Quartz CountertopsNear Folly Beach, SC

It's only twelve miles south of Charleston's historic homes and manicured window boxes, but the salty little town of Folly Beach ditches the Holy City's refinement in favor of an easygoing, barefoot sensibility that feels a bit more California than Carolina. Known to locals as the Edge of America, Folly is everything a beach town should be. Surf shops line the main drag; cover-ups count as appropriate lunch attire; and nobody takes themselves too seriously (they drop a pair of LED-lit flip-flops to celebrate New Year's Eve). Here's where to stay, eat, relax, and play in South Carolina's super chill surf town.

Where to Stay

Every single room at Tides Folly Beach comes with an ocean view. Perched at the end of Center Street, the town's main thoroughfare, the hotel is steps from both the beach and an array of local shops and eateries. For families looking to stretch out a bit more, there are a boatload of rentals to choose from: Opt for ocean-front properties that will sleep a crowd or cozy cottages with marsh and Folly River views. And for people who wouldn't dream of traveling without their four-legged companions, there are plenty of pet-friendly rentals too.

Where to Eat

You won't go hungry on this island. Lost Dog Café is a local staple, serving coffee and all-day breakfast; don't miss the eggs Benedict, which they top with fried green tomatoes. Fish tacos, Vietnamese-inspired lettuce wraps, and Cuban sandwiches all have a place on the colorful menu at Chico Feo, where the vibe is equally colorful. Don't let the easygoing atmosphere fool you: Rita's Seaside Grille is serious about its food...and its cocktails. Try one of the Signature Crushes, fruity sippers with flavored liquors that pack a punch. End the night at Sand Dollar Social Club, a dive bar where you're invited to come as you are, so long as you're a member; membership costs $1, so bring your cash (you won't find a credit card machine here).

Where to Relax

The island's six miles of beachfront are its main attraction, and it'd be easy to while away a week with no plans beyond putting your toes in the sand. Spend a day shelling, sunning, surfing, or searching for shark teeth. Enjoy oceanfront views while lunching at BLU Beach Bar and Grill. At the northern end of Folly Beach, the Morris Island Lighthouse provides a stunning backdrop from the shore. Get a closer look from the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve or via kayak. Several guided tours leave from Folly Beach to visit Morris Island for shelling, photography, and lighthouse history. The historic lighthouse is not open for viewing. How close you can get to the lighthouse depends on the tides.

Where to Play

For those looking to build an action-packed itinerary, there are plenty of activities that highlight the destination's natural beauty: Book a guided kayak tour or rent a stand-up paddleboard to explore the tidal creeks; stop by McKevlin's Surf Shop, South Carolina's oldest surfing outfitter, before catching some of the area's best waves at The Washout; and plan to make a trip with your fishing poles to check out the beloved Folly Beach Pier that has reopened after extensive renovations.

Have you visited Folly Beach, SC? No matter what kind of beach trip you are looking for, you can find it on the barrier islands of Charleston, South Carolina. Folly Beach is your best bet for the perfect mix of relaxing beaches and spots to dine. Folly Island is 18 square miles of sand and sun and offers a beach town vibe just 20 minutes from the tourist attractions of Charleston.

This article includes:Public Beach Access on Folly IslandFolly Island Places to Eat

Take A Trip To Visit More Beaches That Are Located Not Far From The Upstate!

Folly Island On The Coast Of South Carolina

The beaches of the Low Country offer something for everyone when it comes to a beach trip. For a quiet, non-commercialized beach experience, Kiawah Island’s Beach Walker Park is my go-to option. However, if a tourist-heavy, commercialized expertise is what you seek, Isle Of Palms fits the bill.

If a sandy spot somewhere in the middle of both is what you want, then the beaches of Folly Island are perfect. They are family-friendly, quiet, and some access points have restrooms and showers for beachgoers to use. The downtown area of Folly Island offers a funky beach town vibe that’s solidified its place in the history of the SC coast.

Here’s a Great Map of Folly Island To Show The Kids

Where to Stay Near Folly Beach, SC

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Accessing The Beach On Folly Island

With six miles of shoreline, there’s no shortage of sand to spread out on when visiting Folly Beach. Finding beach access isn’t difficult, but depending on your family’s needs, one access might be more suitable than another.

Located on the southern tip of Folly Island, the county park offers families all of the amenities they might need including showers, restrooms, a seasonal concession stand, seasonal lifeguards, and chair rentals.

