I love a good family vacation, and this is a great place for it- Read my tips for Folly Beach things to do!

Close to Kiawah Island and Charleston, but far enough away to feel like a small town, I am a big fan of this South Carolina destination!

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♥ Sunbathe & Swim– The pebbly sand at Folly Beach is perfect for sunbathing. Some days the ocean is calm and like a warm bath, which is ideal for swimming and floating around in a tube! There aren’t too many seashells here however. You can also find local places to rent out beach chairs, coolers, umbrellas, and more!

♥ Surfing– While the waves were a bit rough during my trip, I’m sure surfers love it! Check daily conditions, but surfing is a popular activity here. There are plenty of places giving surf lessons too if you want to try it out!

♥ Fishing Charter Boats- One of the most fun things to do is be out on the open ocean, lines in the water. It’s a mystery what creature of the deep you might catch! Check here for a few fishing charter companies.

♥ Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)- Get out on the water, and get some exercise! Take a “safari” and explore the local nature while soaking up the sun. Charleston SUP Safaris is a good place to start!

♥ Eat & Drink at the Pier– Take a break from the heat by strolling over to the Folly Beach Pier for a drink, and grab food at Pier 101! Lunch with a view and sandy feet is always a great feeling!

♥ Fish & Stroll the Pier– If you love fishing, this is the place to do it. If you don’t, simply watching to see what others catch is a fun time! Also, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll see a few dolphins from here.

♥ Souvenir Shopping– Visit one of many fun souvenir shops in the area. Selling your standard tourist fare but also unique gifts, it’s definitely a fun way to spend a rainy day. 

♥ Rent a Bike or Golf Cart- One of my favorite things to do in Folly Beach! The town is small enough to walk everywhere, yet big enough to keep you interested.

I’m a big fan of the popularity of bike riding on the island. Loads of people will rent golf carts too, which can be fun, but be careful of each other!

♥ Try the restaurants- The Folly Beach restaurant selection offers several unique choices. In my experience, most places had delicious food, and were full of live music. It’s of course easy to find fresh seafood too!

♥ Enjoy live music- Most restaurants will have a rotating lineup, and nothing beats live music by the beach.

♥ Take advantage of the nightlife- For a low key getaway, the island is perfect. However, Folly Beach can do nightlife too! I definitely saw several bachelorette party groups there!

♥ Visit Morris Island Lighthouse- Built in 1876 as a beacon to ships entering Charleston Harbor, nowadays its a scenic spot to visit.

A few places offer guided visits or tours to admire this historic lighthouse. These tours often combine dolphin watching and exploring the estuaries too!

⇒ See my things to do in nearby Charleston, South Carolina!

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Common Questions

♥ Is Folly Beach worth visiting? It has a unique combination of that southern slow pace, combined with natural beauty and fun liveliness too. While most beach towns do of course have many similarities, this town stands out to me!

♥ Why is Folly Beach so popular? I think that while yes, it has a convenient location, there are other things that draw in the crowds. This could be its lively pier, restaurants, fishing, live music, or great surfing! 

♥ Is Folly Beach a walkable place? Yes, absolutely! Many people bike, but it’s very navigable on foot. The biggest threat is those rogue golf carts!

♥ Is Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island better? Each have their own unique charm, but Sullivan’s Island feels more remote and unspoiled, and has less crowds. There are however, less businesses there as well. For families or larger groups, Folly is your better bet!