Charleston's Low Islands The area around Charleston has some of the east's most beautiful beach and best family-friendly resorts. Here you'll find long, wide expanses of coastline rich with dunes, wildlife and marshlands. We've selected three of the islands in this area that are best suited for families: Kiawah Island; Isle of Palms with its Wild Dunes Resort; and Seabrook Island.
Kiawah Island: This island property is outstanding on all sides: ocean, marsh, bay and river. Families rave about this island resort just 21 miles south of Charleston because of the resort's accommodations, its wide beaches, and the variety of family-oriented recreation and children's programs offered here. Ten miles of pristine sandy beach stretches from east to west, offering outstanding views of the Atlantic from oceanfront condominiums and homes. The rest of the island is surrounded by marshes and lagoons. Families can stay at the Kiawah Island Inn, a myriad of island villas, and three and four bedroom homes. The resort is quite spread out, so you may wish to look at a resort map before choosing your accommodations in order to be closest to the activities or pools you plan to use most. Nature and sports-oriented activities are offered for children, teens and adults. Kamp Kiawah will keep kids occupied with activities, swimming, arts and crafts, learning about the environment, or ocean life. Kiawah Island is known as one of the best golf and tennis resorts in the nation, and also offers instruction in both sports for kids and teens. In addition to all this, you'll find miles of paved paths for biking, pools, and kid-friendly restaurants. For more information, call (800) 576-1570 or visit their website at: http://www.kiawahresort.com/.
Seabrook Island: Private Seabrook Island offers guests gated seclusion and a full plate of amenities, including golf, tennis, horseback riding, restaurants, pools, and a children's program during the summer months. Accommodations range from one- to three-bedroom villas and private homes, all with complete kitchen facilities. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the resort offers a fully supervised Kids' Club program for children ages 4-10 on a half-day or full day basis. Activities include tennis, horseback riding, crabbing and golf. Evening teen events are also offered during the summer. Seabrook has been experiencing some beach erosion at the tip of the island, so beaches up at that end tend to be very narrow at high tide. For more information, call (800) 845-2475 or (843) 768-2300 or visit their website at: www.discoverseabrook.com
Isle of Palms: The Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms is the closest major resort to downtown Charleston. Guests can enjoy golf, tennis, swimming pools, a recreation center, restaurants, fitness center, a full marina, and a complementary kids program during the summer months. Accommodations at this private gated community include private homes, condominiums, and multi-bedroom villas. Beach lovers will enjoy the miles of sandy strands at Wild Dunes consisting of broad, dune-lined stretches with lots of shells and white sand. The free kids program is a special hit with families, and kids love biking and rollerblading around the resort. For more information, call (800) 344-5105 or (843) 886-6428 or visit: http://www.isle-of-palms.com/.
There are a number of private rental agencies which also rent homes and condominiums in these resort areas. Rates can occasionally be cheaper than renting directly through the resort. When calling, however, make sure to ask about additional charges for amenities and/or restrictions for those renting outside resort channels. Many of the above resorts charge additional fees for guests renting from outside rental agencies for such amenities as: children's programs, pool usage, and other items. Some of these outside rental agencies include:
Dunes Properties: This agency rents homes and condominiums on Isle of Palms, including Wild Dunes Resort. For more information, call (800) 846-8301 or visit their website at: http://www.duneproperties.com/.
Beachwalker Rentals: This agency rents properties at Kiawah Island. For more information, call (800) 334-6308 or (803) 768-1777 or visit their website at: http://www.beachwalker.com/.
Pam Harrington Exclusives: This agency rents properties at Kiawah Island. For more information and a free rental brochure, call (800) 845-6966 or visit their website at: http://www.kiawahexclusives.com/.
Great Beach Vacations: This multi-office agency rents homes and condominiums at Kiawah, Seabrook and Wild Dunes. For more information, call (800) 247-5050 or visit their website: Great Beach Vacations.
