Things to do in Kiawah Island

    Discover amazing Kiawah Island activities and premium in-home experiences.

    Kiawah Island is a pristine barrier island offering an elegant retreat where lush maritime forests meet windswept beaches. Known for its world-class golf courses, beautiful bike trails, and abundant wildlife, this coastal gem invites you to unwind in the tranquil rhythms of nature while enjoying luxurious comforts. Whether you're teeing off by the ocean or savoring fresh low-country cuisine under starry skies, Kiawah Island promises relaxation and renewal at every turn.

    Popular Activities in Kiawah Island

    Local Guide's Charleston Historic District Tour

    Explore Charleston’s storied streets and architecture with a knowledgeable local guide

    5.0 586 reviews
    $25/ person

    Charleston Hidden Alleys & Passages Walking Tour

    Discover Charleston's charming hidden alleys and historic passages on an intimate 2-hour guided walk.

    5.0 586 reviews
    $30/ person

    Charleston Old City Jail: 45-Minute Ghost Tour

    Explore Charleston’s Old City Jail on a spine-tingling 45-minute guided ghost tour

    4.8 20.2K reviews
    $32/ person

    Charleston Food Tour: Lowcountry Dishes & History

    Taste iconic Lowcountry dishes on a guided walking food tour.

    4.8 20.2K reviews
    $95/ person

    Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Walking Tour

    Explore Charleston's oldest graveyard after dark on an exclusive guided walk

    4.8 20.2K reviews
    $29/ person

    Charleston Cocktail Tour at Historic Inns

    Sip curated cocktails at boutique inns while uncovering Charleston’s spirited history.

    4.8 20.2K reviews
    $108/ person

    South of Broad Houses & Gardens Walking Tour

    Explore Charleston’s oldest quarter with inside access to two historic museum homes and gardens.

    4.8 20.2K reviews
    $50/ person

    USS Yorktown Captain's Tour & Exclusive Access

    Explore restricted areas of the famed aircraft carrier alongside an expert guide.

    4.8 20.2K reviews
    $34/ person

    USS Yorktown Ghost Tour After Dark in Charleston

    Explore eerie legends and restricted areas of the historic aircraft carrier after dark.

    4.8 20.2K reviews
    $29/ person

    Magnolia Plantation & Gardens Charleston Tour

    Experience history, gardens, and wildlife with house, boat, and cabin tours in 4.5 hours

    4.9 1.6K reviews
    $101/ person

    Charleston Barrier Island Boat Tour with Wildlife

    Private captain-led cruise to barrier islands with wildlife watching, swimming, and time to relax

    4.9 215 reviews

    Sullivan's Island Lighthouse Boat Tour

    Enjoy a guided BYOB boat trip to Sullivan's Island Lighthouse with up to 6 guests

    4.9 215 reviews

    Charleston Dolphin & Seabird Boat Tour

    Explore coastal ecosystems with a marine biologist and watch for dolphins and seabirds

    4.9 215 reviews

    Charleston Sunset Boat Cruise with Dolphins

    Unwind on a private captained cruise with skyline views and dolphin sightings

    4.9 215 reviews

    Charleston Harbor Night Sail on Luxury Yacht

    Savor harbor lights and stargazing on a serene 3-hour night sail

    4.9 215 reviews

    Shem Creek Kayak Tour to Bird Sanctuary

    Paddle past shrimp boats and wildlife to a bird sanctuary on this guided Charleston kayak adventure.

    4.9 774 reviews

    Shem Creek Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals

    Explore scenic Shem Creek at your own pace with flexible kayak and paddleboard rentals

    4.9 774 reviews

    Drayton Hall & Charleston Strolls Combo Tour

    Experience Charleston’s famed plantation and a guided downtown history walk with one convenient combo ticket.

    4.6 797 reviews
    $37/ person

    Horseback Beach & Oak Trail Ride St. Helena

    Experience live oaks, local history, and beach views on a leisurely 1.5-hour trail ride.

    4.2 105 reviews
    $150/ person

    2 Hour Dolphin & Morris Island Shelling Cruise

    Search for wild dolphins and hunt for shells at Morris Island on a relaxed two-hour boat excursion

    4.9 972 reviews
    $25/ person

    Isle of Palms Surf Lesson with Gear Included

    Catch your first waves in a 90-minute lesson with gear provided and safety-focused instructors.

    5.0 89 reviews
    $75/ person

    Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Harbor Cruise Combo

    Experience Charleston’s history by boat and after-dark graveyard access on two top-rated tours.

    4.8 20.2K reviews
    $50/ person

    Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise & Landmarks

    Relax on a spacious pontoon and enjoy landmark views as the sun sets over Charleston Harbor

    5.0 162 reviews
    $39/ person

    Mount Pleasant Harbor Cruise with Seating & Restrooms

    Enjoy a 1.5-hour shared cruise with shaded seating and onboard restroom while taking in harbor views

    5.0 162 reviews
    $29/ person

    Dolphin Watching Cruise in Charleston Harbor

    Spot playful bottlenose dolphins and iconic Charleston landmarks on a relaxed 1.5-hour pontoon cruise.

    5.0 162 reviews
    $39/ person

    90-Minute Charleston Harbor Cruise & Dolphins

    Relax on a 1.5-hour pontoon cruise with dolphin-spotting and iconic Charleston Harbor views

    5.0 162 reviews
    $34/ person

    Charleston Harbor Party Boat Cruise with BYOB

    Join other small groups for a two-hour Charleston Harbor party with music, games, and BYOB fun.

    5.0 162 reviews
    $65/ person

    Explore the Charms of Kiawah Island

    Kiawah Island is a serene coastal retreat where pristine beaches meet lush maritime forests and winding saltwater marshes. This barrier island offers an idyllic escape for those seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and a touch of Southern hospitality. Unlike its bustling neighbor Charleston, Kiawah Island provides a more intimate connection with nature while still offering luxurious amenities.

    Visitors can start their day with a leisurely bike ride along the 30 miles of paved trails that weave through live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The island's diverse ecosystem makes it perfect for birdwatching or spotting local wildlife like deer and bobcats. For golf enthusiasts, the world-renowned Ocean Course presents not only challenging play but also breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

    No visit to Kiawah Island would be complete without experiencing its stunning sunsets over Beachwalker Park or indulging in fresh seafood at one of the island’s fine dining establishments. Kayak through tranquil waterways or join a guided eco-tour to discover hidden creeks teeming with life. Whether you’re lounging on sandy shores or exploring tidal pools at low tide, Kiawah Island promises relaxation and adventure in equal measure—an unforgettable destination just waiting to be discovered.

    Kiawah Island FAQs