Arguably better than Isle of Palms... but let's get into that!…read more This beach is not for the surfers. It's definitely for the walkers and I had to do my hot girl walk along the beach today. This beach isn't visually pleasing in my opinion. The walkways to the beach are though. This beach FEELS GOOD. It makes you remember why you show up at work... to get awesome moments like this. It felt like heaven to get into the warm, calm water. I saw dogs playing fetch and even taking it upon themselves to swim! Would love to take my niece dog here some day.

Times they are a changing... And, this is true even for the little island I grew up on. I have such…read morefond memories of summers on Sullivan's and school wasn't so bad either... Especially when you attend right on the beach! Makes for lovely field trips. You definitely still want to avoid trying to get on the island around the hour as there is still a swing bridge that opens to allow large sailed vessels passage. Also, the beach traffic was strong on this particular Saturday. However, the charm remains and still has the amazing beach views and the wonderful smells that reminds me of my childhood.

The Washout is the best place in the Charleston area and perhaps all of South Carolina to surf. It…read moreoffers probably the most consistent break in the state, and because of such plays host regularly to several surf competitions including the Wahine Classic and the Governor's Cup. Even if you aren't a surfer, the Washout is a fun place to observe and soak up the atmosphere. Because there is such a draw, parking can be a challenge.

The Washout itself deserves five stars, but I take one away due to the parking situation now. I…read moregrew up going here as a laid back surf spot and now it seems to be a pain, and I usually go elsewhere on the beach now. The machine only takes $1, $5, or $10 in cash and does not return any change. The rate is $3 an hour and you then get a ticket to place in your dash. I did actually learn from an out of towner that there is an app that can be downloaded called Passport Parking. It offers a discounted rate, but is still $2.50 an hour. I think the rate is a deterrent IMO, but I guess the city of Folly Beach has to generate revenue somehow. At high tide, there is not a lot of beach area, but after the renourishments, there is some beach at least. Do not climb across the rocks! Use the crosswalks instead and save the sea oats...the few that still exist. Also, do not litter! There are trash receptacles scattered along the beach, usually at crosswalks, but pack your stuff in and out like an adult. This location is locally named for the strong currents and the fact that the narrow land has actually been washed out. After Hurricane Hugo, a lot of effort went into re-creating the road and beach that exists today. It was completely washed through to the River with a drop off of probably 20-30 feet where the road should have been. The name was used way prior to Hugo, but that event just embodies the vulnerability of the area and the potential impact of the wonderful surf/waves that we all love. Pura Vida!

This is the shop for real surfers wanting to work on their boards. Great service and advice…read more If you are looking for clothes, the other shop down the street may be better for you.

Folly is somewhat fickle in terms of keeping the beach supplies current and fashionable. However…read moreOcean Surf Shop and one other - to be named later - keep the apparel and equipment, trend steady. Classic manufacturers like O'Neill, Billabong, Quicksilver are all well represented as are top footwear manufacturers. I'm a Reef guy for years but Sanuk and Rainbow just took the top two spots in my preference pool. Knowledgeable staffers are highly experienced in all facets of surfing, I do believe lessons are available. When your ready to Hang Ten Dude, drop by Ocean Surf Shop first.

I booked the stand up paddle board lessons on Folly Beach for my sister's bachelorette. 7 of us met…read morewith Joe and it was such a great experience! I'm sure it depends on the weather, but for us, this is such an easy going activity. You can stand up or just sit the whole time and paddle along and bask in the sun. We were lucky enough to see some dolphins too. A word to the wise: Beware of the traffic going into Folly Beach, and be sure to read the reservation information and put your Uber to the meeting spot they list! I ended up putting in the directions from Google Maps, which was a few blocks away from our meeting location, so we had a bit of walking to do in the hot Charleston sun. This also caused us to be late for our reservation, but they were extremely understanding.

