CULTURAL ADVENTURES & EDUCATION
Learn & Have Fun at the Same Time!
Folly Beach is an amazing place to vacation, but it’s also full of educational activities that are fun for the whole family! An abundance of eco-education, history, science & technology tours and activities are available on Folly Beach as well as within the surrounding area. We’re just 9 miles from the cultural center of Downtown Charleston. Browse through some ideas below.
Eco-Education
Folly Boat Eco-Tours
Choose your adventure! Take a boat tour to learn about the ecosystem, go on a crabbing expedition, or enjoy a sunset cruise with some local dolphins. Cruise the river and marshes that are home to many indigenous and endangered species. The eco-tours on Folly Beach will make you appreciate why we protect our wildlife so passionately.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Rich in natural, cultural, and historical resources, Caw Caw Interpretive Center was once part of several rice plantations and home to enslaved Africans who applied their technology and skills in agriculture to carve the series of rice fields out of cypress swamps. Get up close and personal with wildlife and enjoy exhibits and trails through the wetlands.
Museums
The Hunley Museum
In 1864, the H. L. Hunley became the first successful combat submarine in world history with the sinking of the USS Housatonic. After completing her mission, she mysteriously vanished and remained lost at sea for over a century. She was discovered in 1995 and raised in 2000. See the vessel and learn her history.
The Charleston Museum
Founded in 1773, The Charleston Museum, America’s First Museum, has been discovering, preserving, interpreting, celebrating, and sharing ever since. Our collections, exhibitions, educational programs, and events are designed to inspire curiosity and conversation about the SC Lowcountry and the stories that make us who we are.
History & Historical Sites
McLeod Plantation Museum
This 37-acre plantation serves as a Gullah & Geechee heritage site. Tours of McLeod educate visitors on the lives of slaves owned by middle-class farmers, standing in contrast to the lavish plantations throughout the south. It is a living tribute to the men and women and their descendants that persevered in their efforts to achieve freedom, equality, and justice
Gullah Geechee Tours
The Gullah Geechee people of the Lowcountry are descendants of Africans who were enslaved on rice, indigo, and cotton plantations along the South Carolina coast. Learn about the Gullah history and culture that permeates the Charleston experience from the food to the sweetgrass masterpieces they whip together in minutes.
Charles Towne Landing
Where a group of English settlers landed in 1670 and established what would become the birthplace of the Carolina colony, Charles Towne Landing introduces visitors to the earliest colonial history of Charleston. Interact with hands-on exhibits, talk to knowledgeable staff members, and take an audio tour on the self-guided history trail.
Middleton Place Historic Landmark & Gardens
The historic preservation work and interpretation of history at Middleton Place focuses on major contributions of the Middleton family as well as the enslaved Africans and African Americans who lived and worked here. Tour the house museum, the gardens, working stableyards, and more.
Burn off Some Energy
Parks Throughout Folly Beach
When the school work is done, get out into nature and burn off some of the pent up energy from the day. Folly Beach has parks all over the island. From tennis and basketball to fishing and crabbing, your family can enjoy nature and make some great memories. Click the buttons below to learn more about some of our parks.
Rent Bikes to Tour the Island
Mornings, afternoons, and evenings are all the perfect time to tour the island on bikes. Rent bikes or beach cruisers for the family and cruise around at your own speed. With 12 square miles of magnificent beach and riverfront, you’ll enjoy the scenery and wildlife while you get some exercise.
Peaceful & Beautiful
This was my families first time at the ocean and I will never forget the look of joy on my youngest daughter’s face the moment the waves first came up on her feet. The beach was not over crowded, was clean, and was great for relaxing, swimming, and collecting seashells. There is a long pier for fishing off of and it is a beautiful sight at night. The town atmosphere was a nice mix between relaxing and having a good time and can work for the over 21 crowd as well as for families with small kids. There are plenty of great food stops and cute shops.
Fantastic & Peaceful
This beach is very relaxing and a great place to chill out. We saw several dolphins and enjoyed walking on the fishing pier. I would consider staying on the beach here next time we are in Charleston instead of downtown.
