Roof Repair in Folly Beach, SC

The amber hue of these new light fixtures can help to ensure that turtle hatchlings make their way safely to the water.

New specialty lights are being installed along the beachfront in Folly Beach, South Carolina, to help keep both turtles and people safe at night.

This week Dominion Energy crews began installing 37 “turtle lights” along the iconic beachfront, with the majority located on East Arctic and East Ashley Avenues.

These turtle-friendly lights will replace existing LED lighting and “strike a balance between the safety residents expect from street lighting, while reducing the potential impact artificial lighting can have on turtle hatchlings,” a representative for Dominion Energy said in a statement.

Amber in color, these new lights operate on a more narrow wavelength than traditional street lighting. Darkness is essential for sea turtle hatchlings, as they are instinctively drawn from their nests toward the ocean by moonlight. This vital step in the hatching process can be disrupted by artificial lighting, which can confuse and disorient the turtles, calling them to the dunes or the road, rather than the ocean. The special hue of these new light fixtures can help to ensure that turtle hatchlings make their way safely to the water.

A spokesperson for the City of Folly Beach told Southern Living that the Folly Beach Public Works Department and Dominion Energy started working on this plan years ago. It was finally approved by the City Council in July 2023.

"Today we're witnessing the culmination of safety for people and wildlife," Folly Beach's Mayor Tim Goodwin told WCIV Wednesday.

Installation will continue for the next several months and should be completed well before the start of the 2024 turtle nesting season.

"Projects and partnerships like this are win-win for residents and our communities, providing a long-term, innovative lighting solution to benefit our coastal environment for years to come,” the Dominion Energy representative said. “The biggest winners are the sea turtles!”

FOLLY BEACH — Folly Beach will be renourished with around 130,000 dump trucks worth of sand this year. The renourishment process will begin in late February or early March 2024 and should end ahead of peak hurricane season, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Charleston District.

Folly Beach Director of Public Works Eric Lutz said the renourishment is well-timed, due to severe erosion caused by storms such as Hurricane Ian in 2022 and the nor’easter in December 2023.

“The timing couldn’t be better, and we’re really hoping we don’t get too many more storms before they get started,” he said.

SC Climate and Environment News

The National Weather Service forecasts a wet winter for Charleston, with above-average rainfall and potential for unseasonably strong storms such as the nor’easter that caught the region by surprise last month. That storm pushed Folly Beach’s sand dunes back as much as 20 feet.

During severe weather events, beaches and dunes provide communities a buffer from the wind and ocean. Lutz said they’re meant to be “sacrificial.”

“We know (the beach) is going to get eroded over time, but it’s either that or we lose buildings, houses or half of our economy,” Lutz said.

Lutz estimated that for every dollar spent on renourishing Folly Beach, or any of the state’s beaches, $30 is earned in revenue from tourism.

“The beaches generate tons of revenue for tourism,” he said. “(The beach) is a huge economic engine.”

Folly Beach has received five renourishments in the last three decades, costing $77 million, which came from federal tax dollars and local funds, The Post and Courier previously reported. The upcoming renourishment will cost $18 million and will be funded entirely by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The spirited island hamlet south of Charleston shakes off mainland sophistication in favor of flip-flops and cash-only dive bars.

In This Article

It's only twelve miles south of Charleston's historic homes and manicured window boxes, but the salty little town of Folly Beach ditches the Holy City's refinement in favor of an easygoing, barefoot sensibility that feels a bit more California than Carolina. Known to locals as the Edge of America, Folly is everything a beach town should be. Surf shops line the main drag; cover-ups count as appropriate lunch attire; and nobody takes themselves too seriously (they drop a pair of LED-lit flip-flops to celebrate New Year's Eve). Here's where to stay, eat, relax, and play in South Carolina's super chill surf town.

