Our Favorite Family-Friendly Folly Beach, SC Activities
Planning a trip to Folly Beach with kids? Discover our favorite family-friendly things to do, places to eat, and tips to make your visit fun, easy, and full of sweet memories.
Tucked along the South Carolina coast, Folly Beach has quickly become one of our family’s favorite spots. It’s the kind of place where dolphins play in the surf, sea turtles nest in the sand, and time seems to slow down.
With its relaxed vibe, beautiful views, and plenty of kid-friendly things to do, it’s the perfect backdrop for making sweet family memories.
Whether you’re seeking some sun-soaked days by the shoreline, maybe an exciting outdoor adventure, or delicious dining experiences, this charming beach town truly has something for everyone.
In this post, I’m sharing our favorite family-friendly things to do in Folly Beach, straight from our own trips with kids in tow.
From sandy toes to dolphin sightings, these are the spots and activities that made our visit extra special.
If you’re planning a trip with little ones, I hope this gives you some inspiration (and saves you a little guesswork) so you can soak up every sweet moment.
Folly Beach, SC
Folly Beach holds a special place in my heart because it’s where my husband proposed. If it weren’t for him, I probably would have never known it existed.
This quaint little beach town is located right outside Charleston, SC.
Folly Beach is the perfect small beach town for your next family vacation if you’re seeking a slower-paced vibe.
Over the years, we’ve enjoyed Folly Beach as a couple before kids and as a family. We’ve experienced it all, from quiet mornings to full-on family adventures, and we’re excited to share some of our favorite activities to help make your family trip just as fun and memorable.
Why We Love Folly Beach
Unlike most commercial beach towns, Folly still holds onto that small-town charm that’s getting harder to find. It’s laid-back, a little quirky, and just feels real.
One of our favorite spots is the Lighthouse Inlet, there’s something about walking the quiet path and watching the waves roll in that never gets old.
We love the slower pace of life here. Mornings start with breakfast at Lost Dog Café, and then we’re off to explore, sometimes on foot, sometimes by golf cart, always at our own pace.
No fast food lines, no rush. Just sunshine, salty air, and the kind of family memories you don’t forget.
Things To Do
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
One of my favorite places on Folly Beach is the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, located at W Ashley Ave, at the northeastern tip of the Beach.
This is the perfect spot to stroll along the beach and view the Moriss Island Lighthouse. It is open from sunrise to sunset.
When you arrive at the preserve, the beginning of the path is covered with vibrant graffiti and a few photo options. Our kids loved this path and thought the graffiti was really neat.
It’s important to note that there are no restrooms, parking is limited, and dogs are not allowed.
Playgrounds
- Wave Watch Playground 500 W Cooper Street
- Folly River Park 58 Center Street
- Pirates Cove Playground 510 E. Erie
Folly Beach has several playgrounds for the kids to play and explore. Our favorite one to visit is Pirates Cove.
The kids loved the themed playground, and we spent many evenings here catching the sunset while the kids played until their hearts were content.
Search for Shark Teeth
If you’re a shark enthusiast like I am, be sure to walk the shoreline in search of shark teeth.
My oldest and I loved strolling the sandy beach, eyes peeled for anything that resembled a tooth. On every trip, we were lucky enough to find a few, plus a beautiful mix of seashells along the way.
Go Crabbing
Another family adventure at Folly Beach is going crabbing!
It’s a fun (and slightly chaotic) way to spend an evening together.
Bring a few nets, buckets, and some bait, then head to one of the docks or shallow spots as the sun starts to set.
The kids get so excited with every little splash, and even if you don’t catch much, it’s all about the experience, the laughter, the teamwork, and the memories made by the water.
Go Fishing
Fishing is a classic Folly Beach activity that the whole family can enjoy.
Whether you’re casting from the shore, a dock, or the pier, it’s a relaxing way to spend time together.
The kids love the anticipation of catching something, and even if the fish aren’t biting, it’s a fun and laid-back way to connect and enjoy the beautiful coastal surroundings.
Walk the Pier
A walk on the pier at Folly Beach is a must during any visit. It’s the perfect spot to take in the ocean views, watch the waves roll in, and maybe even spot a dolphin or two.
Whether you’re there for sunrise, sunset, or just a breezy afternoon stroll, the pier offers a peaceful break and a beautiful perspective of the beach.
Place To Eat
Bert’s Market
If you stay in Folly Beach, you’ll want to know about Bert’s Market. It’s the only grocery store on Folly Beach. I’ve made many trips to Bert’s to grab things for dinner and even some sweet treats for the kids.
Bowen’s Island
Some of the best views for dinner are found at Bowen’s Island, nested along the marshes. Bowen’s Island also holds a special place in my heart because after getting engaged, we went to Bowen’s Island to celebrate with my husband’s family.
Chico Feo
Although my husband picked this, it turned out to be a really fun find! They have a mix of Vietnamese-inspired dishes, from tacos to burgers. Chico Feo has outdoor seating with music, and you can grab a beer while you’re there, too.
Woody’s Pizza
If you’re looking for pizza and ask around, everyone will recommend Woody’s, and I can confirm that their pizza is delicious.
On our first night at Folly, we usually grab Woody’s Pizza for an easy family dinner option. If you choose to dine in, they even have a few little arcade games to play!
Lost Dog Cafe
This is a personal favorite of mine. I love grabbing breakfast and brunch from Lost Dog and a coffee, too! The best part is that you can bring along your furry friend. While you eat, you can browse all the pictures of dogs that have visited, too. It’s seriously the cutest.
Taco Boy
My husband always raves about Taco Boy and it seems to be quite popular because there is always a long wait.
I’ll never forget our first time at Taco Boy on New Year’s, even while waiting for the “Sandal” drop. The food is delicious, and the vibe is great.
Loggerhead’s Beach Grill
Another popular spot is Loggerhead’s beach grill.
I absolutely love getting their shrimp, but you really can’t go wrong.
During peak tourist times, there will be long wait times, but you can also call ahead for takeout.
Places We’ve Heard Great Things About
While we haven’t made it to these spots just yet, they’ve come highly recommended by family and locals, so they’re definitely on our list for next time!
- Low Life
- Folly Beach Crab Shack
- Jack of Cups Saloon
- Snapper Jack’s
Things To Do Nearby
Angel Oak Tree
We took a short drive to the Angel Oak Tree, and it was so worth it. The kids were amazed by how massive it was, like something out of a fairy tale.
It’s an easy stop with plenty of shade and a great spot to let little legs run around while soaking in the beauty.
It was easily accessible with our wagon.
One thing to note, especially if you have little climbers like us, is that you’re not allowed to climb the tree. This was a bit tough for our kids since they love climbing, but we talked about how special and old the tree is and why it needs to be protected.
Tips for Visiting Folly Beach with Kids
- Parking Tips: Although street parking is avaiable, mke sure you’re reading the signs. There are some areas that require a fee and usually you download thier app to you phone and pay once you arrive.
- Beach Timing: You can go to the beach at anytime but I suggest going early or late afternoon. Parking fills up and th beach can get busy midday. My favorite time to be at the beach is after naptime because it seems to be less busy.
- Bring Baby Wipes: These work great for wiping sandy (or sticky) hands off.
- Golf Cart: This isn’t a requirement but to full enjoy Folly, try to stay at a place that has a gold cart. The kids loved riding in the golf cart and it makes for fun and easy trips to the beach or just for an afternoon drive.
- Plan Ahead with Groceries: Since there’s only one smaller greocery store in Folly, I suggest planning ahead if you’ll be doing any cooking. I try to make a meal plan at the beginng of the week and then driving out to Harris Teeter to grab everything we needed for the week. Bert’s Market is great on the island but they may not have everthing you need.
Commonly Asked Question
Are there any local grocery stores?
If you are shopping for groceries, you can head over to Bert’s Market to grab your essentials. If you’re looking for a larger grocery store, you’ll need to head back to Folly Road to get to Harris Teeter located at 1985 Folly Road.
Is parking free?
There are both free and paid parking options on Folly Beach depending where you are. If you are parking along the street make sure you have all four tires in the sand and off the road.
Is there public beach access?
Yes, there are several locations with public beech access along Folly’s oceanfront. The two main points are at the Folly Beach Pier and at the corner of W. 3rd Street and W. Arctic Ave.
Both of these locations have public bathrooms and outdoor showers.
Are there hotels at Folly Beach?
Folly Beach is full of vacation rentals but you’ll only find one hotel, which is the Tides Folly Beach. It’s located on the oceanfront in the middle of the island.
A Special Spot for Family Memories
Visiting Folly Beach with kids is always such a joy, laid-back, easygoing, and full of charm.
It’s the kind of place where barefoot mornings and sandy smiles come naturally.
This little beach town holds a special place in our hearts, and every time we visit, it feels a bit like coming home.
If you’re looking for somewhere family-friendly with a small-town vibe and plenty of simple magic, Folly is it.
For more on motherhood, cozy recipes, family-friendly travel, homemaking tips, and seasonal inspiration, you can find me over on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube. I’d love to have you along!
Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of the beach, I hope this guide helps make your time at Folly feel a little more magical.