Cute, Calm & Peaceful
First time visitor to Folly Beach–loved it! Quiet and peaceful with many trees left on island.
What’s New?
Latest Blogs
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Folly Beach, South Carolina, has earned a notable distinction in Southern Living's [...]
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Folly Beach is registered with the United Nations as one of the World’s Coastal Communities, [...]
After being closed since October 19, 2020, the newly reconstructed Folly Beach Pier is finally [...]
Toby the Turtle is proud to announce the Shaka Surf School as May's Litter Buster [...]
Folly Beach locals and visitors kicked off Earth Month together in true Folly form with Toby the Turtle's Earth Month Island-Wide Spring Litter Sweep on Sunday, April 2nd! Hosted by the Folly Association of Business (FAB) Litter Committee and the South Carolina Aquarium, 174 volunteers gave their time and effort to help collect litter debris across our island and were rewarded for their hard work, of course.
From the gnarly waves that bring surfers from all over, to the warm Southern hospitality [...]
The highly anticipated and widely beloved Taste of Folly Festival was hosted with the Taste of Folly Cocktail Competition on Friday, January 13th and the "Savory Saturday" street closure event on Saturday, January 14th this year.
If you have ever taken a stroll down Folly Beach during the holiday season, you probably came across a Christmas Tree at the 2nd Street Beach Access and you may have wondered who put it there. The answer is a lovely couple named Vanessa & John Oltmann.
Thank You to Everyone Who Participated in Toby's Spooktacular Sweep on Sunday, October 30th!
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The World Ocean Day Coastal Cleanup on Folly Beach was a major success! This event [...]
This past week was a huge success as many spectators gathered on Folly Beach to [...]
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Folly Beach is full of fun and exciting adventures from one end of the island to the other. Whether you're here to enjoy our delicious cuisine, shop our boutiques, or relax on our sandy beach, Folly has the perfect activities for you and your group.
The Morris Island Lighthouse is a majestic historic landmark on the East end of Folly [...]
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The end of the year is coming up quickly; make your Folly Beach New Year's plans now!
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Dance The Night Away With DJ The Furm at Folly River Park!
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Folly Beach welcomes visitors of all over!! But we ask that you to do one thing while you're here...
Help us keep our beaches safe and clean by picking up after yourself and others
Little Buster of the Month of May - CAROLINA ONE VACATION RENTALS
Folly Beach Named #1 Best Beach on the East Coast by Yahoo! PureWow
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Loggerhead Nesting Season runs from May 1 - October 31 --- that means LIGHTS OUT ON THE BEACH!
One of the lesser-known but truly magical landmarks on Folly is called The Folly Wish Tree.
Come out to Folly Beach this Saturday, November 21st from 11:00am to 4:00pm for the FollyDay Market Hop!
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Eco-friendly cigarette disposal just got easier! Folly Beach is proud to be working in partnership with the Charleston chapter of the Surfrider Foundation on their campaign, Hold On To Your Butt! Join us in protecting the place we love by properly disposing of your cigarette buds
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Our friends at Warrior Surf Foundation have announced their 4th Annual Surfboard Auction! Click to read more & place your bid!
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Featuring resident, Vanessa Oltman, and following her story on how a small act of kindness can ignite a change! A huge thank you to Vanessa and everyone for keeping our beaches clean during these times! We are eternally grateful... and we know our wildlife is too!
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The hit new Netflix series, “Outer Banks” has everyone currently glued to their television during quarantine. But did you know it was filmed right here on Folly Beach?!
We are so happy to announce that after weeks of being closed, Folly Beach is [...]
The official "Earth Day" only comes once a year, but we need to be conscious of our environment every day of the year! Celebrate with us on Folly Beach!
Many businesses and tourist hotspots in the Charleston area are offering relaxing experiences, indulging art interactions and other adventures online! Follow along with us from home!
Looking for a nearshore fishing charter? Click to read about what Captain Kevin Blair has in store!
Best Cheap Eat in South Carolina! Click to read more about Jacks of Cup Saloon!
Southern Living Names Surf Bar Top 10 Southern Dive Bar
Here includes the information you need regarding pet-friendly beach and restaurant locations in Folly.
