Folly Beach Pier Folly Beach South Carolina
Iconic 1,045-ft fishing pier offering stunning ocean views, dolphin sightings, and vibrant sunsets. A must-visit for beach lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Folly Beach Pier Folly Beach South Carolina
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 1,045-ft fishing pier offering stunning ocean views, dolphin sightings, and vibrant sunsets. A must-visit for beach lovers.
"Legendary pier with beautiful sights, great for fishing and soaking in the Folly Beach vibes."
🚗 Early Bird Parking
Arrive by 9 AM for the best parking spots. All-day parking is $15. :car:
🎣 Fishing Fun
The pier is great for fishing! Bring your gear or rent it. Look for dolphins too! :fishing_pole:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Folly Beach Pier
The main attraction
A 1,045-foot iconic fishing pier offering stunning ocean views, people-watching, and a chance to spot dolphins.
Shark Tooth Hunting
Along the shoreline
Search for fossilized shark teeth, a popular and rewarding beachcombing activity for all ages.
Sunset Views
Oceanfront
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the Atlantic Ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Pier Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Early Bird Parking
Arrive by 9 AM for the best parking spots. All-day parking is $15. :car:
🎣 Fishing Fun
The pier is great for fishing! Bring your gear or rent it. Look for dolphins too! :fishing_pole:
☀️ Shade Seeker
The pier offers excellent shade underneath, perfect for escaping the midday sun. :umbrella:
🦷 Shark Tooth Treasure
Keep an eye out for shark teeth along the shoreline – a fun souvenir! :shell:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Early Bird Parking
Arrive by 9 AM for the best parking spots. All-day parking is $15. :car:
🎣 Fishing Fun
The pier is great for fishing! Bring your gear or rent it. Look for dolphins too! :fishing_pole:
☀️ Shade Seeker
The pier offers excellent shade underneath, perfect for escaping the midday sun. :umbrella:
🦷 Shark Tooth Treasure
Keep an eye out for shark teeth along the shoreline – a fun souvenir! :shell:
🌊 Watch for Wildlife
Dolphins are often spotted from the pier, and you might even see hammerhead sharks offshore. :dolphin:
🍽️ Pier Dining
The restaurant on the pier offers delicious food and ice-cold drinks with great views. :ice_cream:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Folly Beach Pier for its iconic status, beautiful ocean views, and family-friendly atmosphere. The pier offers great opportunities for fishing, sunset watching, and spotting dolphins. While some find the on-site dining to be average, the overall experience is highly rated for its relaxed vibe and scenic beauty.
"Get there early like 9am for a good parking spot $15 all day not bad. Super convenient to the beach. Really hot so used the pier for some great shade underneath, nice breeze, just a delightful time. Constant waves are really fun and lifeguards are active and on point keeping people safe. Up on the pier the restaurant is delicious and air conditioned with ice cold drinks. Great day!"
Michelle Allen
"Legendary pier. Will always be legendary. The food and bar is trash but the gift shop has some interesting stuff to look at. There's fishing tables with hoses, plenty of coverage from the sun, lunch tables at the end of the pier, occasionally a few dolphins can be sighted at the end of the pier. Recently the military has been flying cargo planes and choppers at the edge of the beach so you might get a good show. Lots of beautiful sights, if the sky is clear at night you might even see the star link satellite fly by which was a pretty insane experience. Be kind to the birds and they won't bother you. Also at night the roaches come out so stay away from the trash cans."
Neo Richards (Neo)
"Quiet the day we came. Only a few people out. Beach was clean and no problems. The have an area to wash down, change your clothes, clean restrooms, nice sitting spots close as well. Good for a family as well."
Shanda Borkes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Folly Beach Pier is located about a 20-30 minute drive from downtown Charleston, SC. You can drive yourself and find parking nearby, or consider ride-sharing services. Many visitors find driving to be the most convenient option. +1
Parking is available near the pier, with an all-day rate of $15. Arriving early, especially before 9 AM, is highly recommended to secure a good spot.
Public transportation options directly to Folly Beach Pier are limited. Driving or using ride-sharing services are the most common ways to reach the pier from Charleston.
Yes, you can rent bikes for the day and cycle to Folly Beach Pier. It's a great way to explore the area and enjoy the coastal scenery.
To avoid traffic, aim to visit Folly Beach Pier on weekdays or arrive very early in the morning, especially during peak season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Walking on the Folly Beach Pier is free for everyone. However, there is a fee if you plan to fish from the pier. 
The pier is generally open from early morning until late evening. Specific hours can vary, so it's best to check local listings or the official Folly Beach website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, a valid South Carolina fishing license is required to fish from Folly Beach Pier. Licenses can often be purchased at the pier's tackle shop or online.