The parking fees range from $5-$20, depending on the season, and are $20 on weekends and summer holidays. Park gates are open from 8 am to sunset.

The Folly Beach Ocean Park is located at the end of West Arctic Avenue. It offers beachgoers restroom and shower facilities that are free and open to the public (currently only open during the summer.)

At the end of nearly every block on the island there is a beach access pathway. Some spots include parking if space permits, otherwise you can park streetside.

The further you drive away from the pier, the less the metered parking costs. By quite a bit. If you aren’t trying to be right next to the pier and center street, drive a few miles north to find cheaper meter rates. The parking meter fees can be paid through a kiosk, or with the PARK Folly Beach app.

The centerpiece of Folly Island is the Folly Beach Pier. The pier was recently renovated. Amenities at Folly Beach Pier include the gift shop, restrooms, showers, changing rooms, and wheelchair beach access.

The Pier 101 Restaurant is open Wednesday through Monday, and offers seafood, sandwiches, and more!

Swimming is permitted on the beach that flanks the sides of the pier, however, the undertow can become dangerous near the pier causing unsafe conditions. Also, people throw baited hooks off of that pier looking to catch “a big un”. I don’t know about you, but I would prefer not to be swimming near where people are reeling in jaws.

The parking fees range from $5-$20, depending on the season, and are $20 on weekends and summer holidays. Pier hours vary by season, so be sure to check the park’s site before venturing out.

Places To Eat On Folly Island

There are plenty of spots to choose from when it comes to meals on Folly Island. These are just a few of our favorites when we head out to spend the day on Folly Beach.

Taco BoyAmeri-mex style food with a kid’s menu, and a full bar. Great spot for nachos and margs after a day on the beach.

The Lost Dog Cafe

The perfect spot for breakfast or brunch, The Lost Dog has sandwiches, burgers, breakfast (all day), and more.

Saint James Gate Proper Irish Pub & Three Monkey’s Ice CreamThe menu here has a little bit of everything, including tacos. It’s kid & dog-friendly! Plus they have some delicious dessert options.

The Pineapple HutIf you spend any time on Folly Island, you are bound to see people walking down the street with a pineapple in their hands. This food truck is where it came from, filled with Dole Whip, or one of their weekly special flavors of soft-serve style ice cream. (March through November).

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — After heavy rain, wind, and waves along the shores on Sunday, beaches are still recovering.

One Folly Beach staff member said, on average, about 20 feet of sand dunes were pushed back to land. Thursday, the Coastal Science and Engineering team visited FollyBeach for a scheduled data collection trip.

“If you go down to the Isle of Palms or to Folly Beach portions of those communities that, before the storm, had a high dune or had a lot of sand in front of the houses, actually faired relatively well," Patrick Barrineau said.

Barrineau is the vice president of Coastal Science and Engineering, a group that collects data and studies coastal zones. They are headquartered in Columbia.

Coastal damage assessment after heavy storms: Folly Beach experience mixed impact (WCIV)

Read more: "USS Yorktown shifts due to Nor'easter storm, Patriots Point Museum temporarily closes."

"Portions of the beach that had a relatively narrow beach or had relatively low dunes did not [fair well],” Barrineau added. “We ended up seeing some damage. So it's a mixed bag. It depends on the recent project history.”

Barrineau said the Coastal Science team has been collecting data for the state for about a decade.

“We're ultimately looking at the elevation of the beach surface, how it changes over time," he said. "We're measuring it from where it doesn't change. So, landward of the dune out to 20, 30, 40 feet deep waterway offshore. And using those elevation data, we can sort of group certain profiles together that are adjacent to one another and keep track of the volume of the beach over time."

The goal is to provide helpful information to protect land and property during storms like the Nor'easter.

Read more: "Edisto Beach feels impact of Sunday Nor'easter."

"And there are pretty strong relationships between the amount of storm damage you see after an event like what we saw on Sunday and the volume of a beach," Barrineau said. "So, if you can maintain a certain threshold, minimum ideal volume, then you can sort of guarantee your community that storms up to a certain intensity will not cause substantial damage."

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The United States Army Corps of Engineers Charleston District said they plan to award a construction contract to an upcoming renourishment project, aimed to be completed before the 2023 hurricane season.

FOLLY BEACH — It’s been an expensive task for this beach city to keep its head above water in recent years.

