Folly Beach County Park
A beautiful, family-friendly beach park with amenities, known for shark tooth hunting and scenic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Folly Beach County Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful, family-friendly beach park with amenities, known for shark tooth hunting and scenic views.
"Gorgeous beach, nice and clean, with convenient amenities and great for finding shark teeth!"
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive before 11 AM for the best chance.
💰 Consider a Gold Pass
If you're a Charleston resident, the Charleston County Parks Gold Pass offers great value for park access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sandy Shores
Main beach area
Miles of soft sand perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, and enjoying the ocean breeze.
Pelican Watch Pavilion
Near the main entrance
A picturesque spot for events, beach walks, and enjoying stunning ocean views.
Shark Tooth Hunting
Along the shoreline
Hunt for fossilized shark teeth and seashells, a popular activity for beachcombers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Beach Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive before 11 AM for the best chance.
💰 Consider a Gold Pass
If you're a Charleston resident, the Charleston County Parks Gold Pass offers great value for park access.
🐚 Hunt for Shark Teeth
Bring a bucket and search the shoreline for fossilized shark teeth – a fun treasure hunt!
🐢 Respect Turtle Nests
Be mindful of marked-off sea turtle nests and do not disturb them.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive before 11 AM for the best chance.
💰 Consider a Gold Pass
If you're a Charleston resident, the Charleston County Parks Gold Pass offers great value for park access.
🐚 Hunt for Shark Teeth
Bring a bucket and search the shoreline for fossilized shark teeth – a fun treasure hunt!
🐢 Respect Turtle Nests
Be mindful of marked-off sea turtle nests and do not disturb them.
🚿 Rinse Off Stations
Convenient rinse-off stations are available to wash off sand before heading back to your car.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise Folly Beach County Park for its beautiful, clean beach and convenient amenities like restrooms and showers. Many enjoy activities like shark tooth hunting and the family-friendly atmosphere. However, some have expressed frustration with parking fees and availability, and occasional issues with beach cleanliness have been noted.
"I fished off the Folly Beach pier and had an absolute blast! It's beautiful. For $4 you can't go wrong. They have a nice bar outside just before you enter the pier as well as a nice restaurant just in front of the bar which you can dine inside or out. There's a well stocked tackle shop where you can rent a rod. Impressive please which I will definitely frequent again and again!"
Michael DeStories
"We went to Folly beach for a day trip on a Friday. The entrance fee is per car $15 M-F and $25 on the weekends during the summer. We arrived after 11 am and there were only a couple of parking spots left. So make sure to come in early. They have plenty of changing rooms and a rinse off station. The proximity to the beach from the parking is very close. There were lifeguards at the beach which is very nice. If you want less crowded space you would need to walk further away but then you are swimming on your own risk. There were a couple of turtle nests down the beach, they were fenced off and had a sign saying that they should not be disturbed. We also saw a dolphin playing in the waves which made my day!"
Olga Gloria Sundy
"It was a very beautiful day, I had an amazing walk on the beach. The water was warm. A bit contaminated with used band-aids. Only to return to my vehicle and see a $60 ticket on my window🤬😮💨 okay cool! Don't think I'll be back!"
M.R. Wyman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Folly Beach County Park is located at 1100 W Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC. It's accessible by car, and parking is available on-site for a fee.
The park offers paid parking, with fees varying by day and season. Arriving early is recommended as spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Some visitors have found small, free public lots between beachfront houses by driving down the same street as the park, offering boardwalk access.
Public transportation options to Folly Beach County Park are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access the park.
The address is 1100 W Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC. This is also the primary location for parking and park amenities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is per car, typically $15 on weekdays and $25 on weekends during the summer season. Prices may vary.
Park hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Charleston County Parks website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Tickets are typically purchased upon arrival at the park entrance. Advance booking is generally not required, but arriving early is advised due to limited parking.
Yes, the Charleston County Parks Gold Pass offers annual access to all county parks, which can be a great value for local residents or frequent visitors.
While fishing is popular off the Folly Beach Pier (separate from the county park), fishing within the county park itself may have specific regulations. Check local rules.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
The park offers restrooms, family changing stations, outdoor showers, a snack bar, picnic tables, pavilions, grills, and a playground.
Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty during the swimming season, providing an added layer of safety for beachgoers.
Absolutely! With a playground, shallow areas for wading, and lifeguards, it's a great spot for family beach days.
While the beach itself is open, the park has picnic pavilions that offer shade. Bringing your own umbrella or shade tent is also recommended.
The Folly Beach Wishing Tree is a landmark near the county park, adorned with shells and offerings where visitors can make wishes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a snack bar available at the park. Visitors also mention concession stands with items like milkshakes and pretzels.
Picnic tables and pavilions are available, making it a great spot for a family picnic. Grills are also provided.
Yes, there are restaurants located near the park, including options on or near the Folly Beach Pier, offering dining with ocean views.
The snack bar typically offers beach-friendly fare like snacks, drinks, and light meals. Specific offerings can vary.
Bringing your own food and drinks in a cooler is a cost-effective option, especially for families. The snack bar and nearby restaurants offer convenience.
📸 📸 Photography
The Pelican Watch Pavilion offers great views, and the beach itself provides beautiful backdrops, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Late afternoon and early evening offer beautiful golden hour light for photography. Sunrises can also be stunning over the ocean.
Look for the Folly Beach Wishing Tree for a unique shot, and keep an eye out for sea turtles or dolphins for memorable wildlife photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting like dolphins.
Sea turtle releases are special events, and photography is usually permitted. Check with the South Carolina Aquarium for specific guidelines during releases.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, or utilize the on-site snack bar. Remember to bring beach toys and consider an umbrella for shade, as the sun can be intense. 💰 Budget Travelers
💍 Couples and Special Occasions
Enjoy a leisurely beach walk, hunt for unique shark teeth together, or simply relax by the ocean. The park provides a beautiful backdrop for creating lasting memories.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Beachcombing and Wildlife
Keep an eye out for sea turtles! The park is a nesting ground for these endangered creatures. Marked-off areas indicate nests, and it's crucial to respect these zones and not disturb them. Occasionally, you might even witness a sea turtle release event hosted by organizations like the South Carolina Aquarium, a truly special experience.
+1 Dolphins have also been spotted playing in the waves, adding to the park's natural appeal. Park Amenities and Accessibility
For those planning a longer stay or a family outing, picnic tables and pavilions are available, along with grills for barbecues. A playground ensures that younger visitors have plenty of entertainment. The park also prioritizes safety with seasonal lifeguards on duty, providing peace of mind for swimmers. The proximity of the parking to the beach is also a significant advantage, making it easier to transport gear. While the main beach area can get busy, walking further down the shore can offer more secluded spots.
Events and Activities
The park has also been a location for unique activities, such as the Super Scary SUP Race, a Halloween-themed stand-up paddleboard event. Community and religious groups also utilize the park for gatherings, like the 'Elevate' event mentioned by campus ministries, which includes food and fellowship.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit