Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- +12524732111
- North Carolina, United States
- https://www.nps.gov/caha/index.htm
About This Beach
Quick Facts
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Location: Folly Beach, Charleston County, SC
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Address: E Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439
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Beach Type: Public ocean beach (Atlantic Ocean)
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Water Type: Atlantic Ocean
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Sand Type: Wide, soft Lowcountry sand
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Water Conditions: Moderate Atlantic surf; strong currents at “The Washout”
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Best For: Surfers, families, laid-back beach town vibes
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Best Time to Visit: April–October
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Beach Hours: Sunrise to sunset recommended
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Pet Policy: Seasonal leash restrictions apply
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Beach Cleanliness: Well maintained
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Average Rating: ⭐ 4.8
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Pricing: Free access
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Parking: Public lots and street parking (fees enforced)
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Accessibility: Multiple public access points
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Crowd Level: Moderate to busy in summer
Overview
Folly Beach is a vibrant and slightly bohemian coastal town just south of Charleston. Known for its surf culture and relaxed atmosphere, it blends natural beauty with casual dining and beach-town character.
“The Washout” section is particularly popular with surfers due to consistent wave breaks.
📜 History & Unique Features
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Settled in the 1700s and used as a Union encampment during the Civil War.
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The Folly Beach Fishing Pier, first built in 1931 and rebuilt after hurricanes, remains an island icon.
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Known for the “Washout,” a legendary East Coast surf break created by Hurricane Hugo (1989).
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Home to Morris Island Lighthouse, visible from the northern tip.
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The town preserves its quirky charm — no towering resorts, just beach cottages, seafood shacks, and surf shops.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Mar–May): Pleasant temps and fewer crowds.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak season with lively events and surfing.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Warm water and laid-back vibe.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Quiet getaways and spectacular sunsets.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak season with lively events and surfing.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Warm water and laid-back vibe.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Quiet getaways and spectacular sunsets.
Things To Do
Popular Activities
- Surf the Washout: Famous break attracting surfers from all over the East Coast.
- Walk the Folly Beach Pier: 1,000-foot pier perfect for fishing, sightseeing, and photography.
- Visit Morris Island Lighthouse: Scenic viewpoint from Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve.
- Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Explore tidal creeks, marshes, and dolphin habitats.
- Center Street Shopping & Dining: Stroll through surf stores, cafés, and live-music bars.
- Sunset Cruises & Eco Tours: Depart from Folly River Boat Landing.
- Folly Beach County Park: Ideal for families, with lifeguards and picnic areas.
Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Beach Trip
Turn your beach search into a complete trip — book stays, discover experiences, and prepare like a pro.
Amenities
Nearby Amenities
- Lifeguards (seasonal)
- Public restrooms and outdoor showers
- Large parking lot at Folly Beach County Park
- Beach wheelchair access available
- Surfboard and bike rentals
- Pet-friendly sections (seasonal hours)
- Restaurants, bars, and shops along Center Street
- Public Wi-Fi zones near the pier
Beach Hours
Beach Hours
Open Now
Open 24/7
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
Tides Folly Beach Hotel: Only oceanfront hotel on the island — steps from the pier.
Beach Cottages & Vacation Rentals: Available along Arctic Ave and E Ashley Ave.
Water’s Edge Inn: Boutique B&B with island charm.
Charleston Oceanfront Villas: Luxury condos with pools and private balconies.
Campgrounds & RV Sites: Nearby James Island County Park.
Beach Cottages & Vacation Rentals: Available along Arctic Ave and E Ashley Ave.
Water’s Edge Inn: Boutique B&B with island charm.
Charleston Oceanfront Villas: Luxury condos with pools and private balconies.
Campgrounds & RV Sites: Nearby James Island County Park.
Events & Festivals
Events & Festivals
Folly Gras (February): Colorful Mardi Gras-style street festival.
Sea & Sand Festival (September): Live music, arts, and vendors on Center Street.
Folly Beach Wine & Seafood Festival (November): Coastal flavors and ocean views.
New Year’s Eve Flip-Flop Drop: Festive countdown at Center Street.
Turtle Release Events (Summer): Educational programs for all ages.
Sea & Sand Festival (September): Live music, arts, and vendors on Center Street.
Folly Beach Wine & Seafood Festival (November): Coastal flavors and ocean views.
New Year’s Eve Flip-Flop Drop: Festive countdown at Center Street.
Turtle Release Events (Summer): Educational programs for all ages.
