This Is South Carolina's Quirkiest Little Town

You can find beach towns all over the Atlantic coast, but few have such a vibrant art, festival, and culinary scene as Folly Beach. This town, now home to just over 2,000 residents, has all kinds of quirky attractions to discover, including a graffiti walk, an annual mermaid-themed festival, and a weekly art village. If you are looking to experience some of South Carolina’s most eccentric energy, you will find it here in Folly Beach.

Folly Beach History

Although Folly Beach’s history dates back to a 1696 land grant from King William III, the British largely ignored the area over the years, seeing little commercial value in it. The Bohicket tribe remained on the island for many years afterward, until a growing European population in the Charleston area eventually forced them out. In the years that followed, the island saw all kinds of visitors, many of whom were shipwreck survivors who ended up there by pure chance. After the Civil War, people began to recognize the island’s potential as a vacation spot near the city, leading to the construction of the famous pier, along with a boardwalk, amusement rides, and shops. Today, countless visitors flock to Folly Beach each year for a much-needed escape.

Folly Beach Pier

Some towns have a park or plaza where residents gather. Folly Beach, however, has a pier. The Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Fishing Pier, located just off Arctic Avenue, extends 1,049 feet into the ocean, is 25 feet wide, and stands 22 feet above sea level. Day to day, you’ll see people birdwatching and strolling along the pier. It is also a renowned landmark in the Charleston area for saltwater fishing. If you are in need of some fishing gear, you can find rod rentals and bait at the Gangplank Gift & Tackle Shop at the entrance to the pier.

Pier 101 Restaurant and Bar is also a popular place to grab a bite, a casual dining spot with sweeping views that serves seafood, sandwiches, and salads. Depending on the time of year, travelers might be able to attend a special event. From May through September, the pier comes to life for the monthly Moonlight Mixers. This regular series celebrates summer with a live DJ, dancing, and drinks, and attendees of all ages are welcome.

Art & Music Scene

A lot of Folly Beach’s quirky character is expressed through its local artists and musicians. Travelers in Folly Beach should make sure to stop by the Folly Art Village, a weekly artisan market with local crafters and vendors that sell jewelry, hats, backpacks, mugs, cookies, home decor, and much more. Also outdoors, travelers will find the Graffiti Walk, an ever-evolving open-air art gallery that features layers of murals, paint, and personal messages that reflect the artistic spirit of both residents and visitors.

For souvenirs and art you can take home with you, like beachy paintings, locally made woodwork designs, or shark-tooth jewelry, Folly Fossils N Art offers plenty to browse. If you are craving some local live music, there are several venues around town that host performances on a regular basis. Sand Dollar Social Club is a popular venue. This local roadhouse has been in business for over 40 years and offers live music on Fridays and Saturdays. You can even join the club for a dollar.

Annual Festivals

While Folly Beach celebrates the classic holidays like the Fourth of July and Christmas each year, it also hosts some pretty unbelievable festivals. Each October, for example, the town comes together for Mermaids & Mateys, a two-day festival that celebrates the sea. During the weekend, the town shuts down Center Street to motorized traffic, filling it instead with food, drink, fashion, and arts and crafts vendors. There is also live music on several stages, a kids' zone, and other family-friendly activities. On Sunday, the entertainment moves to the beach for an exciting sand sculpting contest. This townwide love for the sea returns again in February, during the annual Sea & Sand Festival. Running for 33 years, this festival is the oldest in Folly Beach, offering another weekend full of family-friendly fun, artisan markets, and competitions in the sand.

If you are feeling particularly courageous, consider visiting Folly Beach during the Bill Murray Polar Plunge in January! This event, which commemorates one of Charleston’s funniest and most beloved residents, takes place along the beach at the Tides Hotel and offers commemorative t-shirts, a costume contest, and a plunge into the chilly winter waters of the Atlantic to ring in the new year. Each attendee is encouraged to come dressed up as their favorite Bill Murray character.

Culinary Scene

Despite its small population, Folly Beach has an impressively diverse culinary scene. Rita's Seaside Grille has a classic beach bar vibe you would expect in a town like this, and Jack of Cups Saloon is a local favorite, established in 2014 and serving dishes that are largely inspired by Asian and Indian cuisine. A few of the dishes on the menu include Thai Meatballs, Chana Masala, Green Curry Mac, and Le Blanc Curry. There is also an extensive wine and beer list for those seeking a drink to unwind. If you are craving tacos, meanwhile, make sure to check out Chico Feo. This hot spot, which has been in the community since 2013, is family-owned and operated, serving tacos, sandwiches, and many Caribbean-inspired dishes. It also frequently hosts live music events in the evenings, so make sure to check out their calendar before your visit.

Final Thoughts

Folly Beach is no ordinary beach town. A vibrant art and music scene, unique festivals, and eclectic restaurants have helped shape a quirky destination that offers more than just sandy shores. The town’s pier also serves as an important place for community building and entertainment. So if you are ready to shake up your travel routine a bit this year, make sure to keep Folly Beach in mind.