The edge of America.

Just 15 miles from downtown Charleston, Folly Beach is its own universe - with its own sense of time, enjoyment, and a laidback, friendly energy that has earned it the lifelong affection of locals and visitors alike. Its wide beaches, solid surfing, eclectic neighborhoods, and community of locally-owned restaurants and shops make it the perfect place in which to revel, relax, and reconnect.

Dear Everyone, welcome! Love, Folly Beach.

Nestled between the Folly River and the Atlantic Ocean, Folly Beach is home to more than just amazing beach vacations and a laidback vibe. It's also home to loggerhead turtles, dolphins, bald eagles, sea birds, several endangered species - and a way of life that's simply, distinctly - and only, Folly.

Surf the Washout. Drink in the Morris Island Lighthouse's history. Explore a maritime forest. Build the biggest sand castle your kids have ever seen. Ride bikes. Eat outside. Catch sunset. Fish off the pier. Parasail. Do it all - that's what Folly Beach is for.

Stay On Folly Beach

Folly Beach Hotels

Folly Beach Hotels

From full-service oceanfront hotel to intimate beach inns that recall the simplicity of a bygone era, Folly Beach offers an array of hotels for every style and need.

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Folly Beach Rentals

Folly Beach Rentals

From charming cottages to beachfront homes big enough for the whole family, you'll find the Folly Beach rental and vacation property that's perfect for you.

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Popular Events On Folly Beach

Flip Flop Drop

On New Year's Eve a ball is dropped in New York City, but in Folly Beach they wanted to drop something that fits their lifestyle a little better… a flip flop.

Taste of Folly

The annual event is a crowd favorite with food booths from your local restaurants, a server race, dunk tank, live music, hot dog eating contest, chili cookoff, date auction and more!

Folly Gras Parade

Held every February. Come and enjoy Mardi Gras, Folly style with the annual Folly Gras festival and parade.

Sea and Sand Festival

Held every March. This event features the Folly Beach Art Guild, local artist, artisans, musicians and food and beverages by local restaurants.

Palmetto 200 Relay

Held every April, the Palmetto 200 is an overnight relay that covers roughly 200 scenic miles of the lowcountry.

Dancing-Moonlight Mixers

Held April through October. Join the shaggers at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier, breathe in the ocean breeze and enjoy your favorite beach foods, icy-cold beverages and beach, boogie and blues!

Festival of the Arts

Held every October. Join the Folly Beach Arts and Crafts Guild for two fun filled days of Arts, Crafts, Music and Entertainment at the Folly River Park and Community Center.

Fishing Tournaments

May through September join us where fun comes naturally at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier, the second largest pier on the east coast!

Surfer Govenor's Cup

Held every August at the Washout on Folly Beach, this is the district's championship.

Folly Palooza

Held every October. Follypalooza is an annual cancer benefit on Folly Beach that raises money for local cancer patients and the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center.

Folly Beach Challenge - Triathalon

Held every October. This off-road triathlon will feature paddling, biking, and running.

Christmas Tree Lighting/Christmas Parade

Held every December. Come enjoy a Folly tradition at the Folly River Park.

Just Minutes from Charleston

Experience it for yourself! Charleston won "Top City in the United States" in the 2011 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards.

Looking for a Deal?

Book a getaway for a week - or a weekend. Browse our Folly Beach packages now.

Folly Beach Packages

Morris Island Lighthouse

1876: The Morris Island Lighthouse was built. Today, though it's light no longer shines, it stands approximately 300 yards off shore, as a beloved historic landmark.

Folly Beach History

1934: George Gershwin takes a beach vacation at 708 West Artic to write the classic musical, Porgy & Bess.