If you’re looking for a quiet, off-the-beaten-path beach experience, Edisto Island might be just what you’re looking for. Despite being one of Charleston’s oceanfront sea islands, it’s often overlooked due to misconceptions about its location. However, it’s actually only a 45-minute drive from West Ashley, which is comparable to the drive to other popular beaches in the area.
One of the advantages of visiting Edisto Island is that traffic is rarely an issue on the way there. This is likely due to its relative obscurity compared to other nearby beaches. So, while it may seem like a far-off destination, getting to Edisto Island is typically just as easy as getting anywhere else. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Edisto Island unique and why it’s worth considering for your next beach trip.
Getting to Edisto Island
To reach Edisto Island, there are a few routes you can take. While most GPS systems will direct you to take Savannah Highway to Ravenel and turn left on Route 165, a better option is to take the slight left onto State Route 162 at Nancy’s Exotic Plants. This route is more scenic and allows you to avoid potential traffic issues further down Route 17.
As you travel along Route 162, you will pass through the Town of Hollywood and continue until you reach the intersection with Route 174, which is controlled by a blinking light. Turn left onto Route 174, and you won’t need to make another turn until you hit the ocean.
This section of Route 174 is known as the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway. As you make the turn onto Route 174, you will pass through a beautiful tunnel of live oaks and other old-growth trees with natural dwarf palmettos growing underneath. Shortly after, you will come to a bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), which offers stunning Lowcountry views in both directions, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Stopping Along the Way
As you plan your day trip to Edisto Island, you may be tempted to head straight to the beach. However, there are several interesting stops along the way that are worth your time.
One of the first stops you’ll encounter is Marsh Hen Mill, located on the right just over the bridge. Here, you can grab a cup of coffee or browse the shop for some true Lowcountry grits or a preemptive souvenir for the day.
A few minutes later, you can make a stop at King’s Market. This dirt-floor shop has locally grown produce, but you might opt for pralines, fudge, or one of King’s Market’s famous key lime pies instead.
Continuing your drive, you’ll see a hand-painted sign on the left for George & Pink’s. While the shop is off the beaten path, a short trip down the rough-and-tumble dirt of Edingsville Beach Road is well worth it. George & Pink’s specializes in fresh produce, but you can also find local favorites like Cheerwine to take with you to the beach.
If you left your book at home, you can make one more stop before you get to your final destination. The Edisto Island Bookstore is a small, local bookstore run by Edisto Islanders. The front of the store features books by local authors, but you can find bestsellers and children’s books as well.
Taking the time to stop at these unique local businesses will give you a taste of the island’s charm and character. Plus, you may just find the perfect souvenir or snack to make your day at the beach even more enjoyable.
Parking at Edisto Beach
Parking at Edisto Beach is convenient and easy. There are a total of 37 parking areas located at every block along Palmetto Boulevard, providing access to the Atlantic Ocean. If one parking lot is full, you can drive to the next one, where you will almost certainly find a spot before too long.
According to the Town of Edisto Beach website, parking is allowed from 6:00am to 10:00pm, and it is enforced by the local police department. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you do not stay too late to avoid any parking violations. It is best to avoid parking at the pier, as these spots are reserved for customers only.
Overall, parking at Edisto Beach is straightforward and hassle-free, allowing you to enjoy your time at the beach without worrying about finding a place to park.
Restaurants, Rentals & More
Edisto Island offers a variety of dining options for visitors. Coot’s Bar & Grill, located on the pier, is an excellent choice for traditional beach fare with oceanfront views. If you are looking for more dining options, Jungle Road is home to several restaurants serving seafood, pizza, burgers, and more. The SeaCow Eatery, Waterfront Restaurant, and McConkey’s Jungle Shack are some of the island’s long-time favorites.
If you continue driving towards the southern tip of Edisto Island, you will find more restaurants. Pressley’s at the Marina and Dockside Restaurant & Bar are popular choices. If you want to have dinner on the island, Ella & Ollie’s offers twists on Lowcountry favorites in an upscale atmosphere. For dessert, Pelicans Pizza & Ice Cream on the pier or the ice cream shop at 117 Jungle Road are excellent choices.
If you want to explore the island on a bike, you can rent one and ride the eight-mile loop around Edisto Beach. The island also has a dedicated off-road bike path. If you are interested in kayaking, you can rent one at The Marina at Edisto Beach on Docksite Road. You can launch your kayak into Big Bay Creek and head east up the creek or west towards the South Edisto River.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing meal with ocean views or an adventurous day exploring the island, Edisto Island has something for everyone.
Things to Do at Edisto Beach
When planning a day trip to Edisto Beach, you have plenty of options to choose from. You can relax on the beach, go hiking, biking, kayaking, or all of the above. Here are some of the most popular things to do at Edisto Beach:
- Botany Bay – If you’re looking for a unique experience, Botany Bay is a must-visit destination. The boneyard beach is covered with sun-bleached tree remnants, and it is currently only accessible from the Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area’s parking lot at low tide. It offers some stunning photo opportunities and has been featured in movies and TV shows.
- Edisto Beach State Park Trails – If you want to escape the summer sun, Edisto Beach State Park Trails offer a shaded respite. The trails wind through the park’s natural landscape and offer several views of Big Bay Creek. If you’re interested in staying overnight, the park has campsites available.
