On our December 2019 trip to Charleston, we also had the chance to visit Kiawah Island. I had never been there. Steve is very familiar with the area as he previously had a house on the island back in 2000’s and currently has a lot there, which we are trying to decide what to do with. He wanted to check in with the realtor which also offered an opportunity to show me around. We ended up going there on two separate mornings, since it rained on our first day on Kiawah. I will be combining it all together for this post.
About Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island, named after the Kiawah Native Americans who once lived there, is a barrier island in the Atlantic Ocean. It is just off of the South Carolina Coast, about 25-30 miles southwest of Charleston. Kiawah Island is known for its beautiful beaches and award winning golf courses. It is also a sanctuary for Loggerhead Turtles. Throughout the Island there is beautiful vegetarian including abundant Live Oak Trees with Spanish Moss hanging from the limbs.
Location of Kiawah Island
Mingo Point
Steve first took me to Mingo Point which is right before the entrance to Kiawah Island. This area is a great place for locals to gather as it is along the banks of the Kiawah River and features frequent oyster roasts and BBQ’s. Like most places in Kiawah there are walking trails and access to the beach is never far.
Cougar Point Golf Course
Although I have little to no interest in golf, Steve loves it. This course is located just beyond the first entrance gate. It is the first of 4 public 18 hole courses on the island and is a very scenic course. There is also a newly built club house.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island
The Sanctuary is Kiawah’s premier ocean front hotel. It also hosts many shops and restaurants. Steve’s realtor has his office here and we enjoyed meeting with him. This man has such a great knowledge of the island so it was fun hearing about what was new on the island since Steve’s last visit.
With umbrella in hand, I headed to the beach, I wasn’t about to let a little rain ruin my beach day!!!!
The Ocean Course Golf Course and Beach
With much excitement Steve took me to his favorite golf course, The Ocean Course Golf Course. He tells me it has been the home of the Ryder Cup and the PGA Championship which I am guessing is a very good thing!! The clubhouse was beautiful. The restaurant smelled wonderful, but we had just had breakfast in Charleston.
This was on our second day and the rain had stopped so we walled along the beach for at least an hour and I even waded in the ocean a bit! It was fabulous. We were the only ones on the beach for as far as we could see. The beach was an expansive, smooth, sandy, and well kept beautiful beach. If we ever come back in good weather, I will be more than happy to let Steve golf all day while I hang out on this wonderful beach.
Osprey Point Golf Course
And yet another golf course Steve knew I would love!! This was another one of his favorites. I really liked this course as the trees along the lagoon and beautiful green grass looked so beautiful in the sunlight. The club house was also stately.
All was well. Until I saw them. Them, meaning the local wildlife Steve thought I would enjoy seeing. There are alligators, many of them. All over. Just sunning themselves at the edge of the lagoon. I didn’t see them at first, and when I did, they were hanging about 20 feet from the path. I have to admit, the sight of them raised my anxiety level from 0-100 instantly. The most amazing thing is everyone there just kept golfing and doing there thing as if there were no alligators at all.
This was my very first experience seeing alligators that were not at a zoo. One even was swimming under the pedestrian bridge we walked over! I was pretty sure he was just waiting for me to fall in!! Ok, all in all it wasn’t that bad as I know my husband would never put me in direct danger.
The Market at Town Center
Kiawah Island also has a Town Center that has shops, grocery, hotel, rentals, a lake and a park. We did not have time to do any shopping but it looked like a charming area.
Conclusion
Kiawah Island is a beautiful pristine vacation spot, especially for those who enjoy awesome golf courses and love beach life. I was impressed with how well manicured the island is. I also thought the beaches were fantastic and was impressed by the extensive bike trails throughout the island. Next time we are there, I am hoping for better weather!
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You can read about my Charleston posts by following these links
Charleston’s Haunted Jail, December 2019
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon Charleston, South Carolina, December 2019
A Photo Tour of Historic Charleston, South Carolina, December 2019