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Driftwood Beach (aka "Boneyard Beach" or "Botany Bay Beach") is a remote beach and nature preserve located in Edisto Island, South Carolina. It is part of the Botany Bay Heritage Plantation Preserve and is named after the large proliferation of driftwood on the beach. It is often referred to as a 'boneyard beach' because the aged driftwood has a white 'bone' appearance due to sun-bleaching and the presence of salt. This picturesque coastal wildlife refuge is a sanctuary for wildlife and offers visitors a chance to witness the undisturbed beauty of the Lowcountry landscapes. My family and I visited the Driftwood Beach this past summer while we were on a road trip. We stayed in Edisto Island for a few days and heard great things about the beach. You can only drive so far before you come to the parking area. From there, visitors must walk about half a mile through a marshland path before they come upon the beach. It was unlike any beach we had ever seen before. It was very eerie, yet beautiful and serene. It also looked like a place out of prehistory. We almost expected a dinosaur to show up at any minute. This isn't a beach you visit to go swimming or lay out in the sun. This is a beach that you visit for the breathtaking, picturesque views of unspoiled shoreline. We were so happy to have discovered this enchanted coastline and we highly recommend it to anyone visiting Edisto Island!
I happened to come across some cool, spooktacular pictures of the bare trees at the Boneyard Beach at this plantation at Edisto Island...so my husband and I ended up here to sightsee! Well, we arrived after 5 pm, so it was technically too late to get to the Boneyard Beach per say, but we got to cruise into some scenic passageway into the plantation (see pics!)...right unto this long walkway between these marshes, leading toward the beach. Although we were able to see portions of the beach from the walkway, we couldn't actually get across to the beach because you could only cross on foot when the tide is low. I think my husband is considering returning to do just that in the future. Now, back to the scene (in my case, a horror scene!) at hand. Don't get me wrong. This is truly a monumental landmark...very primitive and spooky...and I can see a certain beauty to it. Still, the thing that utterly freaked me out were the deep, dark marshes that surrounded the walkways, which looked to me like a haven for alligators and snakes. I was SO SCARED, I almost had a panic attack! My husband couldn't believe my reaction...but I never claimed to be a bold country girl. In fact, I wholeheartedly admit that I'm a timid city dweller, and these type of rustic scenarios totally freak me out...and it did!! I mean, this is South Carolina Lowcountry with marshes that are renowned for lurking alligators and snakes! YIKES?!?!?!? So we took some scenic pictures, and I guess it was worth it...but I don't know if I can brave out the walk along those marshes ever again. I will say that it's definitely an attraction worth seeing if you're in this area. For myself, however, I still had to dock a star for the fright factor. I kid you not...I truly felt as if I was walking in and out of a horror movie, with lurking alligators ready to eat me. Too spooky, if you ask me!
Nature surrounds you from the moment you drove in. You drive through a conaopy of trees that leads you to the check in area where you get your parking pass. You continue to drive until you see the sign telling you which way to go for tours and the beach. We had limited time today so we just went to the beach known as boneyard beach. It's maybe 1/2 mile from the parking lot to the beach. I recommend sneakers/closed toe shoes as sandals will be full of little pebbles by the end. Also being sunscreen and bug spray!! Wil definitely be back when we're in Edisto next as I'd really like to do the tour! Of note, you cannot take any shells or any of the beautiful pieces of driftwood, so take pics to enjoy later
If you have never been to the beach boneyard, you are missing out! Make sure to bring flip-flops or water shoes and clothes to wade in. A waterproof camera would be a huge bonus to bring as well. This relaxing nook makes you feel like you have walked back in time. You went to a time when the US was still wild and nature ruled. It is beautiful, peaceful, relaxing, and chaotic (in a good way) all at the same time. Bring a book. Enjoy life. Then, go back to the real world.