Love this crew & 10/10 recommend!…read more This was my second lesson with Kyle & Team (about a year apart) while visiting family in Charleston. Not only do they know what they're talking about, but they make it super fun. Surfing is definitely hard but Kyle is very encouraging and gives great feedback of how to improve your form / what you should be looking for in the waves, etc. Location is also key if you're looking to spend a beach day on Folly - they are centrally located to just chill on the beach after. Can't go wrong!

We had a group of 4 people from 8 years old to 60 years old do a private lesson with Kai. He was…read morewonderful. He was patient and worked well with everyone esp the 8 year old. Communication was great.

My 6yr old son wanted to try surfing but was very nervous. Kai was so friendly and pumped him up…read morebefore we went out, and his instructor Libby did an amazing job. Even though it was rough conditions he got up on the board 12 times and was so proud. We will definitely be back again!

Lots of great stuff and great brands. Down to earth, warm, inviting. It's kind of like Ron Jon and…read morePalmetto Moon had a baby. The products are good quality.

Fantastic surfing beach. Very laid back. Not at all crowded. Even on a Sunday parking is not a…read moreproblem especially if you drive further in away from the central area with the long boardwalk, restaurants and shopping. Only gripe being it's still cold and one of the days we were there it was super windy.

Really love this old style beach town. Friendly people. Slow cadence. Great sunsets and sunrises…read more Peir to fish and walk. Surfers on small waves.

Flexible, empowering, cool, fairly priced, nice people(but everyone is in charleston)…read more Next time im in town will definitely be back, highly recommend to ALL!

Booked a semi-private session for two 12 year old girls during their spring break. They had such a…read moregood time and the whole staff at the beach was awesome. The booking and waiver process was straight forward and mobile friendly. I highly recommend supporting these folks!

The sales are awesome! The prices are fair! Support your local skate shop! HangTen my dudes and my…read moredudettes!! To the awesome Betties and Barnies, keep on rocking! Drop-into gnarly town! The staff greets you with a smile. The customer service is most excellent ladies and gents! There is a variety of products for sale. An interesting item is surf wax that you can get 24/7! Later skaters and surfers! Catch ya on the flip side!

We love parrot surf & skate. They helped me buy my first ever surf board almost three years ago,…read moreand I have absolutely loved it. I still love it! As a newbie, I bought a 7.0 modern love pop out. It was a great recommendation by Alex & Grant. They have so much local knowledge and are just nice people. Highly recommend this surf shop.

We did a morning Dolphin tour with Captain Chris during our sons' spring break and it was an…read moreexperience we'll never forget. Not only did we see dolphins (!!!), but Chris taught us about the low country ecosystem, local islands, shore birds, and oysters - all with a sense of humor and great stories. We'll definitely book another trip during our next visit to South Carolina!!

What a great business! I rented an on-top single kayak from COA for $35 for four hours. A friend…read moremet me out there with his kayak and we hit the water. For me, the check-in process was very easy. There was some miscommunication with the staff however because when they started going over the instructions I was left out while they addressed what looked to be a bachelor party. I assumed they were tackling the party first then would address me but instead started addressing a group birthday party. I had to track someone down as it was twelve minutes past my launch time and they were only focusing on the groups not me who was solo. They were pretty quick about grabbing me a kayak and told me to take a life vest from the birthday group, handed me a map, and then let me be on my way. I like that people with their own gear are allowed to pull up and launch. This worked out great for my friend who didn't need to rent anything. They're located on Bowen's Island that is in the marsh. It's quiet and relaxed and fortunately for us there weren't many boats in the water when we went. Overall it was a good experience. The staff were friendly, the location convenient and easy to access. (Though the road down is littered in potholes. Be mindful and drive slow or you'll be smacking your oil pan.) Ubers were coming and going all morning and dropped guests off right at the front door. COA also offers fishing off their dock for $3. There is a launch fee if you bring your own kayak or canoe but to be honest I can't remember what it was, though I remember my friend saying it was very affordable (so maybe $5/10?). There is a shark toothing expedition as well that I know is a longer paddle and a bit higher of a fee. Tours are offered if you don't feel confident paddling out in your own. I'll definitely be going back!