Folly Beach

Folly Beach is beloved by Charleston locals for its unpretentious, eclectic 'Edge of America' vibe, the best surf on the South Carolina coast, and a lively bar-and-restaurant scene — but long-timers consistently lament how the once-sleepy enclave has been overtaken by condos, chain shops, and heavy tourist traffic over the past two decades. The crowd skews young and party-oriented (the city has actively tried to curtail drinking on the strand), which pushes many Charlestonians seeking a quieter day to Edisto or Isle of Palms instead. On the upside, the beach itself stays clean and accessible, and after dark it offers genuinely impressive stargazing — spring nights bring visible constellations, meteor showers, and even the Milky Way.