Fresh loads of sand have been dumped five times on Folly Beach in the last three decades, a feat totaling $77 million in federal tax dollars and local funds arranged from the city, according to data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The federal government has allocated another $27 million for the emergency replacement of the equivalent of 90,000 dump truck loads of sand here in early 2024.

A number of factors have contributed to the frequent erosion seen on the beach. Scientists believe climate change, sea level rise and increasing storminess is at play.

But Folly Beach is a special in the eyes of the federal government because it is located down drift of the Charleston Harbor and its federally created jetties. These underwater rock walls span three miles into the water from the shorelines of Sullivan’s and Morris islands. They trap sand around Sullivan’s Island which prohibits the sand from flowing naturally down to Folly Beach, said Nicole Elko, president of Elko Coastal Consulting.

Hurricane Wire

“For that reason, the only addition of sand that Folly receives is from renourishment,” said Elko, who is working as a consultant for Folly Beach.

The last few coastal storms to reach South Carolina took a toll on Folly Beach, too. Emergency renourishments were done in 2005 because of destruction from Hurricane Ophelia and in 2018 because of hurricanes Irma and Matthew.

Folly Beach lost a good bit of sand during Ian last year, too. And the city had already hit its renourishment triggers prior to the storm.

How it works

The process for renourishment is tedious and includes several steps. Engineering and design plans need to be on par before crews begin the work.

But once ready, contractors use a vacuum-like drill to agitate sand down at the seabed of a body of water. The sand then makes its way through the dredge itself. And depending on the distance from the selected seabed to the shore, the sand can be pumped directly on the beach.

CONWAY — Starting next year, hurricane evacuations in South Carolina will be different.

There are still clearly defined coastal areas that can be ordered to evacuate by the governor when a storm approaches. But for the first time in over a decade, those zones have been redrawn. Local emergency management officials maintain the changes reflect the impact of recent hurricanes.

“The current (evacuation) zones are set up on a snapshot of a worst-possible-case scenario that we could have, and they’re really a little bit far-fetched,” said Randy Webster, Horry County’s assistant administrator over public safety. “Let’s try to make it a little more real … what we more likely would see and (are) more likely to encounter with an approaching hurricane, no matter what the size was.”

The state’s eight coastal counties contain predesignated zones that are assigned a letter, A through H. When a storm approaches, state and local officials discuss whether an evacuation is needed in any or all of those zones.

During smaller storms, it might only be necessary to evacuate people living in zones closest to the coast. In stronger storms, some of the more inland zones might need to be evacuated.

An evacuation order hasn’t been issued for the coast since Hurricane Dorian caused widespread damage in the state in 2019. At that time, Gov. Henry McMaster urged 830,000 residents of multiple coastal counties to leave their homes.

The new zones focus on communities that would likely be impacted by storm surge, the invasion of water that a hurricane brings when it churns ashore. Evacuations are based on that surge, not the impacts of wind or rain.

The new maps were created using surge grid data from the National Hurricane Center. Recent hurricanes such as Matthew in 2016 and Florence in 2018 shaped the maps, along with input from local officials.

All areas of the Palmetto State coastline will see changes to their hurricane evacuation zone maps. State and local officials plan to promote and distribute the new maps starting in January.

Charleston County emergency management officials declined to discuss their new maps, saying they were still being finalized. They also didn’t want to confuse people who are following the current maps this hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30.

Brandon Ellis, the emergency services director in Georgetown County, said some of that county’s zones shifted to avoid unnecessarily evacuating people.

For example, Georgetown County’s Zone A, which traditionally included areas east of U.S. Highway 17 from the South Santee River to the Horry County line and low-lying areas along the county’s rivers, is often the only zone evacuated for a storm. Now that zone is smaller to better account for the homes that would actually be affected. Other zones have also been adjusted.

The concern is that over-evacuating leads to complacency, with people seeing an order as another false alarm. When a serious threat arrives and an evacuation order is issued, officials want people to leave.

“There’s a lot at stake,” Ellis said. “The better defined the zones are, the better our evacuation timing is, the better identified the evacuating population is. It just makes for a much more efficient and effective process in ensuring that we’re getting folks out of harm’s way that need to move.”

Horry County’s maps saw similar changes. Zone A has been reduced to narrow stretches of oceanfront on the east side of North/South Highway 17, stretching from the state line down to Myrtle Beach. Within Myrtle Beach, zones A and B only include a few oceanfront streets to the east of and along North Kings Highway. The rest of the city to the west of thT Highway is no longer within an evacuation zone.

