Hotel: Kiawah Island Golf Resort

The Spread:
Consistently voted one of the nation's best beach resorts, Kiawah Island is graced with the southern charm that's the hallmark of nearby Charleston, just 21 miles away. More haven than destination, Kiawah offers miles of unspoiled beaches as well as walking and biking trails. Regardless of where you stay, all of Kiawah's amenities and programs are accessible, but book through Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Not only will you enjoy the choice of 540 private villas, 60 luxury homes, and 255 rooms at the opulent Sanctuary Hotel, you'll also receive discounts on Kid's Kamp, golf, and tennis—plus preference for tee times, tennis court bookings, dining reservations, and spa appointments. Although Kiawah has famous golf courses (five) and plenty of upscale dining and shopping, at heart the place is a scenic nature preserve, home to eagles, egrets, dolphins, and alligators.

Why Families Love It:
At Kiawah

The Spread:
Consistently voted one of the nation's best beach resorts, Kiawah Island is graced with the southern charm that's the hallmark of nearby Charleston, just 21 miles away. More haven than destination, Kiawah offers miles of unspoiled beaches as well as walking and biking trails. Regardless of where you stay, all of Kiawah's amenities and programs are accessible, but book through Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Not only will you enjoy the choice of 540 private villas, 60 luxury homes, and 255 rooms at the opulent Sanctuary Hotel, you'll also receive discounts on Kid's Kamp, golf, and tennis—plus preference for tee times, tennis court bookings, dining reservations, and spa appointments. Although Kiawah has famous golf courses (five) and plenty of upscale dining and shopping, at heart the place is a scenic nature preserve, home to eagles, egrets, dolphins, and alligators.

Why Families Love It:
At Kiawah there are countless possibilities for having fun. Kamp Kiawah is for ages three to 11 in three age groups (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with half-day options, reservations required; $59 per day for resort guests). Activities include crafts, sports, nature outings, cookouts, and more. The island also has organized activities for ages nine to 12, teenagers, and for the entire family, which include crafts and scavenger hunts to theater improv workshops and basketball (activities vary by group, with costs $5 to $40 per person).

Guests at the Sanctuary have their own extension of the island's Nature Program in the Discovery Room. Tennis Magazine ranked Kiawah among the world's great tennis resorts. Golfing families can take advantage of the popular Family Tee Program each summer, when kids under age 17 tee off for free in the evenings with a paying adult ($45 per round).

Special Events & Activities:
The Kiawah Karnival takes place every Wednesday, June through August, in Night Heron Park, a fun fiesta of clowns, games, slides, a train, and more. On Sundays, it's Rick Hubbard and his World Famous Kazoo Band, where families dance, sing, and make their own sundaes. Both events are free and no one would think of missing them.