The island is renowned for its pristine natural environment, and many laws are in place to prevent it from turning into a developer’s nightmare like so many other coastal areas along the southern Atlantic coastline. Due to this, Edisto Island has become a favorite for people who want to escape the noise, bustle and seediness of other places along the southeast coast. It is famous for it family friendliness, unlike many places along the coast such as Carolina Beach. While the lack of clubs, discos and lively bars might put off some people, for most the quiet relaxing ambiance is a breath of fresh air.

Edisto Beach is the magnet which attracts a lot of tourists, who bypass the other attractions and head straight there. The variety of rentals and other beds here is more than adequate, with most establishments just a few meters from the sand. An Edisto Beach home for rent is trendy with those wanting to self-cater.The choice of bars and restaurants perfectly compliments the calm, sophisticated and relaxed ambiance of the town.

The island is a paradise for those who love the outdoors and especially watersports, as the beach offers swimming, windsurfing, surfing and both kite and wake boarding. The marshes and secluded rivers create a nursery for marine life, making angling very rewarding, not to mention wildlife viewing from watercraft. Edisto River is the pick of the creeks to explore and experience, and not only for fishing or boating; the famous treehouses are a worthy attraction by themselves.

Edisto Beach State Park offers a completely different aspect of the island’s beauty, and this wilderness area is even more unspoiled than the rest of the island. There are no hotels, resorts, inns or bed and breakfasts here, however; just a few simple cabins and a campground. There are a whole host of different activities to experience here, not to mention that the beach is even better than further down the coast. The highlight is the laying of eggs that the loggerhead turtles do every year on the beach within the park boundaries. If you saw the breeding one season, you can always return again another time to watch the end result; hundreds of babies scrambling across the beach to the water.

To sum up, Edisto Island is the place to head to if you want to avoid tourist traps and become one with nature. Those who love a drink should be forewarned that no alcohol can be drunk within the Edisto Beach State Park boundaries. Travelers with pets are out of luck at the cabins, but can take their canine or feline companion to other parts of the park if they are kept on a leash.