Beach days are the best days when you head to Edisto Island, which spans Charleston and Colleton counties. This chilled-out South Carolina beach is a hidden gem free from crowds but still with great accommodations, dining, shops, a market and so much to keep you busy. These are our eight things to do on Edisto Island!
1. Edisto Island State Park
This scenic oceanfront park comes with Native American history, hiking and biking trails, environmental education center and plenty of forests. Book a cabin or campsite and explore the beautiful natural surroundings. Collect shells on the beach, have a picnic, go swimming and take long walks in this peaceful place with abundant nature and wildlife.
2. Botany Bay Heritage Site
When it comes to things to do near Edisto Island this is probably up there as our favorite!!! Certainly Botany Bay is one of the most lush places in the entire region. Roam around this nature-rich area known for its freshwater ponds, beach, forest and historical plantation buildings. This scenic area is beautiful and with such a diverse and pristine range of backgrounds, don’t forget your camera.
3. Edisto Island Serpentarium – One Of The Most Unique Things To Do Near Edisto Island
This is where the reptiles live, with snakes, lizards, alligators and turtles on display. The serpentarium is an educational place to visit with lectures, feeding programs and venom extraction demonstrations.
4. Ace Basin Wildlife Area
The basin encompasses 350,000 acres of wetlands, marshes and forest area. Drop by the Oak Grove Plantation House to see an example of a late-Federal plantation-style building. Wander the old rice fields and watch out for birds, deer, turtles, bobcats and alligators in the area.
5. Fishing Trips For Tailing Redfish – One Of The Best Things To Do Near Edisto Island For The Sportsman
Another great thing to do is go fishing! This is the kind of National Geographic moment keen fishers yearn for. Summer and fall flood tides bring the spectacular sight of redfish tails out of the water. As they head onto shallow grass flats in search of crabs, their tails can be seen sticking out of the water. With fly fishing gear and light spin tackle, you might catch yourself a redfish or two. Fly, surf and tarpon fishing are also fun fishing experiences.
6. Botany Bay Ecotours
An eco-tour is one of the best things to do on Edisto Island. Beachcombing, dolphin spotting, sunset cruises, basin tours and cooking lessons are some of the eco-friendly activities on offer. Run by a biologist, you can be sure to learn a lot. Besides, 10% of the profits go towards helping the Gullah/Geechee community.
7. The Goatery At Kiawah River
Taste the freshest milk and cheese at this artisan goat dairy on the scenic riverside. Above all, guests can adopt a goat, try therapeutic goat yoga, take a tour of the productive farm and volunteer as a farm hand if you have some time to spare.
8. Gullah And Geechie Mahn Tours
Meet the Gullah people and learn about their history, culture and lifestyle with a tour that departs several times every day. Tour owner Kitty runs the educations tours together with her daughters and granddaughters, who are set to continue her legacy with their family and are passionate about sharing their Gullah and Geechie Mahn tours.
Lastly, have a great time in Edisto, a special coastal Carolina locale that has a little bit for everyone.
