Folly Beach is both an actual beach and a city in South Carolina. The beach called Folly Beach is located in the city of Folly Beach, which is on Folly Island. The terms are used almost interchangeably. Located in Charleston County, Folly Island is a barrier island in the Atlantic Ocean that it is seven square miles. The history of the Island dates back to the 1600s. It has been the site of numerous shipwrecks. In the 1930s, a pier, a hotel, and a pavilion were built when approximately nine families were residing on the Island year-round. Hurricane Hugo destroyed most of the Island in 1989. In 1995, a new pier, restaurant, and tackle shop were built.
The main hotel is the Holiday Inn Folly Beach. This hotel offers a heated pool, internet access, and a restaurant & bar. All rooms have mini refrigerators and coffee makers. Located at 1 Center Street, the hotel is on the beachfront and is close to the center of the city. The Front Desk can be reached by calling 843-588-6464.
The Edwin S. Taylor Pier, located off of E. Arctic Avenue, extends 1,045 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. It is 25 feet wide and is 23 feet above sea level. The Pier has a 7,500 square foot diamond-shaped platform. It is the second longest pier on the east coast. Fishing rod rentals and restrooms (with handicapped access) are located here. Monthly fishing tournaments are also available. Registration for all tournaments is on-site and begins at 6:00am. Tournaments end at 4:00pm, and prizes are awarded. Interested parties seeking additional information can call the Pier 843-588-3474. The Pier is home to Locklear's Seafood Restaurant. The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. A Sunday brunch is also offered. Lunch is served 11:00am - 4:00pm daily, and dinner is served 4:00pm - close daily. The number to Locklear's Seafood Restaurant is 843- 588-6412.
Swimming is allowed at Folly Beach. Beach access is available every city block. There is one wheelchair access ramp at 9th Street on West Ashley. In addition to Folly Beach in Folly Beach, Center Street Beach is also a popular destination for visitors to the Folly Beach area. Folly Beach County Park, which is located on the west side of the island between the Ocean and Folly River, is also popular with visitors. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally, and there are dressing rooms, restrooms, and beach chair rentals available. Folly Beach County Park can be reached at 843-588-2426 or 843-795-4386.
Surfing is a common activity at Folly Beach. There are several areas that are surf-ready, but the most popular is called "The Washout.'' The Washout is an area at the northeast end of the island that was formed by Hurricane Hugo. The majority of the waves are from groundswells, but the wind produces plenty of rolling waves as well.
There are numerous vacation rental options in the area. Rental rates vary based on the owner of the property and the size of the property being rented. Rental properties have between 2 and 5 bedrooms.
There are several associations and clubs in the area, including the Civic Club and the Senior Citizens Club. The former meets about five times annually and undertakes projects for Folly Beach, such as planting palm trees. Additional information about the Civic Club can be obtained by calling 843-588-2447. The Senior Citizens Club meets on the first Thursday of every month. Interested parties can call 843-588-9580 for more information about the Senior Citizens Club.
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