8 Best Restaurants & Things to Do in Folly Beach
Just a short 15-20 minute drive from downtown Charleston, the captivating barrier island of Folly Beach is a true jewel of the South. Folly Beach creates an atmosphere where every visitor can feel right at home. Famous for its expansive sandy beaches, picturesque views, and being a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, the island is a cherished retreat for those seeking to escape the demands of daily life.
The best way to explore the island is to have a local team behind you to guide you along the way! Charleston Coast Vacations by Dunes Properties takes just as much pride in their hospitality as they do their incredible Folly Beach vacation rentals. With our local partner, you’ll not only find the ideal home away from home, but you’ll also gain insider knowledge on the best beaches, kid-friendly restaurants, and fun activities in Folly Beach with a true local expert.
As Charleston Coast Vacations by Dunes Properties can explain more in-depth, Folly Beach has so much more to offer than meets the eye. As a landmark for rich history, epic outdoor adventures, and flavorful dining experiences, Folly Beach is an island where every moment becomes a cherished memory.
To give you a sneak peek of what you will experience during your on-of-a-kind getaway, these are the top restaurants and things to do in Folly Beach:
Tasty Stops
Food has always been a vital part of Southern culture, and Folly Beach falls right in line with that belief. Good food will always equal a great day, especially in a place as idyllic as Folly Beach. Focused on fresh flavors, seafood is undoubtedly the star of the Folly Beach culinary scene, showcasing locally sourced catches. However, this island knows flavor regardless of the food category.
These four eateries exemplify that skill and are the best restaurants in Folly Beach! Stop in for a bite or two during your perfect South Carolina vacation.
The Crab Shack
26 Center St, Folly Beach, SC 29439
With seafood restaurants being at the forefront of Folly Beach delicacy, you can expect to experience culture and flavor when you visit The Crab Shack! This delicious restaurant is located in the heart of the Folly Beach business district, across the street from City Hall. Proclaimed as “the gathering spot” for the past 20 years, The Crab Shack has earned the moniker of the best seafood restaurant in both Folly Beach and Charleston.
This can partly be attributed to their dedication to providing larger portions at reasonable prices, their cozy outdoor deck, and remarkable raw bar. Since this spot is first come first serve, be sure to add it to the top of your list for places to visit in Folly Beach.
Taco Boy
106 E Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439
Founded in 2006, Taco Boy set out to introduce Mexican-inspired flavors to South Carolina’s lowcountry, creating a welcoming, lively, and uplifting space where the entire community could come together. Taco Boy and their founder, Karalee Nielsen Fallert, exemplifies this in more than just the high quality of their food, having also donated over $250,000 to the Green Heart Project in Charleston. Taco Boy dedicates themselves to providing a nurturing space where you can experience delicious food and a great time.
Visitors will love their frequent in-house events and discounts for first-responders and veterans. Book your reservation in advance and prepare for the experience of a lifetime in the colorful Folly Beach gem!
Lost Dog Cafe
106 W Huron Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439
Named after the owner's dog, Hocus, who had a knack for disappearing, the Lost Dog Cafe takes pride in being a welcoming spot where locals, tourists, and everyone in between can gather, chat, and enjoy a delicious bagel sandwich. Originally a downtown restaurant, Lost Dog Cafe has expanded, causing them to move locations to a space where their ever-growing dog wall of fame can continue!
This breakfast cafe is a great place to stop in and fuel up for the day’s activities, enjoy a nice cup of joe, or just enjoy some pictures of cute pups. Bring your own dog along for a space every member of the family can enjoy! Lost Dog Cafe is Folly Beach’s biscuit and gravy, a restaurant you don't want to miss.
Rita’s Seaside Grill
2 Center St, Folly Beach, SC 29439
Just steps from the Folly Beach Pier, Rita’s Seaside Grill is a local scratch cuisine that provides a truly one-of-a-kind beach bar atmosphere. Founded and run by the Hall family of the Hall Management group, they have taken their long legacy of creating inviting spaces where the community can gather and thrive. At Rita’s you will find various events happening often to enhance guests' experiences and bring people together, even going as far as offering a puppy menu for the four-legged family members!
