Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve
A 3,363-acre oceanside nature preserve featuring wetlands, beaches, sea turtles, and the unique Boneyard Beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best beach access & shell viewing
Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve
Best Time
Best beach access & shell viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 3,363-acre oceanside nature preserve featuring wetlands, beaches, sea turtles, and the unique Boneyard Beach.
"This place looked like something out of the movies. Absolutely beautiful and devoid of large crowds!"
Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:
Crucial for beach access. Low tide is ideal, but mid-tide is also good. Avoid high tide when the beach disappears.
No Shells or Driftwood! :warning:
Strictly prohibited to take anything from the beach. Fines are substantial. Enjoy the natural beauty without removing it.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boneyard Beach
Beachfront
Breathtaking beach with stunning driftwood, a photographer's dream.
Plantation Driving Tour
Throughout the preserve
Explore 6.5 miles of scenic dirt roads, offering a glimpse into the area's history.
Wetlands and Wildlife
Throughout the preserve
Discover diverse ecosystems, from wetlands to beaches, teeming with sea turtles and other creatures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tides and Treasures
Prepare for Nature
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:
Crucial for beach access. Low tide is ideal, but mid-tide is also good. Avoid high tide when the beach disappears.
No Shells or Driftwood! :warning:
Strictly prohibited to take anything from the beach. Fines are substantial. Enjoy the natural beauty without removing it.
Day Use Pass Required :ticket:
It's free to enter, but you need to obtain a Day Use Pass upon arrival. Plan for this upon entry.
Dirt Roads Ahead :car:
Be prepared for unpaved roads. Your vehicle might get dusty, so keep that in mind.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:
Crucial for beach access. Low tide is ideal, but mid-tide is also good. Avoid high tide when the beach disappears.
No Shells or Driftwood! :warning:
Strictly prohibited to take anything from the beach. Fines are substantial. Enjoy the natural beauty without removing it.
Day Use Pass Required :ticket:
It's free to enter, but you need to obtain a Day Use Pass upon arrival. Plan for this upon entry.
Dirt Roads Ahead :car:
Be prepared for unpaved roads. Your vehicle might get dusty, so keep that in mind.
No Dogs on Beach :dog:
Despite some online info, dogs are not permitted on the beach. Leave your furry friends at home for this part of the visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve is lauded as a hidden gem, offering a unique blend of serene beaches and historical plantation landscapes. Visitors are captivated by the breathtaking Boneyard Beach and the peaceful driving tour, though some note the lack of amenities and strict rules about taking shells. It's a destination that rewards those who appreciate raw, natural beauty and a quiet escape.
"What a wonderful, remote, spooky, beautiful heritage preserve & wildlife management area that screams you're in coastal South Carolina! Bring your camera as this area undergoes constant change and the landscape is spectacular! From the live oaks dripping with Spanish moss to the bay with water & grass as far as the eye can see to the haunted looking trees along the Driftwood Beach - truly beautiful! The driving tour with stops along the way provide some history of what's taken place in this area. When we stopped along the tour to head to the Bay, we saw quite a few seashore birds and were there at low tide so we got to see large exposed oyster beds. Loved the plants that line the path to the bay or what was left of them - I believe it's a plant called a Sea Oxeye that has yellow flowers that die back in the fall. Also were lucky enough to be there when a gentleman was sharing info and items from the Native Americans that lived in the area, various sea shells, and other interesting facts about Botany Bay's history.
HEADS UP: Don't plan on picking up shells or pottery shards or anything else here. Don't bring your dog on the beach. There are no restrooms no trash cans. The first time we went to Edisto and planned to visit Botany Bay, it was closed due to hog hunting going on....so make sure you read current info on the website before you plan your trip."
Leigh Rothman
"I finally made it to Botany Bay and it was beautiful! I love a beach and now getting into the forest as well. So it was like having the best of both worlds! This place looked like something out of the movies.
The drive in was beautiful and peaceful. The hike/ walk to the beach and back is about 1 mile total.
There is a 6.5 mile driving tour to explore plantation. I would have loved to walk through out but those alligator signs deterred me!😀
The Boneyard Beach was breathtaking. It was overcast and rainy so we didn't get to stay long but planning another visit soon!
Shells are not to be taken from the beach. There is a $470 fine. And you will need to check the tide chart for low tide in order to enter the beach. There is a kind older gentleman at the trailhead that can help with any questions needed.
It is free just have to do a Day Use Pass on the way into the park."
Mary Pinckney
"This place is a hidden gem! Absolutely beautiful and devoid of the large crowds you see on other public beaches. I almost, out of pure selfishness, didn't want to leave a review to keep it unknown. It's a marvel to walk the beach, though, and if you're willing to make the little walk out there, it's sooo worth it. I will absolutely make this a regular stop from here on out."