Tony and I went to Edisto Island in SC at the Bombay Plantation WMA It's free to enjoy but your not allowed to take any Driftwood or Seashells There is a Maximum fine of $470 It was such a lovely day! It was full of beautiful Shells! The Driftwood was so white and so many trees...absolutely gorgeous!! I would love to have some of those Shells but I didn't want a Fine! Free to Enjoy! Definitely would go back again when in the area...
Very interesting historical plantations. Beautiful views and picture perfect. It was high tide and the beach wasn't visible but we enjoyed the walk. I started to bring my Rollator because the surfaces were pretty flat, but I just took it slow. Afterwards we drove around the plantation tour trail, finding some beautiful buildings and interesting focal points. Make a day if but if you're interested in seeing the beach area check the tide table.
Nice spot for the hike. It is super interesting scene while walking on the beach. The tree looks all dead and prehistorics and the roots are like coming out of the ground. Free to hike . Do not collect any artifacts on the beach. Parking got a little crowded went we were there k. July but we it was still not too crazy.
Seashell beach. There are lots of them for sure, must leave them behind for others to see. We entered the botany road to go to the botany Bay plantation. There are signs that it's close for a deer hunt, isn't it a little early for that? So much for that visit. We leave for our next city tomorrow. No views of seashells for us this trip. What a bummer.
It's a bit off the beaten path, but it's a really cool place to explore. The drive in takes you through the prettiest trees. Many Charleston plantations look like this driving up, but the view doesn't get old. The best stop is at boneyard beach. It's about a half mile walk from where you can park. It's one of the most unique things I've seen with tons of trees dead from erosion scattered across the beach. We drove the one way loop through the self guided tour which was pretty and had other pretty trees throughout, but the beach was the highlight. It's about an hour from Charleston, but I thought it was worth seeing.
The name of the site would lead to to believe the focus is on some historical recreation and colonial architecture, but this place is mostly a wildlife reserve. It isn't obvious, but it seems to be administered by a local government body. No signage announced its presence and the turnoff to Botany Bay road is one that you easily could (and I did) miss. However, at the end of the long dirt road lies a most impressive piece of lowcountry wilderness. And though again this wasn't obvious, there was no entry fee; you just had to write your name down and take a parking tag. Driving to the beach parking lot still leaves one with a significant walk through a large wetland. Honestly the spartina grass may be my favorite part of South Carolina. Arriving at the beach yields a "boneyard" of decaying trees similar to the better known one on Bull Island, but this one doesn't require a boat tour to get there. Walking any length at low tide yields an oddly satisfying crunch, as the density of shells on this beach is overwhelming in parts. Oyster banks are evident, and some of the shells are quite beautifully opalescent. You aren't supposed to take anything, and though it seems that one or two shells and bits of seaweed wouldn't be noticed, I can imagine this being a case of one bad actor ruining things for everyone. The beach is long, and I spent a solid hour and a half going to what google maps told me was a separate island but what to me seemed one contiguous beach with a horizon that never seemed to end. It was certainly worth the walk. There appears to be some working farmland that you're not supposed to intrude on. The tour of what was once a plantation yields a bumpy road full of signs telling you not to run over snakes (I don't know how you'd avoid it, given the trees everywhere litter the road with branches that look awfully snakelike). There are some dilapidated ruins with a couple of signs, but not much. Mostly it's just very beautiful swampy wilderness. The site is open until a half hour past sunset and opens before sunrise in the morning. I'd be a bit nervous driving on uneven dirt roads in the dark, but if you trust your vehicle, I imagine it being a spectacular experience in a place you could easily spend an entire day at. It's the sort of site that inspires questions about how to develop it, and I could stand a smoother road and clearer signage at least, but when one looks across the channel to the houses that line many of South Carolina's other beaches, I'm more inclined to say this place should stay the way it is.
This is an amazing beach. We couldn't believe how beautiful it is. We did not go for swimming though. I read the other reviews before going to "Boneyard Beach". I have never seen anything quite like it before. We had a nice little picnic lunch on a log in the shade. Got some really great pics to show our friends and family. We took the driving tour of the leftover ruins on the plantation. It looked very interesting as we love looking at historical artifacts. The only negative: No public restrooms.
