The private resort communities of Kiawah and Seabrook Islands are gated, upscale communities bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. Each island is about forty minutes from downtown Charleston. Freshfields Village, a commercial shopping district, is a central place for dining out and shopping with a vast collection of local restaurants, shops, boutiques and events throughout the year. Bohicket Marina, just outside the gates of Seabrook Island, also provides a variety of shops, restaurants and charters. Another popular spot is Beachwalker Park, an oceanfront county park offering the only public beach access on Kiawah Island.

Kiawah Island is home to Kiawah Island Golf Resort, which includes several resort amenities such as five public championship golf courses, a world-class hotel and spa, several restaurants and a private club with two golf courses, clubhouses, tennis and pool facilities. Walking and jogging trails can be found throughout the island.

Seabrook Island is a bit more residential with over 2,500 properties and two private golf courses along with equestrian facilities, a clubhouse, fitness center, tennis courts, pools and more for members.

Each upscale community offers a variety of housing options including oceanfront estates, marshfront properties, villas and condos.