Head to the Beach and the Fishing Pier
We provide beach gear so you can head to beach just a couple minutes away. A huge landmark on the beach is the Edwin S. Taylor fishing pier which extends 1,045 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a well-known fishing spot and you can fishing rods at the pier’s tackle shop. In summer, saltwater fishing tournaments are held regularly on the pier as well.
The current pier replaced one built in the 1930s, part of an elaborate boardwalk and waterfront pavilion developed along with a luxury oceanfront hotel. The hotel, pier and boardwalk was so popular that the city of Folly Beach says 15,000 people showed up to celebrate the 4th of July in 1937. Over time, the hotel and boardwalk fell into disrepair and the pier was burned down in 1979 in a suspected case of arson.
Debate went on for a decade on how best to replace the pier and plans were underway when Hurricane Hugo made landfall at nearby Sullivan’s Island in September 1989 devastating wide swaths of property. The current pier was completed in 1995.
Visit the Historic Morris Island Lighthouse
This deeply historic area is definitely worth taking in, either by walking out to it or perhaps preferably by boat tour as it’s a remarkable view from the water. A light has guarded this area since the days of British colonial rule and this is the third lighthouse to occupy this site. The current lighthouse, the tallest in South Carolina, was erected in 1876 to replace one that was demolished during the Civil War. Due to erosion, the lighthouse now sits on a tiny spit of land at high tide. In its shadow are graves of hundreds killed in the assault on Ft Wagner in 1863, the subject of the film, “Glory.” The lighthouse was decommissioned in the 1960s and has since been damaged by hurricanes, notably Hugo in the 1980s. Learn more at Save The Light, a restoration initiative.
Take a surfing lesson
6th Street E. / Check out their web site
Folly is hands down the surfing mecca of the South Carolina coast. Among surfers, it’s known for its washout and tendency for waves to break left, rather than the more traditional right break. Shaka Surf School is run by East Coast surfing champions who will teach you the basics in a one-day class. If you’re coming for a girls’ weekend, be sure to check them out as they devote every Saturday during the summer to helping women learn to surf. Part of the class includes a bit of board yoga, too.
Try some Beach Yoga at Folly River Park
Center Street / Get more info
A beautiful spot, often overlooked, this offers swinging benches, a boardwalk out to the river and even a physical parcourse. It’s a great place to go for a run, work out or even take an outdoor yoga class with Folly Beach Island Yoga. https://follybeachislandyoga.com
Go on a boat tour
3 Mariners Cay Drive / Check out their web site
Join native son Capt. Randy and Island Hopper Boat Charters
for a memorable time on the water. The family owned and operated charter company has been taking people out on the waters off Folly Beach since 1997. They offer trips out to Morris Island Lighthouse, shelling trips and sunset cruises and if it’s timed right, you’ll do all three.
Get free coffee (really) at Bert’s
202 E. Ashley Ave. / Check out their web site
Really, they have free coffee. But that’s not all. On their shelves, you will find a wide array of offerings, from conventional and organic groceries to household goods and beach supplies. They offer a nice selection of organic bulk goods, a gourmet cheese and olive bar, an all organic produce section and in-house butcher their meat. You’ll also find fishing supplies, musical needs such as guitar strings and drumsticks. After picking up your free coffee, peruse the aisles and maybe even grab one of their hot sandwiches to go.
Go sailing with Sail Folly
97 Center St. / Web site
Want to get out on the water, but you’d rather kick back with a cold beverage rather than paddle? Then come aboard Sail Folly’s 27-foot Stiletto catamarans. See pelicans, dolphins, and perhaps a stingray or two first-hand and up close. Trips depart from the Folly River Boat Landing at the base of the bridge leading onto Folly Beach. You can swim at a secluded beach or meander through low country creeks and explore nearby islands. Saily Folly’s captains are professional maritime guides with lots of cultural and historical knowledge to share about Folly and other nearby the barrier islands.
Go on an SUP safari
83 Center St. / get more info
Charleston SUP Safaris has been voted the Best Stand-Up Paddle company in Charleston for three years. Learn how to paddleboard with the experts on the beautiful Folly River as they guide you through the local ecosystem and wildlife. They offer Stand-Up Paddleboard eco-safari tours, river and surf lessons, rentals, SUP yoga, fitness, paddleboard sales, and summer camps. You can stop in their shop at 83 Center St.
Rent Some Fun: Bikes, Mopeds, Surfboards, SUPs, golf carts
You won’t need a golf cart at our properties since you can walk everywhere in Folly Beach central, but if you want to explore a bit more, feel free! We have space to park a golf cart or bikes. Remember, we supply beach gear (umbrellas, chairs, towels) so you won’t need to rent that.
- Folly Beach Advenuters, 109 E. Ashley / web site
Whether you’re after bikes, kayaks, surfboards or a golf cart, you’ll find it all at this one-stop shopping for fun on the beach rental needs. You can even reserve whatever you need online before your trip.
- Cool Breeze Bikes, 23 Center St / Web site
Cool Breeze Bikes offer beach-friendly aluminum-frame cruisers with fat tires for sandy terrain. They can size you to the right bike for your height and deliver them right to our place. Bikes go for $15 per day or $40 per week.
- Folly Beach Moped Rentals, 20 Center St. / Web site
They offer scooters, trikes and coupes-for-two by the hour, day or week. All vehicles are street legal with easy to use controls. A free training session is provided on site when you pick up your ride.
Go Shopping - Check out some of the great local shopping unique to Folly Beach.
- The Pineapple Hut
103 W. Erie Ave. / web site
Specializes in cold confections featuring Pineapple Dole whip, which previously you had to go to Disney or to the Dole Plantation in Hawaii to experience. Super cute gift shop.
- McKevlin’s Surf Shop
8 Center St. / web site
Arguably the best-known surf shop on Folly Beach, McKevlin’s has been serving the coastal surf community since 1965. They sell boards, rent boards, service boards and sell everything possibly connected to surfing, including gear, clothing, swimsuits, footwear and more. They’re dedicated to the needs of skateboarders, too.
- Ocean Surf Shop
31 Center St. / web site
Like McKevlin’s, this surf shop also sells, rents and services boards. They’ve been in business since 1985, so they know the area well. Great stop for beachwear, swim gear and more.
- Aqua Beach Store
17 Center Street / web site
Great stop for sunglasses, beach wear, footwear or souvenirs. Vist their web site for a coupon you can use in the store (as of this writing).