Roofing Contractor in Edisto Beach, SC

There's something captivating about the night sky, isn't there? In a state as naturally beautiful as South Carolina, we're constantly looking around us for views of the ocean, lakes, rivers, and even mountains. Sometimes, though, we forget to simply look up. When we do, we're rewarded with the brilliance of stars, the moon, and if we get the timing right, perhaps even a few meteors. While it's increasingly harder to find areas that aren't flooded with artificial light in the evening, there are some spectacular places in South Carolina to stargaze. One such place, Edisto Beach State Park, absolutely explodes with beauty this time of year.

Just 50 miles from Charleston, Edisto Beach State Park is a famous South Carolina attraction among nature enthusiasts, beachcombers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. But you may not have realized that things are equally as stunning after the sun dips below the horizon. And while winter may seem like an unusual time to visit, travelers can enjoy fewer crowds and earlier sunset times—perfect conditions for stargazing.

Though Edisto Beach State Park isn't technically an International Dark Sky Park, it benefits from a low level of light pollution, which results in a truly awe-inspiring celestial show. Walking on the beach, gazing at the night sky above, perhaps even seeing the Milky Way, it's impossible not to feel connected to something greater. Don't forget to bring a telescope or some binoculars so you can really enjoy the show. And the best part of all? Edisto Beach State Park offers year-round camping!

After spending the night under a blanket of bright, dazzling stars, take advantage of all that the park has to offer. The most popular hiking trail is called Spanish Mount Nature Trail, an easy 3.8-mile out-and-back trek that will showcase the park's diverse terrain. Another favorite? The Edisto Beach State Park Trail, which is a 4.3-mile trail that meanders through the marsh. Edisto Beach State Park also offers four miles of ADA-accessible trails.

Have you ever seen Edisto Beach State Park at night? For more information, be sure to visit the official Edisto Beach State Park website. For even more travel inspiration, take a look at this article outlining all the unique things to see and do in Edisto Beach, South Carolina. It's a remote island we just can't get enough of!

Where Southern charm meets beautiful natural surroundings and rich history, you’ll find South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Among beloved vacation destinations like Hilton Head, Beaufort, and Bluffton, the Lowcountry is home to several smaller towns that don’t get as much attention but are just as worthy of a visit. South Carolina’s Sea Islands, located just off the coast of the mainland, are exactly the types of under-the-radar beach towns that make the perfect getaway. On Edisto Island, pronounced ED-IS-TOE (kind of like Eddie's Toe), you won’t find any high-rise condos or hotels, chain restaurants, or neon signs. Instead, you’ll discover uncrowded beaches, scenic tidal creeks and rivers, and charming beach houses and rentals that are suitable and affordable for any group size. Just 42 miles from bustling Charleston, time has a way of slowing down on Edisto Island. As you cruise the 14-mile-long Edisto Island National Scenic Byway on the way into town, you’ll find yourself taking one big exhale. By the time you make it onto the island, any worries will be long gone. Here are the best things to do on Edisto Island.

Appreciate The Outdoors And Wildlife

You may be tempted to spend your entire day on the beach at Edisto Beach State Park, and we wouldn’t blame you. The better thing to do is spend a day relaxing on the serene shoreline, then come back the following day to discover everything else the park has to offer. Wander along trails that take you through hammock islands, maritime forests, and eventually to the Environmental Learning Center. While there, take time to learn about the island’s history and the types of flora and fauna that call it home. If you're keen to stay even longer, you can book a campsite or cabin, and spend the night.

southcarolinaparks.com/edisto-beach; 8377 State Cabin Road, Edisto Island, SC 29438; 843-869-2156

This zoo and education center focused solely on reptiles was the vision of brothers Ted and Heyward Clamp, who translated 50 years of snake hunting and adventure into the state’s first serpentarium in 1999. Home to incredible indoor and outdoor exhibits of alligators, turtles, lizards, and of course, snakes, a visit to this attraction is a one-of-a-kind experience.

edistoserpentarium.com; 1374 Highway 174, Edisto Island, SC 29438; 843-869-1171

Officially called the Botany Bay Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area, this more than 4,600-acre tract of land is the most historically and ecologically significant property on the island. Formerly privately owned and the site of two plantations, the land is now managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Visitors can experience Botany Bay’s gorgeous natural ecosystems that include maritime forests, salt marsh, tidal creeks, freshwater ponds, and hammock islands. If you visit, be sure to spend time on the beach, where the elements have bleached fallen trees bone-white, creating a striking sight to see.

public-lands-scdnr.hub.arcgis.com, Botany Bay Road, Edisto Island, SC 29438

If you want to see Edisto Island the right way, ditch the car and its noisy engine and opt for the sweet nostalgia of traveling on two wheels. Bike rentals can be found at Edisto Essentials or Island Bikes and Outfitters. Once you’ve snagged a set of wheels, set out on the Edisto Island Bike Path, a five-mile, flat-terrain trail that takes you all over town. If you get tired along the way, there are plenty of shops and restaurants where you can take a quick pitstop to refuel or rest.

