So you’ve just had coffee with a friend who’s raving about her latest Kiawah Island escape. Or maybe you spent the morning drooling over social media photos of Kiawah’s amazing beach, lowcountry charm, and coastal cuisine.
Either way—now you can’t stop thinking about your own laid-back week on Kiawah’s shore. But why is this place so special? What exactly is “lowcountry”? And, just where is Kiawah Island? Read on to find out.
The “Just Right” Factor
When it comes to your vacation, climate is a big concern. Head too far north and you could spend your trip shivering on the windy shore. Go too far south and you might spend the whole day blasting the AC while you watch the waves from your living room. Not at Kiawah Island! Conveniently located halfway up the eastern seaboard—Kiawah Island offers the “just right” climate for the perfect beach getaway.
Lowcountry
Low on sea level but high on fun—that about sums it up. Okay, geographically speaking, lowcountry is an area of Carolina coastline stretching from Pawleys Island in South Carolina to the Savannah River at the Georgia state line. Known for its marshlands, preserved ecosystems, and a coastal cuisine rich in Caribbean and African influences, the lowcountry offers visitors an unparalleled array of cultural and natural encounters. A beach vacation with a little Kiawah character to boot? Yes, please!
Day-Tripping
Lazing away with your toes in the sand might be just what the doctor ordered, but an easy day trip can add the perfect dash of spice to your relaxing vacation. Thankfully, you’re just 45 minutes from all the charm and southern comforts of Charleston. Spend the day wandering the historic streets, take a walking tour of the city’s striking cemeteries and churches, and sample the local cuisine. Top off the experience by making a wish at the Pineapple Fountain. Other nearby sights include Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Place, and Draytonn Hal (all are about a 45-minute drive from Kiawah island). For something truly unique, visit the Charleston Tea Plantation—the only tea plantation in North America—where you can see thousands of tea bushes on acres of gorgeous land, not to mention sample the delicacies (about a 40-minute drive). Love nature and trivia? At an estimated 400 to 500 years “young,” Angel Oak is believed to be America’s oldest living thing east of the Mississippi River, and you can see it with your own eyes on nearby John’s Island—just 25 minutes away.
Southbound
Now you’re intrigued. But how easy is it to get to Kiawah Island? If you’re thinking of driving from the East or even the Midwest, it’s as simple as packing up the car, popping the kids in their car seats, and off you go! No need to bother with making extra hotel reservations or wasting two days in the car. Whether you’re heading from Boston, Cleveland, or somewhere in between, you’ll be watching the waves crash by sunset.
Where is Kiawah Island? Show Me the Way!
You’ve heard all about it, but you still have one burning question: Where is Kiawah Island? No worries—your wait is over, without further ado, directions to Kiawah Island: If you’re heading South from Northern New England, try to avoid 95 as much as possible. We recommend taking the Saw Mill Parkway to 684/84S. As you’re leaving New York, cross over the Tappen Zee Bridge, then go south onto 287 to 78W. Hold tight through Pennsylvania and then jump on 81S to 77S. In Columbia, you’ll take 26S to Charleston. From there, simply follow US 17 and State Road S-10-20 will lead you to the Kiawah Island Parkway. From Ohio and the Midwest: Take 75S to 640E and then 40E toward Asheville. Then simply head south on 26 until you hit Charleston. Hop on US-17S for a few miles, then take State Rd S-10-20 all the way to the Kiawah Island Parkway.
Flying High
If you’re coming from the west, or just want to get here as quickly as possible (we can’t blame you for that!) Charleston’s renovated and expanded International Airport offers nonstop flights from 18 US cities and Canada, as well as quick connections in Atlanta and Charlotte. Kiawah Island is just a 30-mile drive from the airport. We recommend that you rent a car as a round trip taxi, Uber or Lyft ride will cost you about the same. Plus, it’s nice to have a car while you are on Kiawah Island so you can take one or more of the above mentioned day trips.
Where Should I Stay on Kiawah Island?
Now that you know where Kiawah Island is and you’ve seen just how easy it is to get here, you want to know the answer to the most important question: Where do I stay once I get to Kiawah island? The answer is easy: Look no further than Kiawah Island Getaways. Take a peek at our lovingly appointed villas, each complete with a beach or scenic view. We can’t wait to see you here!
