Heres how to plan a trip to Kiawah Island, just 25 miles from Charleston.

Daniela Duncan/Getty Images

Kiawah Island was my first introduction to the beauty of South Carolinas Lowcountry.

Andell Inn

Andell Innin Freshfields Village also does Southern hospitality, but on a slightly smaller scale.

Wild birds by a creek at Kiawah Island.

Credit:Daniela Duncan/Getty Images

Still, the property is thorough in its offerings.

If you are craving some sand, though, the hotel provides free shuttles to nearby Kiawah Beachwalker Park.

Best Things to Do

KathyKafka/Getty Images

Spend a day at the beach.

Aerial view of The Sanctuary

Michael Cyra/The Sanctuary

One of the best places to find this level of relaxation is on the beach.

Kiawah boasts 10 miles of pristine beaches, including the areas commonly known as East and West Beach.

Hang Time Media/Courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Tour the island on a beach cruiser.

Kiawah Island, South Carolina boardwalk to ocean.

KathyKafka/Getty Images

This diversity creates a dynamic, interesting island thats best explored via two wheels.

Another option is to tour the island with a guide.

Play a few rounds of golf at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

A family biking around the island

Hang Time Media/Courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort

John Hudson Photography/Getty Images

Spot the different species of wildlife that call Kiawah home.

Wildlife thrives throughout Kiawah due to the islands commitment to conservation, says Carter.

Diamondback terrapins and dolphins reside in the local salt marshes that surround the island.

Kiawah Island Panorama

John Hudson Photography/Getty Images

Captain Sams Inlet, Rhetts Bluff, and Mingo Point are the hot spots to get the best views.

Early mornings and late evenings are an ideal time to be on the beach.

This is not only a great place for a meal with friends but a popular date-night location.

Lunch on the Porch at Jasmine Porch at The Sanctuary

Courtesy of The Sanctuary

The locally-owned spot features prescription services as well as a menu with all of the old-school classics.

On particularly hot summer days, order a rootbeer float or banana split to cool off.

From there, its about an hour drive, depending on traffic, to the islands entrance.