Where to Stay

Every single room at Tides Folly Beach comes with an ocean view. Perched at the end of Center Street, the town's main thoroughfare, the hotel is steps from both the beach and an array of local shops and eateries. For families looking to stretch out a bit more, there are a boatload of rentals to choose from: Opt for ocean-front properties that will sleep a crowd or cozy cottages with marsh and Folly River views. And for people who wouldn't dream of traveling without their four-legged companions, there are plenty of pet-friendly rentals too.

Where to Eat

You won't go hungry on this island. Lost Dog Café is a local staple, serving coffee and all-day breakfast; don't miss the eggs Benedict, which they top with fried green tomatoes. Fish tacos, Vietnamese-inspired lettuce wraps, and Cuban sandwiches all have a place on the colorful menu at Chico Feo, where the vibe is equally colorful. Don't let the easygoing atmosphere fool you: Rita's Seaside Grille is serious about its food...and its cocktails. Try one of the Signature Crushes, fruity sippers with flavored liquors that pack a punch. End the night at Sand Dollar Social Club, a dive bar where you're invited to come as you are, so long as you're a member; membership costs $1, so bring your cash (you won't find a credit card machine here).

Where to Relax

The island's six miles of beachfront are its main attraction, and it'd be easy to while away a week with no plans beyond putting your toes in the sand. Spend a day shelling, sunning, surfing, or searching for shark teeth. Enjoy oceanfront views while lunching at BLU Beach Bar and Grill. At the northern end of Folly Beach, the Morris Island Lighthouse provides a stunning backdrop from the shore. Get a closer look from the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve or via kayak. Several guided tours leave from Folly Beach to visit Morris Island for shelling, photography, and lighthouse history. The historic lighthouse is not open for viewing. How close you can get to the lighthouse depends on the tides.

Where to Play

For those looking to build an action-packed itinerary, there are plenty of activities that highlight the destination's natural beauty: Book a guided kayak tour or rent a stand-up paddleboard to explore the tidal creeks; stop by McKevlin's Surf Shop, South Carolina's oldest surfing outfitter, before catching some of the area's best waves at The Washout; and plan to make a trip with your fishing poles to check out the beloved Folly Beach Pier that has reopened after extensive renovations.

Have you visited Folly Beach, SC? No matter what kind of beach trip you are looking for, you can find it on the barrier islands of Charleston, South Carolina. Folly Beach is your best bet for the perfect mix of relaxing beaches and spots to dine. Folly Island is 18 square miles of sand and sun and offers a beach town vibe just 20 minutes from the tourist attractions of Charleston.

This article includes:Public Beach Access on Folly IslandFolly Island Places to Eat

Take A Trip To Visit More Beaches That Are Located Not Far From The Upstate!

Folly Island On The Coast Of South Carolina

The beaches of the Low Country offer something for everyone when it comes to a beach trip. For a quiet, non-commercialized beach experience, Kiawah Island’s Beach Walker Park is my go-to option. However, if a tourist-heavy, commercialized expertise is what you seek, Isle Of Palms fits the bill.

If a sandy spot somewhere in the middle of both is what you want, then the beaches of Folly Island are perfect. They are family-friendly, quiet, and some access points have restrooms and showers for beachgoers to use. The downtown area of Folly Island offers a funky beach town vibe that’s solidified its place in the history of the SC coast.

Here’s a Great Map of Folly Island To Show The Kids

Where to Stay Near Folly Beach, SC

This Stay 22 Map contains affiliate links that will help you find the perfect place to stay near Folly Beach!

Accessing The Beach On Folly Island

With six miles of shoreline, there’s no shortage of sand to spread out on when visiting Folly Beach. Finding beach access isn’t difficult, but depending on your family’s needs, one access might be more suitable than another.

Located on the southern tip of Folly Island, the county park offers families all of the amenities they might need including showers, restrooms, a seasonal concession stand, seasonal lifeguards, and chair rentals.

The parking fees range from $5-$20, depending on the season, and are $20 on weekends and summer holidays. Park gates are open from 8 am to sunset.

The Folly Beach Ocean Park is located at the end of West Arctic Avenue. It offers beachgoers restroom and shower facilities that are free and open to the public (currently only open during the summer.)