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The Best Time on Folly Beach - Happy Hour
Check This List Before Your Perfect Beach Day
Click to vote for Folly Current's Folly's Favorite Things Survey
Fourth of July on Folly Beach
Travel Bloggers Lillie Marshall and Roni Clark visit Folly Beach https://youtu.be/5GMrYPB_JWs
Folly Beach is an island treasure that Charleston locals love. We decidedto share the love [...]
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Whether you’re just visiting Folly Beach or happen to be a local, we've come up with the perfect Folly Beach Holiday Shopping Guide to help you cross everyone off your shopping list this year!
There are many things that make Folly Beach special and the Warrior Surf Foundation is one of them.
8th Annual SUPer Scary SUP Race
A “proper” Irish pub was always the vision of Irish owner John Teevan, when he [...]
The Seashore Farmers' Lodge, located in the Sol Legare community on James Island has recently been restored as a cultural museum that is also open to the public.
Mosquito Beach is a historic beach located in the Sol Legare community of James Island
The historic McLeod Plantation has started a cultivation project with Sea Island Cotton (Gossypium barbadense), a species of cotton that played a major role in the advancement and enrichment of Charleston's early economy and history.
As summer comes to a close, we would like to take a minute to look [...]
Hurricane Hugo, the Lowcountry’s most infamous storm, at one point had Folly Beach in a [...]
"The Construction and Destruction of the Swamp Angel" by Paul Hedden
On Monday, August 21st, 2017 a total solar eclipse will trace across the country from [...]
Folly Beach has recently been named one of the "10 Best Little Surf Towns in America" by Coastal Living.
Charleston County Park and Recreation Comission
The perfect southern, summer night awaits you this summer season on Folly! Grab your shaggin’ [...]
"Daddy Meets Gershwin on Folly Beach in 1934" by Nancy Crosland Taylor
Blog By Greg Hlavaty My family visits Folly Beach each year in late May, partly [...]
Jimmy Buffett stayed with us on Folly and looks like he's in love.
Special memories are made on Folly Beach everyday and we’ve thought of a way to [...]
We are so excited to announce that Folly Beach was named the Best Destination and Best Hangout Beach in The Post and Courier 2016 Charleston Choice Awards.
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When you hear “the perfect beach day” you imagine sand castles, picnics, surfing, and family time. Folly has all of it!
Summertime is in the air and that means more free time! Whether you are vacationing, or just enjoying Folly for the day, we have you covered on some fun activities that all ages can enjoy and will not leave your pockets empty!
Relaxing on the beach is the one of the best ways to enjoy Folly Beach. But if you’re in the mood to explore, check out these 4 activities for some fun on the water!
Check out Episode 44 of This Should Be A Podcast featuring Folly resident and publisher of both West Of and The Folly Current newspaper!
We are so proud to announce that Folly Beach, South Carolina was recently named one [...]
Stay up to date with all things Folly Beach by downloading the free Visit Folly App on [...]
Mark your calendars for the Taste of Folly 2016! Come out and celebrate Folly’s wonderful [...]
Mark your calendars for the Taste of Folly 2016! Come out and celebrate Folly's wonderful [...]
AND that's a wrap! The 3rd Annual Bill Murray Look-a-Like Polar Plunge was a BLAST! [...]
Just a few steps from the beach, downtown Folly features an eclectic array of locally [...]
The sunsets on Folly Beach are legendary and we want to share some of our [...]
When looking for a little on-land adventure, try renting a bicycle and cruise the island. [...]
The sunsets on Folly Beach are legendary and we want to share some of our [...]
When the sun goes down, Center Street becomes a lively mix of beach-casual nightlife and [...]
Starting to plan your wedding? Folly Beach is the perfect setting for your special day! [...]
A Christmas Reminder: Don’t try to borrow any money from elves; They’re always a [...]
As the holiday season quickly approaches, we have lots of exciting events going on right [...]
Just a few steps from the beach, downtown Folly features an eclectic array of locally [...]
Join us on New Year's Eve on Folly Beach for our annual Flip Flop Drop! [...]
