Overview
Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers an unmatched golf experience with a unique combination of distinctive golf courses. Selected as the best golf resort in the U.S., the resort offers five distinctive, world-class golf courses designed by Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Gary Player and Clyde Johnston.
The Ocean Course
Known as “America’s toughest course”, the Ocean Course has been host to the 1991 Ryder Cup and the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships. Located on the eastern-most end of the island, The Ocean Course boasts the most seaside holes in the Northern Hemisphere with ten hugging the Atlantic and the other eight running parallel to those. Although it was originally planned to sit behind the dunes, designer Pete Dye’s wife, Alice, suggested raising the entire course to give players unobstructed views of Kiawah’s stunning coastline from every hole.
This is where the Friday wedding festivities on 5/17 will occur!
Turtle Point
Turtle Point exemplifies Jack Nicklaus’ design philosophy to “make the player use his mind ahead of his muscles." A full renovation of the course in 2016 makes it an exquisite course and a enjoyable place to spend an afternoon.
Osprey Point
Noted for its playability, this course has evolved into a championship-level course with a world-class layout that was completely renovated in 2014 under the direction of course architect Tom Fazio. The course includes four challenging par-3s, four extremely distinctive par-5s and ten outstanding par-4s ranging in length from 340 to 461 yards.
Oak Point
Oak Point delivers a superior playing surface with its regrassing in Paspalum and greater strategic challenges through a refreshed design. Originally conceived by Clyde Johnston, Oak Point sits by the Kiawah River and Haulover Creek, surrounded by maritime forest.
Overview
With a lush Lowcountry setting on an unspoiled barrier island, Kiawah Island beaches deliver natural beauty, recreation for all ages and boundless relaxation.
Chair, Umbrella, and Gear Rental
No need to lift a finger.
Just take a seat in any chair marked “For Rent” beneath an umbrella. A beach service representative will come by to assist you.
Reserve for a day or for the duration of your stay, where your lounger and umbrella will be set up for you each day in the same location! Rentals are available to any boardwalk location (private or public) on Kiawah’s beach, except beyond boardwalk 40. Set-up is normally between 9 and 10 am, take-down is normally between 4 and 5 pm.
You may also reserve chairs, umbrellas, and other beach gear ahead of time below:
Overview
We highly recommend renting bicycles for your stay. Biking the best way to explore and get around the island renowned for its natural beauty. There are over 30 miles of bike and walking trails and 10 miles of beach to bike on. The island has bike paths conveniently located next to the roads.
(Kelsey’s favorite way to start the day: a sunrise bike along the beach, stop for coffee, and return home via the gorgeous marsh trails.)
Rent in Advance
Renting in advance is the most convenient option!
Many vacation home rental companies provide a bike/beach gear credit with your stay. Check with yours! Otherwise, some bike/beach gear rental companies are below. Everything is delivered for free directly to your vacation home.
1. kiawahresort.com/recreation/bike-rentals/#bike-reservation
Walk-Up Rentals
Walk up to the West Beach Bike Shop or the Sanctuary Hotel Bike Pavilion to rent a bicycle.
Tennis
For an unsurpassed player experience, Kiawah Island offers 22 tennis courts, including ten new Har-Tru clay courts, all tucked into the resort’s stunning surroundings and bordered by fragrant oleander, rustling palmettos, swaying pampas grass and vibrant flowers.
There are two options for tennis on Kiawah Island. The Roy Barth Tennis Center and the West Beach Tennis Club are both operated by Kiawah Island Golf Resort and are open to the public. You don’t need to be a guest at the resort to play tennis and both clay and hard courts are available for reservation starting at a rate of $36 per hour. All the gear you’ll need is also available for rent at the tennis center.
The Spa at The Sanctuary
The Spa at The Sanctuary is available to the public. Here, you’ll experience a complete escape for your body, mind and spirit. Brilliantly inspired by the natural beauty of the Lowcountry, their signature treatments and services will rejuvenate the senses, while our idyllic setting and Southern hospitality will soothe the soul.
Book in advance; the spa is popular. Guests not staying at The Sanctuary may book three days in advance.
Overview
Water activity options are endless. Choose from captained sunset cruises, sailing, and dolphin watching; kayak and paddleboard rentals or tours; fishing; and more!
