Nestled on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Edisto Beach, South Carlina offers the kind of relaxed beach vacation you need to recover from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The South Edisto River runs along one edge of town, and many waterways meander through the area, providing ample opportunities for fishing, kayaking, boating, and surfing. Edisto Beach vacation rentals range from small cottages close to the beach to larger family houses near the center of town. Try some of these fun activities once you soak up the sun and let your worries drift away.
1. Head Out on the Water with Edisto Saltwater Tours
Leave dry land behind and enjoy the view from the water with a boat trip led by Edisto Saltwater Tours. The boat accommodates up to six passengers at a time, and you can bring a picnic lunch from your vacation rental. Head out on the Atlantic to spot dolphins frolicking, or boat up the river to see wildlife on the shores.
2. Purchase the Island’s Cookbook at the Edisto Bookstore
The downtown area offers an eclectic group of stores where you can spend a few hours shopping for trinkets and souvenirs to take home. At the Edisto Bookstore, select a copy of “Pon Top Edisto,” the island’s very own cookbook, so you can whip up these delectable dishes after you return home.
3. See Some Creepy Crawlies at the Edisto Island Serpentarium
Learn more about the unique world of reptiles and see them in their natural habitats at the Edisto Island Serpentarium, the first museum dedicated to reptiles in South Carolina. Inside, watch the lizards bask in the sunshine at the solarium, then move outside to see the alligators glide through the water. The large pond gives your kids a place to splash in the water to cool off from the day’s heat.
4. Get Fresh Produce at the Colleton Farmers Market
During the summer season, visit the Colleton Farmers Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays to purchase fresh fruits and veggies. Along with produce, this farmers market offers fresh local honey, prepared foods, and handmade crafts. Find everything you need to make a farm-to-table meal in the kitchen of your vacation rental.
5. Enjoy a Cup of Joe at the Coffee Shop at Edisto
When you need some extra energy, stop by the Coffee Shop at Edisto Beach. When the weather’s too warm for coffee, this quaint shop offers smoothies made from fresh ingredients. It also serves a light breakfast and lunch with local favorites, such as a pimento cheese and bacon sandwich or chicken salad on a croissant.
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6. Take a Craft Class at Magpie and Company
Express your creativity with a craft class at Magpie and Company. This local company in the downtown area offers a range of classes, so stop by and check the schedule to find one that interests you. While there, do a little shopping for art created by local craftsman on the island.
7. Rent Bikes From Edisto Bike Rentals
See the hidden gems around Edisto Beach and the island itself on a bike you rent from Edisto Bike Rentals. You can pick up the bike, or the shop can drop it off at your vacation rental. Ride through downtown, or hit the back roads to feel the wind in your hair as you pedal along the tree-lined roads. If you prefer something faster, this business also offers golf cart rentals.
8. Rent a Kayak From Edisto Essentials
Contact Edisto Essentials to arrange for the delivery of a kayak to your location, or to pick it up at your convenience. Go kayaking along the Big Bay Creek, and keep an eye out for the eagles that soar above. While enjoying your day, be sure to avoid the alligators that call the area home.
9. Explore in a Golf Cart From Palmetto Cart Rental of Charleston
Palmetto Cart Rental of Charleston brings a golf cart to your vacation rental for you to use for the duration of your trip. Load the entire group onto the cart for a day of exploring the island, or to go out to dinner at one of the downtown or marina restaurants.
10. Visit Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area
Take a hike around the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area to see the remains of the plantation and trees jutting out of the ocean. Pack a picnic lunch and settle in for a family meal at one of the tables. You can enjoy watching the squirrels playing nearby, and be sure to bring binoculars for a better look at the birds in the trees.
11. Eat Dinner at Ella and Ollie’s
Enjoy a sit-down dinner at Ella and Ollie’s, a local restaurant that combines the flavors of southern cuisine with fresh offerings from the ocean. Depending on the time of year, you might find shrimp and grits on the menu or fresh clams. Afterwards, stop by the attached market to purchase seafood to take back to your vacation rental.
12. Arrange a Nature Tour at Roxbury Park
Learn more about the local flora and fauna with a nature tour at Roxbury Park. A knowledgeable volunteer guide leads you around the park pointing out all the interesting plants, trees, and animals. Afterwards, stretch out on a blanket under the shade of a tree, and catch up on your reading.
13. Spend the Day at Edisto Beach State Park
Pack your sunscreen and spend a day on the beach at Edisto Beach State Park. Splash in the surf, fly a kite, try your hand at boogie boarding, and try your hand at building a sandcastle with your kids. Walk down to the rock jetty, and move out on the rocks for a better look at the boats sailing by the beach.
14. Learn More About Nature with Botany Bay Ecotours
Botany Bay Ecotours offers a variety of tours that teach you about the natural world while you enjoy the fresh air. The Gullah Tour introduces you to Sara who sings songs and speaks in the Gullah language, while the ACE Basin River Tour includes a stop at a small fishing village and the chance to see alligators sunning on the riverbanks.
15. Play Golf at The Plantation Course at Edisto
Play 18 holes of golf at The Plantation Course at Edisto. In the midst of beautiful scenery, hone your golf game with a lesson from a pro, or enjoy a drink after the 18th hole at the clubhouse.
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