Island Life
Out and About
Living on Kiawah
Considering the magnificent land and seascapes and the wealth of sporting and social activities on the Island, there are always things to do on Kiawah. Here, the very best of coastal living can be found across 10 miles of beach, famed golf courses, shimmering riverways, fabulous dining venues, and boutique shops. Island life is a celebration of health and happiness where everyday necessities and once-in-a-lifetime pleasures are available for every resident and guest.
Place Settings
Coastal cuisine and inspired shopping come standard on Kiawah. Freshfields Village is a quaint, open-air retail center comprised of more than 50 boutique shops, health and wellness services, a major grocery store, diverse dining options, and a luxury hotel. And while live music and movies unfold across the Freshfields green in the summer months, a distinctly southern charm can be found here all year round. In addition, Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s restaurant options dot the landscape, and luxury giftables can be found at the Sanctuary Hotel. Nearby Bohicket Marina’s assortment of eateries, shops, and services claims prime placement along the water. And true foodies love the impossibly fresh produce abundant at local, Lowcountry farm stands.
And Golf? Of Course!
While Kiawah Island activities are as diverse as our landscapes, golf is, undoubtedly, a favorite endeavor for residents. Seven acclaimed courses (courtesy of visionaries including Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Fazio) stretch out across a range of spectacular landscapes. The Kiawah Island Golf Resort owns and operates five public courses—including the legendary Ocean Course, home of the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships—and Kiawah Island Club features two private courses for Members and their guests. And whether you’re a fairway fanatic or green to the greens, our state-of-the art Golf Learning Center pairs cutting-edge technology with dedicated, professional instruction.
Wisdom in Spirit and Mind
The first hymnbook produced in America came from a print shop in Charleston. Residents of Kiawah of all denominations may find spiritual sustenance in Charleston’s oldest churches, where first services were held back in 1681. Additionally, places of worship can be found across Kiawah’s neighbor, Johns Island, and surrounding areas.
As for educational pursuits, Ashley Hall, a revered girls’ school, and the widely respected Porter Gaud School and Charleston Collegiate provide primary education for Lowcountry youth. There are also public elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as Montessori, Catholic, Christian, and Hebrew options available. For the pursuit of higher learning, universities in the area include the College of Charleston, a public liberal arts and sciences university, and the Medical University of South Carolina, a 200-year-old institution with a medical center and six colleges.
Charleston: Past, Present, Perfect
Cobblestone streets and carriage rides provide a passport to the past, while world-class cuisine, shopping, fine arts, music, and a rousing nightlife announce the city’s modern sensibilities. The entire Charleston experience includes grand architecture, diverse culture, rich history, and undeniable charm, and is readily accessible to and treasured by Kiawah residents. Today, cultural events including the international Spoleto Festival, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, and globally lauded restaurants have introduced The Holy City to a worldwide fan base.
Health and Wellness
Kiawah Island activities often revolve around healthy living and wellness pursuits. Both the Kiawah Island Club Member-exclusive Sasanqua Spa and the Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Sanctuary Hotel spa encourage mindful living with a roster of pampering services. When actual medical attention is needed, Roper St. Francis Physician Partners Primary Care is located moments away in Freshfields Village. And nearby Charleston’s cutting-edge healthcare is available through the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, and Roper Hospital. Plus, MUSC provides its reputable excellence in healthcare to Kiawah and the surrounding area with the MUSC Health Kiawah Partners Pavilion, located steps from Freshfields Village.
Explore Island Life
Island Insights
Travel back to 1600’s South Carolina with our Kiawah Island timeline and get a sense of who we are, how we govern, and why we love our year-round weather.
On the Water
H2OMG! With ten miles of gorgeous Atlantic shoreline, the shimmering Kiawah River, ribboning waterways, and tranquil lagoons, the Island is an everyday celebration of life in flow motion.
Within Nature
The neighbors get a little wild on Kiawah—and we love it. With so many species of mammals, reptiles, and birds residing here, we’re dedicated to making sure they always feel at home.