Family portrait near the Morris Island Light House on Folly Beach by Larry, our associate photographer
Charleston Spotlight on Folly Beach
Folly Beach is a fun, funky little beach island that has not changed much at all in 20+ years. The waves are bigger than any other beach, so it draws a local surf crowd. The main commercial hub, Center Street, is only a few blocks long and is packed with the kind of tee-shirt shops you might expect from a beach town. There are also tons of delicious restaurants and fun bars hidden all around. It’s a bit grittier than the surrounding islands, but that’s exactly how locals like it.
Folly Beach, SC family portrait by Larry, our associate photographer
Where to Stay on Folly
While there are tons of beach house rentals and B+Bs dotting the island appealing to families and groups, The Tides Hotel is a great place for romantic getaway or if your group prefers a hotel. It’s directly in the center of the island, beachfront, walking distance to restaurants and shops. It has a great restaurant, Blu Beach Bar and Grill, where you can grab lunch or dinner overlooking the beach (or a cocktail at the tiki bar outside!).
Engagement portraits near the Morris Island Light House by Larry, our associate photographer
What to Do on Folly
Escape Room
The new Escapade escape room is incredible! There are two challenging puzzle rooms that fit groups of up to 6 people. There’s even a Harry Potter themed room that’s awesome for kids.
State Park
Folly Beach State Park is a great beach park for the whole family! With easy parking, restrooms, showers and even a snack bar, it is incredibly convenient with small children. There are ramps (hello, beach wagons and strollers!), lifeguards and dressing rooms. The park covers the western tip of the island and is a beautiful beach for swimming, playing, fishing and sunset walks!
Playgrounds
Pirates Cove Playground is located on E. 5th between Erie and Hudson. It’s a pirate-themed playground for all ages, with a climbing structure and tall lighthouse slide for big kids, a smaller ship structure for little kids, and swings for everyone! Wave Watch Playground is another fun, gated playground located on the opposite side of town. Situated at the end of West Cooper Avenue, it’s a colorful playground with clean bathrooms and even a little lending library.
Pickleball
Folly Beach is becoming obsessed with pickleball! There are 4 courts at the Pirates Cove Playground tennis courts (bring your own net for 2 of them).
Folly Beach family portraits by Larry, our associate photographer
Where to Eat
Coffee: Center Street Coffee
There may be a line, but Center Street Coffee serves up the island’s best lattes and pastries to start your day.
Snacks: Bert’s Market
Open 24/7, you can find almost anything at Bert’s Market! From tasty breakfast sandwiches and a lunchtime deli to bottles of wine and late night ice cream, it has saved us time and again. Stop by on your way to the beach for a cup of boiled peanuts and a corndog!
Lunch: Chico Feo
Stop by Chico Feo after a morning at the beach for an unforgettable experience. The outdoor-only, dirt-floor-and-picnic-tables restaurant and bar serves a small but tasty (seasonal) menu of tacos, noodle bowls, pulled pork and kimchi sandwiches, and more under the palms, usually to the live tunes of a funky local band.
Dinner: Jack of Cups
Jack of Cups is the unassuming gem of Folly Beach, drawing foodies away from Charleston for “globally inspired comfort food.” The restaurant has a full bar and a large back deck, so there’s plenty of space to spread out with a bigger group or the whole family.
Folly Beach family portraits by Larry, our associate photographer
