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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! 


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


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. 


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.


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!


Where To See Live Music On Kiawah Summer 2023

Kiawah Island is recognized as a top destination for luxury resort living in harmony with nature. With 10 miles of pristine beaches, maritime forests, sand dunes, and marshes, the island attracts vacationers from all over the country. Not only is Kiawah Island a top destination for its award-winning golf courses, renowned tennis centers, traditional Lowcountry cuisine, and exciting outdoor adventures, but Kiawah Island’s live music is what brings the atmosphere to life.

Live music is the perfect addition to set the tone at your romantic dinner, dance along to at a local concert, or sing along with as you watch the sun go down. Whether you’re looking for a local bar with live music, or live concerts, Kiawah Island is full of lively music for everyone to enjoy on your next vacation.


1. The Sanctuary Sounds of Summer

The “Sanctuary Sounds of Summer” takes place every Saturday evening on the Grand Lawn at The Sanctuary Hotel. This local live music event is a family-friendly evening of music with each concert hosting different regional bands. Bands include The Coastal Breeze Band, Soul Fish, and the award-winning Travis Allison Band from Charleston. Bring your beach chairs or blankets to sit back and watch the best of Kiawah Island concerts as the sun goes down. Cash bar and seating area available, no outside food or beverages are permitted. 

DATE: June 3 to August 26, 2023

TIME: 6 PM to 9 PM

ADMISSION: FREE!

ADDRESS: The Sanctuary Hotel, 1 Sanctuary Beach Drive, Kiawah Island 

2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
June 3 – The Coastal Breeze Party Band
June 10 – The EncoreBand
June 17 – The River City Dixieland Jazz Band
June 24 – Thomas Champagne and Friends
July 1 – Common Ground
July 8 – Whitney Hanna and Fancy Koolaid
July 15 – Caja de Cuerdas
July 22 – The Jay Miley Band
July 29 – Vinyl Daze
August 12 – Soul Fish
August 19 – South Band
August 26 – The Travis Allison Band


2. Live Piano at The Lobby Bar

The Lobby Bar at the Sanctuary is an intimate luxury restaurant with delicious Lowcountry cuisine and an atmosphere of traditional Southern charm. The menu features specialty cocktails, wines, beer, and spirits. In addition to this romantic dinner spot, Friday and Saturday nights feature live piano music for your entertainment from 7 PM to 10 PM.

ADDRESS: 1 Sanctuary Beach Drive, Kiawah Island 

PHONE: (843) 768-6301

DATE & TIME: 
Open Daily | 2 PM to 11 PM 
Live Piano | Friday & Saturday | 7 PM to 10 PM


3. Fischer’s Sports Pub & Grill

Situated waterfront at Bohicket Marina & Market, Fischer’s Sports Pub & Grill is a casual spot where the locals eat and drink! Fisher’s offers classic pub food like burgers, seafood, fries, and more with pool tables and darts, big screen TVs to watch the game, and regular live music from local bands. 

ADDRESS: 1883 Andell Bluff Blvd, Johns Island, SC

PHONE: (843) 243-0210

DATE & TIME: 
Monday – Friday | 11:30 AM to 2 AM
Saturday & Sunday | 12 PM to 2 AM
Weekday Happy Hour | 5 PM to 7 PM
Live Music | Tuesday – 7:30 PM


4. Live Jazz at The Porch Bar

The Porch Bar is located in Freshfields Village and is the place to find a space for sundowners and a spectacular Kiawah Island sunset on a Thursday evening. The Porch Bar overlooks Andell Lake with an upscale indoor bar area, outdoor porch, light fare and flatbreads, signature cocktails, and the summer soundtracks of smooth live jazz every Thursday night.

ADDRESS: 300 Farm Lake View Rd, Kiawah Island 

PHONE: (843) 793-6050

DATE & TIME: 
Open Daily | 4 PM to close
Live Jazz | Thursday | 6 PM to 8 PM


5. Freshfields Village Music on the Green

Freshfields Village Music on the Green kicks off with a special two-night series on Memorial Day weekend and ends with a grand finale on Labor Day weekend. Throughout the summer locals, families, and visitors to Kiawah Island gather on the Village Green with blankets, chairs, and picnics to enjoy a night of local music on the stage. Freshfields Village Music on the Green is free, family-friendly, and a not to be missed Kiawah Island summer tradition with good, laid-back island vibes!

