It’s high time you added this Lowcountry destination to your beach bucket list.

Follow winding, oak-shaded roads 25 miles southwest of downtown Charleston's cobblestone streets and celebrated restaurant scene, and you'll find yourself on Kiawah Island. Carved by the Kiawah River on one side and fronting the Atlantic Ocean on the other, the barrier island is a true escape. Here, nature reigns supreme: ten miles of beaches roll out along the Atlantic; cicadas form their own sort of soundtrack; and lights-out is often determined by the sea turtles' nesting season. Even so, there's plenty to do for travelers who like their time in nature punctuated with good food, luxurious creature comforts, and a frozen drink in hand. Here are seven things to do in Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

Stay Like a Local

For access to all of Kiawah's amenities, from bike rentals to pools, you'll have to stay on the island. For an experience that's luxurious but unpretentious, book a room at The Sanctuary, an oceanfront hotel known for its five-star service and elevated onsite dining. For families who want a little room to spread out (or a kitchen), villa and home rentals are a smart choice; reserve through the resort directly, or book through a site like VRBO or Airbnb.

Spend a Day on the Sand

On the west end of the island, Beachwalker Park is Kiawah's only public beach access feels like a hidden gem, thanks to its wide, unspoiled expanses of sand. It offers the best of both worlds: In addition to the ocean frontage, you can also score views of the Kiawah River here.

Hit the Links

Five state-of-the-art golf courses are open to the public. For avid fans of the sport, the Ocean Course alone makes Kiawah worth the trip. Host to two PGA Championships, the 18-hole course is not for the faint of heart. Raised above the dunes to capitalize on the expansive shore views, golfers are also subjected to ocean breezes (which don't make for an easy or predictable trip around the green). Try Cougar Point for marsh views and a slightly less technical experience.

Go for a Cruise

One of the best ways to explore the island is to leave the car in park and take a beach cruiser for a spin (you can reserve them through the resort or bring your own). Between 30 miles of paved trails and 10 miles of hard-packed beach, there's no shortage of routes to explore. Ask for directions to the Marsh View Tower, an observation deck primed for birdwatching and soaking in the marsh and river scenery.

Visit Heron Park Nature Center

The naturalists here will school you in many of the species who call the island home, from bobcats and white-tailed deer to loggerhead sea turtles and American alligators. Sign up for a guided tour, like "Back Island Birding", "Marsh Kayaking," or "Ocean Seining and Beach Combing," or ask for their recommendations for the best nature-spotting places in the area.

Explore Freshfields Village

Built around a lush lawn, Freshfields Village has plenty of restaurants and shops to explore, plus a boutique stay, the Andell Inn. Pick up a beach read at Indigo Books; snag treats for your four-legged friends at Dolittle's; and gear up for island adventures SeaCoast Sports and Outfitters. Start the morning with coffee and a breakfast sandwich from Java Java; settle in for grilled cheese and a milkshake at retro Vincent's Drugstore & Soda Fountain; or cap off the day with a glass of wine at FortyEight Wine Bar and Kitchen. Check their calendar for seasonal events, like summertime's "Music on the Green" concert series and farmer's market.

Venture to Bohicket Marina & Market

Make the short drive to neighboring Seabrook Island for a taste of the area's salty maritime culture. Snag a umbrella-shaded table on the upper deck at Salty Dog Café for fresh catch, a cold beer, and riverfront views of the boats coming and going from the marina.

Kids may be returning to school, but there’s still plenty of summer left for a few rounds of golf in South Carolina.

But where should you tee off to get the best bang for your buck?

The Palmetto State isn’t hurting for golf courses. Myrtle Beach alone has more than 90 courses, most of which are public. How about letting Golf Digest help you decide?

The popular monthly magazine has compiled its list of the 100 best public golf courses in the U.S. for 2023. This year, Golf Digest placed four South Carolina public golf courses on the list. However, only one course broke the top five, ranking third on the list this year.

Located on the eastern-most end of Kiawah Island, the Ocean Course has the most seaside hills in the Northern Hemisphere. The course was designed to give players an unobstructed view of the coastline from every hole.

The course can also be particularly challenging, due to strong winds from the Atlantic.

“Every hole is edged by sawgrass, every green has tricky slopes, every bunker merges into bordering sand dunes,” Golf Digest writes. “The Ocean Course will forever be linked with Phil Mickelson and his improbable victory at the 2021 PGA Championship.”

