Edisto Beach public access is easy: the beach in the Town of Edisto Beach is public, and there’s a public access path at every intersection along Palmetto Boulevard. You don’t need to stay in a beachfront house or pay to get onto the sand. What you do need to know are the parking hours and the town’s beach rules, which cover everything from dogs and glass to tents and holes.
At a Glance
- Location: 37 public beach accesses, one at each intersection on Palmetto Boulevard (SC-174) in the Town of Edisto Beach
- Parking hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. at beach-access parking; no overnight parking
- ADA access: Lybrand, Mitchell, Baynard and Edings accesses; beach mats at Accesses 1, 9, 20 and 28
- Restrooms: None on the town beach; the state park’s beach area has facilities (admission applies)
- Dogs: Leashed May 1 – October 31
- Town Hall: (843) 869-2505, 2414 Murray Street, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Edisto Beach Public Access Points
The Town of Edisto Beach has 37 public beach accesses, one at each intersection on Palmetto Boulevard, the road that runs parallel to the beach. Accesses are numbered, which makes them handy meeting points and landmarks. Some have off-street parking and wooden walkovers over the dunes; others are simple sand paths with parking along the street where allowed.
Stay on the walkovers and marked paths. Walking on the dunes, damaging dune plants or moving sand fencing is against town rules, and the dunes are the island’s main protection from storms.
Parking at Beach Accesses
Parking at the beach accesses is allowed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. There’s no overnight parking, and the Edisto Beach Police Department enforces the rules. Park only in marked or clearly allowed spaces, and don’t block driveways or the access path.
The town’s parking page doesn’t list fees, but rules and fees can change. Check with the Town of Edisto Beach before you go, especially on summer weekends and holidays when spaces fill early.
Golf Carts
Golf carts are a popular way to get to the beach. Town rules require a $15 town decal plus state permit, registration and insurance, a licensed driver 16 or older, and proper restraints for passengers under 12. Carts may run only on secondary roads in daylight (30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset), at no more than 19 mph, and may not drive on Palmetto Boulevard except to cross it. If you rent a cart, ask the rental company to confirm it’s set up for town use. Details are on the town golf cart page.
Edisto Beach Rules
These Town of Edisto Beach rules apply on the beach, at accesses and, in some cases, at street ends:
- Dogs: Must be leashed from May 1 to October 31. From November through April, dogs must be under your control. Always pick up after your pet.
- Glass: Glass containers, jars and bottles are not allowed on the beach.
- Fires and grills: No fires or propane devices on the beach, at beach accesses or at adjacent street ends. No bonfires.
- Fireworks: Not allowed on Edisto Beach.
- Tents and umbrellas: Must be firmly set and may not block beach accesses. Tents, umbrellas and awnings may not stay on the beach from sunset to sunrise.
- Holes: Holes deeper than 12 inches must be filled. Fill all holes and sandcastle moats when you leave.
- Gear left overnight: Property left on the beach becomes the property of the town.
- Camping: No camping on the beach, and no overnight parking or camping at accesses, town parks or streets.
- Vehicles and boats: No motor vehicles on the beach, no jet skis or motorboats on the sand, and no launching over the dunes. Kayaks and sailboats may be kept on the sand overnight, but not on the dunes.
- Fishing: Chumming is prohibited on any part of the beach.
- Dunes: Don’t walk on or damage dunes, dune plants or sand fencing.
Alcohol on the Beach
We couldn’t find the town’s rule on alcohol in its published beach rules. Before bringing alcohol to the beach, check with the Town of Edisto Beach at (843) 869-2505. Remember that glass is never allowed.
Sea Turtle Season
From May 1 to October 31, extra rules protect nesting loggerheads: no light may shine on the beach at night, and beach gear and tents should be cleared at dusk. See our sea turtle rules for the details.
Accessible Beach Access
The town recommends the Lybrand, Mitchell, Baynard and Edings accesses for visitors with accessibility needs, and has beach mats at Accesses 1, 9, 20 and 28 to help wheelchairs and strollers across the soft sand. We couldn’t confirm whether a beach wheelchair loan program operates on Edisto; ask the town before your trip.
In Edisto Beach State Park, Beach Access 3 is currently open to foot traffic only because of erosion, and ADA golf-cart beach access is temporarily unavailable. Golf carts on the park’s beach are allowed only for visitors with disabilities who display a placard, once that access reopens.
Restrooms and Showers
The town says plainly that there are no facilities on the beach, so plan accordingly. The beach day-use area of Edisto Beach State Park has restrooms and outdoor showers, and the park charges admission.
Edisto Beach State Park Beach
Edisto Beach State Park has about 1.5 miles of oceanfront, with its day-use entrance at 104 Palmetto Boulevard. As of 2026, admission is $8 for adults, $5 for South Carolina seniors, $4 for ages 6–15 and free for children 5 and under. The park is open 7 a.m.–6 p.m., and until 8 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time. Dogs are allowed on a leash of 6 feet or less, and there are no lifeguards.
Botany Bay Beach
The wild beach at Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve, known for its driftwood boneyard, is a separate trip off Botany Bay Road. It requires a free day-use pass from the kiosk, it’s closed on Tuesdays and on scheduled hunt days, and you reach the beach on foot, by bicycle or by boat. There are no facilities, no dogs are allowed on the beach or causeway, and you can’t take shells, fossils or driftwood.
Beach Renourishment
The town and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed a partnership agreement in 2023 for a federal project to rebuild Edisto Beach’s dune and berm. Construction timing has not been confirmed. If you’re visiting during the off-season, check the town’s website for any work or access closures.
Edisto Beach Access FAQ
Is Edisto Beach public?
Yes. The beach in the Town of Edisto Beach is public, with 37 public access points along Palmetto Boulevard.
Where can I park for Edisto Beach?
At the public beach accesses along Palmetto Boulevard where parking is available, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Overnight parking isn’t allowed. The state park also has beach parking with paid admission.
Are dogs allowed on Edisto Beach?
Yes. Dogs must be leashed from May 1 to October 31 and under control the rest of the year, and owners must pick up after them. Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach at Botany Bay.
Are there restrooms on Edisto Beach?
There are no public facilities on the town beach. The Edisto Beach State Park beach area has restrooms (admission applies).
Can I have a bonfire on Edisto Beach?
No. Fires, bonfires and propane devices aren’t allowed on the beach, at accesses or at adjacent street ends, and fireworks are banned.
Plan Your Trip
Before you swim, read our Edisto swimming safety guide – there are no lifeguards. Check the tide charts and weather, then look for shark teeth and shells at low tide.