Edisto Beach
Discover Edisto Beach
Edisto Beach is a special place that offers unique experiences that will make you want to come back year after year. Edisto is a not-so-well-kept secret just a short drive from Charleston, South Carolina. You may be visiting Edisto for the first time or may be one of many visitors and vacation homeowners that return to Edisto each year to relax and recharge, but we guarantee you will not want to leave. Take a leisurely drive down the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway and paradise lies at the end of the road (literally, the end of Highway 174). You will find a place devoid of traffic lights with a top speed limit of 35 miles per hour where many choose to navigate the oak and palmetto-lined, sandy lanes on a bicycle. Rent a vacation home, condominium or timeshare as Edisto has no hotels and is committed to limited commercial development with a focus on safeguarding the family-oriented lifestyle and pristine views. Almost five miles of beach offers 37 separate public access points along with the beautiful beach at Edisto Beach State Park , giving everyone plenty of room to stretch out. You can even camp near the beach at one of our two State Park Campgrounds.
Land of Turtles and Egrets
Wildlife is protected and plentiful on Edisto. Loggerhead Turtles return each year between May and August to nest. Through October, the baby sea turtles hatch and find their way back to the ocean, imprinting on Edisto along the way so they can return for years to come. Dolphins, pelicans, buntings, egrets and other shorebirds are also plentiful on Edisto. Keep an eye on the ocean while you are here and you’ll likely earn a glimpse of dolphins gracefully breaking the water with their dorsal fins. Drive carefully at night on the Island’s side roads as deer may be crossing. Look keenly at the lagoons and marsh grass to find a great blue heron tiptoeing about.
A Unique Place for Vacation or a Special Event
Our landmarks are fun to find and a joy to behold – check out the Mystery Tree and the Bikini Tree. Follow the lazy flight of pelicans and egrets, grab a bucket and gather some crabs for a tasty meal or just hang out and enjoy your time with family and friends. If you are looking for a unique location for a special event or beach wedding, Edisto may be the place you’ve been seeking. Beautiful beach settings and historic plantations offer gorgeous backdrops for your special day. Watch Edisto’s very own shrimp boats, the “Sarah Jane” and the “Sea Bounty” return from a day at sea. Visit the local seafood markets to purchase the day’s catch and enjoy the preparation of the sea’s harvest in your kitchen. You will always remember the moments you enjoyed at Edisto. Savor the experience and you can always come back. We hope you do!
Charleston Barrier Islands
Sullivan's Island
Sullivans Island - Sullivan’s Island is a Charleston County island town at the entrance to Charleston Harbor. The bridge that spans Breach Inlet is all that separates it from its neighboring barrier island, Isle of Palms. Boasting a long and storied military history, its recovery from Hurricane Hugo in 1989 has been remarkable. Its year-round population of 2000 or so live a very enviable lifestyle, especially as the town works diligently to limit transient rentals of any form. Like IOP, Sullivan’s Island benefits greatly from its direct access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Its downtown has become a must-visit for both tourists and local residents. A diverse array of renowned restaurants of all types accompany an eclectic mix of retail stores...all just a block or two from its very inviting beach.
Sullivan's Island Lighthouse helps anchor the Charleston County region's reputation as an inherently coastal destination, and continues to act as a guiding point to Charleston Harbor ships, Atlantic vessels passing along the coast, and visitors who want to light the way for a great vacation.
Kiawah Island
Visitors flock to Charleston County’s Kiawah Island for many reasons other than its awe-inspiring natural habitat and remarkable beaches.
Boasting no fewer than seven award-winning golf courses and a history of hosting championships (Ryder Cup, World Cup of Golf, Senior PGA Championship and the PGA Championship), Kiawah is also recognized as a tennis haven and a family resort.
Its official website aptly describes internationally known jewel. Even with many who are fortunate enough to retire or spend a large part of the year there, Kiawah has less than 2000 official residents this 13.4 square mile barrier island.
Isle of Palms
Isle Of Palms - official website of IOP aptly describes the approach to its town. "Breathtaking! It is the word that comes to mind as one drives up the Connector Bridge and beholds the salt marsh, the Intracoastal Waterway, the beach and ocean surrounding the Isle of Palms." This Charleston County city of 5000 or so residents has changed greatly since it was largely developed to provide low-cost housing to veterans returning from WWII.
Today, it is among the most elite addresses in coastal America. The city’s growth began to explode in 1975 when 900 acres of its land was transformed into a one-of-a-kind golf, tennis and beach resort, which would attract residents and visitors from throughout America and beyond.
Now a major tourist destination boasting 6 miles of white, sandy beaches, its residents still look to enjoy peaceful serenity, particularly in the off-peak months. Buoyed by the fact that the Intracoastal runs directly through it, the town is also known for its large beachfront homes and a vibrant, but small downtown just steps from the Atlantic.
Dewees Island
Dewees Island - A very small community of avid naturalists and environmentally conscious people decided that living on a sensitive barrier island demanded attention to the original vegetation and inhabitants. The island has only 150 homesites, no paved roads, and very strict building codes that demand a small footprint and very little clearing of natural vegetation. They don’t encroach on the three miles of beachfront, and that creates spectacular views. When you walk on the beach, you feel like you are on a deserted island.
Dewees Ferry is a 15 min ride to the Isle of Palms (mainland) and runs every hour: http://www.deweesislandsc.com/visitor-information/ferry-schedule/
Dewees Emergency Services:
https://deweesrealestate.com/dewees-island-emergency-services/
Living on Dewees:
Folly Beach
Folly Beach - A true laid-back, beach community well known for its massive fishing pier, Folly Beach is unlike any other city or region of Greater Charleston. Think funky. Hip. Different. Fun. That’s Folly, the town where George Gershwin was staying when he composed the classic Porgy and Bess. Today, this Charleston County town continues to inspire its 3000 or so residents and its endless array of visitors.
Eclectic may be the best adjective to describe this town whose remarkable, but fragile coastline unfortunately gets re-adjusted by every tropical storm or hurricane that approaches it. It is best recognized by its unique mix of surf shops, restaurants, gift shops, offices and bars along Center Street; the main road and gateway to this vibrant community that is accessed through James Island.