At the end of nearly every block on the island there is a beach access pathway. Some spots include parking if space permits, otherwise you can park streetside.

The further you drive away from the pier, the less the metered parking costs. By quite a bit. If you aren’t trying to be right next to the pier and center street, drive a few miles north to find cheaper meter rates. The parking meter fees can be paid through a kiosk, or with the PARK Folly Beach app.

The centerpiece of Folly Island is the Folly Beach Pier. The pier was recently renovated. Amenities at Folly Beach Pier include the gift shop, restrooms, showers, changing rooms, and wheelchair beach access.

The Pier 101 Restaurant is open Wednesday through Monday, and offers seafood, sandwiches, and more!

Swimming is permitted on the beach that flanks the sides of the pier, however, the undertow can become dangerous near the pier causing unsafe conditions. Also, people throw baited hooks off of that pier looking to catch “a big un”. I don’t know about you, but I would prefer not to be swimming near where people are reeling in jaws.

The parking fees range from $5-$20, depending on the season, and are $20 on weekends and summer holidays. Pier hours vary by season, so be sure to check the park’s site before venturing out.

Places To Eat On Folly Island

There are plenty of spots to choose from when it comes to meals on Folly Island. These are just a few of our favorites when we head out to spend the day on Folly Beach.

Taco BoyAmeri-mex style food with a kid’s menu, and a full bar. Great spot for nachos and margs after a day on the beach.

The Lost Dog Cafe

The perfect spot for breakfast or brunch, The Lost Dog has sandwiches, burgers, breakfast (all day), and more.

Saint James Gate Proper Irish Pub & Three Monkey’s Ice CreamThe menu here has a little bit of everything, including tacos. It’s kid & dog-friendly! Plus they have some delicious dessert options.

The Pineapple HutIf you spend any time on Folly Island, you are bound to see people walking down the street with a pineapple in their hands. This food truck is where it came from, filled with Dole Whip, or one of their weekly special flavors of soft-serve style ice cream. (March through November).

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — Several are chalking it up to luck that Folly Beach was left with little to no damage after Tuesday's severe storms.

“Mostly, it was just luck,” said Eric Lutz, Folly Beach's public works director.

Lutz also claims the not-so-high tides helped reduce damage to the beach.

“What we saw mostly was mild flooding on the streets from the rain," Lutz said. "A lot of wind light damage, just tree branches and debris all over the roads, turned over, recycle bins, that kind of thing."

Folly Beach dodges severe damage, gears up for $18 million renourishment project (WCIV)

Read more: "Coastal damage assessment after heavy storms: Folly Beach experience mixed impact."

Though the damage differs in various places, he doesn't see it as horrific.

“And then in some areas near the beachfront, we do have sand that got pushed up on the roadways and sand fencing knocked down, nothing catastrophic,” he said.

But the beach is still recovering from previous storms. Folly Beach and the Charleston District of the Army Corps of Engineers are teaming up to bring more protection to the area.

“So these renourishments are our number one defense for damage from storms," Lutz said. "And they actually are designed to absorb the damage essentially.”

Read more: "Folly Beach leaders discuss distribution of short-term rental licenses."

This renourishment project was prompted by damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022, but the project will help with future storms.

“So the, the whole purpose of these coastal storm risk management projects is to add a line of protection between the Atlantic Ocean and the structures behind the beach,” said Wes Wilson, the project manager for the Charleston District of Army Corps of Engineers.

He explained the project has three purposes: renourish, dredge the Folly River and place material on Bird Key.

Wilson said a new contract awarded for this project will cost about $18 million and will be fully funded by the Corps of Engineers.

Read more: "Folly Beach residents face footing the bill for erosion crisis following recent storm."

“The contractor's going to place 1.3 million cubic yards of sand, which is essentially 130,000 smallish dump trucks,” Wilson said.

Wilson said the next steps for the project include mobilizing a contractor and then the start of actual construction.

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The project is expected to be finished by the peak hurricane season of this year.