When you travel the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway with your South Carolina car rental, you may find that life seems a bit more peaceful. Life slows down a bit as you cross salt marshes, creeks, maritime forests, farms, and historic churches from the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean. You can stop along the way to pick up fresh food or handmade crafts. At the end of the journey is Edisto Beach, where you can relax in the sun and sand. The total length of the byway is close to 17 miles in South Carolina.

When to visit

Some of the best times to come with your South Carolina car rental is in the spring and fall when the crowds are down, the temperature is cool, and the beauty of the area can still be seen. The busy time for the byway is from Memorial Day through Labour Day, with peaks on weekends and the Fourth of July. There is minimal elevation on the highway and the road conditions are generally good (no snow or ice).

A worthwhile trip

If you want to travel the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway with your South Carolina car rental, the best place to start is at the beginning at the McKinley Washington, Jr. Bridge. This offers a great view of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, and there is even a place to park and take pictures so you don’t miss a good shot. Once you cross the bridge to the Edisto side, you can stop in Dawhoo Landing parking lot to get good pictures of the bridge as well. You can also get some great shots of the water from eye level or fish if you would like to give that a try. Further down the road you may want to stop at the King’s Farm Market, which is just past Gun Bluff and Brick House Roads. This is where locals come to buy vegetables, fruits, and flowers. The market is stocked with local products and you can get an idea of the rich traditions of the area.

Historical stops

As you continue down the highway, you will find a sign for the Edisto Island Museum at the intersection of SC 174 and Chisolm Plantation Road where you will turn right with your South Carolina car rental. The museum has interactive displays and artifacts that give you an idea of what life has been like on the island for the last 300 years, as well as shark teeth and fossils that document the pre-historic history of the area. Further down the highway you will also find the Edisto Beach State Park Interpretive Center, which chronicles that natural history of the area. This is the welcome center for the ACE Basin, which has exhibits and programs on the ACE Basin, which includes Edisto Island. There are year-round trails in the area where you can explore the natural beauty of the island.

Life is a beach

Finally, at the end of the highway, you will find the Atlantic Ocean and the Edisto Beach State Park with your South Carolina car rental. The view is breathtaking as you look out to the vast ocean at this family beach. The park also has beachside and salt marsh camping available, as well as cabins and other day activities.

When you are here with your South Carolina car rental, you will not be surprised to feel like life has slowed down and time has stopped about 50 years earlier. The pace of life here is slower and time with family is enjoyed. As you travel the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway, you will see many wonderful views of the area, and you can make numerous stops to learn about the area. You can find out more about renting a car from Triangle by visiting our online rental center.

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