Major city · United States
Folly BeachFolly Beach, South Carolina
Give Folly Beach 2 nights if you want beach plus surf; day-trip it from Charleston (25–35 min drive) if you only want the pier and a swim.
Folly Beach is a 12 sq mi barrier island at the end of SC-171, about 10 mi south of downtown Charleston, with a surf beach, a fishing pier and a small business district on Center Street. It is a beach base for a Charleston trip, not a sightseeing destination: two nights covers the beach, the pier and the Morris Island Lighthouse viewpoint; one full day is enough if you drive in from the city.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat, crowds, hurricane season peaks); mid-winter for swimming
- Airport
- CHS
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Folly Beach911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Folly Beach, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyFolly Beach is a low-crime small town; the real risks are water and weather — rip currents, seasonal lifeguard cover…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCHS Charleston International Airport (About 30–40 min by car via I-526 and SC-171; rideshare or rental car, no rail link to the island).
- Getting aroundThe island is small but spread out: Center Street and the pier are walkable, the east and west beach ends are 2–4 km (1.2–2.5 mi) away.The island is small but spread out: Center Street and the pier are walkable, the east and west beach ends are 1.2–2.5 mi (2–4 km) away.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–7
- Street or quick mealDraught beer at a Center Street bar$6–9
- Budget bedHostel or shared-room bed (Charleston area), a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedMotel or basic double, off-island, a night, per roomUS$140
- High-end bedMotel or basic double, off-island, a night, per roomUS$210
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$170 · High US$320
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CHS Charleston International Airport (About 30–40 min by car via I-526 and SC-171; rideshare or rental car, no rail link to the island)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Feb
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Mar
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jun
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Nov
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Dec
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Apr (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Folly Beach: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Feb
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
8 rd
Mar
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7 rd
May
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 rd
Nov
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
Dec
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The island is small but spread out: Center Street and the pier are walkable, the east and west beach ends are 2–4 km away. Bring or rent a car, or use a bike — there is no local bus to the beach. Parking lots in town charge by the space (about $5–10 a day, check signs); street parking near the pier fills by mid-morning in summer. Rideshare from downtown Charleston works but surges at closing time.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 25–40 min
Car via Folly Road (SC-171) and the James Island Expressway (SC-30)
The main reason most people are here: historic district, museums, food. Go early to beat bridge traffic.
Sullivan's Island
goDoor to door: 40–55 min
Car via SC-171, US-17 and I-526 to the north side of the harbour
Quieter beach and a small commercial strip; combine with a Fort Moultrie stop.
Door to door: 45–60 min
Car via SC-171, US-17 and I-526
Wider beach and more family facilities, but a long haul from Folly for the same ocean.
Door to door: 35–50 min
Car via SC-171 and Betsy Kerrison Parkway (SC-171 south)
Wildlife and bike trails; much of the island is private resort land, so check public beach access points.
Seabrook Island
cautionDoor to door: 40–55 min
Car via SC-171 south
Mostly gated and residential; public access is limited to specific beach points.
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
goDoor to door: 35–50 min
Car via US-17 north over the Ravenel Bridge
Useful for Shem Creek seafood and as a base for the northern beaches.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Center Street / pier area
Walk to the pier, bars and restaurants; the only true walkable zone. Hotel and condo rates peak in summer.
East Ashley Avenue (east end)
Quieter beach, walk or short drive to the trailhead for the Morris Island Lighthouse viewpoint; fewer shops.
West Ashley Avenue / County Park side
Closest to Folly Beach County Park, lifeguarded beach in season; 2–3 km (1.2–1.9 mi) from Center Street, so a car or bike helps.Closest to Folly Beach County Park, lifeguarded beach in season; 1.2–1.9 mi (2–3 km) from Center Street, so a car or bike helps.
James Island (off-island)
Cheaper beds 10–15 min from the beach on SC-171; you trade walkability for price and parking ease.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–150 excl. bed
- Mid
- $150–260 excl. bed
- High
- $260+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Beach cottage or condo on the island1 × 2 nights × US$300 | US$600 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$170 | US$680 |
| Rideshare CHS airport → Folly Beach, one way1 × US$45 | US$45 |
| In-town parking lot, per day1 × US$10 | US$10 |
| Beach chair and umbrella rental, per day1 × US$35 | US$35 |
| Surfboard rental, per day2 × US$35 | US$70 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$147 |
| Trip total≈ US$404 per person per day, bed included | US$1,617 |
Weekly rentals and 2–3 night minimums are common in summer
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–7 |
| Shrimp and grits or a fried seafood plate | $18–32 |
| Crab legs or shellfish bucket (to share) | $35–60 |
| Draught beer at a Center Street bar | $6–9 |
| Parking space in town, per day | $5–10 |
| Beach chair and umbrella rental, per day | $25–45 |
| Surfboard rental, per day | $30–50 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer afternoon thunderstorms and rip currents: swim near lifeguards, and note lifeguards are seasonal (roughly late May–early Sep).
- Hurricane season runs Jun–Nov; the island is under an evacuation zone and causeway flooding can close SC-171.
- Parking tickets are enforced in season; read the lot signs before you leave the car.
- Center Street bar prices are not always posted — ask before you order.
- The Morris Island Lighthouse is offshore and not open to climb; view it from the beach at the east end.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Folly BeachFolly Beach, South Carolina
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies on the island; consulates are in Atlanta and Washington, DC. For passport help, contact your country's nearest consulate.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Rideshare CHS airport → Folly Beach: about $40–60, 30–40 min
- Rideshare downtown Charleston → Folly Beach: about $25–40, 25–35 min
- In-town parking lot, per day: $5–10
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Folly Beach. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat, crowds, hurricane season peaks); mid-winter for swimming · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for CHS: rideshare and rental-car desk hours, taxi fallback, late-arrival bed on James Island.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Center Street and the pier, east Ashley to the lighthouse viewpoint, County Park, and the Folly River boat ramp.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (pier hours, County Park gate times, lighthouse viewpoint access) and eat pages with last orders.
- Hurricane and storm fixtures so the island's evacuation zone and causeway flooding show as a red banner, not a footnote.
Sources
Ask about Folly Beach
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