14 Fun Things to Do in Edisto Beach With Your Kids
If you’re looking for a laid-back, family-friendly beach trip, Edisto Island is a great place! This island off the coast of South Carolina is the perfect place to relax and unwind without the commercialism of big beaches like Myrtle. It’s a great place to go with your family, and there are tons of fun things to do in Edisto Beach with kids.
At first glance, it seems like there’s not a lot to do in Edisto. There aren’t a lot of restaurants or gift shops like you see in some beach towns. There’s only one grocery store on the island and no chain restaurants!
It’s a much slower pace than you’ll find in a more tourist-centered area. Access to the island is restricted to a single narrow road. It winds for miles through moss-draped trees, through swamps, and eventually across the Intracoastal waterway.
Once you’re on the island, you enter a different life with a slower pace. A two-lane road circles around the island, and even on the busiest days of summer, there’s little traffic.
If you want lots of family time, days on the beach, and nights spent listening to the waves lap the shore, Edisto Beach is for you!
Why We Love Edisto Beach
I never saw the ocean until I was an adult. I came to South Carolina to spend a few days with friends, and they took me to the beach for the first time.
While we weren’t far from several beaches (you never are in the Low Country) they chose to take me to Edisto. I never could have guessed that in 2016 I would move to South Carolina and end up settling with my family about an hour away from that same beach!
We visit a few times a year for a beach day. We also spend time with friends there each winter. Our family loves the peaceful, unhurried atmosphere.
Generally, we pay to enter the Edisto Beach State Park, so we are guaranteed a parking space. Also, there are outdoor showers, bathrooms, changing rooms, and picnic tables open to the public. The fee isn’t bad, and we usually end up paying around $20 for our whole family.
We never leave the island without visiting our favorite pizza place. And if it’s a really good day, we finish with ice cream!
Does Edisto sound like the place you want to visit? Read on and I’ll share all the fun things you can do with your kids at Edisto Beach!
14 Fun Things to Do in Edisto Beach
Edisto Beach is a hidden gem offering a ton of relaxing activities perfect for families. Surrounded by lush landscapes and the serene Atlantic Ocean, it’s a destination with both recreational and educational experiences to enrich your family vacation.
Need some ideas for things to do with your kids? Here is a list of engaging, family-friendly activities to enjoy when visiting this tranquil beach town. While the beach is awesome year-round, some of the activities are only open at certain times, so double-check before you go.
Outdoor Activities
You can’t have a great beach vacation without spending time outside. Edisto Island offers plenty of opportunities to spend time outside enjoying the sunshine.
Beachcombing on Edisto Beach
The town of Edisto has 37 public beach access points. Parking is free and you can walk right out onto the sand. Four of the public beach accesses are handicap accessible, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the natural beauty.
Beachcombing is a fun way to spend some time, especially if you can head out early in the morning. During our last visit, a friend found several large conch shells.
Another friend collects tiny shells on the beach each year, saving them in little jars. This is a fun way to remember every trip.
Biking on Edisto Island Bike Path
The Edisto Island Bike Path covers five miles of the island and gives riders a scenic look at the island. It’s a smooth, easy ride that’s perfect for riders of all ages and abilities.
You can bring your own bikes, or rent them at a local shop. Because there is such a slow pace there, you’ll often see people biking around town.
Exploring at Edisto Beach State Park
Edisto Beach State Park is a nice park that runs along the island. You can visit the Environmental Learning Center, featuring interactive displays, live-animal exhibits, and more, to learn all about the ACE Basin.
The state park features a 1.5-mile-long beach where you can view the salt marsh, famous Palmetto trees, and live oaks. The trails are wheelchair-accessible, making them perfect for everyone.
Edisto Beach State Park also has two separate campgrounds with availability for tent or RV camping. One of the campgrounds allows easy access to the beach, while the other is within easy driving distance. Cabins and villas are also available to rent.
Dolphin Watching on the Beach
My boys love to play in the sand, and I love to sit and enjoy the warm sunshine. We spend a lot of time watching the water while the kids play, and we regularly see dolphins playing in the surf. A couple of years ago we saw a manatee as well.
