Visiting Charleston and not sure which beach to pick? Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island are both close to downtown Charleston. Both are beautiful, but they feel very different. Folly is a lively beach town. Sullivan’s Island is a quiet, historic barrier island.
This guide compares both beaches to help you pick the one that fits your trip.
Folly Beach vs Sullivan’s Island at a Glance
- Vibe: Folly is lively. Sullivan’s Island is quieter.
- Drive from downtown: Folly is about a 20-30 minute drive. Sullivan’s Island is about 10 miles away.
- Parking: Folly has free and paid spots. Sullivan’s Island has free street parking.
- Where to stay: Folly has hotels. Sullivan’s Island has no hotels, only vacation rentals.
- Best for: Folly suits surfing, the pier, and nightlife. Sullivan’s Island suits calm days and history.
What Makes Folly Beach Different?
Folly Beach is a lively, surf-friendly beach town with a long fishing pier and a laid-back feel.
A Lively Beach-Town Atmosphere
Folly Beach sits south of Charleston, in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Many people call it the Edge of America. Restaurants and shops are close to the sand. Locals and tourists share the same streets.
Traffic is the main downside. Folly Road is the only road on and off the island. Beach traffic often backs up on summer weekends.
Things to Do at Folly Beach
- Walk the pier. The Folly Beach fishing pier reaches more than 1,000 feet into the Atlantic. Only one other pier on the East Coast is longer.
- Try the surf. Folly is known for waves. Surf rules change by season, and you may not surf near the pier. Check city rules first. Surf shops on the island sell gear.
- Visit Folly Beach County Park. This county park is on the island’s west end. It has seasonal lifeguards and beach chairs for rent. You can also see Skimmer Flats, a nesting area for brown pelicans.
- See Morris Island Lighthouse. Walk through Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve at the end of East Ashley Avenue. The tower now stands offshore, surrounded by water.
- Watch for wildlife. Loggerhead turtles nest on Folly from May through October. You may also spot a dolphin in nearby waters.
For more ideas, see Regatta Inn’s Explore Folly page.
Restaurants and Dining Near Folly Beach
Most food is near Center Street. Jack of Cups serves diverse food and craft beer, and it hosts live music. Lost Dog Cafe welcomes dogs. Pier 101 sits at the pier’s base.
Downtown Charleston has more great restaurants. For restaurants in Charleston, see Regatta Inn’s Explore Charleston page.
What Makes Sullivan’s Island Special?
Sullivan’s Island is a quiet barrier island with free street parking, no hotels, and plenty of history.
A Quieter Beach Experience
Sullivan’s Island feels like a neighborhood with a beach. It sits at the mouth of Charleston Harbor. Most buildings on Sullivan’s are homes, and beach paths run between them.
Use the marked beach paths to reach the sand. The public beach is open to everyone, but the streets behind it are residential. It is also one of the smaller beach areas near Charleston.
Follow the local rules. Smoking is banned on the beach, and glass and plastic containers are not allowed. Beach activity ends at 11 p.m.
Things to Do on Sullivan’s Island
- Tour Fort Moultrie. This National Park Service site is at 1214 Middle Street. It is open daily and charges an entrance fee. It covers coastal defense from the Revolutionary War onward. Edgar Allan Poe was stationed here in 1827 and 1828.
- See the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse. The Charleston Light was lit for the first time in 1962. It has a triangular shape. It was the last major lighthouse built in the United States. You can visit the grounds, but not the tower.
- Look for the link to Folly. The Morris Island Light was retired once this newer lighthouse began operating. You can see both on one trip.
- Take in Charleston Harbor. Walk toward the island’s tip for views.
Restaurants on Sullivan’s Island
Most restaurants are on Middle Street, a few blocks from the sand. The Obstinate Daughter serves Southern food with Mediterranean touches. Reservations help.
Home Team BBQ is a casual spot for ribs and pulled pork. Poe’s Tavern serves burgers named after Poe’s works. Dunleavy’s Pub is a longtime local pub. Many visitor guides list these as some of the island’s best restaurants.
Parking, Accessibility, and Getting Around
Both beaches are near Charleston and easy to drive to, but parking fills up early.
Parking at Folly Beach
Folly has about 2,900 free spaces on streets such as Ashley and Arctic avenues. Paid lots are also available, including one at the Folly Beach Pier. Folly Beach County Park has 225 spaces. It usually fills up by 10:30 a.m. The fee changes by season. The Folly Beach Parking app lists lots and rules.
Parking at Sullivan’s Island
Street and town parking is free across the island. About 2,800 spaces are available in public rights-of-way and on town property. A few private lots charge a fee. Most fill by 11 a.m. Keep all four tires off the road. Do not block beach paths or driveways. Check posted signs before you leave the car.
Getting to the Beaches from Charleston
Folly Beach is a 20- to 30-minute drive from downtown. To get to Sullivan’s Island, cross the Ben Sawyer Bridge from Mount Pleasant. CARTA runs a free Beach Reach shuttle in summer. Recent reports say it serves only Isle of Palms. Plan to drive to Folly or Sullivan’s.
Folly Beach vs Sullivan’s Island vs Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms is another popular beach in the Charleston area. Isle of Palms is about twice as large as Sullivan’s Island. It has a county park with lifeguards in the summer.
Wild Dunes is a private resort community there, so use the public access points. The Windjammer on the front beach has hosted live music since 1972. It has also hosted beach volleyball events.
In a beach vs. Isle of Palms choice, think about energy. Isle of Palms or Folly? Pick Folly for surf and nightlife. Pick Isle of Palms for a bigger, family-friendly beach.
Isle of Palms and Folly both have free and paid parking. There is no single best Charleston beach, so match the beach to your plans.
How Does Kiawah Island Compare?
Kiawah Island is about 45 minutes from downtown Charleston. Kiawah and Seabrook are mostly gated. The only public beach access is Kiawah Beachwalker Park on the west end. It is a family-friendly spot with restrooms and showers.
It has 150 parking spaces and usually fills up by 10:30 a.m. Staff can add you to a virtual line when it is full. Kiawah Island Golf Resort and its golf courses are well known. You do not need a tee time for a beach day. Edisto Beach State Park is farther south, about an hour away.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island?
Summer brings lifeguards at Folly Beach County Park. It also brings the biggest crowds. Parking fills up by mid-morning at both beaches. Arrive early for the best beach spot. Winter is quiet and cold. The water was 56 degrees at Folly’s Polar Plunge on New Year’s Day 2026.
Where Should You Stay for a Folly Beach Vacation?
Staying on Folly keeps you close to the pier, Center Street, and the beach. On beach days, you skip the drive on Folly Road. Sullivan’s Island has no hotels, so Folly is easier if you want to stay in a hotel. A vacation rental is another option on either island.
Regatta Inn is an adults-only waterfront inn on Folly. It includes breakfast, beach cruisers, and a free golf cart shuttle for beach trips. You can see room options at Regatta Inn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are dogs allowed?
A. On Folly, dogs must be leashed. From May 1 through September 30, they are not allowed on the beach during the middle of the day. Sullivan’s Island requires a Town Hall license for every dog, visitors included.
Q. Are there lifeguards?
A. On Folly, lifeguards work from May through Labor Day at the county park and on a short stretch of beach in the center. Most of the beach has none.
Q. Can I drink or grill on Folly’s beach?
A. No. Alcohol is not allowed, and open fires and grilling are prohibited. Some park picnic areas may allow grilling.
Q. Which is nicer, Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island?
A. It depends on your plans. Folly is better for surfing, the pier, and dining near Center Street. Sullivan’s Island suits a calm day with history.
