A Visitor's Guide to Folly Beach, South Carolina

Folly Beach is a popular tourist destination located in South Carolina. It is situated on a barrier island just outside of Charleston and is known for its wide sandy beaches, a picturesque lighthouse, and vibrant surf culture. This small town has a lot to offer, from outdoor activities and historic sites to lively nightlife and a variety of dining options. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, Folly Beach has something for everyone. In this article, we'll dive into what makes this beach town so special and what you can expect during your visit.

Where is Folly Beach, South Carolina?

Folly Beach is located on a 12-square-mile barrier island called Folly Island in the southeastern part of South Carolina. The island is created by being surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Folly River on the other.

What county is Folly Beach, South Carolina in?

Folly Beach is located in Charleston County, South Carolina which is the largest county in the state. Folly Beach had a population of 413,024 in 2021 and is projected to have a population of over 425,000 in 2023. If the county hits that number it would make it the second most populated county in South Carolina.

How far is Folly Beach from Charleston, South Carolina?

Folly Beach is located about 12 miles southeast of downtown Charleston, South Carolina, and the drive typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. You can get to Folly Beach from Charleston by taking U.S. Route 17 or 30 to State Route 171 otherwise known as Folly Road.

What is Folly Beach, South Carolina known for?

pic by Andrew Shelley

Folly Beach is a popular beach destination in South Carolina, known for its sandy beaches, warm weather, and laid-back atmosphere. It's a popular destination for beach-goers, surfers, and fishermen, as well as those looking to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery.

Folly Beach hosts yearly festivities, including the Sand and Sea Festival, New Year's Eve Flip Flop Drop, Bill Murray Polar Plunge, and Folly Gras Parade. Additionally, the town is home to a number of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a great place to explore and experience local culture.

Folly Beach is also known as, “The Edge of America” - a name that the prior owners of Ocean Surf Shop Bill Perry and Betty Sue Cowsart began using back in the 90s. Is Folly Beach at the literal edge of America? No, not at all - but it’s a much better nickname than the “Mayberry by the Sea” nickname used before that…

Isle of Palms vs. Folly Beach

Isle of Palms and Folly Beach are both popular beach destinations located near Charleston, South Carolina, but they’re different in many ways. Here are some of the key differences between the Isle of Palms and Folly Beach:

Location

Isle of Palms, SC is located on a barrier island just a short drive from Charleston, while Folly Beach is located on a separate island about 15 miles southwest of Charleston.

Beaches

Both Isle of Palms and Folly Beach have beautiful beaches, but Isle of Palms is known for its wide, well-maintained beaches, while Folly Beach has a more rugged, natural feel.

Amenities

Isle of Palms is a more upscale destination, with more high-end restaurants and shopping options. Folly Beach has a more laid-back vibe, with a focus on surf culture and outdoor activities.

Nightlife

Isle of Palms is generally quieter in the evenings, while Folly Beach has a more active nightlife scene with a variety of bars and live music venues.

Crowds

Isle of Palms tends to be just as crowded as Folly Beach, especially during peak season, but it’s really more about the crowd vibe than anything. Folly Beach is much more laid back.

Choosing between Isle of Palms or Folly Beach depends on your personal preferences and the type of vacation you're looking for. Both destinations offer beautiful beaches and plenty of activities, but they each have their own unique character and charm.

Sullivans Island vs. Folly Beach

Like Isle of Palms, Sullivans Island is also a popular beach destination located near Charleston but has its own unique pros and cons, as well. Here is a comparison of Folly Beach and Sullivans Island:

Location

Sullivans Island, SC is located just a short drive from Charleston, while Folly Beach is located about 15 miles southwest of the city.

Beaches

Both Folly Beach and Sullivans Island have beautiful beaches, but Sullivans Island is known for its more relaxed atmosphere, while Folly Beach is known for its more rugged, natural feel. 

Amenities

Sullivans Island is a more upscale destination, with a few dining options. Folly Beach is a more laid-back destination, with a focus on surf culture and outdoor activities.

Nightlife

Sullivans Island is similar to Folly in that it’s lively in the evenings, but the commercial area is much smaller than Folly. 

Crowds

Sullivans Island and Folly Beach can both get fairly crowded, especially during peak season, but again, Sullivans is smaller than Folly’s “downtown” area.

Again, whether you choose Folly Beach or Sullivans Island depends on your personal preferences and the type of vacation you're looking for. Both destinations offer beautiful beaches and plenty of activities like Isle of Palms, but they each have their own unique character and charm.

Where can you stay in Folly Beach, South Carolina?

There are several options for accommodations in Folly Beach when you visit. Some popular options include:

Hotels 

Part of the Folly Beach charm is its small “beach town vibe”, so you won’t find tons of towering buildings and businesses here. This includes a lack of large hotels on the island and for that reason, The Tides is the only “hotel” on offer. Folly Beach primarily offers vacation rentals and small boutique places to rent (see below). For more budget-friendly options, consider looking in the West Ashley area for additional accommodations.

The Tides

The Tides Hotel is a luxury beachfront hotel located in the heart of Folly Beach. With its stylish decor and modern amenities, this hotel offers the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. The rooms feature breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and are equipped with comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies. On-site amenities include a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, and restaurant (BLU) serving delicious coastal cuisine.

Vacation rentals

There are a variety of vacation rentals available in Folly Beach, including beach houses, apartments, and condos. These are often more spacious and private options for travelers, and many offer amenities such as fully equipped kitchens, outdoor spaces, and private pools.

