The best family beaches in Folly Beach come down to three things, which are how the water shelves, whether anyone is watching it, and how far you have to carry the bags. Start with Folly Beach County Park. The west end of the island, and the most family-organised stretch of Folly. Everything below is judged on that rather than on the view. We would rather spend a whole week on one good beach than tick off five. Read on and you’ll know which one to make your basecamp and what each morning actually costs you in effort.
| Beach Name | Key Amenity | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|
| Folly Beach County Park | Seasonal lifeguards | View Details → |
| Folly Beach Pier | Fishing pier | View Details → |
| The Washout | Surf break | View Details → |
| East End and Shorebird Park | Nature viewing | View Details → |
Folly Beach County Park
Folly Beach County Park The west end of the island, and the most family-organised stretch of Folly. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally, and swimming is allowed only in the designated area (Charleston County Parks).
- The Beach: The west end of the island, and the most family-organised stretch of Folly. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally, and swimming is allowed only in the designated area (Charleston County Parks).
- Key Amenities: Seasonal lifeguards, Restrooms & Showers, Beach rentals, and Picnic areas.
Folly Beach Pier
Folly Beach Pier The centre of the island, where the 1,000-foot pier runs out into the Atlantic. Waves near the pier are gentler than at the Washout, which makes this the better side for children learning to swim in surf.
- The Beach: The centre of the island, where the 1,000-foot pier runs out into the Atlantic. Waves near the pier are gentler than at the Washout, which makes this the better side for children learning to swim in surf.
- Key Amenities: Fishing pier, Nearby Dining, and Restrooms.
The Washout
The Washout Folly’s best known surf break and the reason the island has an East Coast surfing reputation. Conditions suit intermediate and advanced surfers rather than paddling toddlers.
- The Beach: Folly’s best known surf break and the reason the island has an East Coast surfing reputation. Conditions suit intermediate and advanced surfers rather than paddling toddlers.
- Key Amenities: Surf break.
East End and Shorebird Park
East End and Shorebird Park The far east end of the island, where the marsh sits behind the beach and the shorebirds gather. It is the quiet end and the best stretch for wildlife spotting with children.
- The Beach: The far east end of the island, where the marsh sits behind the beach and the shorebirds gather. It is the quiet end and the best stretch for wildlife spotting with children.
- Key Amenities: Nature viewing and Marsh overlook.
FAQs About Folly Beach Beaches
Which beach is best with toddlers?
Look for the calmest water and the shortest walk from the car. We’ve noted the surf conditions and the parking situation for each beach above so you can match them to your family.
Do these beaches have lifeguards?
Lifeguard coverage varies by beach and is usually seasonal rather than year round. Where a beach is guarded we’ve said so in its amenities, and where it isn’t, plan to stay in the water with younger children.
When is the best time of day to go?
Mornings, for two reasons. Parking is still available and the sand has not had all day to heat up, which matters more with small children than most guides admit.
Folly Beach is one of the seven towns in our ranking of the best South Carolina beach towns for families.
More Family Travel Guides for Folly Beach: