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.

Kayak/Paddleboard Tours

Take a guided kayak tour where you’ll relax and explore as you paddle through some of the most beautiful saltwater estuaries on the coast. Several companies on Folly offer guided excursions and eco-trips. Click the links below to learn more and schedule your lesson.

Surfing Lessons

Let the kids burn off some of their energy and have some fun while enjoying the beauty of the beach and majesty of the ocean. We have several excellent surfing schools available on Folly. Click the links below to learn more and schedule your lesson.

The SC Aquarium

Visit the South Carolina Aquarium in downtown Charleston; home to more than 5000 animals. You will learn about coastal sea life as well as many of South Carolina’s native animals and plants from the sea to the mountains.

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.

Angel Oak Tree Park

Thought to be one of the oldest living trees in the country, the Angel Oak is a southern live oak estimated to be at least 400-500 years old. Standing 66.5 feet tall and 28 feet wide this majestic tree, located on Johns Island, is a must-see.

The Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry is a non-profit organization whose mission is to engage young children’s potential by inviting families of all backgrounds to explore environments and experiences that spark imagination and stimulate curiosity through the power of PLAY.

N. Charleston Fire Museum

Tours and exhibits allow visitors a glimpse into the life of a firefighter along with the changes and advancements that have occurred in firefighting throughout time. Kids of all ages will love the interactive displays and hands-on equipment.

International African American Museum

Opened in 2023, the International African American Museum is a museum of African-American history in Charleston, South Carolina, on the site where Gadsden’s Wharf, the disembarkation point of up to 40% of all American enslaved persons, once stood.

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.

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.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Admission to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum includes access to three historic ships; the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, the destroyer USS Laffey, and the submarine USS Clamagore. Plus 28 historic aircraft, the three-acre Vietnam Experience, and more.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens opened its doors to visitors in 1870. Unlike most of America’s gardens, which are formal and seek to control nature, Magnolia cooperates with nature to create a tranquil landscape like Eden where humanity and nature are in harmony.

Tour Fort Sumter

The first battle of Fort Sumter began on April 12, 1861, when South Carolina Militia artillery fired on the Union Garrison. Take a 30-minute cruise to historic Fort Sumter where you will tour the fort and learn about the events that led to the outbreak of America’s bloodiest war.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours

Tour historic downtown Charleston in a horse-drawn carriage while you learn about the city’s rich history. View the antebellum homes, gardens, churches, and parks that make Charleston one of the most visited cities in the world.

Provost Dungeon

Completed in 1771, the Old Exchange Building is the site of some of the most important events in South Carolina history. During the American Revolution, British forces converted the bottom floor of the Exchange into a military prison where all prisoners endured its harsh confines.

Wild Blue Ropes
Adventure Park

Wild Blue Ropes is an adventure park dedicated to elevating FUN! Offering a variety of outdoor adventure courses for people of all ages and abilities, it’s a great physical and mental release and an excellent way to connect as a family.

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.