1. kiawahresort.com/recreation/boat-charters/
2. kiawahresort.com/recreation/paddling-tours/
3. kiawahresort.com/recreation/
4. www.coastalexpeditions.com/tours-trips/category/kiawah-river/
Overview
The Kiawah Dining Collection’s restaurants, cafés and eateries across the island offer a diverse range of culinary explorations that stay true to our coastal Carolina roots. From sit-down steak dinners, to grab-and-go lunches, to poolside snacks, Kiawah has dining options for everyone. Many boast bars with a wide variety of cocktails, beers, and good times.
Click the link below for the full list and to apply filters. (Some summaries are below the link.)
Ryder Cup Bar
Whether you’re gathering your foursome for a post-round drink, grabbing a casual lunch with family on the veranda, or toasting the sunset over the ocean, the Ryder Cup Bar is your perfect gathering place for modern pub fare.
Jasmine Porch
Your home for genuine Lowcountry cuisine at breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner. Seasonal menus are inspired by the seafood pulled directly from the local waters and certified organic produce from around the region.
Player’s Pub
At Cougar Point Clubhouse.
Enjoy comfort food favorites at this classic American pub. This is your perfect place for a relaxed lunch with friends, fun family dinner (complete with kid-friendly favorites) and victorious post-round drinks with your foursome. And you won’t miss a moment of your favorite sports teams in action with multiple flat-screen televisions broadcasting every play. Outdoor porch seating available.
The Ocean Room
As the premier steakhouse on Kiawah Island, The Ocean Room serves masterful dishes crafted from locally sourced beef, poultry and produce in a seasonally changing menu—all complemented by a wine list showcasing more than 1,000 superior selections
The Atlantic Room
Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s signature seafood restaurant, The Atlantic Room at The Ocean Course, serves modern American cuisine with an emphasis on fresh regional catches procured through partnerships with local fishermen—all complemented by an extensive wine list of classic favorites and exciting new selections
Cherrywood BBQ and Ale House
Proud to be a stop on the South Carolina BBQ Trail in the state that invented the slow-and-low cooking method, Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House serves up meats smoked over local hardwoods, rubbed with signature. seasonings and dripping with tangy, house-made sauces
Salty Dog Cafe
Located just a few minutes outside Kiawah’s gates. Waterfront views, outdoor seating, live music, games, fire pits and fresh seafood, salads, steaks, pasta—what else could you need? Outdoor at Salty Dog has a brewery vibe. You can choose waited service or ordering and seating yourself at the plethora of outdoor seating (our favorite!)
Instagram: www.instagram.com/saltydogcharleston?igsh=MWpweDF6M2NpZHJubg==
The Nest Market | Café
Grab-and-go meal selections as well as grocery staples and must-have sundries.
Signature Gourmet Coffee Shop
At The Sanctuary.
Offering gourmet coffee selections as well as fresh pastries, breakfast, and lunch sandwiches, and an assortment of grab-and-go options
The Lobby Bar at The Sanctuary
Extensive menu of speciality cocktails, wines and beers with live piano music on Friday and Saturday evenings
Located right off the entrance to Kiawah Island, Freshfields Village includes shopping, dinning, a grocery store, and a gas station.
If you’re asking how we’d recommend you spend time on Kiawah, see below!
1. Rent bikes and beach loungers/umbrella for the duration of your stay. (Rent bikes ahead of time. Walk up to a beach chair and sit down to rent—it’s great for having central location to meet up during the week without having to lift a finger. If you only choose one, we’d go bikes.)
2. Book a tee time (Kyle) and spa (Kelsey) in advance.
3. Stock up on groceries at Harris Teeter in Freshfields Village or grab necessities (including beer and wine) at one of the island’s convenience stores (e.g., Nest Market Cafe).
4. Start the day with a morning bike ride or beach walk. Get coffee at The Sanctuary (either Signature Gourmet Shop or Beaches and Cream).
5. Hit the beach.
6. Restaurant and bar hit list:
- Ryder Cup Bar for drinks, apps, and/or a meal anytime of day (no reservations but no problem—grab a drink and enjoy the ocean view with plenty of places to sit and hang out should there be a wait).
- Salty Dog Cafe for a brewery-type vibe. Particularly fun at sunset.
- Jasmine Porch for an elevated brunch.
- Player’s Pub for a meal or drinks on the porch overlooking the golf course.
- Ice cream from Beaches & Cream (at The Sanctuary).
6. Get on the water (paddleboarding is a fun and easy way to do this).