Vacation Rentals in Edisto Beach

Edisto Beach boasts an enviable location on the East Coast right where the 250 mile-long Edisto River empties into the Atlantic Ocean. This South Carolina gem is less than a 3 hour-drive from the state capital of Columbia, and you’ll be transported in no time to boating escapades, wildlife spotting encounters, and hikes through coastal forests. Souvenir shops are perfect to take home artisanal jewelry, pottery, and art souvenirs, lovingly crafted by locals. Vacation rentals with direct beach access are many, and you’ll be treated to scintillating views of the Atlantic Ocean each morning. Planning your next trip? Take the road less travelled and head to Edisto Beach.

Edisto Beach is fast-becoming a popular destination for discerning travelers whether families with kids, groups of friends, or honeymooning couples. Vacation rentals are fitted with amenities that assure visitors a hassle-free stay: high-speed Wi-Fi, cable television, air-conditioning, heating, and a functional kitchen. Many are both pet-friendly and child-friendly so get the entire crew along! Accommodation near Edisto Beach’s main town area will give you quick access to local cafes, boutiques, bars, and convenience stores. For those in search of something more rustic, try Holidu's vacation rentals at the nearby Seabrook Island, Kiawah Island, and Hunting Island. South Carolina’s magnificent Sea islands await!

The town’s biggest attraction is the stately Edisto Beach State Park. A good starting point would be at the park’s Environmental Learning Center where there’s useful information on recommended biking and hiking trails. You’ll also learn about the region’s eco system and history. Popular activities at Edisto include surf fishing and fishing in the salt marshes– flounder and spot tail fish are in plenty. If you’re there early in the morning, tag along with the turtle conservation staff who faithfully scout the shores for sea turtle nests. The water at Edisto Beach is warm for the most part and if lucky, you’ll find yourself swimming with the dolphins.

Usually held on the Labor Day weekend, the Edisto Beach Shag Festival is an extravaganza of live music, local cookouts, arts and crafts in two whole days of pure family fun. September’s Annual Edisto Shrimp Fest is a great time to learn about the region’s colorful shrimping past – not just that, you’ll be sinking your teeth into shrimp delicacies. October brings in the Gullah/Geechee Seafood Festival, held at the nearby Hunting Island. Another fall tradition is the eagerly awaited Edisto Beach Cookin' on the Creek. This BBQ competition is a delightful community event that culture trippers will enjoy most.

The best part about the island is that with a car you can easily explore the surrounding Sea Islands and towns. South of Edisto lies Hunting Island with its miles of unspoiled beaches, spectral marshlands, and saltwater lagoons. While here, scale the historic Hunting Island Lighthouse for sweeping coastal views. Nearby is St. Helena Island where Martin Luther King wrote his “I have a dream” speech. The Penn Center on the island is a treasure trove of African-American history. Finally, make a stop at the idyllic harbor town of Beaufort founded in 1711. Mansions built in antebellum architecture-style in Beaufort’s Downtown district are decidedly photogenic.

A splendid breakfast place is the family-run One 4 Coffee where you can try their bacon, eggs, and hash brown breakfasts. The banana pudding and blueberry scones are mouthwatering too. Next is the curiously titled SeaCow Eatery whose pet-friendly deck allows for alfresco dining. Their specials include shrimps, scallops, and oyster dishes. Fancy feasting on pulled pork, smoked wings, and oysters in a waterfront setting? Briny Swine is the place to be. For live music, dancing, cocktails, and glorious sunsets over the water, swing by Pressley’s at the Marina! Their Italian signature specials are surprisingly good.

While it’s possible to fish at Edisto’s boat ramps and creeks, nothing quite compares to the thrill of fishing in the heart of Atlantic Ocean where there’s no land in sight. Daunting? Yes, but also very gratifying. Cook your freshly caught fish back at your vacation rental.

The island’s only golf course is the Plantation Course, known for its player friendly layout. An added bonus is the spectacular scenery – you’ll be surrounded by wistful magnolias, tall swaying palms, and giant live oaks. Ospreys, pelicans, herons, and egrets are regular visitors at the course as are the sea alligators who sunbathe by the lagoon.

Enquire with locals about beach walks where a knowledgeable guide will regale you with interesting tidbits of information on Edisto Beach, and its rich history and bio diversity. Botany Bay Eco Tours organizes Beachcombing Tours where you’ll spot turtle skeletons, learn about sand erosion, mollusks, fossils and sand-dwelling animals.

Do not miss a dolphin tour while at Edisto – you’ll be able to watch their feeding and socializing behaviors from up close once the boat anchors. Autumn is a good time to visit as this is when the dolphins engage in an intriguing learned behavior called “strand feeding” where they chase and trap other sea creatures like mullet to the shore and then feed on them.

Reset your inner clock to island time with a leisurely kayaking expedition in the ACE Basin (Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Basin). Guides on most tours are seasoned naturalists who will help you identify marine wildlife and birds. Close your trip with a solo paddle board ride by sunset on Edisto's beautiful waters.