Generally, you can bring beach chairs, towels, and fishing gear. Large coolers might be subject to inspection. Be mindful of local regulations regarding alcohol and glass containers.
Dogs are typically not allowed on the pier itself, but they are often permitted on Folly Beach during certain hours or seasons, usually on a leash. Always check local Folly Beach ordinances for the most current rules.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
You can walk the pier, fish, people-watch, enjoy the ocean breeze, spot dolphins, and take in the beautiful sunset views. The beach itself is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Yes, there are clean restrooms and shower facilities available near the pier, which are very convenient after a day at the beach.
Absolutely! Folly Beach Pier is family-friendly, with lifeguards on duty, clean facilities, and plenty of space for kids to play on the beach.
You might see dolphins swimming offshore, various seabirds, and if you're lucky, even hammerhead sharks.
The pier can get crowded, especially during peak season and on weekends. Visiting on a weekday morning or evening is recommended for a less crowded experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant and bar located on the pier, offering food and drinks with ocean views. Some visitors find the food to be delicious, while others have mixed reviews.
Besides the pier restaurant, Folly Beach has many dining options, including seafood spots, casual eateries, and bars. Pinky's Folly Beach and Rita's Seaside Grille are popular choices.
You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks to the beach area. However, be mindful of local regulations regarding alcohol and glass containers.
Yes, food trucks are often found in the Folly Beach area, offering a variety of quick and tasty meal options.
Folly Beach offers a range of cuisines, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood, Southern comfort food, and casual beachside dining. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The end of the pier offers panoramic ocean views, perfect for capturing sunsets and seascapes. The pier itself, with its structure, also makes for great photographic subjects.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Sunsets are particularly popular.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local Folly Beach ordinances. Always check current rules and be respectful of privacy before flying a drone.
Drones can capture stunning aerial views of the pier, the coastline, surfers, and the overall landscape of Folly Beach.
Look for opportunities to photograph dolphins, surfers catching waves, and the unique architecture of the pier. The Starlink satellite fly-bys at night have also been a unique sight.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for shark tooth hunting as a fun, educational activity for children. The pier's restaurant provides a convenient spot for a family meal with a view, and nearby ice cream shops offer sweet treats. The availability of restrooms and showers is also a major plus for families.
🎣 Anglers & Fishermen
Common catches include various species of fish found in the Atlantic. Keep an eye out for dolphins, which often swim near the pier, adding to the scenic fishing experience. Remember to check for South Carolina fishing license requirements before you go.
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
+1Don't miss the chance to photograph the vibrant Folly Beach sunsets, which are consistently praised for their beauty. You might also capture unique shots of surfers, wildlife like dolphins, or even military aircraft flying overhead.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Folly Beach Pier
+1At the end of the pier, you'll find a restaurant and bar, serving up refreshments and meals with a view. While some reviews praise the food and drinks, others suggest it's more about the experience than the culinary aspect. Adjacent to the pier, a gift shop offers souvenirs and beach essentials. The pier's structure itself, especially during sunrise and sunset, provides a dramatic backdrop for photography.
Beyond fishing and dining, the pier is a hub for people-watching and simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Folly Beach. It's a place where you can witness the power of hurricane swells, enjoy the company of seabirds, and even catch a glimpse of the Starlink satellite train at night. Remember to be respectful of the environment and wildlife, and you're sure to have a memorable visit.
Shark Tooth Hunting on Folly Beach
Many visitors describe the thrill of discovery as a highlight of their Folly Beach trip. It's a simple yet engaging activity that adds an element of treasure hunting to your beach day. While you might find smaller teeth easily, larger or rarer specimens are a true prize. Bring a small bucket or bag to collect your finds, and remember to check local regulations regarding collecting shells and fossils.
Shark tooth hunting is a fantastic way to connect with the natural history of the area and provides a unique, tangible souvenir from your visit. It's an activity that requires patience and a keen eye, but the reward of finding your own piece of prehistoric Folly Beach is well worth the effort.
Experiencing Folly Beach Sunsets
+1The vibrant colors that paint the sky – from fiery oranges and reds to soft pinks and purples – create a spectacular display. It's a moment of tranquility and natural beauty that many find incredibly healing and inspiring. The relaxed vibe of Folly Beach enhances the sunset experience, making it a perfect way to end a day.
Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just looking for a beautiful moment, Folly Beach sunsets are an unforgettable part of the Folly Beach experience. The pier provides a unique perspective, allowing you to be right in the middle of the stunning coastal panorama.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit