With only one ingress and egress on and off the island, traffic at Folly Beach can back up quickly, especially during peak season, holidays or festivals. Knowing the best times to arrive and depart probably still won’t help you avoid the traffic completely, but it can at least significantly reduce your gridlock experience, giving you more time to enjoy the sun and sand. Here are some tips and suggestions for evading the worst of the congestion and making the most of your Folly visit.
Stay on Folly during the off-season
Okay so this first recommendation isn’t exactly rocket science, but it is the single best way to avoid the worst of Folly traffic. It isn’t practical for everyone, especially if you have kids and you plan vacations around summer break. But if you can manage it, this is definitely the way to go, especially when you consider that most places on Folly are open year-round and you won’t miss a thing by adjusting your visit to spring or fall. Another added bonus is that hotel rooms, house and Airbnb rentals will be cheaper during off-season.
Don’t arrive during peak check-in time
A lot of check-in times for hotels, condos and rentals are around 3 or 4 p.m., so avoid coming during those times if at all possible. Arrive for lunch and walk around downtown or stroll the beach until check-in. Or, if staying in a beach house or condo, you can always call or stop by your realtor’s office to see if your rental is ready ahead of time. It may present a minor inconvenience in terms of not being able to immediately unload your luggage, but it can also save you some major traffic headaches.
Avoid these times during peak season weekends
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.
Visiting downtown Charleston
Many weekend day trippers leave Folly around 5 or 6 p.m., but there is not as much traffic coming onto the island during that time, so if you are heading out to Charleston to be a tourist for the day, you might want to plan your return for after 5 p.m. when the traffic coming into Folly will have abated a bit.
Remember your online resources and apps
You can always visit the website localconditions.com to view real time updates of Folly Beach traffic, road and weather conditions, and there are plenty of phone apps to keep you updated on traffic and accidents.
FAQs
Don't arrive during peak check-in time
Does Folly Beach get crowded? ›
If you're hoping to lay claim to some fine beach real estate, you better get here early: Past visitors said the beach can get crowded as the afternoon progresses, though crowds diminish the further you go from Center Street.
What is the nicest area on Folly Beach? ›
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.
How strict is Folly Beach with alcohol? ›
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.
Is it hard to find parking at Folly Beach? ›
Limited yet very convenient parking is available at the Folly Beach Pier, another must visit place while you visit Folly. Parking here comes at a fee and can be full certain times of the year. This location is also great for acessing the beach, Center Street and all of the great local businesses that call it home.
What is the best time to go to Folly Beach? ›
Best Time to Visit
Summer is, unsurprisingly, one of the most popular times to visit Folly Beach — as it's the best time of the year for swimming in the ocean. The off-season months, however, contain their own brand of magic. “Spring and fall are great… with smaller crowds,” says Brown.
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.
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.
What do you wear to Folly Beach? ›
Be Dressed Right.
In the summer the water on Folly feels as perfect as a warm bath. Make sure you're wearing your swimsuit. Throw on your cover up of choice, be it t-shirt, sorts, or sundress. A hat and sunglasses will help protect your face from the sun.
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.
Can you swim in Folly Beach? ›
Swimming and the use of showers will not be permitted during periods of inclement weather. No fishing and no use of boats, surfboards or watercraft in the designated swimming area. Holes on the beach must be filled in before departure as large holes pose a threat to sea turtles and humans.
Is there sea glass on Folly Beach? ›
At Coastal Expeditions, we offer tours and excursions to a variety of areas and barrier islands in the Lowcountry. While visiting places like Folly Beach and Morris Island, as well as our other destinations, you are likely to find gorgeous shells, rocks, fossils, shark teeth, and maybe even sea glass!
Which Charleston beach is less crowded? ›
Sullivan's Island is much less crowded and is a popular spot for locals to go for a sunset walk. Bonus- you can see the Downtown Charleston from the far westside of the island.
Is Folly Beach quiet? ›
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.
Is Folly Beach worth it? ›
Folly is an easy beach to visit and to love, with enough natural beauty to justify driving out, and plenty of amenities and restaurants within an easy walking distance.
