My love for Folly Beach started one weekend just twelve years ago. It seems like much longer because Folly quickly became a big part of our lives and cemented itself as one of our preferred escapes.

I had long been a fan of Charleston but had not yet visited Folly Beach, the small bohemian strip just south. I had previously ventured out to Sullivan's Island or Isle of Palms when seeking a beach break with the added benefit of Charleston being nearby. These locations are lovely, great for families, golfers, and beachgoers, but fail to provide that final exhale that I need to truly relax and let go.

If you're looking for a beach holiday with lots to see and do, look elsewhere. If you want to truly unwind on beautiful shores and forget all of your troubles, Folly Beach is your destination.

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Folly Beach USA

The Ultimate Guide by Cocktails and Carry-Ons®

In 2008, my brother, Brad, and his wife, Lindsey, suggested a weekend at Folly Beach for a must needed pause from our busy lives in Charlotte. Brad pitched the idea by likening the vibes of Folly Beach to that of beaches he'd visited on the coast of Southern California. Having never experienced any of this, but craving that atmosphere, we were quickly sold on the plan!

A couple days in the sun and many shots of tequila later, Folly Beach immediately became a family favorite. He was right, too. Now having visited Laguna Beach, Huntington, and few others, he was spot on. The character and mentality at Folly Beach are far different than most others in the Carolinas or the East Coast.

We've since taken Folly's unique vibe and added special memories to the mix. Family weddings, milestone birthdays, impromptu day trips, family beach weeks, and other special remembrances are peppered into the mix. We lost our beloved Schnauzer, Reagan, in the spring of 2016 and escaped to Folly with her nephew, Wrigley, for a day on the beach. We claimed it was for him. He relished the day, but it was clearly devised for us.

As Chanel noted in My Laidback Lowcountry Haven, Folly Beach is one of the few places on earth we can go, find our center, and heal our hearts and souls.

Arrival Info and Lodging…

With its chill vibe comes a touch of simplicity. As you arrive to Folly Beach, there's one entry point, Center Street. It's here you'll find the beach’s restaurants, bars, and stores. This is the commerce hub of Folly Beach as the streets running perpendicular to Center street are long stretches of road for homes. As you drive down Center Street, you'll pass Indian, Huron, Erie, Cooper, Ashley, and Arctic Avenues. These streets are arranged in alphabetical order with Arctic Ave being closest to the ocean and split as East or West with the Center St intersections.

There's literally just one hotel at Folly Beach, Tides Folly Beach. It's located directly to the right of the pier, which you will see at the Arctic Ave and Center Street intersection. The Tides is a good hotel with prime access to the liveliest part of the beach. They also feature a restaurant and a beach bar. If you're hosting an event or wedding, this is an excellent option for event space.

If you want a bit more of the authentic Folly Beach feel, check out what's available on Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway. There are so many rental properties available if you want the beach house vibe. There's a wide range available, and we've enjoyed a small and rustic home, as well as some of the bigger ones for larger gatherings with family and friends. Plan ahead reasonably, and you should have no issues at all!

Shopping

Anything you could need for Folly Beach can be found at this small list of places! Our goal is always to park our car and leave it! Everything else can be reached on foot!

Bert’s Market

202 E Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC / Website

This hippie market has a motto that says it all… “We may doze, but we never close.” Bert’s Market is my favorite grocery and convenience store ever! Years ago, my dad walked in and needed a stick of butter but found that they only had them in packs of four. In the most chill of tones, the cashier said, “if you only need one stick, man, just take one stick” and charged him just the 1/4 of the price. So cool and such a great vibe, Bert’s is our go-to for everything. Cold beer, groceries, and one of the best sandwich counters for miles and miles is in this small storefront.

Ocean Surf Shop

31 Center St, Folly Beach, SC / Website

I have always loved this surf shop for its relaxed vibe and friendly faces. They offer an excellent selection of boards, clothing, footwear, sunglasses, and skate products. The website is amazing and I’ve been a bit hooked because it helps me stay connected to Folly and is a wealth of Surf Report info at real time. Don’t go to FB without swinging through this shop!

McKelvin’s Surf Shop

8 Center St, Folly Beach, SC / Website

This surf shop has been around since 1965 and is a FB staple! Known for 'No Pop-Outs', you can find quality crafted surfboards at McKevlin's and a super cool vibe. They also offer the newest trends in board shorts, wetsuits, footwear, etc.

Folly Beach Red Dot Liquor

201 E. Cooper Ave, Folly Beach, SC

No beach trip is complete without a few rounds of Bloody Marys and many rounds of Margaritas. Replenish your liquor needs here! It’s located just behind Bert’s!

for Souvenirs and Stuff

• Aqua Beach Store 17 Center St, Folly Beach, SC

• Beachwear & Gifts 16 Center St, Folly Beach, SC

• Folly Trading Co 36 Center St, Folly Beach, SC

• Mr. Johns Beach Store 20 Center St, Folly Beach, SC

Where to Eat and Drink…

Here's our definitive list! If you are reasonably close to Center Street, there's no reason to drive! Parking isn't great in Folly Beach, so all restaurants being clustered nearby is incredibly convenient!

Lowlife Bar

106 E Hudson Ave, Folly Beach, SC / Website

Having just opened in July of 2018, Lowlife Bar is one of the newest additions to Folly. We immediately fell in love and revisited multiple times during our time there! The drink selection is fantastic! You absolutely have to try the Pluff Mudslide, Erik Estrada, and the Dark and Shady! The breakfast burrito is the best I've ever had. It was the perfect ratio of chorizo, eggs, finely chopped red onion, tater tots and cheese. That, combined with a Pluff Mudslide, is a lethal breakfast and my favorite of Folly! Other must-try dishes include the Croissant Breakfast Sandwich, Mother's Double Cheeseburger, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Avocado Burrata Toast, and the Old Bay Seasoned Waffle Fries. Yea, so pretty much everything. If we had opened a restaurant at Folly, which we contemplated a few years back, it would have been similar to this. To say we quickly fell in love with Lowlife Bar is an understatement.

Chico Feo

122 E Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC / Website

The most 'Folly' of all Folly Beach restaurants, Chico Feo, is very chill and features a simple yet delicious menu! Honestly, I don't even know if they have indoor dining… I always naturally arrived to the back where all the lively action was! There's a large outdoor dining area full of tables and a walk-up bar for beers and ordering food. Chico Feo has a Vietnamese flare with a solid Folly Beach identity. Here you'll find the best fish or pork tacos on Folly Beach! Must-try dishes include Mahi Taco, House Smoked Pork Taco, Num Pang, Bun Cha, and Wu-Tang -the housemade ramen!

Taco Boy

106 E Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC / Website

With a few quick lessons learned in my younger days, tequila was not one a drink of choice. I happily left those lessons in the past. Taco Boy single-handedly turned that around! On our very first weekend in Folly, we sampled their 3 shot tequila tree. The next year, on a week-long visit, we frequented Taco Boy at night and used the tequila tree to sample many tequila types in 1/2 oz servings. It was here that I learned the difference between good and bad tequila. Thank you, Taco Boy. Today, we still visit Taco Boy at least twice when visiting. Tasty tacos, chips and queso, nachos, and a great selection of Margaritas and tequilas. With a front and back porch, you can quickly get cozy and help close the place down! If only I could get tacos for $3.95 in Switzerland!

The Washout

232 Meeting St, Charleston, SC / Website

Skip the mediocre seafood joint across the street and head here instead. With a lively atmosphere and great seafood, The Washout is a welcome addition to the seafood scene. If you are in the mood for Fried Shrimp, Crab Cakes, Fish or Shrimp Tacos, Lobster Roll, or a Flounder or Crabcake Sandwich, they can all be found here and for very reasonable prices! Each time we visited, we had good margaritas, great food, and excellent service. They often feature live music at night as well!

The Wooden Spoon at Bert’s

202 E Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC / Website

I've raved about Bert's already, but this is also deserving of the restaurant section! The Wooden Spoon is the sandwich and takeaway bar inside of Bert's. The menu is full over various sandwiches, wraps, and paninis, all of which are incredible and fresh. Want something smaller and quicker: premade sandwiches, sushi, and more at the same counter. Don't miss the desserts! Locally made desserts fill the case by the door and will definitely cure your sweet tooth or late-night munchies!

Rita’s Seaside Grill

2 Center St, Folly Beach, SC / Website

Oh, Rita's... If I could transport here right now, I would. The group behind Hall's Chophouse has a special and unique restaurant here! What's that smoker in the back by the parking lot? That would be the slowly smoked pork and ribs. Flip that into a plate of pulled pork nachos, and you have something special! I have years of special memories with family and friends here and more margaritas than I could count! It's located just steps from the pier and features a fantastic outdoor dining experience!

Surf Bar

103 W Cooper Ave, Folly Beach, SC / Website

Known for their delicious cheesesteak sandwiches and signature Painkiller drinks, Surf Bar is a no-apologies classic beach bar! Every beach needs one of these, and Surf Bar perfectly executes. The food is excellent, and the drinks are cheap! It's an excellent place for late afternoon and late-night drinks and food! Check out their website for scheduled live music!

Loggerhead’s Beach Grill

123 W Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC / Website

If you are craving live music, reasonably priced food, and ice-cold drinks, Loggerhead's Beach Grill is just a couple blocks off of Center street and close to the shore. When visiting in September, this is our go-to for NFL games. All games are on with Sunday Ticket, and each table was equipped with a speaker tuned into your game of choice. Must order food includes Conch Fritters, Fried Pickle Chips, Buffalo Curry Cauliflower, Wings, and loaded tots!

Lost Dog Cafe

106 W Huron Ave, Folly Beach, SC / Website

My family absolutely loves Lost Dog Cafe. The love for dogs is evident when walking in as the walls are full of framed photos of patrons dogs. If you have your pup with you on your trip, get outdoor seating, and they can come with you! The menu is very diverse, from breakfast and lunch. They make a fantastic bloody mary as well!