Situated 25 miles south of Charleston, South Carolina, Kiawah Island is a laid-back, family-friendly barrier island, featuring world-class golf courses, lazy rivers made for paddleboarding and kayaking, and expansive, sandy beaches. Hike or bike along the trails that wind around the island and through the charming neighborhoods, or spend the day bouncing between the beach volleyball court and your boogie board. Just ask yourself one question: should your Kiawah Island vacation rental to be a charming bungalow nestled among the palms, or a sprawling waterfront home towering above the dunes?
Most of Kiawah Island's top attractions revolve around its natural beauty and the stunning outdoors. From world-class golf courses to beautiful parks and nature walks, there's plenty to see and do outside your Kiawah Island Vacation Rental. But because you'll likely have a car with you (you'll need one to fully enjoy the destination), don't rule out a trip into nearby Charleston. Here, you'll find the Old Slave Mart Museum, documenting Charleston's role in American slavery, as well as the Gibbes Museum of Art, the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry, and a variety of stunning historic homes.
With its nature reserves, sandy beaches, dramatic dunes, and consistent waves, Wildwood is perfect for an outdoor adventurer. Bird-watching, nature walks, hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, surfing, and other watersports are popular activities for travelers. You can also golf, fish, or relax in the sun by the water for a more leisurely experience. Whatever your inclination, you can find plenty of outdoor fun near your vacation rental.
Kiawah Island serves as a great base camp from which you can explore the sights of Charleston. Vacation rentals put you within reach of can’t-miss attractions like Fort Sumter National Monument, a sea fort with ruins, gun emplacements, and a museum, and the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, a lush garden with pre-Revolutionary war structures, a petting zoo, and train and boat tours. You may also enjoy the South Carolina Aquarium, a massive aquarium with interactive exhibits of marine life.
Kiawah Island is best enjoyed from April through June, or for the month of October. This is when you'll find warm days meant for swimming, and cool nights, ideal for bonfires on the beach. Visitors in July and August will find high temps and higher humidity, while September travelers may find swarms of local "lovebugs," a type of fly that travels attached to its mate and is nearly unavoidable for most of the month. The winter is pleasant but cool, so while a dip may not be possible, you can still enjoy much of the island.
Travelers enjoy Kiawah Island for its island views and seaside. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just want to take in the scenery, Kiawah Island is a great place to get out in nature. Here are a few of the area's most stunning natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
Kiawah Island has gorgeous beaches for sun and fun. Vacation homes are available near places like the Kiawah Beachwalker Park, an ocean beach with picnic areas and soft sand for sunbathing, and Seabrook Beach, a sandy beach with golf courses and tennis courts. You could also spend the day at Folly Beach, a quiet beach with calm waters for swimming.
The nearest airport is in Charleston Intl. Airport (CHS), located 19.7 mi (31.6 km) from the city center.
From lavish condos to rustic cottages, Vrbo has properties to match all tastes and budgets. Pack your bags and check out these top vacation rentals in Kiawah Island:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Kiawah Island vacation rental for you.
For an out-of-the-box experience, book one of Vrbo's tiny house rentals in Kiawah Island. Be warned though — after you've experienced life in a tiny house, the temptation to move into one of thes fun-sized digs will be hard to resist!
Clock off on Friday afternoon and then forget the real world. If you're craving some fun and relaxation, these rentals in and near Kiawah Island are the ideal weekend getaway:
Studio apartments are a hard act to beat when it comes to convenience, location and affordability. Choose one of these studio apartments for rent in or near Kiawah Island and immerse yourself in the buzzing local vibe:
With the cash you save on your studio apartment, you can afford to see even more of Kiawah Island. Cultural attractions like Columbia Marionette Theater and Town Theatre will help you get a feel for the character of this destination.
Whether you're after a studio apartment or a house large enough to fit the family, you'll find the ideal place on Vrbo. Squeeze in a quick break at one of these retreats in or near Kiawah Island:
Forget flowers and chocolates. Sometimes all you need is a weekend away, just you and your sweetheart. At Vrbo, we've got romantic getaways in and around Kiawah Island that would make even old Cupid green with envy. Here are some we think you'll be enamored with:
If you're searching for somewhere to reconnect with the family this vacation, why not go all out? These mansions for rent in or around Kiawah Island will fit your whole crew while doing it in style:
Share your stay and have even more fun. Whether you're organizing an active getaway with your best friends or a big family get-together, you'll have your choice of large group vacation rentals in and around Kiawah Island:
A pool is often a must-have when deciding where to stay on vacation, particularly if you're bringing the kids along. Check out these houses with a pool in or near Kiawah Island and spend your days splish-splashing around:
Kiawah Island has a humid subtropical climate, with average summertime temperatures ranging between 75 ºF and 85 ºF. But you don't have to wait until summertime to visit. Check out the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the perfect Kiawah Island vacation rental and plan your escape for whatever season you like.
Whether your ideal getaway is up in the mountains or near the beach, you'll have so much more fun if you share it with family and friends. Book one of these large family vacation rentals in or near Kiawah Island and bring along the whole gang:
If you want to see some family-friendly attractions around the area, there's no shortage of choice. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park and South Carolina State Fairgrounds promise lots of fun for all ages.