Are cars allowed on Kiawah Island?

Due to limited parking, visitors are encouraged to arrive early, carpool when possible, and expect delays when entering the park. 

Parking for buses, RV's and/or campers is never guaranteed. Due to the limited turning radius, we are unable to accommodate RV + bus traffic during our busy periods, April 1 - Labor Day.

Kiawah Island Beach, located about 20 miles from downtown Charleston, boasts 10 miles of pristine beaches. The island has two main areas, commonly referred to as East Beach and West Beach. Kiawah is a private gated community, and the only public beach access is located on the west end of the island at Beachwalker County Park. Kiawah Island is committed to preserving the natural environment, so this area has some of the widest and least crowded beaches in the area.



Kiawah Island Photos



Kiawah Island Beach Map



Kiawah Island Beach Rules and Regulations


  • Dogs allowed on the beach year round
  • Pets must be leashed May 16 - Oct 31
  • Pets are allowed to be off leash from 7 am - 7 pm everywhere on the beach except in critical habitat areas Nov 1 - March 15
  • Between the eastern boundary of the Beach Club and the Ocean Course Clubhouse allows dogs off leash under control year-round from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • No glass, plastic carryout bags, plastic straws, Styrofoam, balloons or drones allowed on the beach
  • No open fires or fireworks allowed on beach
  • No vehicles allowed on beach
  • No sleeping on beach
  • Public nudity prohibited
  • Bikes allowed on beach but must be walked across boardwalks
  • Stay off sand dunes
  • Do not interfere with sea turtles
  • No digging holes and no metal shovels

Current and Upcoming Eventsat Kiawah Island Beach


What: Madrigal Dinner Featuring the Taylor Festival Choir
When: Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022
Time: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Where: The Sandcastle
Admission: $125

The Arts Council is excited to welcome back the Taylor Festival Choir for a special night of music, dinner, and spirits. Enjoy your delicious three-course meal while listening to the choir perform songs of the season. Your ticket is all-inclusive, and wine will be provided. Purchase tickets online.

SEE 250+ OUTSTANDING CLASSIC TO PRESENT-DAY CARS

LISTEN TO INTRIGUING STORIES OF EXHIBITING AUTOMOBILE OWNERS

ENJOY LUNCH, DRINKS, SNACKS & SWEETS

Check in with our Youth Judges

WATCH THE AWARDS CEREMONY

FREE Admission | General Parking: $20 Cash Per Car

A deposit of half your stay is due at time of booking, with the remaining balance due 30 days prior to your stay.


What types of payment do you accept?

All major credit cards, travelers checks and cash are accepted on the resort.


What can gift cards be used for?

Gift cards are redeemable for any Kiawah Island Golf Resort product or service including merchandise*, golf, spa, dining and accommodations. Unused value remains on card and cannot be redeemed as cash. Merchant is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged cards or any unauthorized card use.


How do I plan a meeting or special event at Kiawah Island Golf Resort?

For information on a meeting, conference or group event, please visit our Meetings page or call us at (800) 576-1585. Whether a conference meeting, company meeting or group outing, the varied spaces available afford state-of-the-art equipment and gracious southern hospitality at its finest.


How do I contact Kiawah Island Golf Resort?

We want to hear from you. Please send us your questions, inquiries and comments to:

One Sanctuary Beach Drive, Kiawah Island
South Carolina 29455, USA

Phone: (877) 683-1234
Fax: (843) 768-2736

[email protected], for Villa and Home inquiries
[email protected] for Sanctuary inquiries


What are the different accommodation types at the resort?

Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers a diverse collection of accommodations. Choose your villa by its size and location or enjoy the luxury of a private home with ocean or scenic views. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, our AAA Five Diamond award-winning oceanfront hotel and spa, offers 255 rooms of truly luxurious amenities with a gracious tradition of southern hospitality.


Where do I check in and what time?

The Sanctuary offers check-in at 4:00pm and checkout at 12:00pm. The villas and homes check-in begins at 4:30pm and checkout at 10:30am.

Sanctuary Hotel Front Desk
1 Sanctuary Beach Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455Villa Check-In Front Desk
1 Vacation Way
Kiawah Island SC, 29455

Do you offer on-island transportation?

Yes. An exclusive service provided only to Kiawah Island Golf Resort guests. Simply call extension 82900 to request a complimentary ride to any location on Kiawah. Please allow 10-15 minutes for service. Airport transportation may be arranged through our Concierge at an additional cost.


Do you have a pet policy?

Pets are not allowed in the hotel, homes and villas, with the exception of specially designated Resort and Deluxe Quality Villas. Additional pet fees apply.


Are RVs and motorcycles allowed on the island?

Due to town and community regulations, recreational vehicles and motorcycles are not allowed on the island.


Is Kiawah Island Golf Resort handicap accessible?

Yes. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort has ADA approved rooms.


What can I do if I lost something during my visit?

Complete the Lost & Found form, and we will work to locate the item for you.


Where do I get my parking pass?

Call our concierge at (843) 768-2790


When is my remaining balance due?

A credit card will be authorized upon check-in for incidentals and allow for cashless payments throughout the resort, and the remainder of your balance will be due upon checkout.


What’s provided in your rental?

You will find a full kitchen with cooking and dining essentials. Sheets, bath towels and blankets are provided. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, dish tabs and laundry detergent. All villas and homes provide drip coffee makers with the exception of Premier Homes containing Keurigs. Beach towels and beach chairs can be ordered for your stay through our recreation department.


Best way to arrive at the resort?

Whether traveling from the Charleston International Airport, or embarking on a road trip, the picturesque journey to Kiawah Island is lined with Grand Oaks draped in Spanish moss. Visit our Location Page for directions from various regional landmarks or cities.


What amenities does the resort offer?

All guests of Kiawah Island Golf Resort are afforded these exclusive benefits.


What should you do while on resort?

Our on-island transportation is happy to escort Kiawah Island Golf Resort guests to any of our 5 golf courses and any of our 14 resort dining options.  Our recreation department provides activities for kids of all ages.


Where is the closest grocery store?

Allow us to stock your villa or home before arrival. If you prefer to shop during your vacation, the Harris Teeter at Freshfields is your closest grocery and pharmacy.


What will the weather be like?

The climate on Kiawah Island is warm and temperate. The chart below illustrates average highs and lows by month, or you can visit this page to check the forecast for your specific days of travel.

Are cars allowed on Kiawah Island?

*Cards accepted at the following shops at The Sanctuary: Signature Oak, The Beach Shop, Elizabeth East and The Kiawah Golf Shop, as well as all Kiawah Island golf and tennis shops, The Market at Town Center, and any other shop owned and operated by Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

Do you need a car in Kiawah?

There is so much to do on Kiawah Island, and it's all a short bike ride or walk away! You won't need to take a car to discover the island's greatest attractions and activities.

Can I get an Uber on Kiawah Island?

An Uber only needs to stop at the gate and show that they have a pickup/drop off on the island. They are not charged individually for entry. This is true for KICA members, member guests or renters on the island.

Can you drive golf carts around Kiawah Island?

Golf carts are prohibited on Kiawah roads or leisure trails.

What famous people live on Kiawah Island?

Rumors be told, a number of celebrities own or have called Kiawah Island home: Dan Marino, Richard Gere, Reese Witherspoon, George Clooney, Bruce Willis and more. Are you surprised? Not us. Kiawah Island is quite a place and has become the benchmark us of best master planned communities.