ADDRESS: Freshfields Village Green

DATE & TIME: 
Memorial Day to Labor Day
Fridays | 6 PM to 9 PM

ADMISSION: FREE!

2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
May 26-27, 2023: Memorial Day Music on the Green 
Fridays: June 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
Fridays: July 7, 14, 21 & 28
Fridays: August 4, 11, 18 & 25
Fridays: September 1 


6. Mingo Point Oyster Roast & BBQ

You can’t visit Kiawah Island without attending an Oyster Roast at Mingo Point on the banks of the Kiawah River – the beautiful setting alone is enough to make your mouth water! It’s the best way to sample the flavors of the Lowcountry and, while it’s a celebration of our fresh local oysters, you’ll find everything from BBQ ribs and pulled pork, traditional southern side dishes and delicious desserts, coupled with live music, exquisite sunsets, and loads of family fun. Happening on select Mondays during June, July and August.

ADDRESS: Mingo Point, 876 Kiawah Island Parkway 

DATE & TIME: 
Monday – Memorial Day to Labor Day
Two Seatings: 5 PM to 7 PM and 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM

ADMISSION:
Adults – $56.95 / person
Age 4-12 – $25 / person
Age 3 & Under – FREE

2023 MINGO POINT DATES:
April 5th and 12th Easter
May 27th Memorial Weekend
June 12, 19, 26
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
August 7, 14, 21
September 2nd Labor Day Weekend

Reserve your Mingo Point tickets HERE!


7. Deep Water Vineyard Weekend Wine-Down

Deep Water Vineyard hosts Weekend Wine-Down every Saturday from 10 AM – 5 PM where you can enjoy rotating food trucks and live music from 1 PM to 4 PM.

Experience fantastic food tastings while you listen to local musicians and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the vineyard.

ADDRESS: 6775 Bears Bluff Rd, Wadmalaw Island

DATE & TIME:
Saturday May 27
Saturday June 3, 10, 17 & 24 

View full schedule of events HERE!


8. Salty Dog Cafe

Whether you’re coming in from a cruise, snacking on seafood baskets on the waterfront lawn, or watching the most spectacular sunset in the Lowcountry, the world-famous Salty Dog Cafe is a must-do on your trip to the South Carolina sea islands! The Salty Dog Cafe has happy hour and live music on the waterfront every day during summer season! 

ADDRESS: Bohicket Marina Market, 1882 Andell Bluff Blvd, Johns Island 

PHONE: (843) 952 7335 

DATE & TIME: 
Open Daily | 11 AM to 10 PM
Daily Happy Hour | 4 PM to 6 PM
Daily Live Music | 6 PM to 9 PM 

2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
View full schedule of seasonal live music HERE!


9. Summer Concert Series

The Sanctuary hosts the “Summer Concert Series” every Saturday evening during summer on The Grand Lawn from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. The Summer Concert Series is a family-friendly evening of music with each concert hosting different regional bands. Bands include The Coastal Breeze Band, The Chris Crosby Band, and Travis Allison Band. Bring your beach chairs or blankets to sit back and watch the best of Kiawah Island concerts as the sun goes down.

Wherever you find yourself on Kiawah Island, there’s sure to be live music, fun adventures, and great memories to share with the whole family. Although live music is most popular during spring and summer, there are still local bars and restaurants where the locals find live entertainment all year round. Kiawah Island and live music go hand in hand – you can’t have a relaxing tranquil island vacation without soothing live music to go along with it. 


Stay with Kiawah Exclusives

Wherever you find yourself on Kiawah Island, there’s sure to be live music, fun adventures, and great memories to share with the whole family. Although live music is most popular during spring and summer, there are still local bars and restaurants where the locals find live entertainment all year round. Kiawah Island and live music go hand in hand – you can’t have a relaxing tranquil island vacation without soothing live music to go along with it. 

The Seabrook Island bike trails will lead to live music, but to be within walking distance from the best live music spots on Kiawah Island, stay with Kiawah Exclusives! We have a collection of 110+ of the most exclusive vacation rentals on Kiawah Island with quiet retreats on the tranquil Kiawah River, golf villas and homes on the lush fairways, family cottages in the heart of Night Heron Park, and luxury oceanfront homes with all the bells and whistles!