Things to do

in Edisto Island, SC

Things to Do in Edisto Island

Visiting may feel like a step back to simpler times but there are plenty of things to do on Edisto Island SC. Relaxing on the beach may be the most popular pastime but there is something for everyone, even the most active. Edisto remains unblemished by high rises, neon and drive-throughs and your vacation holiday can be filled with indulgences for the body, mind and spirit.

Shopping

Shop our Local Artists and Galleries

You will find shopping a delight at the locally owned bookstore, art galleries, clothing and gift shops. Edisto is awash in talented artists and crafters you can meet at the popular Bay Creek Arts and Craft Market which is open Wednesdays from April through October.

View Local Artists and Galleries Here

Explore

Explore by Land and by Sea

Off-shore and in-shore fishing charters present an opportunity to bring home dinner and experience Edisto’s waterways like you never have before. Bring your own boat and dock at the marina to refuel (yourself or your boat). Unless you are on a fishing charter, you will need a license for crabbing, shrimping or fishing and information is available at South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Find A Fishing Charter Here

Botany Bay Plantation

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Things to Do on Edisto Beach

You will want to explore the creeks and marshes on an eco-tour, sunset cruise or boat tour guided by experienced local captains. Commune with dolphins, view plantation homes from the water and visit secluded beaches for some prime time shelling. Take a guided tour, rent a kayak or stand up paddle board and explore the waters yourself. Enjoy a bird watching excursion or search for fossils in one of our parks.

After you explore the Island via water, take a drive down the live oak lanes of Edisto and the surrounding lowcountry. Land tours are available and each tour is unique in its own way, presenting history and legend via various perspectives. Be sure to visit Botany Bay Plantation where you can kayak, hike to the boneyard beach, or travel by car through the driving loop to access points of interest for birding and nature enthusiasts. Check their hunting schedule before heading out to ensure they’re open!

Get Outdoors & Play

With over four miles of biking trails that take you on a scenery-filled loop through Edisto Beach and into the Edisto State Park and Botany Bay Wildlife Conservation Area, biking is very popular on Edisto. If you did not bring your own, you can rent a bike or a kayak to see the natural wonders of the Island. You can always load up your beach gear in a golf cart and head over to the closest access for a relaxing day at the beach. While you’re at Edisto State Park, make time to visit their Environmental Learning Center, that offers youth and adult programs, hands-on interactive exhibits, a touch tank and a movie theater! Before you go, be sure to check out their event calendar to see what fun activities they have going on.

Learn More

If you crave outdoor activity, play some lowcountry golf at one of our local golf courses. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural history of Edisto Island at the Edisto Island Museum or visit one of the interactive shows at the Serpentarium Reptile Zoo and Gift Shop. You could always decide to spend a long day under the shade of an umbrella with that book that has been calling your name. Life is not complicated on Edisto, just choose your pleasure.

Take a Day Trip

There’s even more to do just a few miles from Edisto. Check out the surrounding beaches, state parks, wildlife areas, and historic plantations in locations like Charleston, Beaufort, Port Royal and Hilton Head Island. For additional day trip destinations and events, visit South Carolina Lowcountry and Resort Islands.

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Places to Stay in Edisto

Edisto has a good night’s sleep waiting for all who visit. Whether you want to park your camper or RV next to the ocean’s soothing rhythm, snuggle into the coziness of a condo underneath a canopy of live oaks or reunite with family and friends in a comfortable beach house rental, you can sleep your way to a bright morning here.

Make Yourself at Home

Edisto’s beach homes are located with the Atlantic lapping at the front porch or nestled on quiet side streets within earshot of the surf. You’ll also find condos and townhouses if you’re looking for other options. Whatever accommodations you choose, the ocean is just a short walk away and sea breezes will make their way to you. Ask one of our local rental agencies for help in finding your perfect accommodations.

View Local Rental Agencies Here 

Camp on the Beach

Edisto Beach State Park is a beachcomber’s dream. A variety of shells dot the mile and a half of beach and the park offers 2 oceanfront picnic shelters that are perfect for a family cookout after a day at the beach. Its 1,255 acres also include a maritime forest and an expansive salt marsh where visitors can marvel at the wildlife. Stay the night in a cabin nestled among the oaks, at one of the campsites along the oceanfront or nestled in the shady forest.

See Camping Availability Here

Pets are Welcome at Edisto

Edisto offers a number of pet-friendly accommodations, so feel free to bring your pets along with you. Your fur babies can also have a vacation at our local dog kennel or get pampered by one of our Edisto dog groomers.

View Groomers and Kennels Here

Edisto Beach Restaurants

Dining out in Edisto Beach is a memorable experience at any of our restaurants. You can enjoy local oysters in the Fall and Winter months, crabs in the summer and shrimp just about all year ’round. Edisto offers a full range of dining options from beach casual to upscale, so there’s a place to eat for everyone and every occasion.

View Places To Eat Here

Where to Eat

Casual and upscale dining options include pizza parlors, Mexican food, and full-service restaurants. Got a sweet tooth? Listen for the happy sound of Edisto Island’s locally-owned ice cream truck making its rounds.

Cook at Home

If you would like to cook your own meal at your vacation rental, then head to our grocery store, specialty markets or one of the farm stands available on Edisto Island. Groceries are available at our well-stocked grocery store and at several convenience stores around town.

Plan a dinner with one of Edisto Island’s private chefs, and enjoy an amazing meal with your family and friends.

Eat Local

Fresh fruits, vegetables and prepared meals are available at the local farm stand. Fresh, local seafood is available at our seafood markets. If you’d like to fish for your own home-cooked meal, pick up some bait at the local marina or tackle shop or schedule a fishing charter to make a day of it.