Welcome to Kiawah Island
A premier beachfront community with scenic landscapes and views
Kiawah Island is a gated, residential resort community on the Atlantic coast, roughly 25 miles southwest of Charleston in Charleston County. It is mainly a private beach and golf resort, offering residents panoramic views of the oceanfront, maritime forest, beautiful golf courses, lagoon, marsh, and river. In addition, Kiawah Island's neighborhoods and communities offer incredible adventures, from unparalleled amenities to famed fairways, ten miles of pristine Atlantic shoreline, and a myriad of architectural styles.
Living on Kiawah Island also offers access to plenty of outdoor recreation, including ample opportunities to enjoy the natural scenery. You will also appreciate impeccable residences like single-family homes, villas, seaside cottages, and unique homesites that make Kiawah Island one of the best places to live.
What to Love
- Private luxury island
- High-end amenities
- Beautiful weather year-round
- Numerous award-winning restaurants
Local Lifestyle
Kiawah Island offers a suburban feel with an active island lifestyle that exposes residents to perennial Charleston-area benefits. It offers a unique experience when exploring various neighborhoods, beaches, and restaurants within the community. Residents enjoy beautiful weather in nearly every way, from the spring with fragrant blooms of magnolia to fall with magnificent seasonal views and crisp days. Living on Kiawah Island is also ideal for those craving fast and casual bites, including Lowcountry classics and global cuisines.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Kiawah Island offers everything you might need when looking for exceptional places to dine, shop, and have fun. One of the leading dining areas is Jasmine Porch at The Sanctuary, an elevated Lowcountry cuisine in a stately, oceanview dining setting, serving perfectly cooked American fares. Another must-visit destination is Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House along Governors Drive. The barbecue eatery offers perfectly cooked BBQ dishes, including local craft beers with outdoor seating. Check more dining options on our blog Kiawah Local Dining Options.
For panoramic views, while enjoying Italian-inspired meals influenced by locally sourced ingredients, step into Tomasso at Turtle Point. The Ocean Room along Sanctuary Beach Drive can be ideal for delectable, masterful seafood dishes, while The Ryder Cup Bar is an excellent spot for a la carte breakfast, a casual lunch with family, or dinner while watching the beautiful sunset.
Freshfields Village, located at the crossroads of Kiawah Island, Johns Island, and Seabrook Island, is a renowned destination for vacationers and residents looking for premier shopping and dining destinations. It features unique architecture, attractive courtyard patios, and seasonal events like outdoor concerts and a seasonal farmers market. You will also find more than thirty shops, a diverse range of restaurants, spa services, and a boutique hotel.
Things to Do
With an active lifestyle, Kiawah Island boasts several things to do and see. With nearly 10 miles of pristine beaches, Kiawah Island features some of the widest and least crowded beaches, offering fun-filled water recreations. The beaches are ideal for swimming, walking or running along the shore, and watching the beautiful sunset. You can also visit Kiawah Island Golf Resort for luxury golf and beach vacations, award-winning recreational activities, world-class resort amenities, and more.
If you are in Kiawah Island for a vacation, step into The Sanctuary,a spectacular oceanfront hotel just 21 miles from the historic Charleston. The hotel offers Forbes Five-Star service, unmatched accommodation, distinguished service, and unparalleled luxury with a genuinely sumptuous setting.
When exploring various recurring events in Kiawah Island, you will enjoy the Kiawah Island Art and House Tour held annually in the spring. It is a major community fundraiser focusing on a self-guided tour comprising five homes, each showcasing unique architectural and design features, impressive island views, and incredible art collections. Other special events include the Habitat for Humanity Golf Tournament, Shag Night on the Dock, and the acclaimed Kiawah Island Marathon.
Schools
Kiawah Island offers access to some of the best schools in the region, serving school-going children within the neighborhood.
- The Montessori School of Johns Island, Prek-7
- Charleston Collegiate School, Prek- 12
- Charles Towne Montessori School, Grades PreK-6
- Porter-Gaud, Grades 1-8
- Mount Zion Elementary School
- Haut Gap Middle School
- St Johns High School
Michelle Wiedemuth I focus exclusively on coastal real estate in Charleston—Seabrook Island, Kiawah, Johns Island, and the Lowcountry beaches— many people assume I have lived in the area my whole life. Truth is, I was born and raised up north, in New York. And I wasn’t always a real estate agent either. I have 20+ years’ experience in public relations, marketing, and business ownership. In fact, I was the owner of a luxury business in The Hamptons, as well as Westchester county. It was during these years that I developed critical skills needed to give clients impeccable service.