Folly Beach County Park

Folly Beach is home to a diverse range of restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience. Rita's Seaside Grille is a favorite for its American fare and live music, while The Washout serves up Southern seafood in a cozy setting. For seafood lovers, The Crab Shack is a must-visit, offering shellfish by the bucketful. Pier 101 Restaurant & Bar provides waterfront dining with a focus on seafood and live music. Lastly, BLU Beach Bar & Grill offers sophisticated beachfront dining with stunning ocean views.

These establishments cater to various tastes, from casual eats to more refined dining experiences, ensuring there's something for everyone in Folly Beach.

Folly Beach offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences. The Tides Folly Beach is a stylish oceanfront hotel featuring modern rooms and an outdoor pool. For a more intimate experience, the Water's Edge Inn and Regatta Inn provide upscale B&B settings with amenities like fireplaces and cocktail receptions. Hotel Folly offers a low-key guesthouse experience with warmly decorated quarters. These options ensure that visitors can find the perfect place to stay, whether seeking luxury or a cozy retreat.

Folly Beach County Park is well-equipped with amenities to enhance the visitor experience. The park features dressing areas, outdoor showers, restrooms, and picnic areas with grills. Beach chair, umbrella, and boogie board rentals are available daily, making it easy for visitors to enjoy the beach without needing to bring their own equipment. A seasonal snack bar provides refreshments, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer months to ensure safety. The park also offers accessible ramps and a boardwalk, making it accessible for all visitors.

Additionally, pets are allowed on the beach during certain hours, provided they are leashed. This combination of amenities and accessibility makes Folly Beach County Park an ideal destination for families and individuals alike.

Folly Beach County Park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Swimming and surfing are popular pastimes, with lifeguards present during peak seasons to ensure safety. The park's expansive beachfront is perfect for sunbathing, beach volleyball, or simply relaxing. For nature enthusiasts, the nearby Skimmer Flats provide a unique opportunity to observe wildlife, particularly Eastern Brown Pelicans. Visitors can also explore the surrounding marshlands and tidal creeks, which are home to a diverse array of coastal creatures.

The park's picnic areas and grills invite families to spend a full day outdoors, enjoying meals together while taking in the scenic views. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Folly Beach County Park has something for everyone.

Folly Beach County Park is designed to be accessible for all visitors. The park features a boardwalk and accessible ramps, allowing individuals with mobility impairments to easily access the beach. Wheelchair rentals are also available to ensure that everyone can enjoy the park's amenities. Additionally, the park's restrooms are handicapped accessible, providing a comfortable experience for all visitors.

The park's accessible design ensures that everyone can participate in activities like swimming, picnicking, or simply enjoying the scenic views from the boardwalk.

Parking at Folly Beach County Park is limited, with 225 parking spots available. During peak summer months and holidays, the parking lot often fills up by mid-morning, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early. If the park's parking is full, additional parking options are available in nearby City of Folly Beach lots on West Ashley Avenue. It's important to be aware of local parking ordinances to avoid fines or towing. Parking fees vary seasonally, with discounts for Gold Pass members who park for free year-round.

The proximity of the parking area to the beach ensures that visitors can easily access the park's amenities without a long walk.

Folly Beach has a rich history, dating back to the late 1690s. It served as a Union stronghold during the Civil War and later became a popular vacation spot in the 1930s with the construction of the Atlantic Pavilion and the Oceanfront Hotel. The beach's 'golden age' began in the 1960s, when surfing became a major attraction. Today, Folly Beach is known for its vibrant community and natural beauty, attracting visitors from around the world.

The area is also famous for its wildlife, including sea turtles and bottlenose dolphins, and is a crucial nesting ground for various bird species. The Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve nearby is recognized as an Audubon Birding Hotspot, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

Folly Beach is surrounded by several attractions that enhance its appeal. The Folly Beach Pier, one of the East Coast's largest, is a must-visit for fishing enthusiasts and offers stunning ocean views. The nearby Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve is a haven for nature lovers, providing opportunities to observe a variety of coastal wildlife. Additionally, the historic city of Charleston is just a short drive away, offering a wealth of cultural and historical attractions.

The beach itself is a major attraction, with its expansive shoreline and picturesque views. Visitors can enjoy surfing, kayaking, or simply exploring the tidal creeks and marshlands surrounding the park.