#27 Harbour Town Golf Links

This perennial favorite among PGA Tour players is located on Hilton Head Island. The course has undergone recent enhancements, such as new Celebration Bermuda grass for the fairways and a new irrigation system. Since 1969, it has been home to the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing.

#51 May River Golf Club at Palmetto Bluff

This 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in Bluffton is surrounded by century-old live oaks and scenic native landscapes. The 7,171-yard course includes several holes on the bank of the river.

“The classic routing has the front nine turning clockwise through forest while the back nine circles counter-clockwise, and each touch repeatedly on the wetlands of namesake May River,” Golf Digest wrote. “Gorgeous and mysterious at every turn, the course is at its best when it gets players thinking, like at the short par-4 seventh where they must decide to either lay up to an island of fairway or take a swipe at a shallow green situated on another small isthmus of land along the marsh.”

#71 The Dunes Golf & Beach Club

Built in the 1940s, the Dunes Golf and Beach Club dubs itself as the premier country club in Myrtle Beach. The 18-hole, oceanside course has been host to numerous high-end golf tournaments, from the PGA Senior Tour to the USGA Women’s Open.

This story was originally published August 11, 2023, 6:00 AM.

A low-key conference that brings together high-level global executives from the sports, media, technology and finance industries has returned to the South Carolina coast for its second go-round.

The corporate summit, organized by the investment firm Bruin Capital and the Sportico online news outlet, kicked off April 11 on Kiawah Island.

More than a dozen commissioners of professional sports leagues and about 40 team owners from around the world are expected to be in attendance, among other movers and shakers. Boris Johnson, Britain’s former prime minister, and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy were set to speak at early sessions.

The only publicly identified participant other than the CEOs of the sponsors was financier Marc Lasry of Avenue Capital Group, who is a co-owner of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.

The conference is described as an off-the record gathering but not entirely. CNBC was granted access to the first event held last May at Kiawah Island Golf Resort and again this week.

A beachfront interview with Lasry that aired on the cable news network Wednesday was devoted not to basketball but the banking crisis.

A separate discussion with summit organizers George Pyne of New York-based Bruin Capital and Jay Penske of Sportico parent Penske Media Corp. touched on the fast-rising values of professional sports franchises, the likely sale of the NFL’s Washington Commanders and the use of artificial intelligence in newsrooms.

In a December profile of Pyne, the Boston Globe described the Kiawah conference as a “super-sized” version of an annual luncheon he put together for 13 years in the private dining room at Le Bernardin in New York City.

The South Carolina summit last spring included “14 commissioners, 30 team owners and about 50 others … . Former President George W. Bush headlined a list of VIP speakers,” according to a copy of the article posted on Bruin Capital’s website.

The moderator of a talk with cryptocurrency experts last year offered a few more details.

“I host panels at conferences all the time, but this event was a little different: the attendees included the biggest power brokers in sports and finance,” wrote Dan Robert, editor-in-chief of Decrypt.

He added that Bruin Capital and Sportico are “aiming for the event to become the Sun Valley or Davos of sports business,” he added, referring, respectively, to a long-running media finance summit held in Idaho and a global economic forum in Switzerland.

They seem to be well on their way.

“NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, MLS Commissioner Don Garber, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, and more than a dozen team owners were there,” according to Roberts.

There are 34 islands off the coast of South Carolina, including six major landforms. This well-known chain of islands is famous for its rich history, breathtaking views, and abundant activities. In this southern state, visitors can find everything from popular resort islands to small, secluded paradises. Check out this list of the five must-visit islands in South Carolina, including things to do, where to stay, and what to eat.

1. Hilton Head Island

Part of the Lowcountry region, Hilton Head Island is just north of the Georgia border and about a two-hour drive south of Charleston. This resort island is known for its laidback, family-friendly atmosphere, featuring spectacular beaches, golf courses, and abundant wildlife. And it has a small-town charm with plenty of delicious food and comfortable lodging options. Hilton Head is 12 miles long and five miles wide and contains more than 100 miles of walking and biking trails. You can get to the island via car, boat, or plane.

Things to do and see: Coligny Beach Park, Harbour Town Lighthouse, Coastal Discovery Museum, Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Folly Field Beach Park, Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, Burkes Beach, Stoney Baynard Ruins

Where to stay: Sonesta Resort (sleek 4-star lodge), Beach House Resort (casual 3-star beachfront hotel)

Where to eat: Hudon’s Seafood House on the Docks (downhome fish eatery on the water), Old Oyster Factory (seafood restaurant with scenic views)

2. Folly Island

This barrier island is near Charleston and features some of the best beaches in the area. Folly Island is 12 square miles of endless things to do, see, and eat. And it’s only a few minutes’ drive from Charleston’s historic downtown area. This charming beach community features shopping, restaurants, outdoor activities, and stylish waterfront resorts. And its scenic beach features a famous 1,000-foot fishing pier, where you can stroll and take pictures way out in the water.

