Folly Beach – Beach Review (2024)

FAQs

What is so great about Folly Beach? ›

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Folly River, visitors enjoy six miles of wide beaches, surfing, fishing, biking, kayaking, boating, eco-tours, and sea wildlife including several endangered species. The sunsets on Folly are legendary, so make sure you have plenty of space on your camera or smart phone …

The overall atmosphere of these two beach towns can be very different at times. Folly Beach is known as a funky, laid-back town with vibrant people. Lively restaurants and bars line Center Street as the main strip guides you to the beach. Isle of Palms is just as laid-back but with more of a classic beachy vibe.

All of the beaches on Folly Island are superb, but, arguably the Folly Beach County Park, at the island's west end, is perhaps the best with amenities like 2,500 feet of ocean frontage, picnic areas and boogie board, bicycle, umbrella and chair rentals available between Labor Day and Memorial Day.

Typically, Sullivan's Island is considered a less crowded locale as opposed to Folly Beach. If you're the type of traveler that values a relaxed scene and a slower pace, this might just be the ideal place for you.

The opaque minerals are responsible for the patches of black sand on beaches (sometimes mistaken for oil pollution)—concentrations of heavy minerals that are examples of natural placer deposits. The heavy minerals are dispersed through the entire beach, but under the right conditions, placer deposits form.

Folly Beach is technically a city on Folly Island, although its personality and attributes are more akin to your classic Southern beach town. “Folly is a funky, hippie, surfy, small barrier island that has a warm vibe and beautiful views,” Jenny Brown, founder and owner of Shaka Surf School, tells Travel + Leisure.

Tybee Island offers up a bit more space to roam than Folly Beach but maintains that relaxed vibe that keeps visitors returning year after year. It's considered the northernmost barrier island in Georgia and is popular for its fresh seafood, sandy beaches, and ocean waves that are ideal for surfing.

And when the sun goes down, Center Street becomes a lively mix of beach-casual nightlife and rooftop dance clubs. Whether you need a beach front home for a large group or a romantic room for the two of you, Folly Beach is the perfect spot for vacations, reunions, beach weddings, or just a quick weekend get-away.

"We're known as the Charleston beach town and have a quirky artist vibe, vibrant restaurants on Center Street, and a small-town neighborhood feel." Rosen explains that when you cross the bridge to Folly Beach, you're on an island of over 2,400 homes.

STRONG RIP CURRENTS are common so swim with caution. Charleston County Parks and Recreation provides lifeguards at the West End County Park and from 2nd Street East to 3rd Street West beachfront from May through Labor Day. SURFING without a leash is prohibited.

Where is the least crowded part of Folly Beach? ›

If you don't like crowds, stay away from the middle of the beach by Blu and the Tides Hotel. Instead, take a right at the end of Center Street and drive until just before you hit Folly Beach County Park. This end of the beach always has far fewer people on it and the surfers are down on the other end.

Discover a carefree escape that runs on surf, sand, and soul

Home to the East Coast's second-largest fishing pier, the best waves on the South Carolina coast and colorful local establishments, Folly Beach has won the hearts of both locals and visitors alike.

Sullivan's Island

With its unspoiled views and terrific dining options, Sullivan's is a favorite among Charleston area locals. The beach has few short-term rentals and no hotels so plan a day trip to this beach, also located just a few minutes from the Isle of Palms.

The water along Folly Beach went from brown to a brilliant blue. Some are comparing it to the waters along South Florida and the explanation is actually quite simple. According to a local geology professor, it's thanks in part to the $30-million renourishment project.

Ocean Treasures

Common local shells include whelks, angel wings, arks, pen shells, augers, co*ckles, slipper shells, jingles, coquina, and olive shells. Starfish, sea urchins, and sand dollars also can be found on Folly Beach and Morris Island. Searching for fossils is another popular pastime.

How do Folly Beach prices compare to other US cities? Folly Beach is ranked 94 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. The cost of living in Folly Beach is 99.4% of the national average.