There are other creatures to watch as well, including seagulls, pelicans, and hermit crabs.
Water Activities
If your family prefers being on the water to sitting on the beach, there are plenty of activities for you, too! Check out these fun options for spending time on the water.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Navigate the calm waters of Big Bay Creek on kayaks or paddle boards, an ideal way to view the Atlantic coast from a different perspective. There is a complimentary boat ramp for visitors with easy access to the river.
If you’re looking for a real adventure, you can take a trip to Givan’s Ferry State Park nearby and paddle along the 23-mile trail that connects it to Colleton State Park.
Fishing
There are multiple opportunities to cast a line at Edisto Beach! Fishing is permitted on the Edisto Beach Pier. Or, you can use the boat launch to try your hand at surf fishing. You can also try a family-friendly guided fishing charter.
Boat Tours
There are multiple options for boat tours of Edisto Island and the surrounding ocean. You can book a tour for your family through Plot Twist Charters. They have multiple options for tours, including sunset cruises, dolphin tours, and more.
You can also book one of the popular Botany Bay Ecotours which give you opportunities to experience the island’s beauty as well as its rich history.
Educational Experiences
Being on vacation doesn’t mean you can’t learn while you’re there! The area boasts some interesting local history, as well as natural habitats for wildlife, including loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, snakes, birds, and more!
See Local Wildlife Edisto Island Serpentarium
When I tell people they should visit the Serpentarium, they look at me strangely. However, it was a great experience, and my boys loved it! Every time we pass it on our way to the beach, they ask when we can go again.
They do have plenty of snakes on display, but other wildlife as well. They have interactive exhibits where you can feed turtles and even hold snakes. When we visited several years ago, I was shocked to see my son readily hold a snake–and enjoy it!
The Serpentarium is closed during the winter months, so check the dates if you’re planning to visit.
Step Back in Time at Edisto Island Historic Preservation Museum
Explore some of the history of Edisto Island and South Carolina at the Edisto Island Museum. This treasure trove of history serves as a portal to the past, offering insights into the island’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
The museum is perfect for families looking to infuse education into their vacation, featuring artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that narrate the island’s storied past.
Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the tales of the Native Americans, early settlers, and the evolution of the island through the ages.
Wander the Grounds of Botany Bay Plantation and Beach
For those who revel in the beauty of unspoiled nature, you can’t miss the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area. This 4,630-acre preserve is a sanctuary for indigenous wildlife and a living classroom showcasing diverse ecosystems.
Traverse through maritime forests, salt marshes, and tidal creeks while observing wildlife in their natural habitat. Take advantage of the educational aspects of the preserve, turning every walk into an impromptu lesson in ecology and conservation.
One of the best things about visiting Botany Bay is the beautiful beach. It is a nature preserve, so no one can remove any shells or driftwood. Because of that, the beach is full of gorgeous shells to pick up and admire.
It’s a good hike out to the beach, so there usually aren’t very many people there. The best times to go are when the tide is out, as the beach is very narrow when it’s up. Botany Bay Beach is a prime spot for photography. I’ve witnessed some amazing shoots happening there over the years…including a young woman playing her violin in the waves!
This plantation is part of a local hunting club, so it is not open every day. Make sure to check before you plan your visit.
Leisure Activities
Of course, you can have so much fun swimming, kayaking, hiking, and exploring Edisto Island, SC. But when you’re ready for some rest, there are plenty of options available!
Explore Treasures at Shell Island Shopping
No family getaway is complete without a bit of shopping, and Edisto boasts the charming Shell Island Shopping area.
Browse through quaint shops offering everything from local art to souvenirs that capture the essence of the island. Whether picking out educational books or handcrafted trinkets, you’ll find something that tells the story of your time on Edisto.
If you’re like me, you’re going to want a coffee cup that reminds you of the relaxing days spent on the island!