Things to do and see: Folly Beach County Park, Morris Island Lighthouse, Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, Folly Beach Pier, boat and sea kayak tours, Graffiti Boat

Where to stay: Tides Folly Beach (3-star beachfront hotel with scenic dining), Beachside Boutique Inn (whimsical inn near the beach)

Where to eat: Rita’s Seaside Grill (traditional American food with live music), The Crab Shack (casual local seafood)

3. Edisto Island

Edisto is a hidden sea island just south of Charleston but north of Hilton Head. It’s in Lowcountry and features a rich history and unique experience. Despite its secluded location, Edisto Island is a popular beach getaway. Edisto Beach is 4.5 miles. You can swim, lounge on the beach, and go shelling.

Things to do and see: Edisto Beach State Park, Edisto Island Serpentarium, Botany Bay Heritage Preserve, King’s Farm Market, Boat tours, fishing, watersports, golfing, Edisto Island Historic Preservation

Where to stay: Wyndham Ocean Ridge (laidback all-villa resort with multiple pools)

Where to eat: Seacow Eatery (all-day diner with a focus on seafood), The Waterfront Restaurant (nautical-themed diner with seafood and steaks)

4. Kiawah Island

Located 25 miles southwest of Charleston, Kiawah Island is a primarily private community with a lush resort, golf courses, restaurants, and shopping. Visitors can check out the beachfront park and walk or bike to shops and restaurants. But some parts of the island are only accessible to residents or those with reservations for golf or dinner. You can also get a renter’s pass if you book a stay at one of the condos or villas.

Things to do and see: Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Turtle Point Golf Resort, Night Heron Park, Cougar Point Golf Course, kayaking, fishing, biking

Where to stay: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (luxury 5-star beachfront resort), rent a private condo

Where to eat: Jasmine Porch at The Sanctuary (elegant Southern dining at the resort), The Ocean Room (steakhouse and sushi lounge)

5. Sullivan’s Island

This town and island are in Charleston County, north of Folly Island. This charming community features award-winning restaurants and beautiful beaches. Visitors can enjoy the warm water at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, where you can swim and participate in watersports. Even though this island is only two and a half miles long, there is plenty to do.

Things to do and see: Fort Moultrie National Park, Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, Fort Sumter National Monument, Thomson Park, Sullivan’s Island Beach, Shem Creek Park, Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail

Where to stay: There are no hotels on the island, but you can stay in nearby Charleston.

Where to eat: Poe’s Tavern (Literary-themed bar with American food), The Obstinate Daughter (eclectic menu and brews)

Must-Visit Islands in South Carolina: A Recap of the Top 5

After the 3rd Major of the year, we golf fans are left with just one more major championship to drool over until the long hard wait for The Masters next year although we do have the Ryder Cup to look forward to. All this talk of Major golf events has got us thinking about one of the USA’s most excellent golf courses, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island which held the Ryder Cup in 1991 and the PGA Championship in 2012 & 2021.

Kiawah Island is situated in the charming surroundings of South Carolina on a natural barrier island. Decades of careful planning and cautious development have ensured the island’s natural features have stayed intact while one of the world’s best golf courses has taken shape. Pristine sandy beaches, rugged salt marshes and an abundance of wildlife have remained at Kiawah and since golf course construction began and they have been joined by hordes of golfers, eager to sample the five beautiful golf courses designed by the likes of Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Gary Player and Clyde Johnston.

The star attraction at Kiawah Island is The Ocean Course however it is safe to say that this is not the only reason to consider Kiawah for your next American Golf Holiday.

Here are the 7 wonders of Kiawah Island…

The Ocean Course

The Ocean Course is the headline act at Kiawah Island, and it is a course which has a rich golfing history. The 2007 Senior PGA, the 1997 and 2003 World Cups, and the 2001 UBS Cup have all graced the Ocean, but the highlight without doubt was the 1991 Ryder Cup matches, dubbed ‘The War on the Shore’, which culminated with Bernhard Langer missing ‘that putt’.

The Ocean Course is the jewel in Kiawah’s crown and is an absolute must during any golf holiday to South Carolina.