Hours/Lifeguards
Hours/Lifeguards
Beach Access: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Lifeguards: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Memorial Day – Labor Day)
Pier & Park: 7:00 AM – Sunset
Lifeguards: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Memorial Day – Labor Day)
Pier & Park: 7:00 AM – Sunset
Pricing
Pricing
Beach Access: Free
Parking: $5 – $15/day
Pier Entry: Free (walk) | $5 (fish)
Surfboard Rental: $25/day
Kayak Tours: $50/person (2 hrs)
Parking: $5 – $15/day
Pier Entry: Free (walk) | $5 (fish)
Surfboard Rental: $25/day
Kayak Tours: $50/person (2 hrs)
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
Kiawah Island: Upscale resort community (~40 min drive).
Isle of Palms: Family-friendly beach north of Charleston.
Morris Island Lighthouse: Historic and photogenic viewpoint.
Charleston Historic District: Dining, art, and architecture (~20 min).
James Island County Park: Trails, kayaking, and holiday light displays.
Isle of Palms: Family-friendly beach north of Charleston.
Morris Island Lighthouse: Historic and photogenic viewpoint.
Charleston Historic District: Dining, art, and architecture (~20 min).
James Island County Park: Trails, kayaking, and holiday light displays.
Food & Drinks
Food & Drinks
Folly’s culinary scene mixes beach casual with Lowcountry flavor.
Top Picks:
Lost Dog Café: Beloved breakfast spot with a laid-back vibe.
Taco Boy: Creative tacos and margaritas with ocean views.
Loggerhead’s Beach Grill: Live music and seafood on the deck.
The Crab Shack: Local favorite for boiled seafood platters.
Rita’s Seaside Grille: Burgers, shrimp tacos, and cocktails by the pier.
Wiki Wiki Sandbar: Tropical décor and Hawaiian-inspired dishes.
Top Picks:
Lost Dog Café: Beloved breakfast spot with a laid-back vibe.
Taco Boy: Creative tacos and margaritas with ocean views.
Loggerhead’s Beach Grill: Live music and seafood on the deck.
The Crab Shack: Local favorite for boiled seafood platters.
Rita’s Seaside Grille: Burgers, shrimp tacos, and cocktails by the pier.
Wiki Wiki Sandbar: Tropical décor and Hawaiian-inspired dishes.
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Arrive early on weekends for parking near the pier.
Bring cash for small vendors and beach rentals.
Alcohol is not permitted on the beach itself.
Surf conditions are best in the morning and late afternoon.
Dolphins often appear near Morris Island — bring a camera!
Avoid driving through Charleston rush hour on summer Fridays.
Bring cash for small vendors and beach rentals.
Alcohol is not permitted on the beach itself.
Surf conditions are best in the morning and late afternoon.
Dolphins often appear near Morris Island — bring a camera!
Avoid driving through Charleston rush hour on summer Fridays.
Safety & Rules
Safety & Rules
No alcohol, glass, or smoking on the beach.
Dogs allowed before 10 AM and after 6 PM (May–Sept); any time off-season.
Surfing restricted to designated zones.
Respect sea-turtle nests and marked dune areas.
No fires or fireworks on the beach.
Dogs allowed before 10 AM and after 6 PM (May–Sept); any time off-season.
Surfing restricted to designated zones.
Respect sea-turtle nests and marked dune areas.
No fires or fireworks on the beach.
FAQs
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, with seasonal time restrictions.
Where can I see the lighthouse?
From Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve (north end of Folly).
Is parking easy?
Paid lots and street meters — arrive early in summer.
Contact Information
Primary Phone
Website URL
Location
Beach Address
Folly Beach Pier, 101, East Arctic Avenue, Folly Beach, Charleston County, South Carolina, 29439, United States
Access Points
Main Access Point:
Folly Beach Fishing Pier / Folly Beach County Park
101 E Arctic Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439, USA
Getting There:
From Charleston: ~20 minutes via Folly Rd (SC-171 S).
Nearest Airport: Charleston International Airport (CHS) – 30 minutes.
Parking: Metered street parking and paid lots ($5 – $15/day).
Folly Beach Fishing Pier / Folly Beach County Park
101 E Arctic Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439, USA
Getting There:
From Charleston: ~20 minutes via Folly Rd (SC-171 S).
Nearest Airport: Charleston International Airport (CHS) – 30 minutes.
Parking: Metered street parking and paid lots ($5 – $15/day).
Folly Beach Pier, 101, East Arctic Avenue, Folly Beach, Charleston County, South Carolina, 29439, United States
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