The only other areas within Zone A and B outside of Myrtle Beach now include Surfside Beach and Garden City, stretching down to the county line.

Zone C has been significantly reduced, now limited to an area between U.S. 17 Business and U.S. 701 South. The new zone goes as far north as U.S. Highway 501 and as far south as the county line, according to the new map.

Jonah Chester and Charles Perry contributed to this report.

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South Carolina, nicknamed the Palmetto State, is known for its warm temperatures, pristine sand beaches, nature parks, festivals, and golf park. Shaped like an inverted triangle, North Carolina bounds it to the North, the Atlantic Ocean to the Southeast, and Georgia to the Southwest. South Carolina has a unique geography, providing diverse tourist activities, from taking long treks in the state's nature reserves to dining at world-class restaurants with meals that will keep you coming for more.

Along the coastal and mountainous areas of South Carolina are small towns known for outstanding tourist attractions and out-of-this-world meals. Get set to add these top-rated small towns in South Carolina to your travel wishlist.

More in South CarolinaDiscover 8 of the Friendliest Towns in South Carolina

Edisto Island

Edisto is one of the sea islands of South Carolina. This small town is 42 miles from the historic Charleston town, a perfect place to relax and unwind after exploring the historic town. This town offers more than just surfing and kayaking along the Edisto River. There are so many other tourist hotspots in Edisto Island.

Pay a visit to the first true Serpentarium in South Carolina. The Serpentarium is a facility dedicated solely to preserving reptiles in the state. Embark on a fishing trip with the fish Chaterers in the town for some fast-action offshore fishing. You might catch some spot-tail bass or red drums if you are lucky.

One great way to explore this town is by water. Join a boat tour around the Island, exploring every area of Edisto Island surrounding the Ace Basin. You get to see the wildlife of the Island closely during your tour.

York

The town of York is 27 miles away from Charlotte, North Carolina. York shares its northern boundary with North Carolina, Catawba River to the east, and Broad River to the west. The town has a rich history, with the historic buildings still standing as a representation of the town's glory days.

Visitors can learn more about the town from the local museums like Brattsonsville and the McCelvey Museum. Shoppers are not left behind; get whatever you want or need from Yorkville Marketplace, from gift items to clothes.

Visit the Bush N Vine Farm in York to shop for fresh, in-grown farm produce at a pocket-friendly price. There are several vineyards and wineries like Grapevine Wine Bar and Illumination Wines for wine enthusiasts to explore.

Hartsville

Named after Captain Thomas E. Hart, a man who owned most of the lands in the town. Hartsville, a two-time awardee of the All-America State, is a perfect place to spend your holiday. There are many tourist gems hidden in this small town.

The Kalmia Gardens is a major attraction in Hartsville. On a tour around these gardens, visitors see Captain Thomas's house, widely diverse botanical gardens, and Cypress Swamp. It is 35 acres of nature's goodness.

There are several parks in Hartsville to visit. Lawton Park provides you with a beautiful view of the sun as it sets and meets the lake. Dine at J. Michael’s Grill or Hoof and Hound, some of the finest restaurants in town, from barbecue to sushi; every meal on the menu warms your heart and lights up your soul.

Clemson

Set on the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the small town of Clemson. It is home to the popular Clemson University. The town locals and college students have built a tightly knit bond, and in 2015, the Princeton Review named the town #1 in the US for “Town and Gown” relations with its resident university.

There is so much to see and do in this small town, from historic sites to recreational activities; you get to have a first-hand experience of all this town has to offer. The town is flooded with museums, each telling its own story. The Clemson College Barn is the oldest building associated with agriculture. Other historic museums include the Forthill Museum, Hanover House, etc.

Pass through Clemson’s experimental forests to access Lake Hartwell. The 17,500 acres of forest land offer several recreational activities, from hiking to bird watching.

Beaufort

Fondly called the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands,” Beaufort is a beautiful town and the second oldest town in South Carolina. The town has a rich cultural history and is known for its Southern hospitality. Named by National Geographic Adventure as one of the “Top 50 Adventure Towns,” Beaufort has no dull moments.

Take home a piece of every Beaufort location in a photograph. The Beaufort Photography tour guides visitors around the beautiful town, helping them capture every moment with their camera so they are constantly reminded of their experience in Beaufort.

