Escape to Kiawah!

Heron Park Nature Center- Open daily at 8:30 am, the Nature Center is located in Night Heron Park in the center of the island. The Nature Center is the heart of the resort’s nature program and is a great first stop to get information about the various activities, or to make reservations for nature tours and programs.  There are birding walks, aligator walks, butterfly walks and more.  Inside the Nature Center, you will find exhibits of the local wildlife, interactive displays and information about the ecosystems that comprise Kiawah Island. Naturalists and staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have and help direct you to Kiawah’s nature hot spots.  There is also a nice store, the Island Outpost, where you can pick up gifts, field guides and outdoor clothing.  Click here for a video showing all there is to do on Kiawah!

The Great Egret Rookery is a terrific place to watch the islands many showy egrets species as they settle in for the night.  There are normally several dozen of the graceful white Great Egrets perched in the trees right over the lagoon, with some smaller Snowy Egrets, shy Black-Crowned Night Herons and striking black Anhinga jostling for position as well. Located at the west end of Sea Marsh Drive, you will often hear the birds loudly arguing over the best perches as night falls.

Canoeing and Kayaking: a neat way to tour the island from the water! During the summer, you can join a group and canoe or kayak the Marsh Creek and Kiawah River.  You may even see a few dolphins splashing around! In April and May, the Nature Center also offers family kayaking.

Visit Bohicket Marina for boat rentals and deep sea fishing. Enjoy local canoeing, kayaking, crabbing, shrimping, and fishing in the nearby tidal marshes and creeks.  Please don’t dump unused bait in the water and never feed the alligators.

Night Heron Park is open year round and features basketball and volleyball courts, soccer fields, a playground, nature center and fitness trail complete with cardio and strength training stations.

Enjoy one of Kiawah's Weekly Festivals in Night Heron Park in the summer, offering live entertainment, children's face painting, a jump castle and lots of hotdogs, hamburgers and grilled chicken sandwiches.