A Day on Kiawah & Seabrook Island
Kiawah and Seabrook are two pristine sea islands located about 45 minutes south of downtown Charleston. The Kiawah and Seabrook communities are both gated, but there are plenty of ways for visitors to enjoy the islands both inside and outside of the gates.
Between the two islands you will find the large Freshfields Village with great dining, shopping, and a hotel, the Andell Inn. The islands’ only publicly accessible beach is Charleston County’s Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island.
For the Day Tripper
If you are looking to get away from town for the day but are not staying behind the Kiawah or Seabrook gates, here is great way to spend the day:
In the morning grab a coffee and breakfast at Freshfield’s Java Java and enjoy the morning breeze on their patio. The head to the public Kiawah Beachwalker Park for a morning in the sun and sand. When you’re ready to eat, swing back through Freshfields for lunch at Co-Op, Cantina 76, or La Tela Pizzeria serving some of the best wood-fired pies around. Spend some time shopping at the local boutiques like Holly & Brooks, Showroom Kiawah and Island Mercantile or at the national brands Lululemon, Johnny Was, and Marine Layer. Grab an ice cream to beat the afternoon heat at Vincents Drug Store and Soda Fountain.
For you outdoor types, head over to Bohicket Marina to rent a paddle board or kayak just in time for sunset. Water Dog Paddle offers rentals and guided tours. Be on the lookout for dolphins!
For dinner, Bohicket’s Salty Dog Cafe is a great choice for fresh seafood and laid-back vibes, especially after a kayaking adventure. If you are looking for a more formal dining experience, head back to Freshfields to enjoy Hege’s, Harvest, or the FourtyEight Wine Bar and Kitchen.
For Guests of Kiawah
Where to Stay:
For a luxurious hotel experience, a stay at Kiawah’s Sanctuary hotel has everything you need: full service spa, high end dining, ocean front beach access and fabulous pools.
For a more private retreat, there are numerous vacation rental options available from condos, villas, to large private oceanfront homes which can provide you with access to many of the island’s amenities.
How to spend your day:
Start by heading over to The Nest Market Café for a casual but delicious breakfast. Try a fresh pastry and a locally roasted coffee while enjoying the morning air. Then rent a bike and cruise along Kiawah’s 30 miles of scenic bike trails, winding through maritime forests and marshlands.
For lunch, you can't miss dining at the famous Kiawah Island Ocean Course Ryder Cup bar. Overlooking the 18th green and ocean, you can enjoy a beautiful, relaxing lunch.
Activities are endless! Snag a tee time at one of Kiawah’s many public courses like Turtle Point, Osprey Point, Cougar Point or the famous Ocean Course, home to the upcoming 2031 PGA Championship. Grab your racket or paddle and head to Roy Barth Tennis Center. Or book a luxurious spa treatment at the Sanctuary Spa for an indulgent, relaxing afternoon.
For dinner, the Ocean Room at The Sanctuary on Kiawah is the best choice for a fine dining experience with oceanfront views. The Atlantic Room in the Ocean Course Clubhouse is also a great way to end a beautiful day at Kiawah.
Seabrook Island:
Where to Stay:
Unlike Kiawah, Seabrook does not have a large hotel within their community. However, there are ample vacation rentals ranging from small condos to large private homes. As a guest you will have access to beautiful Seabrook amenities.
Here is a great way to spend the day:
For breakfast, hit Saveurs Du Monde Cafe just outside the Seabrook gate which offers great coffee and French fare to start the day. Seabrook’s River House offers a wonderful fitness center with daily aerobic and yoga classes available. For a more adventurous morning, head to the nearby equestrian center to start the day with an adventurous horseback ride through the beautiful community.
If you are ready to hit the beach, go to the end of the island to enjoy oceanfront dining at the Pelican’s Nest or Osprey Cafe. From lunch you can head directly to the beach or adjoining pools or grab a sweet treat at the nearby ice cream shop.
Seabrook offers two world class golf courses and a tennis center. Brush up on your skills with a private lesson or clinic or spend the afternoon on the course. For families, there are weekly kid’s programs like tye-dye classes and nature adventures.
For dinner, watch the sunset over the ocean at the Palmetto Room in the main club house.
Just outside of Kiawah and Seabrook, Charleston’s newest development, Kiawah River is not to be missed! The new Dunlin Auberge boutique hotel at Kiawah River is worth a visit. Upstairs overlooking the River is Linnette’s restaurant. Filled with a who’s who of Charleston’s most seasoned F&B players, they over deliver on service and menu offerings. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Order the “Linnette’s Cocktailers” for a sampling of their best appetizers. Other menu highlights are the caesar salad with blue crab, hamachi crudo, and cornmeal crusted flounder.
