Islands near Charleston, South Carolina from north to south:

Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Edisto Island, Hilton Head Island

Edisto Island

Beautiful and secluded Edisto Island is located approximately 45 miles south of Charleston. Visitors to Edisto feel they’ve returned to a simpler time and slower pace of life.

There are no hotels or motels on the island. While the island welcomes visitors, commercialization and development have been kept to a minimum. Edisto Island is steeped in a history that stretches back to its first known inhabitants, the Edistow Indians.

The Spanish were the first Europeans on the island, arriving in the 1500’s. During the next century, English settlers established permanent settlements for the cultivation of rice and indigo. By the late 1700’s these English planters had developed Sea Island cotton, the crop that brought wealth to the island. Many of the beautiful plantations built during this era are still standing, and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Edisto Island is best known as a quiet, family beach. Edisto offers all types of water sports, including paddling, shrimping, surf casting, and deep sea fishing. The biggest attraction remains the beach, with its beautiful shells and fossils. The island offers the conveniences of a marina, golf course and restaurants.

Accommodations on the island consist of numerous private beach homes available for rent, condominiums overlooking the golf course or marina and camp sites at the Edisto Island State Park.

If you’re looking for a special place with historic charm, a secluded beach and an unhurried pace, look no further than Edisto Island.

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