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One of the treasures of Edisto Beach is the threatened loggerhead sea turtle. Learn about these fascinating reptiles that nest on our beaches each summer. After a short, informative program, we will venture down the beach in search of a nesting loggerhead sea turtle. Designed for ages 11 and older. Be prepared to walk several miles. Maximum 30 people allowed. Advanced registration required. Please call (843) 869-4430 to make reservations.
Edisto Beach State Park
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Become one with the water during our paddling excursions in the lagoon. Kayaking is one of the best ways to see wildlife, especially the beautiful wading birds of South Carolina's coastal waters. Certified instructors will teach basic skills of paddling, then we'll get our feet wet as we put in for a quiet paddle in the lagoon. All equipment and instruction are provided by the Kayak Farm. No experience is required, but paddlers need to be at least 12 years old.
Hunting Island State Park
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Join park staff or volunteers for a cool and relaxing slideshow about the alligators of South Carolina's Lowcountry. This amazing, docile looking predator has skills and abilities that have allowed it to outlive dinosaurs, mammoths and saber-toothed cats. After the slideshow, we'll take a look in the pond at the Visitor Center for any resident alligators.
Hunting Island State Park
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Meet at the lighthouse for a fascinating look at South Carolina's only publicly accessible historic lighthouse. How tall is it? How many steps are in it? What was the keepers life like? These and many more questions will be answered as we walk throughout the historic lighthouse station. Afterwards, climb to the top for a spectacular view of the coast.
Hunting Island State Park
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Are you new to the coast, just visiting for a few days, or an old-hand looking for a new hobby? Pier fishing will "catch" your interest. We'll show you rigs, knots, bait and some gear that will get you started. We may even tell you about the one that got away last program.
Don't have your own gear yet? No problem. You may borrow fishing gear from the Nature Center, and we'll even provide bait. Good luck!
Hunting Island State Park
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Create a one-of-a-kind souvenir of your visit to Hunting Island State Park as you carry on the ancient Japanese art of Gyotaku, or fish printing. Nature has given many fish beautiful and interesting designs, but we bet you can do better!
Hunting Island State Park
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One of the treasures of Edisto Beach State Park is our special "summer visitor"-the threatened loggerhead sea turtle. Learn about these fascinating reptiles that nest on our beaches and how YOU can help protect them.
Edisto Beach State Park
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...Not our animals! Join us as we feed the aquarium animals.
Edisto Beach State Park
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Experience our coastal critters close-up! Come interact with our touch-tank animals while being guided by a naturalist.
Edisto Beach State Park
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Come test your knowledge of marine life with a fun game! You may learn some surprising new facts!
Edisto Beach State Park
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Crab claws anyone? Learn the tricks to capturing these elusive crustaceans - without them capturing you - during this hands-on (careful where you put them) workshop. Discover the amazing transformations blue crabs go through before they are ready for your plate. We supply everything you will need to crab, but please bring a bucket if you want to keep the crabs you catch.
Hunting Island State Park
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Offered in the summer, gather around our "tree of life" rug to hear and share stories about the natural world of Hunting Island State Park. We will talk about the animals you see, where they live, and read stories about native wildlife.
Hunting Island State Park
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Come learn about the watery world of sharks and why these animals are so important to the marine ecosystem! Learn first-hand about shark biology with a group shark dissection. This program is not recommended for children under 10.
Edisto Beach State Park
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Bring your bathing suit and shoes that can wet to join our sea safari! We'll use seine nets to get a hands-on look at some of the fascinating creatures that live in the lagoon.
Hunting Island State Park
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Pluff mud, eww! Maybe so, but the salt marsh is a key element to the coastal environment. Join us for a closer look at one of the most productive systems in the world. The closer you look, the more you will see. You may even see the world of the salt marsh a little differently after this walk.
Hunting Island State Park
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Meet the avian visitors to our maritime forests and marshes. An interpreter will guide you on a trail walk to look for our feathered friends. Bring your binoculars or borrow ours. Recommended for older children and adults.
Edisto Beach State Park
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Most people enjoy collecting shells along the beach but these animals have a fascinating life that few people know about. Discover the "other" life of sea shells as we learn how they reproduce, what they eat, and what eats them! Bring your shells for identification.
Edisto Beach State Park
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Would you like to be able to catch fresh shrimp for dinner, or possibly enough shrimp for you and your friends throughout the year? Then you should learn the art of cast netting. Do you like to fish with the best and freshest bait? Then you should learn the art of cast netting. Have you ever wondered what creatures lurk in the tidal creeks of the Lowcountry? Then you should learn the art of cast netting. Do you just enjoy getting wet and muddy? Then cast netting is for you too!
Join us at the Nature Center/Fishing Pier for a closer look at life surrounding the pier and gain a skill you can apply to everyday life in the Lowcountry.
Hunting Island State Park
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When the sun sets, the beach comes alive with creatures of the night. Ghost crabs, sea turtles and "phosphorescence" are just some of the things that we may see as we explore the beach at night.
Hunting Island State Park
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Join a Naturalist for a hike through the maritime forest. View ancient dunes, learn about the edible plants of the island and see some of the creatures that call our forest home.
Hunting Island State Park
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The ACE Basin represents one of the largest undeveloped wetland ecosystems remaining on the Atlantic coast. The Nature Conservancy has recognized the ACE Basin as one of the 40 world-class ecosystems designated bioreserve under the organization's
Edisto Beach State Park
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The Hunting Island Lighthouse draws lighthouse enthusiasts from all over the world. Since 1859, Hunting Island has been home to a lighthouse. The first lighthouse was shortlived, and the second was moved 14 years after it's completion. Come discover more of the fascinating history of the lighthouses of Hunting Island and the Keepers who kept the watch.
During Lighthouse Celebration, you can experience life as a 19th-century lighthouse keeper by “toting the oil can.” Take a tour of the grounds and climb to the top of South Carolina’s only historic lighthouse open to the public. While you are here, participate in a variety of activities that allow you to enjoy the many other special components of the park. Programs and activities are free with normal park admission. Pack a picnic lunch, bring the family and spend the day at Hunting Island.
Hunting Island State Park