5 months ago
While not much of the plantation exists, it's a great place to see. My favorite is the beach. It's an easy trail mostly sandy to walk, through the marsh and woody areas it opens up. At high tide it's a tricky walk as sadly there's a lot of natural erosion happening. There are a lot of shells that are so pretty, you are not allowed to take but admire. The beach is heavily populated with remnants of trees and driftwood. Lots of signage to learn from. The drive through the tour has landmarks to stop at. Free adventure read more
What a gem we have here! It's pure untouched natural beauty and a very pleasant place to walk along the beach, tide pools and even the grounds of the old plantation, which only has a 18th century garden shed and an early 19th century green house that looks like a Victorian church. Peaceful and serene! read more
Easy to find. Plenty of parking. Beautiful beach to explore since you can't take shells or artifacts with you. Bring chairs, hammock, fishing poles.and enjoy the day. Be careful to pay attention to the tides as you will run out of beach! Break taking views! You should to your top.10 things to do list read more
2 years ago
Driftwood Beach (aka "Boneyard Beach" or "Botany Bay Beach") is a remote beach and nature preserve located in Edisto Island, South Carolina. It is part of the Botany Bay Heritage Plantation Preserve and is named after the large proliferation of driftwood on the beach. It is often referred to as a 'boneyard beach' because the aged driftwood has a white 'bone' appearance due to sun-bleaching and the presence of salt. This picturesque coastal wildlife refuge is a sanctuary for wildlife and offers visitors a chance to witness the undisturbed beauty of the Lowcountry landscapes. My family and I visited the Driftwood Beach this past summer while we were on a road trip. We stayed in Edisto Island for a few days and heard great things about the beach. You can only drive so far before you come to the parking area. From there, visitors must walk about half a mile through a marshland path before they come upon the beach. It was unlike any beach we had ever seen before. It was very eerie, yet beautiful and serene. It also looked like a place out of prehistory. We almost expected a dinosaur to show up at any minute. This isn't a beach you visit to go swimming or lay out in the sun. This is a beach that you visit for the breathtaking, picturesque views of unspoiled shoreline. We were so happy to have discovered this enchanted coastline and we highly recommend it to anyone visiting Edisto Island! read more
I happened to come across some cool, spooktacular pictures of the bare trees at the Boneyard Beach at this plantation at Edisto Island...so my husband and I ended up here to sightsee! Well, we arrived after 5 pm, so it was technically too late to get to the Boneyard Beach per say, but we got to cruise into some scenic passageway into the plantation (see pics!)...right unto this long walkway between these marshes, leading toward the beach. Although we were able to see portions of the beach from the walkway, we couldn't actually get across to the beach because you could only cross on foot when the tide is low. I think my husband is considering returning to do just that in the future. Now, back to the scene (in my case, a horror scene!) at hand. Don't get me wrong. This is truly a monumental landmark...very primitive and spooky...and I can see a certain beauty to it. Still, the thing that utterly freaked me out were the deep, dark marshes that surrounded the walkways, which looked to me like a haven for alligators and snakes. I was SO SCARED, I almost had a panic attack! My husband couldn't believe my reaction...but I never claimed to be a bold country girl. In fact, I wholeheartedly admit that I'm a timid city dweller, and these type of rustic scenarios totally freak me out...and it did!! I mean, this is South Carolina Lowcountry with marshes that are renowned for lurking alligators and snakes! YIKES?!?!?!? So we took some scenic pictures, and I guess it was worth it...but I don't know if I can brave out the walk along those marshes ever again. I will say that it's definitely an attraction worth seeing if you're in this area. For myself, however, I still had to dock a star for the fright factor. I kid you not...I truly felt as if I was walking in and out of a horror movie, with lurking alligators ready to eat me. Too spooky, if you ask me! read more
3 months ago
Nature surrounds you from the moment you drove in. You drive through a conaopy of trees that leads you to the check in area where you get your parking pass. You continue to drive until you see the sign telling you which way to go for tours and the beach. We had limited time today so we just went to the beach known as boneyard beach. It's maybe 1/2 mile from the parking lot to the beach. I recommend sneakers/closed toe shoes as sandals will be full of little pebbles by the end. Also being sunscreen and bug spray!! Wil definitely be back when we're in Edisto next as I'd really like to do the tour! Of note, you cannot take any shells or any of the beautiful pieces of driftwood, so take pics to enjoy later read more
If you have never been to the beach boneyard, you are missing out! Make sure to bring flip-flops or water shoes and clothes to wade in. A waterproof camera would be a huge bonus to bring as well. This relaxing nook makes you feel like you have walked back in time. You went to a time when the US was still wild and nature ruled. It is beautiful, peaceful, relaxing, and chaotic (in a good way) all at the same time. Bring a book. Enjoy life. Then, go back to the real world. read more
4 years ago
Tony and I went to Edisto Island in SC at the Bombay Plantation WMA It's free to enjoy but your not allowed to take any Driftwood or Seashells There is a Maximum fine of $470 It was such a lovely day! It was full of beautiful Shells! The Driftwood was so white and so many trees...absolutely gorgeous!! I would love to have some of those Shells but I didn't want a Fine! Free to Enjoy! Definitely would go back again when in the area... read more
1 year ago
Very interesting historical plantations. Beautiful views and picture perfect. It was high tide and the beach wasn't visible but we enjoyed the walk. I started to bring my Rollator because the surfaces were pretty flat, but I just took it slow. Afterwards we drove around the plantation tour trail, finding some beautiful buildings and interesting focal points. Make a day if but if you're interested in seeing the beach area check the tide table. read more
4 years ago
Nice spot for the hike. It is super interesting scene while walking on the beach. The tree looks all dead and prehistorics and the roots are like coming out of the ground. Free to hike . Do not collect any artifacts on the beach. Parking got a little crowded went we were there k. July but we it was still not too crazy. read more
Seashell beach. There are lots of them for sure, must leave them behind for others to see. We entered the botany road to go to the botany Bay plantation. There are signs that it's close for a deer hunt, isn't it a little early for that? So much for that visit. We leave for our next city tomorrow. No views of seashells for us this trip. What a bummer. read more
7 years ago
It's a bit off the beaten path, but it's a really cool place to explore. The drive in takes you through the prettiest trees. Many Charleston plantations look like this driving up, but the view doesn't get old. The best stop is at boneyard beach. It's about a half mile walk from where you can park. It's one of the most unique things I've seen with tons of trees dead from erosion scattered across the beach. We drove the one way loop through the self guided tour which was pretty and had other pretty trees throughout, but the beach was the highlight. It's about an hour from Charleston, but I thought it was worth seeing. read more
The name of the site would lead to to believe the focus is on some historical recreation and colonial architecture, but this place is mostly a wildlife reserve. It isn't obvious, but it seems to be administered by a local government body. No signage announced its presence and the turnoff to Botany Bay road is one that you easily could (and I did) miss. However, at the end of the long dirt road lies a most impressive piece of lowcountry wilderness. And though again this wasn't obvious, there was no entry fee; you just had to write your name down and take a parking tag. Driving to the beach parking lot still leaves one with a significant walk through a large wetland. Honestly the spartina grass may be my favorite part of South Carolina. Arriving at the beach yields a "boneyard" of decaying trees similar to the better known one on Bull Island, but this one doesn't require a boat tour to get there. Walking any length at low tide yields an oddly satisfying crunch, as the density of shells on this beach is overwhelming in parts. Oyster banks are evident, and some of the shells are quite beautifully opalescent. You aren't supposed to take anything, and though it seems that one or two shells and bits of seaweed wouldn't be noticed, I can imagine this being a case of one bad actor ruining things for everyone. The beach is long, and I spent a solid hour and a half going to what google maps told me was a separate island but what to me seemed one contiguous beach with a horizon that never seemed to end. It was certainly worth the walk. There appears to be some working farmland that you're not supposed to intrude on. The tour of what was once a plantation yields a bumpy road full of signs telling you not to run over snakes (I don't know how you'd avoid it, given the trees everywhere litter the road with branches that look awfully snakelike). There are some dilapidated ruins with a couple of signs, but not much. Mostly it's just very beautiful swampy wilderness. The site is open until a half hour past sunset and opens before sunrise in the morning. I'd be a bit nervous driving on uneven dirt roads in the dark, but if you trust your vehicle, I imagine it being a spectacular experience in a place you could easily spend an entire day at. It's the sort of site that inspires questions about how to develop it, and I could stand a smoother road and clearer signage at least, but when one looks across the channel to the houses that line many of South Carolina's other beaches, I'm more inclined to say this place should stay the way it is. read more
3 years ago
An incredible driftwood beach. While impressive to walk through the long downed trees and formations of pluff mud, it's also a reminder of the effects of rising sea levels and erosion of our shores. To reach the beach is a long but level walk on a well maintained path. read more
This is an amazing beach. We couldn't believe how beautiful it is. We did not go for swimming though. I read the other reviews before going to "Boneyard Beach". I have never seen anything quite like it before. We had a nice little picnic lunch on a log in the shade. Got some really great pics to show our friends and family. We took the driving tour of the leftover ruins on the plantation. It looked very interesting as we love looking at historical artifacts. The only negative: No public restrooms. read more
4 years ago
This place is where all the elements of the earth come together to display one of Mother Nature creations. This place is a must visit not only for its beauty but because of how much peace can be found in the Environnement. A little Heaven on Earth. read more
This place is a must see when in the area. Takes you back in time with the long dirt wrong and the trees covered in the Spanish moss. There is a short walk from parking area to the beach. The beach was so majestic to see all the trees and the shells. There are signs about now taking any shells are you will be fined. read more
4 years ago
Awesome time visiting Botany Bay! we were able to do the self guided tour. This is such an awesome place to bring family or just have a day day. It is free to get in and you can spend as much time there as you'd like. We went to the boneyard beach at the end of our trip and it was beyond beautiful! I cannot believe I've lived here my entire life and have never visited here! I will be sure to come back! read more
This is probably my favorite place in the Charleston area. I have taken countless pictures here because the scenery is just breathtaking. Like Tim said, if you're bringing kids here, definitely prepare them for the fact that they can't take shells from the beach since it is a nature preserve. Also, it is a bit of a walk out to the beach so bring something to drink on hot days - but also there are no bathrooms so uh, don't drink too much! Haha. Check tides before going too because the beach is inaccessible now at high tide from storm damage. Botany Bay is also closed on Tuesdays and special hunt days (check the DNR site for dates). read more
6 years ago
This hidden beach is a bit of a hike from Charleston, but totally worth a visit. The beach is perfectly laid out. There are small areas where you can setup camp for the day, and still have plenty of space to yourself (bring a hammock and set it up in a private nook up near the bushes for the perfect place to relax!) The fallen trees everywhere are quite beautiful -- but be careful while swimming (especially when it gets a little rough!) read more
Long path walk to this exquisitely unique beach affected by the wilds of the sea and storms with massive dried trees thrown asunder. Pick up a shell and add it to a sculpture these many trees and plant growths create. Be sure to leave it there, make your mark gently in this ecosystem which changes as each storm passes the area. Feels calmly desolate as you walk the length of this flat sand shoreline. The plantation grounds are beautiful to drive through and require a pass to access, obtained as you arrive. After multiple visits to Edisto, this August was my first visit to Botany Bay, a natural site which left me mindful and in awe of nature's force and beauty once again. read more
4 years ago
This beach is an incredible area that showcases some unique parts of nature. Because of this, there's a lot to preserve the area. Unless you are an outdoorsy family, I wouldn't recommend this beach. It's carry in carry out policy (bring your garbage home with you), no pets, no restrooms, no changing area, no taking shells, no smoking, etc. They have people positioned to make sure you are following the rules. The water has lots of hidden sharp objects and large planks of wood that you won't see until the waves crash you into them. You have to be a strong swimmer, bring good swim shoes, and expect to potentially step on crabs. There's fully intact sand dollars and conk shells laying around as well which is really neat! It's so beautiful. If you don't mind those things and are used to those conditions it's a wonderful beach to see wildlife. read more
