First Time at Folly Beach? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Sink Your Toes in the Sand

Published On: June 19, 2025

Planning your first trip to Folly Beach, South Carolina? You’re in for a treat. Folly is known for its easygoing vibe, natural beauty, and strong sense of community—but like any great beach town, there are a few things you’ll want to know before you kick back and relax. From parking to packing, here’s your quick guide to doing Folly Beach the right way.

🚗 Parking Tips: Read the Signs or Risk the Ticket

Parking in Folly Beach can be a little tricky, especially during peak season. The golden rule? Always read the signs. Pay close attention to whether you’re in a metered area or a paid lot, and avoid blocking driveways, fire hydrants, or beach access paths. The city enforces parking rules strictly—and tickets aren’t cheap.

Local tip: Download the Passport Parking app before you go. It makes paying at metered spots a breeze and lets you extend your time from your phone.

🧳 What to Pack for a Day at Folly

You don’t need a lot to enjoy a day on the sand, but a few smart items will make your beach day better:

Sunscreen – That salty breeze can fool you, but the sun is strong. Don’t skip it.
Water shoes – Helpful for rocky areas, tide pools, or long beach walks.
Beach chair & towel – Bring your own comfort zone.
Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated and help keep plastic off the beach.
A little cash – Some food stands and vendors are cash-only, especially on Center Street.

Optional but awesome: a Bluetooth speaker (just keep it low), a book, and snacks from Bert’s Market.

🏖️ Beach Rules You Should Know

Folly Beach is fun and welcoming—but it’s also deeply loved by locals who work hard to keep it clean and natural. Help out by following a few basic beach rules:

No glass on the beach (seriously—bare feet and glass don’t mix).
Don’t litter—there are trash and recycling bins at most beach access points.
No motorized vehicles on the sand.
Stay off the dunes—they protect the island from erosion, so please don’t walk, sit, or play on them.

Folly’s beach rules aren’t just about keeping the peace—they’re about protecting this beautiful barrier island for everyone.

Keep It Chill, Be Kind, and Go with the Flow

Folly Beach has its own rhythm—easygoing, a little funky, and full of friendly faces. So whether you’re parking your car, picking up seashells, or grabbing a shrimp taco from a local food stand, remember: keep it simple, be kind, and go with the flow.

You’ll fit right in.

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

First Time at Folly Beach? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Sink Your Toes in the Sand