Go on a boat cruise along the Beaufort Waterways to catch the wild dolphins in action and discover some remote beaches that are perfect for meditation and group bonding.

Travelers Rest

Travelers Rest is in Greenville County, South Carolina. The town has a Southern hospitality charm, making everybody feel at home. The town is steaming with tourists all year round. From exploring the downtown area to engaging with the great outdoors, there is always something to entertain the crowd.

The Downtown of Travelers Rest is always bursting with activities. Visitors witness the level of hard work and craftsmanship business people in this town put into their work. Shopping is one way to support the community. From beautiful handcrafted memorabilia to locally made dresses, there is a lot you can get at the stores Downtown.

Take a picture inside Campbell's covered bridge before embarking on an adventure to explore the great outdoors. From hiking through the town’s Park Trails to kayaking down the surrounding rivers, visitors are sure to have a swirl time in Travelers Rest.

Kiawah Island

Kiawah is a barrier Island 25 miles away from Charleston. This town is known for its pristine beaches, world-class golf course, and amazing wildlife. Get a view of the amazing wildlife on this island, from Bobcats to Ospreys. Kiawah Island is home to diverse wildlife.

Enjoy the stroll around the Kiawah beach. A better way to explore this small Island town is by biking on the beautifully paved biking trails. On your bike, you are privileged to explore areas of the island you can not explore on foot or with a car.

Are you a fan of golf and tennis? Visit the world-class golf courses and tennis resorts on the Island, like The Ocean Course, Osprey Golf Course, or Cougar Point Golf Course. You can also spend time surfing, kayaking, fishing, and shelling on the Island waters.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach is a small town on Folly Island. The town is 11 miles from Downtown Charleston and is called the “Edge of America” by locals. The town is famous for its amazing surfing spots.

In the migration season, you can spot the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale along the coastline. This beach town offers more than just an amazing surfing experience. The town is littered with gift shops, restaurants, and bars.

Folly Beach is always alive with festivals all year round. Some popular festivals in Folly Beach are Tastes Folly, Sea and Sand Festival, and Bill Murray Polar Plunge.

Aiken

Named after the South Carolina Railroad President, Williams Aiken, Aiken is a small town with a southern charm. The town was named the “Best Town of the South” by Southern Living. The Aiken Arboretum Trail is a hidden gem in this small town that keeps attracting nature lovers to see the diverse tree species available.

Shop for farm produce at Aiken's farmers' market, from tomatoes to baked food. Explore the fine dining options in town, from steaks to stuffed potatoes. Every meal on the menu is sure to leave you wanting more. Shop for clothes and antiques at the local antique shops and boutiques downtown or view artworks by local artists at Aikens Art Center.

Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is a barrier island in South Carolina, known for its beach, beautiful waterfront view, world-class golf course, and local restaurants. The Isle of Palms Beaches is a major tourist attraction. Tourists enjoy sunbathing by the seashore in front of the crystal-clear waterfront. The sandy shoreline is perfect for building sand castles, every child’s dream come true.

Enjoy the beautiful wildlife on the Isle of Palms on a tour organized by Barrier Island Eco Tours. The tour takes you around the salt marshes, tidal creek, and intercoastalways. On the tour, you get to see the Bottlenose Dolphins, Loggerhead Turtles, and other wildlife.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island was named after Captain William Hilton, who identified it in 1663 at the entrance of the Port Royal Entrance. It is a popular vacation spot for tourists. In 2004, an estimated number of 2.25 million visitors contributed to the town’s economy.

Hilton Head Island is perfect for family getaway vacations. Enjoy quality family time playing family games and building sand castles on any of the beaches on the Island. The water around this Island is perfect for kayaking, fishing, and surfing.

Take a guided tour around the historical spots of this historic town with Hilton Head History Tours. Endless activities await you, from shopping to trying out the amazing cuisine served in the restaurants in town or on the beachside.

Next Up in South Carolina11 Best Small Towns in South Carolina for Retirees

South Carolina, known for its southern hospitality, is a tourist favorite because of its warm and humid climate. This state is bounded on the Southeast by the Atlantic Ocean, and an array of small towns litter its coastline. Enjoy climbing mountain trails and surfing against the sea waves while in these small towns. This guide will ensure you have fun at top tourist attractions when you visit these top-rated small towns in South Carolina. Pack your bags and visit these southern beauties today.