Folly Beach, South Carolina is located just 15 miles south of world famous Charleston, SC. It’s located on James Island, and is accessible from Charleston or Interstate 26. With a maddening array of entertainment, dining and sight seeing options, this is by far my favorite beach in America.
Folly was first inhabited by Native Americans, and in 1696 was deeded to an Englishman named William Rivers. After centuries of passing down ownership of the island, the first shots of the Civil War were fired by Citadel Cadets on Morris Island (an island just east of Folly that is now completely submerged in water). By the 1930’s, only nine families permanently lived on the small beach of Folly. However, there was tourism to be capitalized on, and it was during this time that the first pavilion was built. In the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s, Folly was very much a vibrant little beach. People came from miles around to dance on the world famous pier, ride on the pavilion rides, and walk on the miles of pristine beaches. In fact, over 15,000 people were at the 1937 4th of July Celebration.
Today, you can still find something for everyone in Folly. As you cross the small bridge from James Island to Folly beach, the Folly River flows lazily beneath you as you approach tasteful town homes and houses overlooking the river. After crossing, there are marches and wetlands to either side, with wildlife everywhere you look.
As you approach the beach, you can’t help but get excited. There are a few blocks of small colorful surf shops, rustic restaurants and locally owned tourist shops to visit. Straight ahead is the 5-story Holiday Inn. This is where you must turn left or right. Either way will take you down narrow, sandy streets where people are walking across in bathing suits, heading to the beach. Muti-million dollar homes are mixed in with century old family homes. They are all truly beautiful in their own way. There are palm trees and cypress trees dripping with romantic Spanish moss everywhere you look.
There are multiple public beach accesses, and parking is usually just $1 per hour. Once you’ve spent some time surfing the waves (yes there are surfing AND fishing competitions in Folly), soaking up the sun, or splashing around in the ocean, head back down the beach towards to “town” and grab a bite to eat at one of their several locally owned restaurants. All are casual dress, super friendly, and great service. You can choose from an outdoor crab shack, a rooftop grille, or several other kinds of places to rest your soul a bit.
At night, Folly comes to life! There are many beach bars on or near the ocean, and many are outdoors. This allows your to sip your drink while feeling that beach breeze and smelling that wonderful salty air. There is a good mixture of locals and tourists and the mood is definitely low key and relaxed.
If all this has made you want to take a trip to Folly, you’re in luck. There is an abundance of accommodations to choose from. Folly offers luxurious hotels, villas, houses or condos on or near the beach. For the more budget conscious, there is a Holliday Inn (notice the spelling! It has 2 “L’s”, not one!) that’s great for people who just want a clean place to sleep and shower.
While Folly can confidently host people of all ages and personalities, I believe their main target is 20 and 30 something’s looking for a chill beach that isn’t too crowded but still has entertainment to offer. It’s a great place for young couples, a girl’s getaway or even for a new family. Of course, Charleston is only 15 minutes away…
