This SC Island Offers the Beach Vacation You Didn’t Know You Needed

This article is part of our daily Regional Highlights series which features unique businesses, attractions and events around the South (outside of Georgia.)

Edisto Island is about an hour south of Charleston and less than 2 hours north of Savannah… but this island could not be more different from those two cities!

5 reasons we think Edisto Beach is special

1. There are no high rises.

Edisto has made a pledge to remain “unblemished by high rises, neon and drive-throughs.”

That’s right. There are no stop lights, no malls, no high-rise hotels, no waterslides, and no fast food restaurants.

So what is there?

Thousands of acres of farm land that’s been worked since the 1600s, thousands of acres of wildlife preserve, 200 yr old live oaks canopies draping the byways, road side markets, fresh seafood vendors along the docks, and about 5 miles of gorgeous ocean beach.

2. You can camp on the beach.

There are two campgrounds at Edisto Beach State Park – one more inland and the one that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and beach.

Camping with water and electrical hookups is available ocean-side or near the salt marsh… and there are even spaces for RVs. You’ll find restrooms, as well.

So are the site right on the beach? Not exactly. But they’re pretty darn close, and you get to experience the dark skies on the beach within just a few feet of your tent.

3. Search for shells.

Shelling is one of the favorite past times of Edisto visitors and locals. The secret is to head to the sandbar at Jeremy’s Inlet during low tide.

Don’t skip this! You’re likely to find seashells, fossils and eve shark’s teeth. The current is strong here, though, so you might consider taking a boat tour to the area.

4. Fido is welcome on the beach.

Dogs are welcome on Edisto Beach as long as they are on a leash from May 1 to October 31 and off leash Nov 1 to April 30.

Doggy-waste bags are available at almost every beach access, also.

If you visit during off-leash season, just be sure that your dog knows and obeys commands, and that they stay off the dunes and away from marked Loggerhead nesting sites.

Dogs are also allowed in the state park also, though not in the cabins. No worries, there are plenty of pet-friendly vacation rentals.

Additionally, Botany Bay Tours is dog-friendly… and so are many of the local restaurants.

5. It’s easy to get active.

An old-school style beach town may make you think of just relaxing in the sand and surf, but there is much more to do here.

There is fantastic fishing, kayak and paddleboard rentals and tours, hiking (we love boneyard beach), bike rentals, and so much more!