Folly Beach

Travel Guide
Folly Beach
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 metres) out into the Atlantic Ocean. The historic structure is a favourite 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 metres) out to sea. 

Folly Beach’s downtown area has souvenir stores, bars, restaurants and surf shops. Live music and theatre 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 kilometres) 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

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Sunset Point

Though Sunset Point may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Folly Beach Fishing Pier and Folly Island Beaches.

Sunset Point
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Waters Edge

Though Waters Edge may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Folly Beach Fishing Pier and Folly Island Beaches.

Waters Edge
Riverside Inn and Cottages
Riverside Inn and Cottages
3 out of 5
116 East Indian Avenue, Folly Beach, SC
The price is RM1,044 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
RM1,044
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Folly Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and barbecue grills. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (224 reviews)
"Awesome location. Laid back environment."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Riverside Inn and Cottages
Tides Folly Beach Hotel
Tides Folly Beach Hotel
3 out of 5
1 Center Street Highway 171, Folly Beach, SC
The price is RM1,104 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
RM1,104
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this beach hotel in Folly Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"The staff has to be commended.. I felt like they went over and beyond to be friendly and take care of our every need. The rooms were simple and nice and what I would expect at the beach. The property was well maintained and the restaurants and bars on the beach were unsurpassable."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

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 RM1,254 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
RM1,254
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star B&B in Folly Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (329 reviews)
"It was so romantic! The Inn was so cute, the room was comfortable and romantic. Balcony with gorgeous view, fireplace and the robes were my favorite! Thank you so much it was a wonderful experience"

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2024

Water's Edge Inn - Adults Only
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.
Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort
Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort
3 out of 5
803 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Myrtle Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,860 reviews)
"Really enjoyed the stay, didn’t like you couldn’t use cash at any of the extra activities and the parking garage having to park on the top 5th floor but other then that it was good"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort
Coral Beach Resort Hotel & Suites
Coral Beach Resort Hotel & Suites
3.5 out of 5
1105 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Myrtle Beach. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,330 reviews)
Fun time alone for makin babies
"GREAT"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Coral Beach Resort Hotel & Suites
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave Myrtle Beach
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave Myrtle Beach
4 out of 5
Myrtle Beach
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Myrtle Beach. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a beach locale, and breakfast. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,123 reviews)
"Walking distance to parking t"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave Myrtle Beach
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.

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Reviews of Folly Beach

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Top destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
7 Nov 2019

A great place to stay with sea views to wake up to each morning a bonus