If you’re looking to travel domestically, add Kiawah Island and Charleston, South Carolina to your list.
There’s something about the South that always makes me feel relaxed and welcome. Rich history, traditions that have lasted for generations and Southern hospitality mixed together with luxury and modern conveniences. And of course, the beach!!
Families love visiting this area and come back year after year. Charleston and Kiawah Island are only 21 miles apart providing a rare vacation opportunity. You can enjoy the laid-back beach life and then head into one of the top-rated cities in America for dining, theater, art, shopping, entertainment, events and more. And it’s easy to get there; Kiawah is only a quick 33-mile trip from Charleston International (CHS).
Here are few points for your visit:
You really can’t visit Kiawah without planning a few days to explore Charleston. The historic district is one of the most charming of any Southern city in America. You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride and feel yourself passing back in time through the cobbled streets lined with Georgian mansions and colorful, vibrant gardens. The city is a living museum, having weathered wars, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes and epidemics. Take the kids to the Charleston Museum and South Carolina Aquarium. The whole family will enjoy an outing to the Old City Market which was built in 1841 and provides a great shopping experience featuring local cuisine, produce and antiques.
The first shots of the Civil War were fired in Charleston Harbor in 1861. Fort Sumter has an impressive collection of artillery (one of the best in the US) and given it’s role in the Civil War, the fort is one of the most visited military sites in the nation. National Park Service rangers provide tours of the restored fort, which includes a museum. Boat tours embark from Liberty Square downtown; and from Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant. Kids will enjoy the Junior Ranger program, which rewards them for completing the program booklet by collecting key historical information throughout the tours.
Kiawah is known for its outdoor pursuits, lush surroundings and wildlife. It’s a perfect family-friendly wonderland with 10 miles of beach, 123 acres of parks, 30 miles of biking trails, and several world-class golf courses. Let’s face it you could stay the whole summer and never get bored. Being at the beach has never been better!
If you’re like me and appreciate a good bike ride and hike, then you’ll love all the trails that let you enjoy the whole island (it’s definitely the best way to explore). Make sure you visit the parks on Kiawah, they are very popular and great for families with kids. Night Heron Park has a pool and reptile zoo for the little ones and Beachwalker County Park is a must-visit for treasure hunters and dolphin lovers. You’ll see a ton of sea creatures and seashells, plus enjoy a very clean, (mostly) non-crowded beach that is well organized and a pleasure to visit. When you go to Beachwalker, get there early to secure your parking spot and expect a parking fee per vehicle that supports the Charleston County Parks.
Have you visited Kiawah and Charleston? What are your favorite activities?