Visitors can also take advantage of dining rewards through the “Hall Pass”, which gives patrons discounts when they visit any Hall management group restaurant. At Rita’s Seaside Grill, you can never go wrong because a great time is a guarantee.
Must-See Adventures
Folly Beach is a popular destination for those looking to get outside and reconnect with nature. Visitors can partake in a variety of water sports, relaxing beach activities, and even stop by a few historical sites. The appeal of Folly Beach lies in the opportunities that visitors have to explore and experience something new in a safe and welcoming space.
Enjoy the beachside atmosphere, artsy shops, and colorful murals, as well as the surfing, kayaking, and beachcombing. These four adventures are only the beginning of what Folly Beach has to offer.
Folly Beach Pier + County Park
Folly Beach Pier and Folly Beach County Park are two of the island's main points of interest for both visitors and locals alike. The Folly Beach County Park has a plethora of amenities available such as boardwalks, seasonal lifeguards, beach gear rentals, dressing areas, restrooms, outdoor shoes, picnic areas, and snack bars. Beachgoers of all walks of life will find Folly Beach County Park to be a place of serenity for every member of the family, including those with four legs!
Although parking fees are applicable, the Folly Beach County Park is a wonderful and affordable way to enjoy the ambiance of Folly Beach.
Much like the Folly Beach County Park, the Folly Beach Pier is a lowcountry landmark, holding the trophy as one of the best places for saltwater fishing in all of Charleston. Located just off Center Street, Folly Beach Pier brings everyone in the community together through their shops, restaurants, and moonlight mixers. Locals and tourists alike can fall in love with the majestic sights and frequent events that can be experienced at Folly Beach Pier, a space where the island truly comes alive.
Morris Island Lighthouse
Standing at the entrance of the Charleston harbor, The Morris Island Lighthouse is one the most iconic landmarks in all of Folly Beach, with an extensive history to match. Built in 1876, the lighthouse serves as a reminder of the area’s long maritime history, offering a glimpse into a past where the lighthouse was the sole light guiding sailors along to shore.
Today, the lighthouse can be viewed from shore or by boat, with various tours and private excursions being offered to those who are interested in learning more. To find which tour fits your needs best, reach out to Charleston Coast Vacations by Dunes Properties so they can point you in the right direction just as the lighthouse once did.
Kayaking Folly River
As part of the Stono River Watershed, Folly River serves as a piece of its network of waterways including Folly Creek, Cole Creek, Cutoff Reach, and a few others. The calm waters of the river serve for a kayaking trip unlike any other, with views that will simply take your breath away! Expect to be surrounded by fertile marshlands and lively wildlife, you may even spot dolphins, herons, and egrets as you glide along.
The Folly River is calm enough for beginners, but also thrilling enough for those with more experience, offering a tranquil escape into nature.
Center Beach Shops
Center Street is the heart of Folly Beach, where locals and visitors come together to enjoy the best that the island has to offer. Those roaming down the street will love the colorful buildings and chill atmosphere that permeates every part of the area. The street reflects the coastal spirit of Folly Beach, boasting a mix of surf shops, local art galleries, local boutiques, and beach gear rental spots. The shops themselves offer a wide range of treasures to be taken back home and cherished, everything from souvenirs to handcrafted jewelry can be found on the lively street.
A number of casual eateries can also be found along Center street, such as Rita’s Seaside Grill and The Crab Shack. Center street is the perfect place to experience the laid-back, fun, and quirky vibe of Folly Beach.
Although this list gives you the perfect view of why Folly Beach is so special, there is still more to explore with Charleston Coast Vacations by Dunes Properties. The opportunity to experience a home unlike any other, equipped with amenities such as private elevators, private pools, cabanas, and tiki bars is enough to make them one of the best.
However, paired with their unbeatable hospitality and willingness to ensure guests experience the best of Folly Beach both inside and outside of their home makes them essential to the perfect Folly Beach getaway. Find out where to eat in Folly Beach, things to do, and the best homes to stay in all in one place! Begin your trip with these incredible restaurants and thrilling adventures, Charleston Coast Vacations by Dunes Properties has you covered with all the rest.
