Why is Folly Beach called Folly?

Folly Island was named after its coastline, which was once densely packed with trees and undergrowth, as the Old English name for such an area was “Folly.” The first official document that mentions the island is a land grant from King William III to William Rivers that dates to September 9, 1696.



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Without constant policing, the island was a favorite of pirates and known for its shipwrecks, including the brig Amelia. Strategically located south of Charleston and close to Fort Sumter, Folly became a stronghold for Union soldiers during the Civil War.

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The sand will also appear darker at first, but will be eventually bleached by the sun. The darker color is due to moisture and organic content in the sand. There may also be drop-offs that you will notice at the high tide line.

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Beginning in the 1930s, the islands quickly began losing shoreline. In order to resolve the issue of the rapidly-eroding islands, the 1940s saw groins, or large rocks, placed within the waters of Folly Beach in an attempt to prevent further erosion.

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Folly Beach was named one of America's Top 25 Hippie Hideouts.

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The Folly Beach Monster is the nickname given to a globster that was found on Friday, March 22nd, 2012, on Folly Beach in South Carolina. Initially believed by locals to have been a sea monster, it was quickly discovered to be nothing more than the carcass of a rare fish.

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NO POSSESSION OR CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL ALLOWED ON BEACH. NO GLASS is allowed on the beach. NO PLASTIC BAGS, BALLOONS, OR STYROFOAM are allowed on the beach.

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For some reason... perhaps due to the current or possibly even the position of the island's coastline against the sea and incoming tides, Folly Beach catches loads of fossils. A simple walk along the shore can yield a number of finds if you know what to look for. ...a number of them!

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Swim in the designated area only. There is no swimming allowed within 200 feet of the pier, per Charleston County Parks rules.

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While visiting places like Folly Beach and Morris Island, as well as our other destinations, you are likely to find gorgeous shells, rocks, fossils, shark teeth, and maybe even sea glass!

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The water along Folly Beach went from brown to a brilliant blue. Some are comparing it to the waters along South Florida and the explanation is actually quite simple. According to a local geology professor, it's thanks in part to the $30-million renourishment project.

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And when the sun goes down, Center Street becomes a lively mix of beach-casual nightlife and rooftop dance clubs. Whether you need a beach front home for a large group or a romantic room for the two of you, Folly Beach is the perfect spot for vacations, reunions, beach weddings, or just a quick weekend get-away.

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All of the beaches on Folly Island are superb, but, arguably the Folly Beach County Park, at the island's west end, is perhaps the best with amenities like 2,500 feet of ocean frontage, picnic areas and boogie board, bicycle, umbrella and chair rentals available between Labor Day and Memorial Day.

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Not far from the hustle and bustle of historic Charleston, Folly Beach is a funky, laid-back beach town offering plenty of family fun.

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Teeth on Folly Beach range in size from that of a fingernail to the length of an adult finger. However, in some areas, much larger teeth can occasionally be found, such as that of the prehistoric Megalodon (whose name means “giant tooth”), an extinct shark that inhabited the oceans millions of years ago.

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CAMPING IS PROHIBITED within The City of Folly Beach's limits/jurisdiction including on the beach.

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At Folly Beach, visitors and locals alike find themselves in rip currents every year. They're dangerous and natural occurrences, and they get especially dangerous when oceanic storms are forming (but they exist all year long, so don't think a sunny day means there is no risk).

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