How to Craft the Ideal Getaway to Edisto Island, South Carolina

While Charleston often steals the spotlight, having been crowned the favorite U.S. city by Dinogo readers in our World's Best Awards multiple times, South Carolina is home to other picturesque locales with pristine beaches, delectable seafood, majestic live oaks, and a laid-back lifestyle. Among the charming towns in the state, one stands out for its serene welcome and generous Southern hospitality.

Edisto Island, a gem among South Carolina’s Sea Islands, lies just an hour south of Charleston's peninsula. Its unique landscape, deep-rooted history, and warm community create a vibrant cultural haven. As Thaddeus Daise, a lifelong resident and commissioner of the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission, puts it, “Edisto Island is a place where time flows gently. We lack traffic lights, high rises, and chain restaurants. Our residents are welcoming, compassionate, and embrace everyone.”

Although Edisto Island is a sought-after vacation destination today, it has a rich historical backdrop. Named after the Edisto Native Americans who lived here in the 1500s, the 68-square-mile island has a narrative of displacement and resilience. Following the end of the Civil War, formerly enslaved individuals returned as free men and women, and cooperatives led by Black leaders were formed to eventually acquire the land. Today, Edisto Island remains home to many members of the Gullah Geechee community, descendants of the West and Central Africans brought across the Atlantic to labor on local plantations.

In addition to the typical beach fun—of which there is no shortage—visitors should take the chance to delve into the significant roles the island and its residents have played in American history over the centuries. “The Edisto Island Museum is filled with captivating stories about the island, and we have a new permanent exhibit that highlights the vibrant Gullah culture, an essential aspect of Edisto Island,” shares Gretchen Smith, director of the Edisto Island Historic Preservation Society.

Whether you're planning a weeklong beach escape or a quick day trip from Charleston, continue reading to uncover the best places to stay, dine, and explore on Edisto Island.

Where to Stay on Edisto Island

“There are no traditional hotels here, just vacation rental homes and condos, which enhances its charming atmosphere,” shares Chelsea Harrison, executive director of the Edisto Chamber of Commerce. If you're considering an overnight stay on the island, check Airbnb or Vrbo for short-term rentals — we've compiled some of the top listings below.

Serene Water View Home

Gather your family or a group of friends and book this three-bedroom, -bath home on the island. Accommodating up to eight guests, it features a deck and patio for additional space (perfect for al fresco dining).

Marshfront Villa in the Trees

For stunning 360-degree marsh views, consider this three-bedroom villa. The interior boasts vaulted ceilings and “jungle surf” decor, complemented by several outdoor porches where you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a Lowcountry evening.

Creek Cottage

This is the perfect rental for those looking to truly unwind. The two-bedroom cottage features a front porch overlooking the tidal creek, with access to a shared dock for guests.

Sulla Sabbia

You can't get more “beachfront” than Sulla Sabbia, a four-bedroom residence with a wall of windows that offers breathtaking ocean views. This property is perfect for larger gatherings, accommodating up to 10 guests.

Junglelow

Constructed in 2016, Junglelow is a charming two-bedroom cottage featuring a spacious screened porch, an outdoor shower, and a generous deck. Ideal for culinary enthusiasts, this home includes an open kitchen and a fish-cleaning station in the garage.

Top Activities to Enjoy on Edisto Island

Spend a day at Edisto Beach.

Located at the southern tip of the island, Edisto Beach offers 4.5 miles of serene coastline. To visit the beach, guests need to pay an $8 entrance fee for the state park, which is well worth it for the exceptional shelling, fossil hunting, and stunning sunrises. “To cap off the perfect day, I’d recommend heading to the far end of our beach, where the sunsets are breathtaking, often accompanied by dolphin sightings,” suggests Harrison.

Explore the island’s rich history at the Edisto Island Museum and the Hutchinson House.

The Edisto Island Museum’s hours change with the seasons, but from March to October, it is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to its exhibitions, the museum features a gift shop with books on the Gullah Geechee community and the island's rich heritage.

Another way to delve into Edisto Island’s history is by visiting the Hutchinson House. “The Hutchinson House is the oldest residence of a former slave on the island,” notes Daise. “It is currently undergoing restoration by the Edisto Island Open Land Trust (EIOLT).” A trail around the property allows visitors to explore the grounds while the house is in its final stages of restoration, with plans to open to the public in 2024, according to the EIOLT.

