Folly Beach is located on the Lowcountry barrier island Folly Island, just south of Charleston. It is a premier location offering beautiful coastal views and an eclectic way of life. This island will steal your heart.
Whether the countless activities found at Folly Beach County Park, the expansive beach views and picnic areas, or Center Street, with its surf and souvenir shops, there is something for everyone here.
Points of Interest
One of the most impressive things you’ll notice when arriving at Folly Beach is the massive pier jutting over 1,000 feet out into the sea. Known as the Folly Beach Pier, it provides excellent shoreline views and fishing opportunities.
The surrounding beach area draws people in droves. The pier ends in a lovely two-story gazebo with a five-star restaurant, fishing tackle shops, and multiple surf shops. Initially built in the 1930s as a simple wooden structure, it has undergone several updates, including a complete rebuild after Hurricane Hugo heavily damaged it in 1989.
The Folly Beach Pier is now the second-largest pier on the East Coast, boasting a 25-foot-wide surface supported 23 feet above the ocean and offering unparalleled views that will delight you. Sunset and sunrise views are spectacular and shouldn’t be missed.
Another notable site is the Morris Island Lighthouse, which was completed in 1876. Although it can be seen from various points on the island, the best view is from the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve.
The preserve has a pelican rookery, beautiful beaches, and a wildlife-rich environment for all to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a place to take a walk or a bike ride, the meandering trails await. All that’s missing is you.
Folly Island Developments
Like many barrier islands, Folly Island’s history starts in the late 1600s. The first inhabitants of Folly Island were Indigenous to the area and part of the Bohicket tribe. Occasionally, other inhabitants would come ashore, including survivors of the countless shipwrecks dotting the coast.
The area was shallow and filled with numerous reefs that could easily tear out the wooden bottoms of the ships. Many of the survivors made Folly Island their home.
Folly Island remained largely undeveloped until the late 40s. With the burgeoning construction boom following World War II, Folly Beach began to develop into the residential wonder it is today.
It has become one of the most enviable locations on the entire East Coast. Houses, condos, and townhouses have carefully merged the natural beauty of the area and progress.
Folly Beach Attractions
Folly Beach has hosted one of the most notable women’s surfing competitions for over twenty years, welcoming hundreds of worldwide competitors every year.
Hosted by the Folly Beach Wahine Classic, a non-profit organization, the competition seeks to empower women no matter their skill level or age. Several local non-profit organizations, including Waves for Women and Charleston Surfrider, benefit from the competition.
Wahines is a local Lowcountry word for woman surfer. The event prides itself on maintaining a plastic-free and low waste every year, adhering to its conservation heritage, and maintaining Folly Beach as a pristine beach community.
Families will find plenty of kid-friendly things on the island, including paddleboarding, jet skiing, boating, and fishing. Aligning with the strong sense of conservation on Folly Island, there are dozens of eco-friendly activities to do, too.
Folly River Park
Folly River Park is a popular location at the back of the island. Its public dock allows residents to crab, fish, and traverse the countless waterways through the vast marshland. It has plenty of public restrooms, swings, and water bottle refilling stations, and it is perfect as a wedding venue.
Folly Beach County Park
Folly Beach County Park has 2,500 feet of public beach with lifeguards provided. It also has 200 feet of riverfront property. The park has become one of the most popular on the island, offering well-maintained boardwalks, outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic groves, and snack bars.
You can also rent boogie boards, umbrellas, bicycles, and chairs to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Whether you have a family or are searching for a retirement community, Folly Beach is the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities.
Between the trails, coastline, beaches, and proximity to Charleston, you’ll fall in love with Folly – and if you need help moving there, we’re ready to help year-round.