edistoessentials.com, 843-869-0951

islandbikesandoutfitters.com; 140 Jungle Road, Edisto Island, SC 29438; 843-869-4444

Explore The Island’s History

Edisto Island has always been home to someone. The island got its name in the 1500s thanks to the Edisto Native Americans, but it has seen many lives since then. Learn all about the many groups, from Native Americans to Spanish pirates to English settlers to wealthy cotton planters to enslaved people, who have lived on the island and influenced its development at the Edisto Island Museum. One of the museum’s permanent exhibits called “From Africa to Edisto Island: The Gullah Story” gives voice to the rich history of Gullah culture on the sea islands.

edistomuseum.org; 8123 Chisolm Plantation Road, Edisto Island, SC 29438; 843-869-1954

A former rice plantation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service now protects this land that’s part of the larger 350,000-acre Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto (ACE) Basin System, the largest undeveloped wetland ecosystem on the Atlantic Coast. Spend a day hiking or biking around the land that’s home to all kinds of wild species, from fish to migratory and resident birds to reptiles. Guests can also fish, hunt, and visit the Grove Plantation Manor, a late-Federal plantation-style home that’s on the National Register of Historical Places and now holds the refuge’s offices.

fws.gov/refuge/ernest-f-hollings-ace-basin, 8675 Willtown Road, Hollywood, SC 29449

Go Shopping Around Town

You’ll find a few separate places to shop at one address here, which makes it an ideal place to spend an afternoon browsing. South Edisto Trading Co., also known as SET Co., offers branded T-shirts and apparel to commemorate your visit. At Sabal & Oak, find boutique clothing, accessories, and gifts. Edisto Surf Shop carries beach apparel like hats and tees.

shopsofedisto.com; 114 Jungle Road, Edisto Island, SC 29438

Edisto Island may be small, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to cross back over to the mainland to find everything you need for an outstanding weekend away. Any good beach trip requires an equally great beach read, and you can find the right novel to match your mood at the Edisto Island Bookstore, which has been a fixture on the island since 1989. Inside the quaint shop, search through shelves of used and new books in every genre. Just be sure to give the shop cat a little scratch under the chin before setting off.

edistobookstore.com; 547 SC-174, Edisto Island, SC 29438; 843-869-1885

With These Hands has promoted the arts in Edisto Beach for more than 30 years. The gallery showcases local and national art across a number of mediums, including pottery, glass, paintings, photography, jewelry, metal, fiber, and prints. Inside the colorful gallery and shop, you can find something perfect to accent your home, be it a framed oil painting of a South Carolina sunset or a handwoven sweetgrass basket to display on your dining table.

withthesehandsgallery.com; 547 Highway 174, Edisto Island, SC 29438; 843-869-3509

Not just a specialty store, but a community gathering space, Revel is known for bringing people together. Inside, you’ll find all kinds of gourmet food gifts from Bloody Mary mix to gourmet sea salt. You’ll also find a huge selection of gifts ranging from bath and body products to art to tableware. The real magic of Revel lies in its events. Stop by to hear live music on the porch, or come for Revel Reveal, where local artists have a chance to share their new work with the community.

revelshops.com; 438 Highway 174, Edisto Island, SC 29438; 843-631-1096

Try The Local Cuisine

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves a local secret, then you’ll be right at home at Whaley’s, a former gas station that’s known for its top-notch seafood. Opened in 1948 (and one of the island’s oldest establishments), Whaley’s isn’t particularly fancy—except when it comes to the quality of the food. Order the crab cake or shrimp and grits. A tiki-style drink, listed on the menu as a “local libation,” is also a must.

whaleyseb.com; 2801 Myrtle St., Edisto Beach, SC 29438; 843-869-2161

If a meal with a view of the water sounds right up your alley, you’ve got two options: pack a picnic for the beach or head to Coot’s Bar & Grill. As the island’s only beachfront restaurant, you won’t find a better view than the one from the back deck of this casual eatery. Look out for live music and drink specials on most nights of the week.

facebook.com/cootsbarandgrill; 102 Palmetto Blvd., Edisto Island, SC 29438; 843-631-1366

The family behind George and Pink’s has been farming on Edisto Island for more than 50 years, which means their crops—and their business—have stood the test of time. Pull off Highway 174 onto the sandy Eddingsville Beach Road and you’ll find this produce paradise shaded under the arms of ancient oak trees. In the summer, you can pick up tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, okra, watermelon, peaches, and more. Each season brings a different selection. Once you’ve stocked up on fresh fruits and veggies to get you through your stay on the island, treat yourself to a slice of fruit pie or some boiled peanuts as a reward for your future healthy eating.

7971 Eddingsville Beach Road, Edisto Island, SC 29438; 843-869-2425