If you have a chance you need to go check this place out!! I've lived here my whole life and have never been until today. Make sure you go towards low tide and you can really see everything! You can not take anything home with you including shells or sharks teeth. We had a good time just exploring and taking pictures. I did see where it's closed on Tuesdays, so I would always check the website before driving out there to see if there's any updates. Also, there is not bathrooms here so keep that in mind if you are bringing children. read more
It was a perfectly sunny Monday in December and my husband and I took a day trip to Botany Bay Plantation. It was cool enough that we didn't run into any mosquitoes. We parked in the main lot and walked across the marsh path to the beach. Luckily we timed our trip for low tide so we saw all the interesting tree formations on "Boneyard Beach". We saw so many shells - it's illegal to remove anything from this wildlife management area. We took some beautiful photos and had a peaceful stroll from one end of the bay to the other. Next we got back in the Jeep and drove the one way dirt road that offers a self guided tour of the whole property. The maritime forest is pristine and lovely. There's a small lake and pond that have a few picnic sites. Please check the website carefully before you go - it's closed on Tuesday's and for entire weeks at a time for hunting. My only complaint - there are no bathrooms here. None! Not even a portable toilet. When we left we drove immediately to Edisto Beach State Park five minutes away. Thankfully they have bathrooms. read more
I have been trying to find this beach paradise and drive out thee previous times and it was closed due to hurricane damage, hunts or high tide. I mention this do you don't make the same mistake. Check the website and plan accordingly. It isn't a traditional beach but rather a natural beach with lots of shells, stones and fallen graveyard trees. It is a preserve so take tons of photos but leave nature in tack. Definitely a beautiful place to visit. It's about a half mile from parking to the beach and a two mile walk. Wear sneakers do you can climb and walk comfortably. Beautiful beach on the way towards Edisto Island. read more
5 years ago
We had a blast and enjoyed our time at the Botany Bay Plantation. It's free and a beautiful location. read more
6 years ago
Off the beaten trail! Couple mile dirt road then about 1/2 mile walk on a gravel path through wetland to get to this boneyard beach. Well worth it. Check tides. I went at low tide and it was really cool. There are steep fines for taking any treasures. But no parking fee and free beach. No potty facilities at all. No dogs allowed either. read more
9 years ago
This is a must see! The drive from the entrance to the driftwood beach is spectacular with the Live Oak canopies. Its a slow drive due to the bumpy road but just roll down the windows and enjoy the beautiful nature preserve. It's less than a half mile walk from the parking lot to the beach. Don't miss the cute tiny crabs under the boardwalk during low tide! Gorgeous, white skeleton trees stand tall as you approach the beach. There will be someone on duty watching the beach to ensure its safety and preservation. Many of the large trees have fallen which creates amazing photo opportunities. You aren't allowed to remove any shells but lots of people pick up beautiful ones and place them on the trees for admiration. Take lots of pics and enjoy creation! read more
I almost hate to review this place, because it's relatively uncrowded and visited only by a handful of people, but I feel that I would be doing the place a disservice by not doing that. I am very lucky to live in the Charleston area, even more lucky to be a 6th generation Charlestonian. Places like this are one of the many reasons I consider myself so lucky. The raw/natural beauty of this place is truly awesome. The fact that it's a bit out of the way and off the beaten path, adds to it's beauty. I think it was once a conglomeration of plantations in the are, so it's got a ton of acreage. I think the self tour drive takes around an hour to do, kind of gives you an idea of how large it is. My favorite part was the boneyard beach. There's only 3, maybe 4 within reasonable distance of Charleston. The other two that I know of, are Hunting Island, which is accessible by car and down by Beaufort, and the other is the Cape Romain Wildlife area, which is only accessible by boat. This