BIRDING & WILDLIFE

Folly Beach is an Audubon Birding Hotspot!

Folly Beach is a dynamic place to bird! Both ends of our island have protected areas that allow opportunities for all nature enjoyers, including birders, to view our wildlife.

On the north end, you’ll find the Maritime Forest and Lighthouse Inlet. With 270* different species of birds, the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve is an important nesting habitat for coastal birds where you can view a variety of species, including the American Oystercatcher, the Willet, the Least Tern, and the Wilson’s Plover.

On the south end, you’ll find Charleston County Park, which has 212* species of birds, and a large Heritage Preserve island just off the coast called Bird Key. As you explore Folly Beach, watch for Spoonbills, White Pelicans, and so much more.

Come see for yourself why birders love Folly Beach … and don’t forget your binoculars!

*The number of species noted are according to eBird.org

Check out just a few of the birds you may see on Folly Beach:

American Oystercatcher

Wilson’s Plover

Least Tern

Willet

Willet

Spoonbill

Spoonbill

White Pelican

White Pelican

Red Bellied Woodpecker

Red Bellied Woodpecker

Caspian Tern

Caspian Tern

Osprey

Osprey

Red Tailed Hawk

Red Tailed Hawk

See Six Folly Beach Birding Hotspots Designated by e-Bird.com

Folly Beach Birding Hotspots

Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nesting Season is
May 1 – October 31
— that means
LIGHTS OUT ON THE BEACH!

Our beloved Loggerhead sea turtles are an endangered species, and they need our cooperation in order for even a few of the precious hatchlings to survive. Hatchling turtles travel toward the brightest light, which should be the moon. If they are disoriented by artificial light coming from homes or flashlights, they will travel in the wrong direction and never make it to the ocean.

  • No lights are allowed that illuminate the front beach between sundown and sunrise from May 1st to October 31st.

  • Do not disturb a nesting sea turtle and observe her only from a distance

  • Do not shine lights on a sea turtle or take flash photography
  • Fill in large holes dug on the beach at the end of the day, as both adult and baby turtles can get trapped

  • If you see any adult sea turtles or hatchings call 843-588-2433 to report your sighting

If you see a nest, please do not disturb it and ensure that your dogs are not allowed near it.

Thanks for helping us protect our Loggerhead turtles!

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.

TripAdvisor Review

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.

TripAdvisor Review

Cute, Calm & Peaceful

First time visitor to Folly Beach–loved it! Quiet and peaceful with many trees left on island.

TripAdvisor Review

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