Visit The Edisto Island Bookstore
Every beach trip needs a good book or two. Make sure you drop by the Edisto bookstore to get some. This great little bookshop sells new and used books, as well as local maps. Check out their website to see if there’s an author event happening during your visit.
King’s Farm Market
We never visit Edisto Beach without stopping by this little market on our way in. If you’re not careful, you drive right past it. It’s an unassuming store, but don’t be fooled! They have fresh produce, but home-baked goodies as well.
My hubby loves their key lime pie, and I never walk away without a lemon bar. The parking lot is usually full, and once you sample their sweets, you’ll know why!
Bask in the Glow of Edisto Beach Sunsets
Finally, as the day winds down, make your way to Edisto Beach for an activity that is simply magical – sunset watching. The vibrant colors reflecting off the calm ocean waters provide a display that is both humbling and awe-inspiring.
It’s an opportunity for families to unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences while basking in the natural wonder of the island. Don’t forget to snap some photos; sunsets here are the kind that fuel stories for years to come.
Watching the sunset with the wonderful people you love is a great way to end a perfect day on this amazing island!
Public Parks at Edisto Island
Even though Edisto is a small island, there are plenty of parks for you to visit with your family!
- Jungle Road Park–Located across the road from the Food Lion grocery store, this park features a small playground. It’s a great place for kids who are tired of playing in the sand and surf!
- Bay Creek Park–If fishing or crabbing are your go-to hobbies, check out this park with a fishing deck. There’s also open space for picnics, public restrooms, and an interpretive center. During the summer months, you can also visit the market at Bay Creek Park.
- Edisto Beach Tennis and Pickleball Courts–You don’t have to give up your favorite hobby while you’re on vacation. Stop by Town Hall to borrow a free pickleball net.
Where to Stay on Edisto Island
Depending on your personal needs and desired comfort level, there are several options for lodging at Edisto.
- Bring your tent or RV and stay at one of the two state park campgrounds. One of them is right beside the ocean, so you can walk straight over the dunes onto the beach. The other is across the road and a bit more private.
- Try a vacation rental. You’ll find houses of all shapes, sizes, and colors on the island! Many of them feature elevators, making them accessible to everyone. As a bonus, you get private beach access.
- Cabin rentals. The State park features cabin areas with seven villas available to rent. You can choose a one- or three-bedroom cabin to fit your family’s needs. It’s a fun way to camp without camping!
Other Popular Destinations to Visit
Edisto Island is in a great location and a perfect home base within driving distance of several other great tourist sites. So, if you happen to get bored, or want to explore somewhere else, you can check out these other areas.
- Charleston, South Carolina–check out the amazing local restaurants, visit the historic district of the Charleston City Market, walk along colorful Rainbow Row, and more!
- Savannah, Georgia–walk along the cobbled streets of River Street, take a ghost tour, or visit the recently remodeled Plant Riverside District.
- Hilton Head Island–while it’s a couple hours’ drive, Hilton Head Island is a popular destination for tourists for great reasons!
- Bee City Zoo–about an hour’s drive from Edisto, you’ll find this little gem of a zoo right outside of Walterboro, SC featuring all sorts of animals you’d never expect: giraffes, tigers, llamas, monkeys, lemurs, and more! Make sure you pick up some of their homemade honey while you’re there.
Plan Your Memory-Making Trip Today
Edisto is one of my favorite of South Carolina’s sea islands. Visiting Edisto is one of the best ways I’ve found to relax and spend time with my family. In addition to being on the best beaches I’ve visited, I also love all of the educational opportunities available.
In conclusion, Edisto Island is not just a place to visit; it’s a haven for families and an open book for eager young minds. From its historical roots to the breathtaking seascapes, Edisto offers activities that engage, educate, and foster family bonds.
Whether you’re planning a long vacation or a quick getaway, consider Edisto Island for your family’s next chapter of adventure and lifelong learning. This southern island is the perfect choice if you want a vacation that’s laid back and gives you a great chance to be together without a lot of crazy commercialism.
What’s your favorite beach to visit with your family? Leave me a comment to let me know!
