Edisto Island Day Trips
Click on corresponding pictures for additional information.
Option 1 – Serpentarium & Museum
1. Edisto Serpentarium, 843-869-1171
www.edistoserpentarium.com
(1374 Hwy 174, hours seasonal)
Reptiles, both native to the region and from around the world are on display at the
Serpentarium. Indoor and outdoor facilities are available for viewing the beautiful creatures housed here. Outdoor ponds surrounded by landscaped gardens are home to alligators and turtles. The Serpentarium is open to the public from 10:00 – 3:00 pm.
2. Lunch at a local restaurant
(See Visitors – Dining – Edisto Island)
Whether you are looking for pizza, B-B-Q, lunch baskets or fine dining, Edisto Island has a lunch destination to satisfy your taste buds.
3. Edisto Island Museum, 843-869-1954
www.edistomuseum.org,
(8123 Chisolm Plantation Rd, hours seasonal)
At this museum visitors can explore the rich history and artifacts that are unique to Edisto Island. Fascinating stories are told through artifacts dating from Native Americans to present times. Located in the center of the island, the museum is open Tuesday thru Saturday, from 1-4 pm.
Option 2 – Nature Tours of Edisto Island
1. Botany Bay,
843-869-2998
www.botanybayplantation.com
(Botany Bay Rd, off Hwy 174, open 6 am – 9 pm every day excluding Tuesdays)
Visitors to Botany Bay will find the ruins of an 1800’s plantation house, slave quarters and several intact outbuildings from the 1840’s. Two miles of beach stretch across the eastern border of the plantation. Visitors are required to obtain a day pass from the kiosk at the main gate on Botany Bay Rd. Jason’s Lake is open for adult-youth catch and release fishing Friday-Sunday.
2. Lunch at a local restaurant
(See Lowcountry Guidebook for dining information)
Edisto Island has many different lunch options. Just click on the picture to view your choices.
3. Edisto Beach State Park
843-869-2156
www.southcarolinaparks.com/park-finder/state-park/1298.aspx
(Hwy 174, open 8-6)
Edisto Beach State Park is rich in wildlife and history. Trails are in abundance for hiking and biking. The maritime forest of live oak and palmetto trees holds a series of trails that wind throughout the island. There is also an Environmental Learning Center which holds exhibits highlighting the natural history of Edisto Island and the surrounding ACE Basin.
Option 3 – Fishing off Edisto Island
The waters surrounding Edisto Island are filled with many varieties of fish. Spend the day in a boat with a seasoned charter fishing captain making memories that will last a lifetime.
1. Charter fishing trip
(See Visitors – Fishing & Hunting – Charters)
2. Dinner at a local restaurant
(See Visitors – Dining)
Head to a local restaurant after a long day of fishing.
Option 4 – Edisto Church Tour
Edisto Island is home to many historically significant churches. Stroll the grounds and enjoy the history.
1. Old First Baptist Church
(1644 Hwy 1740)
This Church was founded and built in 1818 by the wife of an Edisto plantation owner, Hephzibah Jenkins Townsend. Many slaves worshipped here, and after the Civil War it was turned over to the African-American congregation. Descendants of 19th century members continue to worship today in the New First Baptist Missionary Church next door.
2. Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island
(2164 Hwy 174)
Established in 1685, the Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island is one of the oldest Presbyterian churches in the country. Tourists and genealogical researchers often frequent its historic graveyard, which dates back to 1787 and is the final resting place of many Edisto Island natives.
3. Trinity Episcopal Church (1589 Hwy 174)
Founded in 1774, the present church, consecrated in 1881, stands on the sight of the old sanctuary. The church was occupied by federal troops during the Civil War, destroyed by fire in 1876 and damaged by the hurricane of 1893. The sanctuary was rebuilt and features beautiful interior work done by a former slave. The old bead-board and blown glass windows have been lovingly preserved.
Option 5 – Kayaking Excursion
Spend the day paddling the unspoiled waterways around Edisto Island.
Be sure to bring your camera along to capture the beauty.
1. Kayak the rivers around Edisto Island
(See Visitors – Water Sports – Kayaking)
2. Lunch on the shore