Folly guide

The best of Folly Beach

Our picks for beaches, restaurants, activities, and day trips near Folly Beach.

New to the island? Start with the first-time guide, or see Folly Beach by season.

Beaches

Beaches near 16 Turtle Bay

10-min walk
Folly Beach (main access) (opens in a new tab)
The center of it all. Pier, surfers, families, and the best people-watching on the coast.
10-min drive
Folly Beach County Park (opens in a new tab)
Lifeguards on duty, restrooms, outdoor showers, and calmer waters at the west end of the island. Great for young kids.
5-min drive + walk
Morris Island (opens in a new tab)
Uninhabited barrier island with the Morris Island Lighthouse at the tip. Hike out at low tide for one of the most photographed views in SC.

Dining

Walkable
Chico Feo (opens in a new tab)
Outdoor bar and restaurant in a converted house. Best rum cocktails on the island and a vibe that's impossible to replicate.
7-min walk
Lost Dog Café (opens in a new tab)
The Folly breakfast institution. Big portions, good coffee, long lines on weekends — all justified.
11-min walk
Taco Boy (opens in a new tab)
Fish tacos and margaritas on Center Street. Outdoor patio, festive atmosphere. Expect a wait on summer evenings.
10-min walk
Folly Beach Crab Shack (opens in a new tab)
Fried shrimp, she-crab soup, and cold beer at picnic tables. Pure Lowcountry.

Activities

On-site
Kayak & SUP launch (opens in a new tab)
Launch from the community dock directly into the Folly River. Rentals available on Center Street.
On-site
Fishing dock
Cast for red drum, flounder, and speckled trout. Dolphins work the creek regularly in the morning.
10-min walk
Surfing (opens in a new tab)
Folly has some of the best (if inconsistent) surf in South Carolina. Several shops offer lessons and board rentals.
Steps away
Community pool
The Turtle Bay pool is open April through October — a 60-second walk from the front door.

Day trips

15-20 min drive
Downtown Charleston (opens in a new tab)
The Battery, Rainbow Row, world-class restaurants, and 350 years of history. Easy afternoon trip.
25-min drive
Magnolia Plantation (opens in a new tab)
America's oldest ornamental gardens. The cypress swamp boat tour is worth doing, especially in spring.
10-min drive
James Island County Park (opens in a new tab)
Disc golf, kayak rentals, and a water park in summer. Good for families looking for a change of scene.
30-min drive
Kiawah Island Beach (opens in a new tab)
More secluded, wider beach, beachcombing for shark teeth. A nice contrast to Folly's vibe.

Book your stay

A ten-minute walk from all of this, with the Folly River as your backyard.