Boutique Inns

Beachside Boutique Inn

Rated by Travel and Leisure magazine as one of the 40 best affordable beach resorts in the world, the Beachside Boutique Inn rooms feature 4 total buildings for accommodation including a two-story main house, a one-story cottage with “themed” rooms, and two stand-alone cottages.

Folliday Inn

Formerly the “Holliday Inn” named after the Holliday Family, the Folliday Inn is a completely remodeled version of this boutique space with an 80-year history. Free internet, kitchenettes, and a large pool are just some amenities of this property only a block off the beach.

Hotel Folly

The newest kid on the block in boutique inns on Folly Beach is Hotel Folly which features dog-friendly luxury rentals. Hotel Folly currently boasts two dozen various units around Folly available for rent. The owners are also builders who refurbish homes and cottages with luxury amenities and offer them up for rentals. These rentals vary from 2 to 3 blocks from the beach.

Bed and breakfasts

For a more intimate and personal experience, you may consider staying at a bed and breakfast. There are currently two beds and breakfasts located in Folly Beach, each offering unique charm and character.

Water's Edge Inn

Water’s Edge Inn is a luxury bed & breakfast just a few blocks from the beach and within walking distance of the main downtown strip. The inn offers 4 rooms to stay in and amenities here include a gourmet breakfast and a happy hour each evening, but also an outdoor hot tub, golf cart shuttle service, and more.

Regatta Inn

The 10 available rooms at Regatta Inn overlook Sunset Cay Marina offering amazing views of the tidal waterways. The inn also offers daily breakfast and nightly happy hours, as well as, a beach shuttle, a balcony or patio in each room, and many other perks.

No matter which accommodation you choose, be sure to book ahead of time. Folly Beach can get busy during the peak tourist season which is typically June through August.

About the Folly Beach Pier

The Folly Beach Pier, also known as the Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Fishing Pier, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The pier is located on the eastern end of Folly Beach and extends 1,045 feet out into the Atlantic Ocean. The pier recently underwent a complete renovation and it continues to be a popular spot for fishing, sightseeing, and watching the sunrise and sunset.

The pier is open daily and features a bait and tackle shop, as well as a restaurant and bar. There is no fee to access the pier, but there is a fee to fish from the pier and rods are available to rent if needed. It’s also important to note that there are fees to park. The pier also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including concerts and festivals.

Where to eat on Folly Beach?

Folly Beach is home to a number of popular spots to grab a bite within walking distance from the oceanfront. Here's a list of some great places to consider:

The Lost Dog Cafe - A popular spot for breakfast and lunch, known for its sandwiches, soups, and salads.
Taco Boy - A restaurant and bar, offering a variety of tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes.
Loggerhead's Beach Grill - A beachfront restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches, and other dishes.
The Folly Beach Crab Shack - A seafood restaurant specializing in local seafood, including crab, shrimp, and oysters.
The Washout - A beachfront restaurant and bar with a laid-back atmosphere, known for its burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
The Drop In - A casual spot for burgers, sandwiches, and other dishes, with a large outdoor seating area.
Chico Feo - A restaurant and bar with a variety of tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes.
Jack of Cups Saloon - A great spot offering globally-inspired cuisine with lots of choices for vegans and vegetarians - but also dishes with meat as well.

This is just a sampling of the many restaurants available in Folly Beach. In total, there are over 30 options to choose from so you'd never have to leave during your stay!

Are dogs allowed on Folly Beach in South Carolina?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Folly Beach at particular times, so there are some rules and regulations that you need to follow. From May 1st through September 30th, Dogs are not allowed on the beach (between 10 am - 6 pm) and are required to be leashed at all times. They are also not allowed on the pier at any time, and owners are required to clean up after their pets.

If you're planning a visit to Folly Beach with your dog, read my guide to dog-friendly restaurants in the Charleston area.

Can you drink alcohol on Folly Beach in South Carolina?

It's illegal to possess or consume alcohol on the beach or in any public area on Folly Beach. And while Folly Beach was previously the only Charleston area location to allow alcohol in public, this is no longer allowed. So, it's safest to keep adult beverages inside public property!

For more information about Folly Beach rules, visit the City of Folly Beach website.

Where can you play golf near Folly Beach, South Carolina?

If you're a golf fan, there are several golf courses located near Folly Beach, below are just a few:

Charleston Municipal Golf Course (The Muni) - The closest course to Folly is located on James Island, about 20 minutes from Folly Beach. This course features 18 holes with a par of 72
The Links at Stono Ferry - Located about 45 minutes from Folly Beach in Hollywood, SC, this course features 18 holes and a par of 72.
Shadowmoss Plantation Golf Club - Located about 15 minutes from Folly Beach, this course features 18 holes and a par of 72.
Coosaw Creek Country Club - Located about 25 minutes from Folly Beach, this course features 18 holes and a par of 72.
Wild Dunes Resort - Located about 30 minutes from Folly Beach, this resort features two championship golf courses: The Links Course and The Harbor Course.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Located about 45 minutes from Folly Beach, this resort features five championship golf courses, including the famous Ocean Course.

Folly Beach is a true "Beach Town"

Most folks who live and vacation in Folly Beach agree that this little beach town is just about perfect. For just 12 square miles of the island, Folly Beach's offerings are bursting at the seams. From food to fun, from excitement to relaxation Folly Beach has those things in spades.

Consider a trip to Folly Beach for a quick weekend, an extended vacation, or maybe even satisfy your curiosity with a tour of some Folly Beach homes for sale.

*featured image by Bre Smith

www.CharlestonPalmettoHomes.com  |  Ashley.Melton@AgentOwned.com  |  843-670-2333