Edisto Island is one of South Carolina’s Sea Islands, located a few miles from Charleston. This island is loved for its natural beauty, be it in the form of beaches, wildlife, or pristine waters. It is a place rich in history, both the bad and the good. Filled with endless activities, Edisto Island is ready for you to explore in its full glory. Book one of the best beachfront Vrbo rentals. Alternatively, there are also plenty of top-rated Vrbo vacation rentals to choose from. Trust us—you won’t want to leave this destination in the end. If you are also wondering about what to do in Edisto Beach, and where to even start? With so many extraordinary experiences and wilderness to wander through, Edisto Island will make you forget you had an itinerary, anyway. All you can do is browse through our suggestions and try to do as many of them as you can, during the time you spend here. Continue reading to learn more about the best things to do on Edisto Island, South Carolina.
1. Try fishing and shrimping
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Oyster pickin! First of the season for @edistoseafood. @edistoashley found some good ones for New Years. #oysters #seafood #edisto #edistoisland #southcarolina #lowcountry #lovewhatyoudo
Posted by Fontaine Charters on Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Edisto Island is an idyllic haven for fishing and shrimping aficionados, and one standout reason is Fontaine Charters. This renowned charter service on the island offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the surrounding waters with a seasoned captain who possesses an intimate knowledge of the area. Whether you’re angling for redfish, flounder, or speckled trout, or eager to try your hand at shrimping, Fontaine Charters ensures an exciting and educational experience.
The island’s strategic location at the confluence of Edisto River and the Atlantic Ocean creates a diverse ecosystem teeming with marine life. You can cast your line, reel in a trophy catch, and immerse yourself in the traditions of shrimping. With Fontaine Charters as your guide, Edisto Island becomes an extraordinary destination for anyone seeking the bounties of the sea.
Fontaine Charters
Address: 3729 Docksite Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, United States
Website: Fontaine Charters
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
2. Enjoy a scenic sunset cruise
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Edisto Beach is a sublime destination for a sunset cruise, offering a serene and picturesque setting to witness the sun’s fiery descent over the horizon. This tranquil barrier island boasts pristine beaches, marshes teeming with wildlife, and a laid-back atmosphere that lures visitors seeking a peaceful coastal escape.
The Marina at Edisto Beach, a key player in the island’s maritime offerings, takes the experience to the next level with its enticing sunset cruises. These cruises are the epitome of relaxation, allowing you to unwind and take in the breathtaking coastal views as the day transitions to evening.
The Marina at Edisto Beach
Address: 3702 Docksite Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, United States
Website: The Marina at Edisto Beach
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7:30am - 5pm; Sun: 7am - 7pm
3. Explore the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area
Welcome to your new favourite place, nature lovers! The Botany Bay Plantation has over 4,000 acres (1618.7 hectares) of woods, wetlands and fields for you to explore. There’s even a small beach where sea turtles nest, so start praying they decide to come out of their shells when you visit! But be very careful: this is a fragile place that deserves respect and everyone is advised to care for it so that it remains pure and wild as it is.
Botany Bay is a stunning place made of its animals and vegetation, of its wilderness and virgin nature. Visiting it is a unique experience, so don’t miss it.
Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area
Address: 1066 Botany Bay Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, EUA
Contact: +1 843 869 2713
Website: Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area
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4. Dolphin and whale watching: Something everyone should do
Dolphin and whale watching is on many people’s bucket lists. Are you ready to scratch it off yours? Edisto Island offers an eco-tour, where you are taken out on a boat with a knowledgeable guide, who is as entertaining as he or she is educational. You are guaranteed to have a great time and you might get some of the most unforgettable pictures of your life!
Botany Bay Ecotours
Address: Edisto Marina, 3702 Docksite Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, United States
Times and dates: click here
Prices: from 53 USD (duration: 75 min)
Website: Botany Bay Ecotours
5. Visit Edisto Island Serpentarium
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Edisto Island Serpentarium on Tuesday, August 5, 2014
At Edisto Island Serpentarium you’ll have the chance to see fascinating displays of native and exotic species of reptiles. The place has indoor and outdoor facilities where the animals live, with large ponds and gardens, as well as an indoor solarium. If snakes are your favourite reptile, well, rejoice! You’ll have a large display of various specimens at your disposal, along with beautiful, hand-painted scenes depicting their natural habitat.
There are also exhibits of the most important species of reptiles in the Americas and lectures from reptile experts, who will certainly teach you something you didn’t know about these animals. Edisto Island Serpentarium might not be the most exciting place for everyone, but if you’re fascinated by reptiles, don’t hesitate - plan your visit!
Edisto Island Serpentarium
Address: 1374 SC-174, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Contact: +1 843 869 1171
Opening times: full times here
Prices: from 14.95 USD
Website: Edisto Island Serpentarium
6. Stop by Edisto Island Historic Preservation Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Edisto Island Museum on Tuesday, February 2, 2016
This museum illustrates the important role of Edisto Island, in history. Here you will step back in time and get a closer look at how the region used to be, many years ago. From the display of artefacts and furnishings of the island’s cotton plantations to the display of one of the last remaining slave cabins on Edisto, this museum will remind you of crucial details of American history.
You’ll also be able to explore the Civil War Room, which is full of what was left behind from the war and in the After Freedom Room, you will discover the story of Edisto after the Civil War. If you’re interested in the island’s history, as well as its nature, don’t forget to stop by this museum.
Edisto Island Historic Preservation Museum
Address: 8123 Chisolm Plantation Road, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Contact: +1 843 869 1954
Opening times: full schedule here
Prices: from 5 USD
7. Immerse yourself in nature at ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
Back to nature! This wildlife refuge is one of the largest wetland ecosystems remaining on the Atlantic Coast and has immense value, in terms of wilderness. The whole place is undeveloped and unpolluted, which means its natural habitat remains pristine and pure, after all these years. The refuge helps protect the estuary along the Atlantic Coast and secures the quality of life of the animals who live here.
Besides getting the chance to wander around the beautiful grounds of the reserve, you’ll also be able to see one of the few plantation houses that survived the Civil War.
ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 8675 Willtown Road, Hollywood, SC 29449, USA
Website: ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
8. Camp at Edisto Beach State Park
If you love to camp with your family and friends, don’t hesitate to do it in Edisto Beach State Park. This park is more than a 1000-acres (404.7-hectares) long and includes a maritime forest, as well as a huge salt marsh, you are more than welcome to explore. The park has 113 improved campsites, walk-in tent sites, seven rental cabins, a day-use area for beach access and a four-mile (6.4 kilometre) nature trail through the beautiful maritime forest. This is one of the best places in the world where you can camp, so pack your things and go - this is a fun Edisto Beach activity you don’t want to miss out on.
Edisto Beach State Park
Address: 8377 State Cabin Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Website: Edisto Beach State Park
9. Get the local flavours from Kings Farm Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Plan your next visit, we cant wait to see you ? Open Monday- Saturday 10 am - 5:30pm Sunday 10 am - 5...
Posted by Kings Farm Market on Monday, March 29, 2021
Hungry? Why not stop by Kings Farm Market and get some delicious, refreshing fruit? Everything here is locally grown, from the fruit to the vegetables and everyone seems to be surprised at the quality of the food here. You can get lasagne, pies, casseroles and even tasty dips. Sounds yummy? What if we told you everything is so cheap you’ll feel guilty paying so little for so much quality? Don’t feel guilty - grab the delicious jams and crab cakes, and support the local producers who deserve it.
Kings Farm Market
Address: 2559 Highway 174, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Website: Kings Farm Market
10. Go on a boat tour
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
Have you ever heard of Shell Island? It offers so many things to do near Edisto Beach. Shell Island is a beautiful place where you can collect more shells than you can count. Wilkinson’s Landing offers short boat tours to the island, with the friendliest captain, Mike. You’ll have the chance to see dolphins on your way to the island and the captain will tell you more about the local animals and other curiosities of the region. Everyone who goes on this tour leaves the island with a smile, from ear to ear, so don’t forget to add this boat tour to your itinerary!
Wilkinson's Landing
Address: 1199 Frampton Inlet Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Contact: contact@wilkinsonslanding.com
Reservations: click here
Website: Wilkinson’s Landing
11. Spike your adrenaline: Go kayaking and canoeing
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Edisto Watersports and Tackle on Sunday, July 5, 2020
Edisto Watersports & Tackle offers you more than kayak and canoe guided tours: it gives you some of the best memories of your life. For a reasonable price, you’ll be able to rent and paddle your own kayak or canoe, whilst being guided by someone who will tell you about the local wildlife and help you with anything you need. It is a great experience for adventurers and a great way to build new memories with your family and friends.
Edisto Watersports & Tackle
Address: 3731 Docksite Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Contact: (843) 869-0663
Prices: from 40 USD
Website: Edisto Watersports & Tackle
12. Enjoy a game of golf in The Plantation Course at Edisto
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by The Plantation Course at Edisto on Tuesday, May 2, 2017
The Plantation Course at Edisto is the only golf course in the area. With nearly five decades of history and two name changes, this golf course was fully renovated and refurbished in 2006. Fully modern and contemporary, this 18-hole course is perfect for those looking to have a fun weekend in Edisto Beach. The place also has a The Pro Shop, a one-stop-shop for golfing apparel, accessories, and equipment for both men and women. The shop also offers golf equipment rental. The Plantation Course at Edisto is open throughout the year, with Edisto Beach summers as their busiest months.
The Plantation Course at Edisto
Address: The Plantation Course, 19 Fairway Drive, Edisto Beach, SC 29438
Website: The Plantation Course at Edisto
Opening hours: 8am - 5:30pm (daily)
13. Catch the waves and try your hand at surfing
If you love to chase after the thrill of trying new things out, why not learn how to surf? Arguably one of the most difficult water sports to master, surfing will always be a different experience with every wave. Edisto Beach is known to have some of the best spots for surfing, with a mild climate and varying wave types and heights. It is truly one of the best places for novices to learn the sport. There are also a number of surfing schools offering free assessment from a beach instructor. Through the convenience of call, those interested to learn can easily be evaluated and encouraged to take on the sport. You should definitely try this fun activity one out. Fall even more in love with Edisto Beach, as you ride the waves. Surfs up!
Edisto Island: A reminder of Mother-Nature’s power
This island will leave an impression and it will stay with you, years after you’ve been here. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Edisto before retiring to your beachfront rental, you will gain unforgettable memories with your travel companions, without trying too hard. Discover Edisto Island’s attractions and fishing at Edisto Beach while enjoying an indulgent stay in one of the vacation rentals with a private pool. They’re more than enough to steal your breath away and carve its mark in your heart, forever.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do on Edisto Island
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