Erica Stafford
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The preserve is located on Edisto Island, South Carolina. Access involves driving on natural dirt roads, so be prepared for a potentially dusty journey. Visitors often mention the scenic drive in as part of the experience.
Yes, parking is available. You'll need to obtain a Day Use Pass upon entering the preserve. The drive-in is described as peaceful and beautiful.
Many visitors recommend taking the 6.5-mile driving tour to see different parts of the plantation. For beach access, a walk of about 1 mile total is involved.
The walk to the beach is approximately 1 mile round trip. An older gentleman at the trailhead can assist with questions.
The roads are unpaved and can be dusty. It's advisable to be prepared for your vehicle to get dirty during your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve is free, but you are required to obtain a Day Use Pass upon arrival.
While specific hours aren't always listed, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully enjoy the natural beauty. Checking local conditions or calling ahead might be beneficial.
No advance booking is typically required. You obtain a Day Use Pass upon entering the preserve, which is free.
Yes, you cannot take shells or driftwood from the beach. This is strictly enforced with significant fines.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach at Botany Bay. While some older information might suggest otherwise, current volunteer guidance indicates this restriction.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Overcast days are recommended for comfortable exploration and photography. Low tide also provides unique photographic opportunities with exposed driftwood and shells.
The preserve is home to sea turtles and various other wildlife. Alligators are also present, so caution is advised.
You can spend a couple of hours exploring the beach and taking the driving tour. The walk to the beach is about 1 mile total.
A porta-potty is mentioned as a desired addition by some visitors, suggesting that permanent restroom facilities may be limited or absent.
Boneyard Beach is a section of the coastline known for its stunning collection of driftwood, creating a unique and picturesque landscape.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities within Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve. Visitors should plan to bring their own food and drinks or dine in nearby Edisto Island.
Picnicking is generally permitted in natural areas, but there are no designated picnic areas. Be sure to pack out all trash to preserve the natural beauty.
Nearby Edisto Island offers several local restaurants and seafood shacks. It's recommended to check current operating hours and reviews for these establishments.
Yes, it's highly recommended to bring your own food and drinks as there are no amenities available within the preserve.
The Edisto Island area is known for its fresh seafood, particularly shrimp and oysters, reflecting the coastal South Carolina cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
Boneyard Beach is a prime location for photography due to its dramatic driftwood formations. The wetlands and coastal scenery also offer excellent opportunities.
Overcast days are ideal for soft, diffused light that enhances the textures of the driftwood and landscape. Sunrise and sunset can also offer beautiful light, but check tide times.
The main restriction is not removing any natural elements like shells or driftwood, which are protected. Otherwise, photography for personal use is generally welcomed.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and driftwood. A macro lens can be useful for details on shells and textures. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with the preserve management or local authorities regarding drone operation policies before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's crucial to note that dogs are not permitted on the beach, so families planning to bring their pets will need to make alternative arrangements or visit other dog-friendly locations. Also, with limited facilities like restrooms (only a porta-potty mentioned), packing essentials like snacks, drinks, and wipes is highly recommended for a comfortable family outing.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the beach, the preserve's wetlands and diverse wildlife provide additional subjects. Visiting during low tide can reveal intricate patterns in the sand and expose more of the driftwood. Remember to pack appropriate gear, such as a wide-angle lens for expansive shots and perhaps a macro lens for capturing the textures of shells and wood. Always be mindful of the environment and avoid disturbing wildlife or removing any natural elements.
🌿 Nature Lovers & Eco-Tourists
Visitors are encouraged to explore the 6.5-mile driving tour to appreciate the varied habitats. The strict rules against removing shells and driftwood highlight the preserve's conservation efforts, appealing to eco-conscious travelers who value leaving natural spaces as they found them. It's a place to observe, appreciate, and learn about the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Tides for Your Visit
However, mid-tide can also offer a rewarding experience, providing a balance between beach accessibility and the visual appeal of the water. High tide, on the other hand, can significantly reduce or even eliminate the beach area, making it less ideal for exploration. Planning your visit around these natural cycles will greatly enhance your enjoyment and ensure you don't miss the best of what Botany Bay's coastline has to offer.
The Allure of Boneyard Beach
It's important to remember that while the driftwood is captivating, it is protected. Visitors are strictly prohibited from removing any driftwood or shells from the beach, with substantial fines in place for violations.
Navigating the Preserve's Natural Roads
While the dirt roads are part of the charm, they also underscore the preserve's commitment to maintaining its natural environment. The driving tour offers a comprehensive way to experience the diverse landscapes, from wetlands to coastal areas, providing a broader understanding of the preserve's ecological significance. It's a reminder that you are entering a wilder, less manicured space, which is precisely what many visitors seek.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit