South Carolina Road Trip Edisto Island National Scenic Byway

From the mountains to the Piedmont and the Sandhills and onto the Coastal Plain, the Palmetto State’s landscape is as diverse as its people, and the best way to explore all the state has to offer is a South Carolina road trip! One of the main things that unites us is our love of the outdoors, which is not surprising when you consider all of the beautiful natural wonders of South Carolina. Take this road trip to the most scenic places in South Carolina and discover the true beauty of our coast all over again!

Come along with us on a scenic South Carolina road trip to explore what just might be the most beautiful 16.8 miles ever: the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway.

U.S. Dept of Transportation Federal Highway Administration

The route begins at the Dawhoo River Bridge (a.k.a. McKinley Washington Jr. Bridge) which joins Edisto Island to the mainland.

Google/chris whitmire 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.

Google/shy singh Dawhoo Boat Landing, Dawho Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA

First stop: King’s Farm Market.

Facebook/KIngs Farm Market King’s Farm Market, 2559 SC-174, 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, which is why King’s Farm Market is one of the best places to shop in South Carolina.

Google/D Mack

Just ahead, turn onto Chisolm Plantation Road and stop at the Edisto Island Museum and Gift Shop located a few hundred feet down this small road.

Facebook/Edisto Island Museum Edisto Island Museum & Gift Shop, 8123 Chisolm Plantation Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA

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. For information on admission, hours, etc., check out the Edisto Island Museum and Gift Shop website.

Google/Edisto Island Museum & Gift Shop

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; it’s truly one of the best destinations for a day trip in South Carolina.

Flickr/Meredith Harris Presbyterian Church On Edisto, 2164 SC-174, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA

There’s a hauntingly beautiful cemetery behind and just to the right of the church. Get out. Explore. You’ll be glad you did.

Google/Mark Amidon

Don’t leave without 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 one of the most intriguing of all South Carolina ghost stories by checking out our full article.

Google/John Hofman

Next up: One of the most scenic places in South Carolina, Botany Bay, and the Botany Bay Road tunnel of trees.

Google/Forrest Smeltzer 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 it’s one you won’t want to miss.

Google/Barbara Hatlaban (Pictured: the old ice house from the Botany Bay property.) Botany Bay Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area, Botany Bay Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA

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, resulting in one of the most beautiful and most beloved hikes in South Carolina. Prepare to meet happy faces all along the way. This is a popular hike - and for a reason!

Flickr/Alistair Nicol

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.

Google/Joan Perry 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.

Google/John Alexander And don’t forget to check out the Dawhoo Boat Landing and pier on your way back home!

Well, what do you think? Are you ready to embark on this South Carolina road trip? Do you think the route we’ve mapped out leads to the most scenic places in South Carolina? Did we miss any of your favorite natural wonders in South Carolina? Know of any other beautiful places in the Palmetto State worth exploring? Whatever you have to say, we want to hear it, so share your thoughts with us!

U.S. Dept of Transportation Federal Highway Administration

Google/chris whitmire

The Dawhoo River joins the Edisto River to the North Edisto River. The vista at the bridge is stunning.

Google/shy singh

Dawhoo Boat Landing, Dawho Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA

Facebook/KIngs Farm Market

King’s Farm Market, 2559 SC-174, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA

Google/D Mack

Facebook/Edisto Island Museum

Edisto Island Museum & Gift Shop, 8123 Chisolm Plantation Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA

Google/Edisto Island Museum & Gift Shop

Flickr/Meredith Harris

Presbyterian Church On Edisto, 2164 SC-174, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA

Google/Mark Amidon

Google/John Hofman

Google/Forrest Smeltzer

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.

Google/Barbara Hatlaban

(Pictured: the old ice house from the Botany Bay property.)

Botany Bay Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area, Botany Bay Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA

Flickr/Alistair Nicol

Google/Joan Perry

Edisto Beach State Park, 8377 State Cabin Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA

Google/John Alexander

And don’t forget to check out the Dawhoo Boat Landing and pier on your way back home!

There’s not a doubt in our minds that this scenic South Carolina road trip will make you fall in love with the state’s coast all over again! Want to learn more about this route and the surrounding area? Check out the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway website.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

South Carolina Road Trip February 06, 2023 Daniella DiRienzo Are there any other natural wonders in South Carolina? The natural wonders of South Carolina are abundant. Here are a few natural wonders in South Carolina:

Jocassee Gorges - Located in South Carolina’s beautiful upstate region, Jocassee Gorges are breathtakingly beautiful mountains with vertical drops that you’d see out West in larger mountain ranges. Kings Mountain National Military Park – Unbeknownst to many, this national park is home to an active volcano. Forty Acre Rock – A massive geologic wonder in a less-traveled part of the state, this is easily one of the best hidden gems in South Carolina.

What other places in the state are among the most scenic places in South Carolina? The state’s beauty doesn’t end with the route below. There are lots of beautiful places in South Carolina, including:

Cypress Gardens - Explore the many miles of walking trails, take a swamp boat tour, and check out the swamparium and butterfly house at this beautiful attraction. Yellow Branch Falls - For most of the year, except just after a heavy rain, the water rolls over Yellow Branch Falls in ribbons, making it a stunning and majestic sight. Bald Rock Heritage Preserve - From here, you’ll see South Carolina’s largest landmark: Table Rock.

The OIYS Visitor Center

South Carolina Road Trip

February 06, 2023

Daniella DiRienzo

Are there any other natural wonders in South Carolina? The natural wonders of South Carolina are abundant. Here are a few natural wonders in South Carolina:

The OIYS Visitor Center

The natural wonders of South Carolina are abundant. Here are a few natural wonders in South Carolina:

Jocassee Gorges - Located in South Carolina’s beautiful upstate region, Jocassee Gorges are breathtakingly beautiful mountains with vertical drops that you’d see out West in larger mountain ranges.
Kings Mountain National Military Park – Unbeknownst to many, this national park is home to an active volcano.
Forty Acre Rock – A massive geologic wonder in a less-traveled part of the state, this is easily one of the best hidden gems in South Carolina.

What other places in the state are among the most scenic places in South Carolina?

The state’s beauty doesn’t end with the route below. There are lots of beautiful places in South Carolina, including:

Cypress Gardens - Explore the many miles of walking trails, take a swamp boat tour, and check out the swamparium and butterfly house at this beautiful attraction.
Yellow Branch Falls - For most of the year, except just after a heavy rain, the water rolls over Yellow Branch Falls in ribbons, making it a stunning and majestic sight.
Bald Rock Heritage Preserve - From here, you’ll see South Carolina’s largest landmark: Table Rock.