Folly Beach

Folly Beach is a lovely little beach town on a barrier island in Greater Charleston. The beach is a popular surf spot and the town is a popular beach-going destination for residents and visitors alike, with lots of cozy beach cottages and a small but bustling business district.

Understand
Folly Beach is a 12 square mile barrier island situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Folly River. The island and town have a reputation as a surfing destination as well as a bohemian, laid back beach town with several small beach shops, restaurants, and beach bars. The beach and town are as popular with Charleston locals as they are with visitors.

Get in
Folly Beach sits at the end of State Road 171, just over 10 miles south of Charleston. From Charleston proper, you can take the James Island Expressway (State Road 30) or US 17 south to Folly Road (SR 171), then follow it south. Once in town, there are parking lots that charge $5/space, although you might get lucky and find a spot on the side of the street.

Go next
There's only one way in, and most people visiting Folly Beach will be coming from Charleston, with its many historic attractions. Other beaches in the area include the popular Isle of Palms and the quieter Sullivan's Island, both to the north on the other side of Charleston. To the south, Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island are more isolated and are excellent places to see wildlife.