misha2

I am very belatedly exploring several vacation options for Mid-March. Seeing a good rate for Wild Dunes. I've heard much better things about Kiawah, but haven't checked the rates and don't think that would allow us to explore Charleston.

Is the resort gorgeous and clean and updated? Is it a place where husband and children could take golf workshops while I ___??? Will is be crowded?

Could we still easily enjoy Charleston eats and walking tours or some more adventurous activity? I 've read that it is too cold for the beach at this time of year. True?

I'm still trying to see if we'll do this or four nights in Phoenix. But, the great price and shorter flight are very tempting.

Thanks

suewoo

Kiawah is only 30 minutes from Charleston, IOP about 10-15. You can easily visit Charleston from either.

March can be iffy and the ocean is too cold too swim. Mid March is when the azaleas begin to bloom and it's gorgeous. It won't be beach-crowded but there are always tourists here. Which place are you considering at WD? Don't know much about it-it's gated so I never go there.

dsgmi

I would imagine it will be a little warmer in Phoenix, especially due to the coastal location of WD/Charleston. Basing your trip on the things you'd like to do while there might tip the scales for you. If golf is the main draw, I know there are tons of courses in the Charleston area, but I'm not familiar with Phoenix. Things are more 'green' in SC; I'm sure there are some differences in golf experiences in the desert vs. lowcountry. I know you won't see an alligator in AZ! For you, if shopping or nature/garden type things, history or spa experiences are what you are looking for, Charleston and the surrounding area abounds. Even if it's too cold to swim, the beach is still great if the weather is nice. You didn't say hold old your children are, but there are lots of kid friendly activities in the Charleston area.

Maybe someone will chime in about Phoenix for you!

padams421

Wild Dunes is a nice resort but I wouldn't describe it as "gorgeous" or "updated". You appear to be looking for something more upscale than what Wild Dunes is. Kiawah would probably be a better fit for you. If you want gorgeous, updated, and gold, look at Sea Island in Georgia (however, you wouldn't have Charleston nearby).

suewoo

Right. People actually live inside the gate at WD, so it's not just a resort hotel. I'm sure you saw on their website that there is golf there.

I also lived in AZ. The desert is nice in March. Phoenix is huge and spread out, so you may want to find a place that is close to what you want to do-there's lots of traffic. If you do go there make sure to visit the Desert Arboretum in Superior.

lsnyder

I have been to both Kiawah and WD with younger kids. I would agree that March will be too cold to swim in the ocean and when we went early May one year, the pools were even too cold for my kids. We actually prefer WD...the alligators get quite big in Kiawah! But both are beautiful, tropical-like gated resort areas that are a mix of residential and vacation rentals with a hotel/resort...I love the nice meandering bike paths. Golf is much more reasonably priced (in fact most things are) in WD. Kiawah was a bit more "snooty" and a tad further from Charleston (approx 30 minutes). I just booked a trip to Scottsdale/Grand Canyon for spring break w/the kids this year - it should be warmer and lots to do with them (ages now are 12 & 9).

suewoo

The gators are big everywhere here! Stay away and do NOT try to poke one with a golf club. Trust me on this.

misha2

I've booked a trip to Paradise Valley, near Scottsdale. Think I'll save Charleston for warmer weather.

Thanks for the helpful input.