February Beach of the Month: Folly Beach, South Carolina

The hubs came up with a goal of visiting a beach every month this year. What can I say? I thought it was a great idea. Here's the beach we visited in February.


Directly south of Charleston, South Carolina and tucked away on the edge of James Island sits Folly Beach. It's nickname is the Edge of America and it feels like that when you visit this funky, little surf town. With only one main street and one large hotel, Folly isn't really looking to became the latest and greatest. Sure, they appreciate their tourist trade and those that come to enjoy their beach, but they really seem quite happy with their quiet little town. And Folly lovers are quite devoted - they come back year after year.

There are your requisite seafood restaurants, a few tourist shops, a coupla surf shops, some condos, some houses and even a lighthouse, but Folly tends to revel in it's quiet and lack of lots to do. You don't come here to sightsee - though Charleston is close enough if you want to do that a bit - and you don't come here to go, go, go. You come here to sit on the beach, maybe surf a few waves if that's your thing, or grab a drink at the Tides beachfront bar or Snapper Jack's rooftop. It's refreshingly low key.

What to do:
Beach it
Folly is a public beach and as long as you can find parking, you can just walk on and plop yourself down. Obviously, parking is at a premium during peak times - and you'll pay to enjoy your beach time then. 

Folly Beach Pier
The Folly Beach Pier, officially known as the Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Fishing Pier, extends 1,045 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and you can walk it for the views, fish off of it - it's known for some of the best saltwater fishing around,  grab a cup of coffee at Roasted on the pier, or eat a meal here - the pier is home to Locklear Beach Restaurant. And in a good-to-know tip, the pier has public restrooms if you're using the beach. There is a parking lot that charges $5 to park in front of the pier.

Morris Island Lighthouse
The Morris Island Lighthouse is a defunct lighthouse sitting on, quite appropriately, Morris Island. Due to erosion, the lighthouse is now surrounded by water and you can't physically walk to it - though I suppose you could swim to it but I wouldn't advise that - but you can take a short, 20 minute walk to get good views of it.(Take a left on Folly Drive and drive all the way to the end until you reach the cul-de-sac, find a place to park and follow the path until you get to the beach and the views)  If you really want to see it up close, Charleston Outdoor Adventures takes boat cruises by the light so you can do just that. 

Where to eat
Rita's Seaside Grill
We ate at Rita's - a lively, fun place known for their burgers and seafood. There was live music on the patio and lots of vacationers enjoying themselves. Fun fact: At a previous trip to Rita's, Mr. UR and I were enjoying a glass of wine at the bar when the bartender brought us another glass. He said the owner was in that night and buying a round for everyone in the place - and it was packed. The only time I've ever been somewhere where someone bought a round for the place!

Woody's Pizza
We enjoyed pizza on the outdoor patio at this surf-themed pizza and sub shop right on the main drag in Folly.

Lost Dog Cafe
A very popular breakfast and lunch spot - we had breakfast here - that serves breakfast all day and has healthy choices. Outdoor seating available and expect a wait.

Blu Restaurant & Bar
Located in the Tides Oceanfront Hotel, Blu offers oceanfront dining including Sunday brunch.( And they throw a mean New Years Eve party.) Blu is probably the most upscale restaurant on Folly with the most innovative menu. Plus they have an oceanfront bar with daily Happy Hour. Fantastic beach views, too, as you're about 2 steps down to the sand.

Where to stay
Tides Folly Beach
This is where we stayed. I love this hotel. It's my second time staying here - it houses the aforementioned Blu Restaurant & Bar, has a heated oceanfront pool, oceanfront rooms with juliet balconies, beach sport rental (in season), incredible customer service and total beach vibes. Seriously, the employees of this hotel go above and beyond to help you out. There is always someone asking you how you're doing or if you need anything. 

Regatta Inn, Water's Edge Inn & Holliday Inn
I've not stayed at any of these but there are all small inns or B&B's located at Folly Beach.

Air BnB or VRBO
Folly is small so another option might be to find a condo or house rental. 

I'm ashamed to say that I live a hop,skip and a jump from Folly and haven't taken advantage of visiting more often. It has been years. But I'm so glad I made it back. We had a relaxing couple days here - and I hope to make it back sooner rather than later.


How about you? Have you been to Folly?


I'd love for you to follow me on:
Facebook/Instagram



Linking up with: WATW at Communal Global, The Weekend Wanderlust Travel Blog Party, The Weekly Postcard at Travel Notes and Beyond and Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox!