Before you pack up your lunch and head down to the beach, please take a few minutes to review the rules for using the beach. Have fun and let us know if there is anything we can do better and which will make your visit to Folly more enjoyable. We appreciate your input.
DOGSare not allowed on the beach from 10 am to 6 pm from May 1st to Sept. 30th. At all other times they must be leashed and under control. Pick up your dog’s waste and remove from the beach. No pets are ever allowed on the pier.
NO POSSESSION OR CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL ALLOWED ON BEACH.
NO SMOKING IS ALLOWED ON THE BEACH OR THE BEACH ACCESSES. THIS INCLUDES BOTH SIDES OF EAST ASHLEY AVENUE AT THE WASHOUT.
NO GLASSis allowed on the beach.
NO PLASTIC, BALLOONS, OR STYROFOAMis allowed on the beach.
NO OPEN FIRESorFIREWORKSare allowed at any time.
NO LITTERING. IF YOU ARE GOING TO THE BEACH, PLEASE BRING GARBAGE BAGS AND TAKE TRASH TO CONTAINERS FOUND AT EACH BEACH ACCESS. Have BEACH PRIDE and help us keep our beach clean so you and others can enjoy it now and in years to come.
PERSONAL ITEMS LEFT ON THE BEACHafter sunset, such as tents, canopies, coolers, volleyball nets, and umbrellas, shall be considered abandoned and the city has the right to take possession and dispose of said items. Please make sure you have all your personal property when you leave the beach.
SAND DUNESare protected and fragile. Beach sea oats and grass help protect the dunes. Stay off the dunes and use public walkovers, located at every block, to access the beach.
SEA TURTLESare an endangered species. Do not interfere with them in any way. No lights are allowed that illuminate the front beach between 10 pm and dawn from May 1st to October 31st. Hatchling turtles are disorientated by artificial light. Fill holes dug in sand before you leave the beach. If you see any adult sea turtles or hatchings call 843-588-2433 to report your sighting.
DIGGING HOLESdeeper than 1ft on the beach is illegal. All holes must be filled before you leave the beach and no metal shovels are allowed.
STRONG RIP CURRENTSare common soswim 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.
SURFINGwithout a leash is prohibited. From May 15th to Sept. 15th surfing is prohibited between 10 am to 6 pm from 2nd Street East to 3rd Street West, known as the swimming zone. From September 16th to May 14th, surfing is allowed in any area except is always prohibited 200′ from the fishing pier.
FAQs
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 …
Is Folly Beach nicer than ISLE of Palms? ›
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.
What is the nicest area on 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.
How strict is Folly Beach with alcohol? ›
NO POSSESSION OR CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL ALLOWED ON BEACH.
Why is the sand black at Folly Beach? ›
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.
Is Folly Beach a hippie town? ›
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.
Does Folly Beach get crowded? ›
Hordes of day-tripping locals will descend upon Folly between the hours of 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on summer weekends and holidays, so it would behoove you to plan a weekend or holiday arrival outside of what will almost certainly be a rough traffic window.
Is Folly Beach SC expensive? ›
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.
Is Folly Beach a party beach? ›
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.
Is Tybee Island or Folly Beach better? ›
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.
"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.
Which is better Folly Beach or Sullivans island? ›
Though it is the smallest of Charleston's beaches, Sullivan's Island beach is among the most pristine. Less frequented than Folly Beach, the beach at Sullivan's Island remains unspoiled and is often uncrowded, ideal for locals' morning walks on the beach, or picnics on the sand.
Can you wear a thong on Folly Beach? ›
Other Charleston-area beaches — including Folly, Kiawah and Sullivan's Island — do not specifically restrict beachgoers from wearing thongs as long as they do not show private parts.
Is Folly Beach safe at night? ›
Folly Beach, located in the United States, is generally considered to be quite safe, even at nighttime. While it's never advised to let your guard down completely, it's reported that this area offers a fairly serene and secure environment.
Can you take a cooler on Folly Beach? ›
PERSONAL ITEMS LEFT ON THE BEACH after sunset, such as tents, canopies, coolers, volleyball nets, and umbrellas, shall be considered abandoned and the city has the right to take possession and dispose of said items. Please make sure you have all your personal property when you leave the beach.
What are people looking for on Folly Beach? ›
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.
