Island Days, Your Way

There is something about Kiawah that invites you to slow down.

Mornings begin with a walk along the beach or a bike ride beneath the live oaks and Spanish moss. Afternoons are made for golf, long lunches, and exploring the island. Evenings call for cocktails, fresh seafood, and nowhere in particular to be.

After more than a decade of visiting Kiawah, these are some of the places and experiences we return to again and again.

Wooden stairs leading to a sandy beach with tall grass, two lounge chairs, and a white beach umbrella by the shore under a partly cloudy sky.
Wooden stairs leading to a sandy beach with tall grass, two lounge chairs, and a white beach umbrella by the shore under a partly cloudy sky.

Beach

Find you way to the water

Ten miles of wide, beautiful shoreline are at the heart of life on Kiawah. Pack a beach bag, take the short trip from Heron Shore to the sand, and spend the day swimming, walking, searching for shells, or simply settling in with a good book.

Our favorite: Go early in the morning when the beach is quiet, then come back in the evening for a sunset walk.

Explore the beaches
Explore the beaches
Two bicycles parked by a white fence along a tree-lined street with shaded and sunny areas, and lush green foliage.
Two bicycles parked by a white fence along a tree-lined street with shaded and sunny areas, and lush green foliage.

Bike

The Best Way Around The Island

One of our favorite things about Kiawah is how easily a day can unfold on two wheels. Miles of trails wind beneath live oaks, alongside lagoons and marshes, and through some of the island's prettiest stretches.

From Heron Shore, biking is an easy way to reach the beach, golf, dining, and many of the places you'll want to explore.

Rent bikes
Rent bikes
Aerial view of a golf course with green fairways, sand traps, and surrounding trees during sunset.

Tee Off On Kiawah

Kiawah Island is home to some of the most celebrated golf in the Lowcountry. Heron Shore is especially convenient for golfers, with Turtle Point Golf Course and its clubhouse nearby.

For an iconic Kiawah experience, make time for the legendary Ocean Course and its spectacular Atlantic views.

Golf

Explore Kiawah Golf
Explore Kiawah Golf
Outdoor dinner table set with pasta, salad, and drinks, overlooking beach at sunset
Sunset over a marina with boats docked and houses along the waterfront.
A house with a porch, surrounded by trees and bushes, with sunlight filtering through the leaves.
Interior of a vintage-style bar with a curved wooden counter, gold accents, and twelve barstools. Shelves behind the bar display bottles and framed pictures. Pendant lights hang above the counter, and nautical decor is present.

Eat+Drink

Good food is part of the Kiawah experience. Whether you're coming straight from the beach, celebrating over dinner, or looking for somewhere to linger over a glass of wine, there are plenty of favorites close to Heron Shore.

A Few Places We Love

For a Special Night
The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary is Kiawah's premier steakhouse, while The Atlantic Room pairs seafood with one of the island's most memorable settings.

For Lowcountry Flavor
Jasmine Porch is a Kiawah classic for Southern and Lowcountry cooking in the beautiful setting of The Sanctuary.

For Dinner Close to Home
Tomasso at Turtle Point serves contemporary Italian with Lowcountry influences and is an especially convenient option from Heron Shore.

For Sunset + Waterfront Dining
Salty Dog Cafe at Bohicket Marina is a laid-back spot for seafood, cocktails and marina views. Come around sunset, grab a table outside to enjoy live music and make time for a stroll along the docks afterward.

For Wine + Cocktails
FortyEight – With 48 wines by the glass, craft beer, cocktails and a full food menu, it's perfect for an easy evening in Freshfields Village.

For an Easy Family Dinner
La Tela Pizzeria is a relaxed favorite for wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza and fresh pasta.

For Lunch + Beach Provisions
Café Eugenia is a gourmet café and market in Freshfields Village with sandwiches, salads, cheese and charcuterie, takeaway meals and drinks.

Coffee + Casual Bites
The Nest Market | Café at Night Heron Park is an easy stop for specialty coffee, fresh baked goods, made-to-order sandwiches and grab-and-go favorites. Grab something for the beach or bike ride, or stay awhile on the oak-shaded porch.

For Drinks with a View
The Ryder Cup Bar is the place for cocktails, casual food and views over the Ocean Course

For Elevated Southern Dining
Linnette’s at The Dunlin pairs elevated Southern cuisine with a relaxed, effortlessly beautiful setting overlooking the Kiawah River. The menu changes with the seasons, and its standout fried chicken has even earned attention from Garden & Gun.

Discover our favorites
Discover our favorites

What Not to miss

An apartment complex with multiple stories, balconies, and a central entrance, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and greenery.

The Sanctuary

A Kiawah Classic

Even if you aren't staying there, The Sanctuary is worth a visit. The grand oceanfront hotel has become one of Kiawah's landmarks and is a beautiful setting for cocktails, dinner, or simply taking in the view.

We especially love stopping by for a drink and lingering awhile.

A two-story building with a red metal roof and wooden exterior, surrounded by palm trees and street parking at sunset.

Freshfields Village

Just Off The Island

Freshfields is the place for an easy afternoon or evening away from the beach. Browse the shops, pick up groceries and provisions, grab coffee, enjoy dinner, or catch one of the seasonal events on the village green.

It has everything you need without ever feeling like you're leaving vacation.

Sign for Mingo Point at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, directing to nature programs with an arrow pointing left, flanked by two lit lanterns.

Mingo Point

Keep An Eye Out

Where winding marshes and sweeping views offer a glimpse of the island at its most natural. See dolphins, alligators, white-tailed deer, sea turtles, egrets, herons and other coastal wildlife along the way.

A place to explore and experience what makes Kiawah so special.

Stay Awhile

The best part about Kiawah is that there is no need to see everything at once.

Heron Shore gives you a comfortable home base for beach days, bike rides, golf weekends, family traditions, and all the little moments in between.

Book your stay