Located along the southeastern shore of the Atlantic Ocean in South Carolina, Kiawah Island beckons visitors to come for relaxation and rejuvenation. This barrier island features fresh water on one side and saltwater on the other, offering lots of opportunities for boating and fishing. Moreover, the island boasts numerous accommodations ranging from waterfront condos and homes to spacious, secluded cottages. Each of the coastal communities has its own vibe and attractions. Book your Kiawah Island vacation rental today. Here are the most exciting attractions in and around this cozy beach town.
1. Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island features a planned and gated community with townhomes, condos, and family homes as vacation rentals along with amenities such as tennis courts, swimming pools, and easy access to the beach. On the island are two outstanding golf courses where you can spend a day out on the links. At Night Heron Park, you and kids can enjoy an afternoon of playing in the fountains that spurt water.
2. Seabrook Island
A little south of Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island is another popular barrier island along the South Carolina coast. Enjoy days biking around the island, or stop by one of the local outfitters to rent a scooter or golf cart big enough for the entire family. Don’t worry about packing beach chairs. Lazy Loggerhead Rentals will bring beach chairs and umbrellas to your vacation rental and pick them up again at the end of your stay.
3. Edisto Island
On Edisto Island, your family can spend the days biking, hiking, kayaking, and boating. For a day on the beach, pack your sunscreen, and take the kids to Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area, where they can play on the beach and splash in the surf. When you need to stretch your legs, visit the Sea Cloud Plantation and Bleak Hall Plantation to enjoy a tour of these two Colonial-era mansions.
4. Edisto Beach
Spend your days off in a small home close to the beach, reconnecting with your family and catching up on your reading. Step out on the deck with your cup of coffee each morning to watch the sun rising above the horizon. Days pass in a haze of biking around the island, exploring the small town, and fishing for dinner in the ocean or one of the creeks that run through the island.
5. Rockville
Located across the inlet from Seabrook Island, Rockville is a great destination for a laid-back vacation. Enjoy days filled with bike riding, fishing in the river, and kayaking up the river and around the tributaries. If the weather turns rainy, take the kids to Edisto Island Serpentarium to learn more about reptiles and watch a show featuring these creepy crawlers.
6. Wadmalaw Island
On Wadmalaw Island, you and your family can easily find a vacation rental on or close to the water, thanks to the two rivers, ponds, creeks, and numerous tributaries wandering through the island. Take the family to Charleston Tea Plantation for a tour of one of the few tea plantation in the United States. You can take a day trip to the tip of the island for a tour of the Firefly Distillery, where they brew sweet tea vodka, sweet tea whiskey, and good old-fashioned moonshine.
7. Johns Island
To the north of Wadmalaw Island is charming Johns Island with all the Southern charm you need for a great vacation. Pass your days swimming, canoeing, fishing, biking, and exploring this barrier island. Take the kids to the Progressive Club for a tour. In the early 20th century, Esau Jenkins created the club to provide lodging, legal help, and education for the poor and minorities in the area.
8. James Island
Between Charleston Harbor and the meandering Stono and Folly Rivers, you and your family can find a vacation rental on James Island with many options available besides a river or creek. Take the daredevils in your family to Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park for a day on a ropes course high above the ground, or enjoy some water fun at Splash Zone Waterpark with its water slides.
9. Folly Beach
Up the coast to the north, Folly Beach sits on another barrier island and offers days of fishing, swimming, boating, and building sandcastles. Enjoy a vacation rental near the beach so you can walk there in just a couple of minutes. To learn more about local and American history, take a boat or tour to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired.
10. Folly Island
Move away from the main town and the crowds to experience a low-key vacation on Folly Island. Contact Charleston Kayak Company for a tour of the local waterways on kayaks and to learn more about the delicate island ecosystem. Load the family in the car, and head to Charleston for a day of shopping, art museums, and sightseeing.
11. Daniel Island
This small island, a suburb of Charleston, offers upscale accommodations. Check the concert schedule at Volvo Car Stadium, and get tickets for a music event during your stay. This island offers a seasonal farmers market where you can pick up fresh fruits and vegetables for your family.
12. Sullivan’s Island
While away the days at Sullivan’s Island Beach by swimming, soaking up some rays and watching your kids splash in the surf. To learn more about the area and get some amazing views of the ocean, visit Fort Moultrie National Monument or the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse. If you have a runner in the family, book a tour of Charleston for them with City Running Tours.