Folly Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Photos courtesy of ExploreCharleston.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Charleston Area CVB, ExploreCharleston.com
Photo provided by Photos courtesy of ExploreCharleston.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Charleston Area CVB, ExploreCharleston.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Charleston Area CVB, ExploreCharleston.com

This small oceanfront town a short drive from Charleston is loved for its pristine beaches and laid-back atmosphere.

Folly Beach is renowned as one of South Carolina’s oceanfront gems. The small beach town is located on the east face of Folly Island, a barrier island that borders the Atlantic Ocean.

In the 1700s, Folly Beach was known as “Coffin Island” because it was a repository for victims who had contracted the plague en route from England. It was also used by the Union army as a resting place for troops during the Civil War. In 1934, legendary composer George Gerswhin spent the summer at Folly Beach, where he worked on the music for the opera Porgy and Bess. Visit Folly Beach today to discover its history and enjoy outdoor activities in a beautiful setting.

Make the most of the ocean’s mild temperature with swimming and other watersports. Folly Beach is one of the most popular surfing sites on the East Coast. Explore the marine environment by kayak or paddleboard, which are available for rent throughout the town, or join a boat charter. Folly Beach County Park, on the west end of the island, offers pristine oceanfront access. Its sandy beaches are packed during the summer with families grilling, picnicking and sunbathing.

Nicknamed the “Edge of America,” the Folly Beach Pier reaches 1,000 feet (305 meters) out into the Atlantic Ocean. The historic structure is a favorite haunt for fishermen. Stroll out to the end of the pier for dolphin watching and photo opportunities, including Morris Island Lighthouse that stands nearly 1,000 feet (300 meters) out to sea.

Folly Beach’s downtown area has souvenir stores, bars, restaurants and surf shops. Live music and theater performances can be seen daily during the summer. Enjoy a lively nightlife venue after dinner at one of the many seafood joints scattered throughout the town.

Take a daytrip and drive 10 miles (16 kilometers) to the historic city of Charleston. Enjoy cobblestone streets, preserved mansions, small shops and a highly regarded food scene.

Folly Beach is a 20-minute drive from Charleston, where you’ll find the nearest airport. Walk the beach town on foot and rent a car to explore communities nearby.

Where to stay in Folly Beach

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Sunset Point

Though Sunset Point may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Folly Beach Fishing Pier and Center Street.

Sunset Point
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Waters Edge

Though Waters Edge may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Folly Beach Fishing Pier and Folly Island Beaches.

Waters Edge
Tides Folly Beach, Charleston's Oceanfront Hotel
Tides Folly Beach, Charleston's Oceanfront Hotel
3 out of 5
1 Center Street Highway 171, Folly Beach, SC
The price is £260 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
£260
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Folly Beach. Enjoy 2 restaurants, a beach locale and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,173 reviews)
"Beachfront!"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Tides Folly Beach, Charleston's Oceanfront Hotel
Riverside Inn and Cottages
Riverside Inn and Cottages
3 out of 5
116 East Indian Avenue, Folly Beach, SC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £200 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
£200
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Folly Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and rainfall showerheads. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (303 reviews)
"Great location, Friendly and helpful staff. Good visit. Our room was rather small but we were there for the beach and town anyway"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Riverside Inn and Cottages
124 East Cooper! Couples Retreat -Sunroom, Walk to Beach & Downtown Folly!
124 East Cooper! Couples Retreat -Sunroom, Walk to Beach & Downtown Folly!
Folly Beach, SC
Stay at this holiday home in Folly Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a water park and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Folly Island Beaches and Center Street are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
"There are many things to love about this rental there are also some downsides. This little bungalow is 2 blocks from the beach and short walks to all the restaurants you would need! The house itself doesn't have anywhere for you to unpack or keep your suitcase. We left ours on the floor of the living ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jun 2025

124 East Cooper! Couples Retreat -Sunroom, Walk to Beach & Downtown Folly!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Salty Shack #B - Across from the Beach - Central Location
Salty Shack #B - Across from the Beach - Central Location
Folly Beach, SC
Stay at this villa in Folly Beach. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Folly Island Beaches and Folly Beach ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
Absolutely loved!
"The location was perfect! It’s been our best stay at Folly yet!"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Salty Shack #B - Across from the Beach - Central Location
Folliday Inn - The Coronado - Room 11
Folliday Inn - The Coronado - Room 11
Folly Beach, SC
Stay at this holiday home in Folly Beach. Enjoy an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Folly Island Beaches and Center Street are ...
Great stay and plenty of street parking nearby
"Great stay! The room was small but clean and just what we needed for a beach weekend with our pup. Recently renovated, with reliable AC, a great location, and easy street parking. Multiple public beach access points nearby, plus a great pool area. The host was very responsive. Would definitely stay ..."

Reviewed on 5 May 2025

Folliday Inn - The Coronado - Room 11
Featured "HGTV Dream Home" - Best View on the Oceanfront!
Featured "HGTV Dream Home" - Best View on the Oceanfront!
Folly Beach (Charleston), SC
Stay at this holiday home in Folly Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a garden. Popular attractions Folly Island Beaches and Fort Sumter are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (90 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay at this beautiful oceanfront property with our friends and young children. The view was absolutely breathtaking, and being just steps away from the beach made it perfect for relaxing and making memories together. The home was clean, spacious, and well-equipped for both adults ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Featured "HGTV Dream Home" - Best View on the Oceanfront!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Folly Beach

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A great place to stay with sea views to wake up to each morning a bonus

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