Why locals love it
It's the one neighborhood where flip-flops are formal. Sunset on the pier never gets old.
What locals are saying
Locals describe Folly Beach as Charleston's scrappy, bohemian 'Edge of America' — a laid-back surf town with dive bars, Bert's Market, and the closest sand to downtown — but they openly grumble that day-tripper crowds, weekend traffic, and bachelorette parties have eroded its character. Parking has gotten harder and more expensive, short-term rentals are a contentious political issue, and many Charleston residents now quietly recommend Sullivan's Island when they want a calmer, more 'local' beach day.
- Charleston City Paper — Folly Beach is unapologetically itself
- WCBD News 2 — Short-term rentals top issue on Folly
- Post and Courier — Folly considers incentivizing long-term rentals
- ParkFollyBeach — 2025 parking rate increases
- Fodor's — Towns sick of bachelor/bachelorette parties
- Reddit consensus on Charleston beaches (Nomad Lawyer roundup)
- City of Folly Beach — Beach management & erosion
- FollyBeach.com — Tips for avoiding Folly traffic
Who it’s for & what you get
Frequently asked
Is Folly Beach — Town one of the best neighborhoods in Charleston?
Folly Beach — Town is ranked #7 neighborhood in Charleston by community votes. It's the one neighborhood where flip-flops are formal. Sunset on the pier never gets old.
What is Folly Beach — Town best known for?
Charleston's closest surf town. Center Street for tacos and beer, Washout for waves, the rest for living small.
Who should go to Folly Beach — Town?
Folly Beach — Town is best for: surf, laid back, beach town.
Where is Folly Beach — Town located?
Folly Beach — Town is located at Folly Beach, Folly Beach, SC.
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Nearby
Folly Beach
Charleston's closest surf town. Six miles of sand, pier fishing, and the iconic Washout break.
Rita's Seaside Grille
American fare, from burgers to seafood, served with drinks in a casual setting featuring live music.
Sand Dollar Social Club
Cash-only Folly Beach dive bar on Center Street with live music, cold beer, and no pretense.
Pinky's on the Beach
Casual beachside bar and grill on Folly's main strip, serving burgers and cold beer steps from the Atlantic.
Tides Folly Beach, Charleston's Oceanfront Hotel
Trendy, oceanfront hotel featuring bright, modern rooms, an outdoor pool & a seafood restaurant.
Folly Beach Pier
This 1,045-ft. fishing pier with a tackle shop is a busy destination with scenic ocean views.