Folly Beach, SC

Travel 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 might 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

5/5(4 area reviews)

Though Waters Edge might 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$271 nightly
The price is $309 total per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
$309 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,199 reviews)
"Wonderful establishment"

Reviewed on Jul 16, 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
$217 nightly
The price is $248 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$248 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Folly Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and rainfall showerheads. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (310 reviews)
"This place is great. Definitely coming back."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 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
Stay at this vacation home in Folly Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Folly Island Beaches and Center Street ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (61 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 Jun 7, 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.
Oceanfront relaxation at its best! Magnificent 5 Bed &5.5Bath 3 blocks from pier

Oceanfront relaxation at its best! Magnificent 5 Bed &5.5Bath 3 blocks from pier

Folly Beach
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Folly Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (128 reviews)
Our favorite house on Folly Beach
"Excellent Beachfront property. House is great. Kitchen supply cookware and dishes was perfect. LOVED having 2 refrigerators!"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Oceanfront relaxation at its best! Magnificent 5 Bed &5.5Bath 3 blocks from pier
Featured "HGTV Dream Home" - Best View on the Oceanfront!

Featured "HGTV Dream Home" - Best View on the Oceanfront!

Folly Beach (Charleston)
Stay at this vacation home in Folly Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Folly Island Beaches and Morris Island Lighthouse ...
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 Jun 20, 2025

Featured "HGTV Dream Home" - Best View on the Oceanfront!
1st Floor & Pet Friendly with Private Fenced Yard - Across from Beach Walkover

1st Floor & Pet Friendly with Private Fenced Yard - Across from Beach Walkover

Folly Beach
Stay at this apartment in Folly Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Folly ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (192 reviews)
Awesome stay
"The rental was awesome everything you need was thereCool layout. Everything in working order.Close to beach very clean Outdoir area was nice addReturn visit"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

1st Floor & Pet Friendly with Private Fenced Yard - Across from Beach Walkover
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

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
123
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
60
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
11
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Love folly beach! Great food, great people, great location.

5/5 - Excellent

Debbie

Folly Beach is a great beach town - and very close to Charleston attractions. Driving in Folly Beach is slow but parking is readily available.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The tip of Folly is a great place for walking and has amazing driftwood trees!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Fun quaint town with good food and drink

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

The only reason I'm not giving it a worse review is because it was only 120.00 a night. Still, cleanliness was lacking, and there was no warm water. I've stayed in cheaper places that have these two things down.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We love Folly Beach!

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