Exploring Untouched Coastal Landscapes, Historic Grounds, and Scenic Shorelines
On July 4th 2020, Millie and I took a drive down to Botany Bay Plantation on Edisto Island. This is by far, one of our favorite places on Edisto Island and we often return a couple times a year.
The great thing about living in Charleston is all of the fun things to do close by! Check our pictures from our latest trip to the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area.
Here you can either walk or ride bikes to the beach and through the “Boneyard”. And…you can take the 7 mile self guided tour through the Preserve! If biking is not your thing you can take a car or truck on the 7 mile tour. However, the road is dirt and bumpy, so don’t bring your sports car!
Located about 45 miles south of Charleston on Edisto Island, Botany Bay Plantation is the perfect day trip for outdoor enthusiasts. Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area is a state preserve that consists of approximately 4600 acres. This wildlife preserve was once Sea Cloud Plantation and Bleak Hall Plantation. Both Plantations grew the profitable Sea Island Cotton until in the early 1900’s when the crops were destroyed by the Bow Weevil.
The Beach at Botany Bay
The Beach at Botany Bay is truly one of the most uniques places on the east coast! The beach is a three mile stretch of sand that has been eroded over the years leaving many fallen trees on the beach. Additionally, you’ll also find that the beach is loaded with shells of all kinds, however shell collecting is prohibited in the Preserve.
The 7 Mile Trail at Botany Bay
The bike/driving tour through the Wildlife Preserve is an enjoyable trail through the the beautiful low country landscape. Here you’ll discover a variety eco-systems on your tour. From the salt marshes, rivers and creeks, to the woodlands, you’ll quickly discover why the low country so special!
Both or the Plantations, Sea Cloud and Bleak Hall are long gone. However, some buildings and ruins of the past do remain. From Bleak Hall, the Ice House, a tabby concrete Gardeners Building as well as a tabby Storage Building still stand. Additionally, along Ocella Creek you’ll see the remains of a chimney and drinking well that were once used by farm workers. From Sea Cloud Plantation the remains of the foundation of the Plantation House are still present for visitors to view.
Things To Discover On Edisto Island
We hope you’ve enjoyed our quick look at one of the best places to visit on Edisto Island.
Interested in exploring real estate on Edisto Island or Edisto Beach?
Authors
Bill Byrd and Waverly Byrd bring deep real estate expertise to clients throughout the Charleston area, drawing on years of hands-on experience with residential sales, investment property, relocation, and local market strategy. Their guidance is grounded in market knowledge, careful analysis, and a commitment to helping clients make well-informed real estate decisions.
As a father-and-daughter team, they work collaboratively on every transaction, combining experience, perspective, and consistent communication. Clients benefit from a coordinated approach that emphasizes preparation, clarity, and thoughtful execution at each stage of the buying or selling process across the Lowcountry.