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is only the fourth course to host all of the PGA of America’s major tournaments. This honour befits the standard of Pete Dye’s 1991 creation, which is frequently buffeted by the prevailing Atlantic winds which make this course, in the eyes of many in the know, the toughest in America.

If you think you’ve got game, we challenge you to take on the mighty ocean course!

Other courses include the Osprey Point Course, Cougar Point Course, Turtle Point Course and Oak Point Course. A round on any of these will be a memorable experience.

Osprey Point Offers

Cougar Point Offers

Turtle Point Offers

Oak Point Offers

The Sanctuary Hotel

Although Kiawah Island is better known for its outstanding golf portfolio, the accommodation options should not be overlooked, least of which The Sanctuary Hotel. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is located on the perfect white sand of Kiawah Island’s coastline, and is a 5* luxury retreat that captures the spirit, history and charm inherent to the Charleston area.

Although there are a number of different accommodation options at Kiawah Island, the Sanctuary Hotel is the pinnacle and our recommendation for the Kiawah Island Golf Holiday.

The first floor is raised some 20 feet to provide guests with unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean and the 255 guestrooms are of the very highest quality featuring amenities including four-poster beds and private balconies from which you can enjoy the intoxicating sea breezes that roll in from the Atlantic.

The Sumptuous Spa

There are few better places to head after a round of golf than a luxury spa designed to eliminate the stresses and strains of everyday life and guess what? The Sanctuary Hotel has one of the best around!

After a long, hot day battling it out with the Ocean Course, or any of the five courses for that matter, the Sanctuary Spa is the ideal haven for relaxation and recharging the batteries.

Lavish surroundings, traditional massages and top class facilities make this the perfect place to unwind after a day spent battling it out with the fearsome Ocean Course. Be sure to arrive early (and stay late) to take advantage of the mineral hot tub…the prefect place to recharge the batteries in preparation for the night ahead.

10 World Class Restaurants

Southern hospitality comes alive inside the Kiawah Island’s numerous top class restaurants which, thanks to their rich diversity, will cater for each and every taste. Your private table may overlook splendid surf, lagoons, gardens or fairways, while you dine on exquisitely prepared award-winning native foods complemented by the perfect wine or beverage.

The Atlantic Room is just one of ten restaurants available at Kiawah Island. No matter your mood you will find something to suit your tastes at Kiawah Island.

Head to The Atlantic Room for a special night out and for the amazing sea views or to the resort’s signature restaurant, The Ocean Room, the only American restaurant to earn both Forbes four star and AAA for diamond awards. Wherever you decide to eat, it will be a gastronomic experience of epic proportions!

Be One with Nature

Even something as simple as a walk along the beach at Kiawah Island is an unforgettable experience. Collect seashells, skim stones or ride a bike on the way to experience the wonderful ecosystem of this coastal region. For those who want to learn a thing or two the resort offers numerous ways to interact safely with the Low country.

The flora and fauna at Kiawah Island is fascinating and during your time away from the golf course, exploring it is an exciting yet relaxing way to spend the day. Just watch out for the Alligators!

Classes on birds and other wildlife, walking tours, paddling adventures, and fishing and pleasure boating charters are all available.

Saving Shots with your Caddie

One of the charms of playing the Ocean Course, much like the St Andrews Old Course, is walking and talking to your caddie will be an entertaining experience. The Kiawah Island caddies are among the most well trained, experienced in the country and are sure to have the odd golfing anecdote or two to keep spirits high throughout your round.

Having a caddie on any of the 5 courses at Kiawah Island is of great use. Prepare to lose plenty of golf balls if you don’t listen to their advice!

From experience, I can tell that the first they point out on the Ocean Course is that it plays at least 10 shots harder than your home course. They were clearly exaggerating though as I knocked round in just the nine over my handicap! In all seriousness though…caddies will save you countless shots as they suggest clubs you wouldn’t dream of hitting from various points around the course and pointing out putting lines that you won’t believe until you hear that sweet little rattle!

Charleston

Although it will be hard to tear yourself away from the Kiawah Island resort complex, a visit to Charleston is an absolute must for anyone embarking on a South Carolina Golf Holiday. The slogan “history lives” rings true with the city’s cobblestone streets and amazing old-world architecture.

A day trip to Charleston will give you a healthy dose of South Carolina charm.

Charleston played an important part in the history of the USA, particularly during the Civil War, and as such is a paradise for lovers of history. Filled with charming restaurants and shops as well as the vibrant nightlife hotspots, Charleston is a city that can be easily explored on foot. An absolute must for a day away from the resort.