Folly Beach, South Carolina, is lively, charming, and full of fun for all ages. Situated minutes from Charleston, South Carolina, is a town named Folly Beach. The beach is inviting, the island is charming, and the food is delicious.
Folly Beach, South Carolina
The name “Folly” means, “clump of trees or thicket.” According to Visit Folly Beach, settlers named the island “Folly,” because they had been at sea for months and welcomed the sight of the tree lined coast. Since it’s founding in, 1696, Folly Beach has exploded into a popular tourist destination.
Where To Stay At Folly Beach, SC
Folly Beach, is extremely popular. If staying on the beach or along the Folly River during the summer, be sure to book a room or rental before mid-May. Houses, hotel rooms, and apartment rentals fill up quick, and all (except for the hotel rooms) are usually week long rentals until the end of summer.
One of the best places to stay, is “Mariners Cay.” It is located on the river, and is easy walking distance to the beach, shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Each apartment has a screened porch, and there is a private pool and picnic area for residents and renters only.
If staying right on the beach, check out one of the many beach houses available. There is no shortage of beach homes on Folly, and almost all of them offer screened in porches which is perfect for those warm south summer evenings. Not to mention, they make walking to the beach and to the town’s center much easier.
Where to Eat in Folly Beach
When eating at the beach, plan on seafood. There are many restaurants on this beach, and they offer a variety of delicious seafood. From alligator to shrimp, there is not a shortage of food items to choose from.
One of the most popular places to eat is, The Crab Shack on Folly Beach. This restaurant offers outside and inside dining, and their menu features crab rolls, dips, and dishes. As well as southern staples such as, fried green tomatoes.
A great place to enjoy entertainment and some of the best scallops, fried oysters, and fish is, Loggerheads. This restaurant/bar is a great place to enjoy a drink and some good seafood. The atmosphere is casual, and the staff is friendly. This is one of the best seafood restaurants on the beach, and a definite must eat at for any seafood lover.
The Lost Dog Cafe is the perfect place to start the day. Only open for breakfast and lunch, this restaurant offers southern favorites like biscuits and sausage gravy. As well as a breakfast burrito that is sure to get anyone through a day at the beach. They are open 8AM to 3PM, the prices are great and the food is good.
There are many places to enjoy a meal and entertainment on the beach. Most restaurants offer carry out as well, and inside and outside dining.
What to do At Folly Beach
The whole goal of any beach vacation is to relax, catch some rays, and have some fun. Folly has everything from massages to dolphin tours to help guests enjoy their stay.
Visitors can parasail, fish off the pier, or just relax in the sand. The first Friday of every month, starting in the Spring, is “shagging on the pier.” Tickets can be purchased in advance, and for those who love to shag or who want to have fun and give it a shot, this is a great event. This is also a great way to enjoy a beach sunset and the glow of the moonlight on the beach.
For those looking to relax, get a massage at Michelle’s Massage and Salon or from Dox Chiropractic. both offer several massage options. Both are conveniently located near the beach, and after a relaxing massage, simply lay out and enjoy the beach.
Kids At Folly Beach
Other activities include: dolphin and marsh tours, fishing, kayaking, parasailing, surfing, and a boat tour to Morris Lighthouse. Kids can make their own art at Glitterbug from 10AM to 1PM, across from the Crab Shack. For those who want to have memorable photos from the trip, check out one of the local photographers on the island.
Not 5 miles down the road from Folly Beach is, James County Park. This park offers a water park with a great kids area. Kids will love getting wet and playing with water gadgets and going down water slides. All age appropriate for young children. The park also offers bike and walking trails, and camping. It is a large area, and is worth spending a day in. Most of all, kids really enjoy it.
Shopping at Folly Beach
The beach has many shops on the main strip. Each offer island wear that is fashionable and comfortable. They also offer everything needed for a fun beach vacation. The shops are very unique, and they also sell books about the area, travel guides, and a large array of souvenirs to take home or send to family and friends.
Folly Beach
No matter if the vacation is to relax or take tours and enjoy the scenery, Folly Beach is a great destination for beach goers. Located next to Charleston, this beach offers a chance to be close enough to enjoy the city. Yet far enough to forget about it. Take some time to enjoy the beautiful beach and relax.