Given Charleston’s aesthetically charming architecture, one would think the popular city commonly claimed to ooze European vibes would have a monopoly on South Carolina’s ‘magical’ destinations.
According to Southern Living, that’s not the case…
Not to say there’s a new sheriff in town, but there’s certainly a nearby alternative just an hour drive away.
Perfect for a fall getaway, South Carolina’s coast is lined with idyllic map-dot towns with vintage storefronts and open shores.
Grab an obligatory PSL and shop ’til you drop hopping around boutiques or enjoy the last chapter of sun-kissed shores before the winter chills set in.
At Travel Off Path, we’re happy to peel back the curtain on what we feel is Charleston’s best alternative this fall — discover the delights of Edisto Island!
The Lowcountry’s Best Kept Secret
South Carolina is home to numerous beaches we all recognize — Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head to name a couple.
Edisto Island likely doesn’t ring a bell, even being so close to Charleston. It’s small, low-key, and we agree with Southern Living’s take that it’s truly ‘magical’.
You won’t find Starbucks or other comparable chains ruining bygone era streets with modern-day eyesores.
Instead, you can peruse classic general stores, Mom ‘n Pop eats, bookstores and local boutiques, plus a plethora or ways to immerse yourself in nature on the outskirts.
Grouped within the cluster of South Carolina’s Sea Islands, we’re not going to say you’ll forget all about the beauty of Charleston.
What we will say is you’ll wonder how Edisto (pronounced ED-IS-TOE) has slipped through the cracks this long.
Unspoiled, Crowd-Free Beaches & Inviting Waterways
No matter the season, if you venture off to numerous Florida beach towns or put your passport to use in Mexico, crowds are challenging to avoid.
The same can be said for other Southern states too. With the rise of Mississippi and SC’s continuous stronghold, discovering hidden gems isn’t always an easy task.
Edisto Island fits the mold, though.
As Southern Living put it, ‘you’ll discover uncrowded beaches, scenic tidal creeks and rivers, and charming beach houses and rentals that are suitable and affordable for any group size’.
After a 14-mile stretch along the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway, you’ll arrive at scenic shores with few footprints and inviting waterways to explore another side of the town’s natural splendor.
After you check into a timeless bed and breakfast, your first stop for a joyful beach day should be none other than Edisto Beach State Park ($8 admission), home to serene shores and aforementioned ways to immerse yourself in nature.
It’s safe to say this park shouldn’t be one-and-done. Spend one day enjoying the tranquil beach and the next exploring hiking trails through lush forestry.
You can also visit Botany Bay, a quiet spot to take in calm waters and peaceful creeks, ponds, and canals, as well as a deep dive into the island’s history as a former site of a pair of plantations.
Arguably, the best way to enjoy the outdoors is right in town, though. Those in the know love renting a bike for the 5-mile Edisto Island Bike Path to catch their bearings in the salty breeze with the freedom to make stops at any cool spots about town.
Covering deep roots into Gullah culture, Edisto Island Museum ($8 admission) is one place you don’t want to skip.
Stay A While: Enjoy A Relaxing Retreat
Vacationing in the South is the one place you can put flashy resorts to the side and embrace a homey stay, quite literally. Popular vacation rental platform HomeToGo (and one I prefer over Airbnb) has crowned Edisto Island as the trendiest U.S. getaway for Labor Day.
Vacation rentals run rampant here, dotting downtown and the coast, so you can relish more space than traditional hotel rooms and even whip up your own meal if you’d like, but I’d say give SeaCow Eatery a chance — locals and tourists alike love it!
As for hotels, there are a few to choose from, but TripAdvisor has Club Wyndham Ocean Ridge claiming the #1 spot, largely due to seclusion, ocean views, and plentiful activities to keep busy.
Fall rates are currently as low as $137 if you prefer to make your base here, but many who’ve discovered Edisto make a worthy day trip from Charleston.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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