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.
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is about 20 miles from Folly Beach, but the exact time it takes to arrive on the island heavily depends on traffic.
While you can drive to and around Folly Beach, parking can sometimes be difficult, particularly on the weekends. If you’re staying overnight, you can biking and walking.
Visitors can also opt to rent a golf cart from Folly Beach Golf Carts; just make sure to understand the rules and regulations before driving one around the island.
Travel Tips:
Skip the hotels and rent a cozy bungalow just steps from the beach.
Take a surf lesson with one of Folly Beach’s locally-owned, top-rated surf schools.
Grab a table at Chico Feo after a day spent out in the sun.
Stop by Bert’s Market for sandwiches, drinks, or any essentials you forgot to grab on your way in.
Best Things to Do:
Spend a day on the beach.
In the words of Brown, “Slow down and relax… you’re on Folly.” This is especially pertinent advice for a beach day. Folly Beach boasts six miles of wide beaches, and this map highlights beach access points (as well as ones that are ADA accessible), places to park, and public restrooms. If you require beach chairs or umbrellas during your visit, you can either buy them from a local shop or rent them from Folly Beach Chair Company. No matter your game plan for the day, be sure to brush up on what you’re allowed — and not allowed (glass containers, plastic bags) — to bring on the beach.
Take a surf lesson.
For Dasher, taking a surf lesson is a “must-try activity” for anyone “seeking memorable experiences on Folly Beach.” She recommends Isla Surf School, but you can also check out Carolina Salt Surf Lessons or Shaka Surf School to learn (or improve) your surfing technique and etiquette.
Get a good look at Morris Island Lighthouse.
The tallest lighthouse in South Carolina may only be accessible by boat, but you can get a good view of it from Folly Beach.
To get even closer, you can embark on the Morris Island Lighthouse Tour, which provides guests with a better understanding of coastal wildlife, ecology, and the history of the lighthouse.
Hunt for shark teeth and fossils.
Folly Beach is one of the best places around Charleston to look for shark teeth, an activity that can be fun for the whole family. It’s also one that requires patience and a sharp eye, so it’s often better to go with a guide.
