The Scenic Road Trip That Will Make You Fall In Love With The Beauty Of South Carolina All Over Again
From the mountains to the Piedmont and the Sandhills and on to the Coastal Plain, the Palmetto State’s landscape is as diverse and its’ people. But one of the main things that unites us is our love of the outdoors – especially in our own state. Take this scenic road trip in South Carolina and discover the beauty of our coast all over again.
Come along with us to explore what just might be the most beautiful 16.8 miles ever: the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway.
The Dawhoo River joins the Edisto River to the North Edisto River. The vista at the bridge is stunning.
In fact, the Dawhoo Boat Landing and pier is a great place to stop on your way back. The sunset here is a photo-worthy experience. For now, we'll continue on the scenic byway to check out some of the main attractions.
Dawhoo Boat Landing, Dawho Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
No matter the time of year, you're sure to find an assortment of vegetables and fruit, plus warm and fresh pies, gift items, and more at this unassuming little farm market. Pop in and say hello. The owners and staff don't know a stranger and you'll feel right at home.
Discover a wealth of information about the history of Edisto Island. From long before the Native Americans (the Odisto) welcomed Spaniards to the island to present day and everything in between, the museum tells the complete story. It also has a charming gift shop filled with historic reads and handcrafted items from local artisans.
Just ahead, you'll find the Presbyterian Church and Cemetery. The church was established in 1685 and is currently one of the oldest Presbyterian congregations in the nation. Don't whiz by without stopping.
Presbyterian Church On Edisto, 2164 SC-174, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Don't leave with locating the tomb of Julia Legare. It is known as the most haunted grave in South Carolina. There's a reason there is no door on the tomb and it may make your hair stand on end. Learn more about that in this previous article.
Botany Bay road from SC-174 all the way to the parking lot at the boneyard beach is simply the most beautiful dirt road you'll ever pass over. It begins with a long tunnel of trees. In certain seasons, this tunnel gives way to a huge field of sunflowers before coming to a near end at an old property that still bears the ruins of an old plantation.
Get out and explore on foot but pace yourself. There's a beach hike just ahead and its one you won't want to miss.
Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area, 1066 Botany Bay Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
(Pictured: the old ice house from the Botany Bay property.)
After exploring the ruins, pop back in the car and head toward the ocean. You'll be able to smell the sweet salt in the air and possibly even hear the ocean from the ruins. The beach hike to Botany Bay Beach is a half mile on a path that's well-worn. Prepare to meet happy faces all along the way. This is a popular hike - and for a reason!
After leaving Botany Bay catch your breath for a few miles of driving before heading to Edisto Beach State Park. Note: there are two entrances to this park. The first one takes you to the campground on the backside of the island. The second takes you to the campground and beach along the front side of the island. Explore trails through maritime forests, hike, camp, picnic, swim, and be lazy. You've earned it.
Edisto Beach State Park, 8377 State Cabin Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
If you made it all the way to the beachfront at Edisto Beach State Park then you've seen only the tip of the iceberg known as Edisto Beach. Stick around. Check out the restaurants and shops. Stay a while.
And don't forget to check out the Dawhoo Boat Landing and pier on your way back home!
Take this scenic road trip in South Carolina to fall in love with the state’s coast all over again! Learn more about Edisto Beach from the town’s official website, here.
Address: Dawhoo Boat Landing, Dawho Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Address: King's Farm Market, 2559 SC-174, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Address: Edisto Island Museum & Gift Shop, 8123 Chisolm Plantation Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Address: Presbyterian Church On Edisto, 2164 SC-174, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Address: Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area, 1066 Botany Bay Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Address: Edisto Beach State Park, 8377 State Cabin Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
South Carolina In Your Inbox
Thank you! You will receive your first email soon.
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
