Folly Beach, SC

Travel Guide
Folly Beach featuring wetlands, kayaking or canoeing and a river or creek
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

Tides Folly Beach Hotel
Tides Folly Beach Hotel
3 out of 5
1 Center Street Highway 171, Folly Beach, SC
The price is $194 per night from Oct 16 to Oct 17
$194
per night
Oct 16 - Oct 17
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Folly Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the property condition ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our 3-night stay. The room, pool area and restaurants were great but the best festoon was the friendly, accommodating staff."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2023

Tides Folly Beach Hotel
Water's Edge Inn - Adults Only
Water's Edge Inn - Adults Only
3.5 out of 5
79 W 2nd St, Folly Beach, SC
The price is $223 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
$223
per night
Oct 1 - Oct 2
Stay at this 3.5-star B&B in Folly Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Folly Beach Fishing Pier and Folly Island Beaches ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (309 reviews)
"We only stayed one night but if I had known how amazing this place was, I would have opted to stay here and just have done Charleston as day trips!As soon as you arrive, you’re greeted with the sounds of summer playlist (Bob Marley, Beach Boys etc) Totally sets the scene.Super friendly and helpful ..."

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2023

Water's Edge Inn - Adults Only
Beachside Boutique Inn
Beachside Boutique Inn
3.5 out of 5
110 East Cooper Ave, Folly Beach, SC
The price is $215 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
$215
per night
Oct 1 - Oct 2
Stay at this 3.5-star guesthouse in Folly Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Folly Beach Fishing Pier and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (251 reviews)
"Everything was perfect"

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2023

Beachside Boutique Inn
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.
Ready for beach, sunset views, paddleboarding, birdwatching, shopping & seafood.
Ready for beach, sunset views, paddleboarding, birdwatching, shopping & seafood.
Charleston
Stay at this condo in Folly Beach. Enjoy a water park, WiFi, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Folly Beach Fishing Pier and Folly Island Beaches are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (242 reviews)
Girls weekend
"My two friends and I stayed for our annual girls weekend. The place was amazing and just what we needed. Close to everything and clean as can be. Thanks for a great time!! Highly recommend!!"

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2023

Ready for beach, sunset views, paddleboarding, birdwatching, shopping & seafood.
Oceanfront villa with incredible views, balcony & 2 community pools!
Oceanfront villa with incredible views, balcony & 2 community pools!
Folly Beach
Stay at this beach villa in Folly Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and WiFi. Popular attractions Folly Beach Fishing Pier and Folly Island Beaches ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (35 reviews)
Love!!!
"We loved our stay at this property! Nothing better than waking up to see and hear the ocean. The unit was clean and had everything you could think of. The process of checking in and checking out was easily explained ahead of time. We would stay again."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2023

Oceanfront villa with incredible views, balcony & 2 community pools!
Peaceful with most spectacular marsh views near the beach & Downtown Charleston.
Peaceful with most spectacular marsh views near the beach & Downtown Charleston.
Charleston
Stay at this family-friendly condo in Folly Beach. Enjoy a water park, WiFi, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Folly Beach Fishing Pier and Folly Island ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (215 reviews)
wonderful owners
"It was a wonderfully furnished & clean condo! The only problem we had was the keypad didn't work as it hadn't been activated yet. But, a quick call remedied that error. Anyone in their "senior" years needs to take heed of the statement in description of 45 stairs (5 flights) to climb in order to ..."

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2023

Peaceful with most spectacular marsh views near the beach & Downtown Charleston.
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

Reviews of Folly Beach

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
123
" "5 - Excellent 62.755102040816325%
4 - Good
60
" "4 - Good 30.612244897959183%
3 - Okay
11
" "3 - Okay 5.612244897959184%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 1.0204081632653061%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 27, 2020

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

5/5 - Excellent

Debbie
Mar 19, 2020

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
Feb 17, 2020

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 12, 2020

Fun quaint town with good food and drink

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jan 22, 2020

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
Jan 7, 2020

We love Folly Beach!

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