Just 45 minutes from Charleston, South Carolina, lies an island that’s home to an array of wildlife, award-winning golf courses, 30 miles of paved bike trails, and one of the top 10 beaches in the country.

Where is this mystery spot? It’s Kiawah Island, and for somewhere just outside a major southern city, it feels like hundreds of miles away.

For the most serene Kiawah Island experience, we recommend staying in a vacation rental. One where you can spread out, make yourself at home, and, of course, enjoy the view. Kiawah Island Getaways offers an array of high-end homes and condos that provide front-row seats to the island’s stunning natural scenery. Read on about four of our favorites.

The Lazy Day on Bobcat Lane: 4BR High-End Home with Peaceful River Views

The Lazy Day is a pristine home featuring all high-end appointments, like marble counters and artfully upholstered furnishings. But it’s far from stuffy: a beach vibe offers the perfect balance between refined and breezy.

When you stay here, expect to sip coffee on a screened-in porch overlooking the winding Kiawah River and soak in a standing tub while watching the palmettos sway in the wind. But you don’t have to just gaze at the river—you can explore it, too. This home is part of a beautiful new neighborhood, home to a resort pool on the river as well as a dock.

The Penthouse at Windswept: 3BR Oceanfront Haven with Social Spaces

Whether you’re spending a lazy morning reading under the covers in the master bedroom or a lively afternoon sharing wine and appetizers in the common area, the ocean will be your backdrop at The Penthouse. But the true crown jewel of this rental? A balcony with 180-degree views of the sparkling Atlantic.

The Penthouse at Windswept has just recently been completely updated. The result is a space that feels brand new and luxurious. The two upstairs master suites both offer oceanfront views and soaring ceilings so natural light is abundant and the views are show-stopping.

The Breeze at Seascape: 4BR Natural Oasis Just off the Shore

It’s lovely to have a grand ocean view. But The Breeze offers something even more unique: a sprawling ocean-view deck that’s shaded by a canopy of palmettos and live oaks. It’s like having your own hidden oasis just a stone’s throw from the shoreline. The peaceful blend of greenery and ocean views is nothing short of enchanting.

Inside, you’ll find a farmhouse-meets-beach-house aesthetic—think distressed wood, a stacked-stone fireplace, and coastal hues. Quiet West Beach is at your doorstep for stress-free afternoons in the sun.

The Vista at Shipwatch: 1BR Romantic Hideaway on the Beach

There’s no place quite like the beach to reconnect with the one you love. And there’s no rental better suited than The Vista, a one-bedroom rental overlooking a sandy beach and tumbling waves. Share a bottle of bubbly on the private balcony, cuddle up for a nighttime movie marathon in the living area, and wake each morning to ocean views from the comfort of an antique reproduction Tucson bed.

The Vista has all the trappings of the larger ocean-view rentals—high-end appointments, bright and airy design, and a fully equipped kitchen—scaled down to create an intimate haven for two. When you’re ready to venture out, it’s just an elevator ride down to the beach.

Discover Your Scenic Kiawah Island Vacation Rental

From welcoming marsh view havens to sprawling oceanfront penthouses, Kiawah Island Getaways offers options to suite the tastes of every scenery-seeker. Start planning your escape to the island by browsing their selection of Kiawah Island vacation rentals.