There’s no better way to spend your summer season than a trip to the beach. Kiawah Island is a beach destination abounding in natural beauty with 10-miles of award-winning beaches, wetlands and waterways teeming with wildlife and resident bottlenose dolphins, Audubon certified golf courses, tranquil trails weaving through the island, and world-class shopping, dining and resort amenities.
Here’s our top tips to plan your dream summer vacation, soak up the sun and the slower pace of life, and satisfy your summer wanderlust on Kiawah Island.
1. Arrange Your Transportation
Getting to and around Kiawah Island is easy but with the increasing cost of gas prices and airfares, the first decision is whether to fly or take a classic road trip on your last minute summer getaway.
Kiawah Island is located approximately 30 miles south from historic Charleston and is an easy drive-to-destination from many east coast cities with most of the major airlines (American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, Silver Airways) offering daily non-stop flights into Charleston International Airport (CHS).
Rental cars are still in high demand so reserve your rental car at Charleston Airport as well in advance as possible or arrange ground transportation to Kiawah Island. Taxis operate from the Charleston Airport from 5am until after last flight, Charleston Limousine & Shuttle Services offer individual and group transportation, or reserve a ride with Island Transportation, the best local car service on Kiawah Island.
Once on Kiawah Island there are 30+ miles of interconnected trails to get around by bike or rent an electric cart to buzz about the island (and save on gas!)
2. Create a Vacation Wish List
Whether you’re squeezing in last minute summer fun before school starts or a romantic beach escape surrounded by luxurious Lowcountry leisure, Kiawah Island ticks all the boxes for a dream summer vacation.
Creating a vacation wish list is where it all comes together! Kiawah Island is a family oriented destination with outdoor activities for every age and adventure level, amazing Lowcountry festivals and events, and a diverse selection of restaurants and cafes with authentic coastal Carolina cuisine. Start planning your last minute beach escape with our Kiawah Island travel blog where we highlight the best places to stay and play on Kiawah Island.
3. Reserve your Restaurants & Activities
Kiawah Island offers epic eco-adventures, nature programs, golf and tennis, and unique experiences year round! You’ve created a vacation wish list, now it’s time to book your experiences and make your restaurant (and spa day!) reservations to avoid disappointment.
4. Rent Your Vacation Gear
Take the hustle and hassle out of your vacation planning and rent all your vacation gear! From baby gear and beach gear to water sports, bike rentals and electric carts, Kiawah Exclusives partners with reliable locally-owned companies to supply all your beach vacation needs. Reserve your rental gear in advance, have it delivered to your vacation home prior to your arrival, and spend less time planning and more time playing on Kiawah Island.
5. Stay with Kiawah Exclusives
Searching for the perfect vacation rental need not be stressful when you stay with Kiawah Exclusives. We offer a collection of 115+ of the finest vacation rentals on Kiawah Island and a team of local vacation specialists to assist in planning your last minute summer vacation! Browse our portfolio of Kiawah Island vacation rental villas and private vacation homes for last minute availability or take a sneak peak at a few of our favorite summer rentals centrally located in the heart of Kiawah Island’s popular East Beach Village.
Our team has been locally operated since 1978 and are here to assist with your vacation planning. Whether you need guidance finding the perfect last minute rental or recommendations for on-island tours, activities, rentals or dining – our local experts are only a phone call away on (843) 768-0273. We look forward to hosting your last minute summer vacation on Kiawah Island!
