Flights to Charleston

Charleston's best-kept beach secret, Kiawah Island, is bursting with pristine shoreline (11 miles in total), exotic maritime forests and plenty of opportunities to enjoy golf courses, hiking and biking trails, fishing, kayaking, swimming and picnicking.

Primarily a summertime escape for Southerners, Kiawah Island draws golf-lovers for stays at the upscale Kiawah Island Golf Resort, home to five championship courses, including the Pete Dye designed Ocean Course.

Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park is the public portion of the barrier island, and it's equipped with a concession stand, a boardwalk, restroom facilities and lifeguards.

Renting bikes and exploring the island is a favorite pastime. Hard-packed sand makes it possible to pedal along the ocean, and the miles of shady paths under palmettos and oak treeks provide some relief from the sun.

Nature lovers should check out the Heron Park Nature Center and the Egret Rookery, as well as the Marsh Island Park and Tower, boasting impressive views of the island's marshlands.

The Kiawah Island Golf Resort complex, which includes the AAA Five Diamond Sanctuary at Kiawah Island and upscale villas scattered throughout the area, is the primary place to stay near Beachwalker Park. Not many choices exist outside of these resort properties, unless you plan to stay a bit further out.

Check for specials at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort — outside of the high season, villas go for as low as $280 per night.