Kiawah Island sits majestically off the coast of South Carolina, waiting for visitors to recognize its beauty and venture into its waters. Although this Island has plenty to offer its guests, its proximity to Charleston makes it a diverse vacation destination with a lively historical aspect that is ripe for adventure and exploration. Whether Kiawah Island is a perennial contender among your vacation spots or a new area of interest, make this the year your head to the coast for a trip full of sun, sand, and plenty of activities.

With over ten miles of beach and dune land, recreation activities abound along the shore for visitors to Kiawah Island. Make your way to Beachwalker County Park for public access to the wide sandy beach and some of the best swimming areas available on the Island. Along with the excellent swimming conditions, visitors will also find picnic areas, a snack bar, lifeguards, restrooms, and outdoor showers so your stay at the beach is as enjoyable and convenient as possible.

Although the Island is small, the golfing on Kiawah Island is certainly one of the biggest draws. Visitors will find five masterfully crafted golf courses that are bound to frustrate and challenge even the most experienced golfer while rewarding anyone who can handle the pressure of precision shots. If you want to make your way to the links, consider The Ocean Course, which provides an interesting test of skill and accuracy with its numerous sand traps, dunes, and marshes. Spread along two and a half miles of Atlantic Ocean, the views are worth the experience for duffers of any level who want to try their hand at a course slated for the 2012 PGA Championship.

Since the scenery and surroundings are such an integral part of any true Kiawah Island adventure, get back to Mother Nature with a day of aimless wandering and true exploration. The ten miles of beaches and dunes are perfect for an afternoon of strolling in the sand, watching the people play out in the water and building castles in the sand. It is preferable, however, to be one of the people venturing outwards so grab your kayak for a physically challenging day as you seek out hidden nooks along the shoreline. If you want to view the unique wildlife of the Island, book a tour that traverses the numerous marshes and lagoons to help you locate the diverse and abundant inhabitants of the Island.

While there is plenty to see and do on the Island itself, no vacation to the South Carolina coast is complete without a day trip to the nearby city of Charleston. Located only 30 minutes away, Charleston is essentially a living museum, filled to the brim with historic buildings, antebellum homes, and landmarks such as Fort Sumter. Visitors can view important buildings and learn about the rich history of the area on a walking tour or sample the world-class attractions and dining at the South Carolina Aquarium and the Fountain Walk shopping and dining complex.

Although it can be difficult to decide how to exactly spend your day on the Island, choosing the perfect accommodations is simple when you look into Kiawah Island SC vacation rentals. Vacation rentals have all the amenities of home, including a washer and dryer, full-stocked kitchen, and wireless internet, in a location that will take your breath away every time you sneak a peek out a window. Discover the hidden treasure that is Kiawah Island in a vacation rental, and you will certainly come back singing its praises and wanting to return year after year.