 course features 18 holes with new Paspalum grass, rebuilt bunkers, laser-leveled tee boxes, and reestablishment of irrigation.

Ready to test these improvements for yourself and prove Jack Nicklaus’ “mind over muscle” strategy? Add the Turtle Point Golf Course to your list!

5. Cougar Point Golf Course

Cougar Point Golf Course reopened in 2017 after undergoing thorough renovations and designs led by Gary Player. Now winning over locals and visiting golfers alike, this par 72 course features 18 holes with stunning marsh views.

Whether you’ve played this beloved course before its renovations or you’re new to Kiawah’s golfing scene– Cougar Point Golf Course is a must on your next trip!

Stay On The Golf Course

Planning a golf getaway to Kiawah Island? Stay in one of our exclusive vacation rentals right on the golf course with unique accommodations to suit your needs– including elevators for easy access, four plus bedrooms for large families, villas for a quick weekend trip, and more!

Browse our full collection of exclusive Kiawah golf homes and villas or contact one of our vacation specialists with the local knowledge and expertise to help you plan the ultimate PGA vacation on Kiawah Island.