What is the nightlife on Kiawah Island like? The sun has set after a day filled with fun in the sun, you found the perfect restaurant for dinner and now the question is what to do next for those not ready to wind down quite yet… the island as a whole typically “turns into bed” early, but there is still plenty to do if you’re looking for a late night experience! Try some of our nightlife favorites:
A Stroll on Kiawah’s Beach at Night
There’s nothing in this world quite like a walk down the beach at night. The moon lights up the shore, the stars shine bright above and you can hear the waves crash softly beside you!
Other than relaxing and unwinding with family and friends, it is also a great opportunity to explore the beach as many creatures become active at night, like ghost crabs and you may even have the honor of seeing a loggerhead sea turtle come up from the ocean to lay her eggs in our dunes during their nesting season.
It is unlikely to find a nesting turtle, but if you do, please do not shine any lights on or around her as she may abandon her effort to nest. Also please refrain from flash photography and stay behind the turtle so that she cannot see you.
A few recommendations: bug spray and comfortable shoes.
Feel like a guided tour? Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers just that, a Night Beach Walk with learning opportunities that are fun for the entire family: Night Beach Walk
Movie by the Pool or on the Green
Enjoy weekly family friendly movies during the summer months at three different venues and on three separate nights! Admission is free and all families are welcome to all three showings. Movies will include Tomorrowland, Space Jam, Finding Nemo, Ratatouille, Goosebumps, and Pan.
- Monday nights: Poolside movie at The Sanctuary Hotel
- Wednesday nights: Movie on The Green at Freshfields Village
- Thursday nights: Poolside movie at Night Heron Park
Find out showtimes and movies being played for a specific date.
Drinks at The Sanctuary Lobby Bar
The gorgeous entrance to The Sanctuary sets the scene for this cozy, upscale bar with incredible views of the ocean and of course, wonderful drinks. The lobby exudes southern charm with comfortable upholstered furnishings, traditional décor and a beautiful bar area. The double doors off of the area lead to The Sanctuary’s Grand Lawn with additional outdoor seating. This is the perfect place if you want a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy with friends and family or a nightcap before heading to bed.
Late Night Bite to Eat and Local Dive Bar at Bohicket Marina
Red’s Ice House at Bohicket Marina has a wonderful view of the water and a very casual atmosphere that is great for family, couples and if you have just come in from the water. They have extensive outside seating with fans during the warmer months. From Memorial Day to Labor day they are open until 1am every evening. However, we recommend highly calling ahead to make sure they are open. There have been multiple occasions where they have closed before their listed hours.
Visit Fischer’s Sports Pub for a local dive bar experience with beer and one pool table for a friendly game or two. You will find this eccentric bar is open 7 days a week until 1am or later and is also located right down the road at Bohicket Marina.
Upscale Sports Bar for Drinks Open Late at Freshfields Village
A few minutes off island, King Street Grille’s bar at Freshfields Village is open until 2am during the summer months. Please note we have found this closed before their listed hours, we recommend calling ahead!
Head to Downtown Charleston
As we’re sure you already know, historic downtown Charleston is about a 45 minute drive from the island and has no shortage of after-sunset activities, from restaurants and scenic rooftop bars to ghost tours and window shopping! While there are a ton of venues to check out (plenty to even write another post about this alone), our one recommendation is if you are in the mood for dessert or after-dinner drinks to take a look at Kaminsky’s Dessert Café! The service has been good each time we have been there, but the desserts that are available late into the evening trump any misfortune we may have had. This eatery is open 7 days a week: Monday to Thursday until 1am, Friday and Saturday until 2am, and Sunday until 1am.