THE BEST Hotels with Fireplaces in Charleston

To get a true sense of the beauty of Kiawah Island venture to Marsh Island Park where you’ll be rewarded with stunning scenic views atop the Marsh Island Lookout Tower of the Kiawah River, saltwater marshes, and island hammocks. For animal lovers, don’t miss the Heron Park Nature Centre where you can participate in nature tours and programmes, birding walks, butterfly walks, and alligator walks. Bird admirers love the Great Egret Rookery, a spot where you can typically see several dozen of the magnificent white birds in trees over a lagoon. For an exceptional picnic area head to Beachwalker Park, which has a wide boardwalk that winds through palmettos, oaks, and pines. Golf on Kiawah Island is not just any recreation amenity, it’s a way of life. There are five championship courses on the island highlighted by the Pete Dye designed Ocean Course site of the 1991 Ryder Cup matches and 2007 Senior PGA Championship. In 2012, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort will host the 94th PGA Championship. Other courses to play include the Jack Nicklaus designed Turtle Point and Gary Player designed Cougar Point courses.

Located on South Carolina's beautiful Grand Strand, Pawley's Island is the laid back alternative to the Myrtle Beach vacation. Shopping, dining, or golfing is all within reach. Just south of Myrtle Beach, Pawley's Island is best known for the Hammock Shops, a unique shopping experience of quaint small shops nestled under trees full of Spanish Moss. You can find everything from shoes to local artwork, or you might choose to go golfing on one of the many world-class golf courses in the area.

While Pawley's is quieter and more relaxed than nearby Myrtle Beach, the latter's close proximity provides infinite possibilities for dining and nightlife. Murrell's Inlet, a quaint fishing village, and its bevy of seafood restaurants is just up the road and also has a Salt Marsh Preserve. Simple but delicious hamburgers at the River City cafe or finer dining at one of the hundreds of other restaurants are all within short driving distance. After dinner you might seek out one of the many venues for arts and entertainment. The Carolina Opry is well known for its amazing shows. You can see a live show or dance the night away…or both!

Enjoying the beach is the obvious activity but there is so much more to do than just that. Parasailing is a popular option, as is a visit to the Huntington State Park to explore the local flora and fauna. The park has many programs to entertain and enlighten both the young and old. On the grounds is Atalaya, the home of the artist Anna Hyatt Huntington. Just across the street is Brookgreen Gardens which features many of the sculptures of the artist as well as the lovely manicured gardens.