Visit Botany Bay, the island's nature reserve.

“The road leading to [Botany Bay] is one of the most photographed spots on the island,” shares Smith. Spanning 4,600 acres, the Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area includes two former plantations, various outbuildings, freshwater ponds, a beach, and a maritime forest. “The beach is often called ‘Boneyard Beach’ due to the sun-bleached fallen trees,” adds Daise.

Bring the entire family to the Edisto Island Serpentarium.

Blending education with excitement, the Edisto Island Serpentarium is home to over 20 adult American alligators, various turtle species, both venomous and nonvenomous snakes, and three types of lizards. “The Serpentarium is fantastic for both kids and adults who enjoy snakes and gators. They excel in their presentations on snakes, and they also do one on gators, along with daily feedings,” shares Smith.

Discover the island by hiking, biking, or taking a guided boat tour.

For the complete Edisto Island experience, aim to explore as much of the area as you can, whether on foot, by bike, or by boat. Harrison suggests a “scenic boat tour through the creeks and marshes to appreciate the beauty of the ACE Basin,” and Botany Bay Ecotours offers various programs, including Edisto’s African American Journey, Beachcombing Walking Tour, and the Dolphin Boat Ecotour.

Top Dining Spots on Edisto Island

Ella & Ollie's

Ella & Ollie's, affectionately known as “E & O's,” features prominently in many Edisto Island guides—and for good reason. “They prioritize using locally sourced seafood and produce in their dishes,” notes Daise. Under the direction of Brandon and Katherine Rushing, the dinner menu includes delicious offerings like tomato pie, shrimp and grits, and she-crab soup.

Briny Swine

The Rushings also own Briny Swine, a smokehouse and raw bar that is “definitely worth a visit,” according to Daise. Their menu boasts buttermilk hoe cakes and buffalo blue cheese fried oysters, alongside ribs, wings, and pulled pork sandwiches. Be sure to leave room for dessert, featuring Southern favorites like coconut cake and banana pudding.

Whaley’s Store

Housed in a building that once functioned as a gas station and convenience store, Whaley’s offers seafood and dive bar fare to locals and visitors alike. The menu includes burgers, fried mahi-mahi bites, fried dill pickle chips, and oysters. Whaley’s also hosts karaoke on Monday nights and features live entertainment throughout the year.

Edisto Seafood and Flowers Seafood Company

If dining out isn't your preference, there’s another great option. “Our two local seafood markets, Edisto Seafood and Flowers Seafood Company, offer freshly caught shrimp for you to prepare at home,” says Harrison. “Try making a Lowcountry Boil to enjoy a local favorite.”

The SeaCow Eatery

For what Daise describes as the “absolute best breakfast on the island,” head to The SeaCow Eatery. Operating for over 25 years and changing hands a few times, The SeaCow is the go-to spot for a hearty breakfast. Indulge in their unforgettable “Moo La La” French toast, “Moo Mania” home fries loaded with eggs, mushrooms, onions, and sausage gravy, or the massive six-egg John’s Omelet.

Optimal Time to Visit Edisto Island

While summer offers lovely beach weather, fall is actually the best time to experience Edisto Island. “Temperatures begin to drop, but the conditions remain ideal for outdoor activities, prices are more affordable, and the beaches are less busy,” says Harrison. Additionally, “There’s an abundance of activities, with numerous local events happening.” This year's fall events feature the Cookin' on the Creek BBQ Festival and the Edisto Plein Air Paint Out; all events on Edisto Island can be found here.

Travelers should keep in mind the hurricane season. Hurricane activity usually peaks from late August to early September, but the season extends from June to the end of November.

Directions to Edisto Island

Charleston International Airport (CHS) is approximately a 50-minute drive from Edisto Island, allowing you to bypass much of the downtown Charleston traffic. In contrast, the journey from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) takes about an hour and 40 minutes. “It’s a one-way in and one-way out situation,” notes Daise, so having a car is essential for accessing the island.

Getting Around

“We affectionately refer to it as ‘EdisSLOW’ for a reason. Nobody drives faster than 35 mph here, and you can easily get around in a golf cart or on a bike,” explains Harrison. While bringing your own golf cart isn’t allowed, rentals are available from Island Bikes and Outfitters or Infinity Cart Rentals. “Be sure to visit our website for some tips on local golf cart etiquette if you choose to rent one,” she adds.