- Kayak Rentals – Renting a kayak and exploring Big Bay Creek offers a unique perspective on Edisto Island. You can head toward the South Edisto River for a view of Otter Island, but be aware that you will be in open water if you go too far. The houses along the creek quickly give way to the wilderness of Edisto Beach State Park, and you can easily forget that you are so close to civilization.
- Relaxing on the Beach – Edisto Beach is relatively uncrowded compared to other popular beaches, so you can enjoy plenty of space to yourself. Whether you want to spend all day on the beach or relax in the afternoon after a morning kayaking or bike riding, the southern end of the island is the perfect spot for peace and quiet.
- Shopping for Souvenirs – If you’re looking for souvenirs, the shop at the pier has traditional beach souvenirs, and there are a couple of shops at 117 Jungle Road. The Edisto Island Bookstore has mugs, maps, and other gifts as well.
Overall, there are plenty of things to do at Edisto Beach, whether you want to relax or have an adventure. From hiking and kayaking to shopping for souvenirs, Edisto Beach has something for everyone.
Sample Itinerary: A Day Trip to Edisto Island
To make the most of your day trip to Edisto Island, start your day early by catching a glimpse of the sunrise as you head over the ICW on the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway. This will also help ensure that you can find a parking space within walking distance to the shops and restaurants on Jungle Road. Once there, pick a spot on the beach to spend your morning relaxing in the sun.
For lunch, head over to Jungle Road and choose a restaurant that speaks to your stomach. There are plenty of options to choose from, so take your time and enjoy your meal. After lunch, treat yourself to a sundae or get a nostalgic candy from your youth at Sugartime.
Next, head over to The Marina at Edisto Island and rent a kayak on the dock. Head east toward Edisto Beach State Park and take your time to enjoy the view. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some of the local wildlife. Depending on when you get back, you can either go to Ella & Ollie’s on the island for dinner or stop at Roxbury Mercantile on Route 174 for dinner on the patio with live music on your way home.
Overall, this itinerary allows you to experience the natural beauty and delicious cuisine of Edisto Island in just one day.
Planning Your Day Trip to Edisto Island
If you are planning a day trip to Edisto Island, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the most of your visit. Here are some of our top tips for Charlestonians and vacationers alike:
Directions
To get to Edisto Island from downtown Charleston, take Savannah Highway to Route 162. Continue on Route 162 through Hollywood to Route 174, then turn left and drive straight until you reach the beach. If you plan on going to the beach first, turn right on Palmetto Boulevard and look for a parking spot in one of the 37 oceanfront parking lots at every block.
When To Go
You can visit Edisto Beach any time of the year, but it is best to avoid the summer season as the island’s vacation homes fill up quickly. If you can, visit during the offseason to avoid the crowds. However, if you are only able to visit during the summer, do not worry, as Edisto Beach is still less crowded than other beaches around Charleston.
Parking
There are plenty of parking options available on Edisto Island. You can park in one of the 37 oceanfront parking lots on Palmetto Boulevard or at the island’s restaurants, The Marina at Edisto Island, and 117 Jungle Road.
Local Favorites
When it comes to food, King’s Market, Waterfront Restaurant, The SeaCow Eatery, Waterfront Restaurant, and Ella & Ollie’s are all local favorites. If you have a sweet tooth, Sugartime is a must-visit for their saltwater taffy and other sweet treats.
Off the Beaten Path
If you are looking for something to do off the beaten path, check out Botany Bay and Edisto Beach State Park. Both locations offer hiking trails that are well worth the effort.
With these tips in mind, you are ready to plan your day trip to Edisto Island. Don’t forget to subscribe to get notified of new articles via email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top attractions to visit during a day trip to Edisto Island?
Edisto Island offers numerous attractions that can be explored during a day trip. Some of the top attractions include Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area, Edisto Beach State Park, Edisto Island Serpentarium, and Edisto Island Museum.
How can I find free activities in Edisto Beach?
If you’re looking for free activities in Edisto Beach, you can visit the Edisto Beach State Park or explore the island’s beaches. You can also take a stroll through the Edisto Island Museum or explore the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area.
What are some recommended activities on Edisto Island when it’s raining?
If it’s raining on Edisto Island, you can still enjoy indoor activities such as visiting the Edisto Island Museum, Edisto Island Serpentarium, or the Edisto Art Guild Gallery. You can also take a drive to nearby Charleston and explore its many indoor attractions.
What events or activities are available in Edisto Beach this upcoming weekend?
To find out about upcoming events and activities in Edisto Beach, you can check the town’s official website or social media pages. Some popular events include the Edisto Beach Shag Festival, the Edisto Island Open Land Trust Oyster Roast, and the Edisto Island Bluegrass Festival.
Can you suggest some dining options on Edisto Island?
Edisto Island offers a variety of dining options for visitors. Some popular options include The Waterfront Restaurant, Pressley’s at the Marina, and McConkey’s Jungle Shack. For a more casual experience, you can try Whaley’s or The SeaCow Eatery.
What are the differences in attractions between Edisto Island and Edisto Beach?
Edisto Island and Edisto Beach offer different attractions for visitors. Edisto Island is known for its historic sites, such as the Edisto Island Museum and Presbyterian Church. Edisto Beach, on the other hand, offers more beach-related activities, such as swimming, fishing, and boating. However, both locations offer a relaxing atmosphere and beautiful scenery to enjoy.
