Name: Folly Beach – South Carolina, USA
Address: Folly Beach Pier, 101, East Arctic Avenue, Folly Beach, Charleston County, South Carolina, 29439, United States

Nicknamed “The Edge of America,” Folly Beach is Charleston’s fun-loving, free-spirited island escape. Just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, it combines a laid-back surf culture with Southern charm and coastal beauty. Stretching six miles along the Atlantic, Folly offers soft sand, rolling waves, and a vibrant main street filled with music, cafés, and beach bars.

Whether you’re catching sunrise at the pier, surfing the Washout, or watching dolphins near the lighthouse, Folly Beach captures the best of the South Carolina coast — unpretentious, energetic, and endlessly photogenic.

📜 History & Unique Features

Settled in the 1700s and used as a Union encampment during the Civil War.
The Folly Beach Fishing Pier, first built in 1931 and rebuilt after hurricanes, remains an island icon.
Known for the “Washout,” a legendary East Coast surf break created by Hurricane Hugo (1989).
Home to Morris Island Lighthouse, visible from the northern tip.
The town preserves its quirky charm — no towering resorts, just beach cottages, seafood shacks, and surf shops.

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.

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.

Get Ready

🧭 Explore Things to Do 🛍️ Shop Beach Essentials

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

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 Hours

Open Now

Open 24/7

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

Pricing

Beach Access: Free

Parking: $5 – $15/day

Pier Entry: Free (walk) | $5 (fish)

Surfboard Rental: $25/day

Kayak Tours: $50/person (2 hrs)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Primary Phone

+1 (843) 588-2447

Website URL

www.visitfolly.com

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 Pier, 101, East Arctic Avenue, Folly Beach, Charleston County, South Carolina, 29439, United States

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Folly Beach – South Carolina, USA

About This Beach

Best Time to Visit

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