Edisto Island offers relaxing activities that greet travelers with serenity and simplicity. It’s a stark contrast from the commercialized larger beach towns.
Although many nearby tourist hotspots are littered with overpriced, prepackaged activities, Edisto seems to have not succumbed to this. It’s a laid-back town, brimming with friendly people. The beaches are beautiful and serene, devoid of tourist traps.
Here are three things to do that will make the trip to Edisto Beach meaningful and unforgettable:
Shell Collecting on Edisto Beach
The amounts of shells along Edisto Beach are amazing. Abalone, scallops, turbans, and cowries are just some of the kinds of shells that are abundant. The variety and sheer beauty of the shells makes collecting them a top priority activity while on the beach.
Many people just spend hours walking along the beach and collecting interesting shells. They are excellent mementos to remember a beach trip. Once brought home, they can be cleaned and displayed to enhance the natural beauty of a home. They can also be included in craft activities, such as making jewelry or collages.
Bird Watching and Wildlife in Edisto
Edisto Island is teeming with wildlife. In particular, the birds are everywhere. This gives visitors ample opportunity to bird watch. Within minutes of entering the island, cranes are there to greet visitors. There are also woodpeckers, cardinals, and gulls.
It’s quite relaxing just to observe the birds in their natural habitat. Taking pictures is another option. Picking up a good field guide at the Edisto Bookstore is a good way to help identify the many birds that will be spotted.
Spanish Mount Trail
This is a beautiful trail with an interesting historical destination. The trail is 1.7 miles long and covered with intriguing Spanish moss draped over live oak trees, and palmettos. Pinecones and shells are also scattered around this maritime forest. The endpoint is an enormous mound of discarded shells and bones.
This mound is believed to have been used by Native Americans 4,000 years ago and is now a protected area. In this midden, archeologists also found pottery that is among the oldest pottery found along the East Coast. There is a viewing pier, and hiking there is certainly worth the effort.
Edisto Island is a small town, harboring wild places and wildlife that make it a rewarding trip. Visitors can break from the world and refresh themselves as they collect shells, identify birds, and walk trails with historical significance. Activities are plentiful and awaiting on Edisto Beach.