is the "easier" of the three to get to. Wildlife abounds here, from deer, turkey, bald eagles, wild pigs, foxes, tons of migratory birds, water foul, cranes, egrets, herons, coons, possums, etc... The beach is full of some of the largest shells I've ever seen. The reason though, is that they won't let you take the shells home, in order to help conserve what's there. That's really the only "low point" of the trip, because there's so many of these awesome shells everywhere, but you can't take them. They even have a shack for the volunteers at the beach entrance, where they check to see if you're taking any. If you get caught, it's a $470 ticket! I can understand why they are doing it, but maybe if they let you take 1 or 2 shells per couple or something like that, that would be nice. This is an awesome place that deserves to be seen by locals and visitors alike. If you have a day to come visit, PUT IT ON YOUR LIST. Oh yeah, did I mention it was FREE? read more
This beach is CLOSED for at least 12 months as the only access to the beach .. a bridge was washed away by Hurricane Matthew. They were just allocated the funding to replace the bridge but work has not yet started. The reason I was given was "South Carolinians are slow". I was so bummed out but the drive there from Mt. Pleasant was roughly 90 minutes. I was driving slow to take in the beautiful scenery on the journey. I was told to check the DNR website to check the status before making the journey again. I had the company of several out of State tourists which was also very unfortunate for them. At least I have the option of returning hopefully by the end of next summer. I ended up going to Edisto Beach which is only three miles from Botany Bay. I will review that also. read more
This was my favorite experience we had while visiting Edisto. If you plan to visit make sure your vehicle can handle bumpy roads (have high enough clearance). You will travel to a check in point where you receive a map that highlights points to visit on a driving tour. The highlight is the beach- full of shells and fallen trees. It truly is peaceful. We visited during high tide but were still able to see plenty of shells. (It is advisable to go during low tide if possible). The ice house was neat to see, as were other ruins from old plantation houses, barns, and wells. The live oaks were also gorgeous and stately. Don't miss this preserve! read more
6 years ago
great weekend adventure!! only about an hour drive from Charleston and the drive was well worth it. Be aware that driving through the plantation the roads are a little bumpy/muddy go slow throughout. The beach was something I have never seen before, photo opportunities everywhere. I was tempted to take shells but the signs saying you have to pay up to $450 dollars if you take shells... made me not so willing everyone I saw at the beach was being respectful of the nature and I didn't see anyone taking shells. read more
11 years ago
If you are visiting the charelston area or if you live here and have never been you need to check out Botany Bay. It is a protected beach, you can not remove any sea shells from the area, so the beach is an amazing sight. I've never seen so many shells. We had a great time making some beach art and just exploring. The kids had a contest to see who could find the biggest shells. We couldn't get over how big some of them were. FYI there isn't a bathroom though so make sure you go before. read more
3 years ago
Impossible to describe this amazing place. A true treasure. It is the most interesting and unusual place. This is an opportunity to see untouched and evolving beach. Kids can climb, play, and explore until their hearts content. Leave only footprints and take only photos and memories! You can easily spend several hours on the beach if you go at low tide. The beach gets narrow at high tide. Walk in is 1/2 mile of flat open marsh views. Bird watch and observe crabs playing hide and seek. Great photo ops. Take water, sunscreen, bug spray, and a towel to relax on. There are natural areas of shade. No bathroom facilities so just be aware. The self guided drive through tour is worth looking up the map and reading the history of this beautiful place. But the beach and amazing old oaks hanging in Spanish moss are stunning. It is all free to the public! Do not miss this gorgeous place if you are nearby! read more
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More info about Botany Bay Plantation
7510 Botany Bay Rd
Edisto Island, SC 29438
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(843) 869-2713
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https://www2.dnr.sc.gov/ManagedLands/ManagedLand/ManagedLand/57
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10 years ago
Botany Bay Plantation - parks - Updated August 2026
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