Located south of Charleston, South Carolina is Folly Town, a gorgeous beach town with sandy beaches and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for a relaxing getaway. Folly Town is home to the magnificent Folly Beach, where you can spend your days frolicking in the sun while doing water sports such as kayaking and surfing. The Morris Island Lighthouse is also visible from the beach and offers beautiful photo opportunities, especially at sunset. The beach is also flanked by a multitude of shops and restaurants where you’ll be able to sample the best local food. Wondering where to stay in Folly Beach? With so many options to choose from in terms of accommodation, we’ve curated a list of the best beach resorts near Folly Beach, South Carolina, to make your decision-making process easier.
Popular pick in Folly Beach:
- Catch a glimpse of The Porgy House, which was home to Charleston authors Dubose and Dorothy Heyward in 1930s.
Event to look out for:
- The famous Mermaids & Mateys Event will take place on September 28-29, 2024, promising unlimited fun with arts, live music, food, and drinks. Additionally, there will be a Sand Sculpting Contest on September 29th.
Tip from Content Creator
Folly Beach gives those "The Summer I Turned Pretty" vibes in real life. If you're looking for the perfect watercolor sunset, a picturesque boardwalk, and a beautiful glimpse into summers in the southeast US, this beach is a must-add to your itinerary. Make sure to take a walk on the beach at dusk to fall in love with the scenery.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 29, 2024.
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Beach life in Folly Beach
Folly Beach is a 12-square-mile barrier island offering endless things to do and see. The area is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Folly River, offering six miles of wide beaches where you can try surfing, kayaking, fishing, biking, boating, and taking eco-tours.
Folly Beach also has several restaurants where you can relish seafood while enjoying breathtaking ocean views, such as Blu Restaurant And Bar, located inside Tides Hotel. Alternatively, you can visit Pier 101 Restaurant & Bar to relish delicious shrimp and grits.
Beach resorts near Folly Beach
1. Wild Dunes Resort (from USD 333)
Mixed reviews on food quality and pricing, limited dining choices and early restaurant closures.
High pricing for food and drinks, resort fee added to room rates.
Convenient proximity to the beach, but limited dining options on-site and in the area.
Clean and well-maintained facilities, beach access, multiple pools, and spa onsite.
Located just a five-minute walk from Folly Beach, this beautiful resort offers both luxury and convenience for a memorable trip. The resort has two golf courses, tennis courts, a fitness center, and excellent spa services for both a fun and restful time away from the busy city life.
Each room is spacious and well-appointed with sophisticated decor. Opting for a villa will give you the bonus of a full kitchen. For dining, guests can try any of the resort’s eight on-site restaurants or head out to the Charleston city center which is just a 25-minute drive away.
As an explorer, I love the fact that the resort offers bikes for rent, allowing you to explore the nearby areas and discover some hidden gems.
- Property highlights: The resort calendar is always full of fun activities such as trivia nights to a bourbon release party!
- Nearest beach: The beach is a short walk away from the property.
- Suggested rooms/units: Premium View 1 King Bed, Sweetgrass Inn is your best bet if you wish to wake up to breathtaking water views.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "We stayed in the Sweetgrass Inn, the hotel is brand new, you felt relaxed the moment you hit the door. The staff was very kind & friendly. There was a huge pool area and you're steps from the beach. I also enjoyed catching the sunset from the hotel's rooftop deck." - by Google reviewer, Lia Marie
Wild Dunes Resort - Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn
Address: 5757 Palm Blvd
13.72 km (8.6 mi) from Fort Sumter National Monument
2. Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina (from USD 165)
Limited dining options on-site, but great restaurants nearby and convenient poolside service.
Great value for the location and amenities, but additional fees for breakfast and resort activities.
Perfect location with walking distance to attractions and stunning harbor views.
Beautiful pools, shuttle service to downtown, water taxi access, and live music events.
An exciting nautical-themed resort on the waterfront, guests will have access to a private beach and excellent views at Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. The property has gorgeous rooms overlooking the harbor, including a balcony at each, where guests can relax and enjoy the fresh air.
In terms of amenities, the resort has a full-service spa where they can pamper themselves and rejuvenate their bodies. It also has an in-house restaurant that serves up local seafood to go with panoramic views of the Charleston Harbor and USS Yorktown, which I feel is the best way of sampling delicious food and other cuisines. There’s an on-site bar, as well. This is a family-friendly establishment with a private beach, a pool, and a kid’s club to keep the little ones entertained with crafts and sports
- Property highlights: Unwind with a relaxing massage to detox and destress on your beach vacation at the on-site Estuary Spa.
- Nearest beach: The beach is a short walk away from the property.
- Beach access: Private.
- Suggested rooms/units: The Harbor Deluxe Room features a spacious balcony, perfect for sipping your favorite drink and enjoying the water views. It also has a soaking tub to unwind after a long day of beach activities.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "Loved it! Definitely a lot of nice scenery. We took the Water Taxi to the other side next to the giant ship. There was a nice little beach area with sand a bar. We definitely enjoyed it. We will be back soon." - by Google reviewer, Francisco Roman
Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
Address: 20 Patriots Point Rd
4.74 km (3.0 mi) from Fort Sumter National Monument
Other beach accommodations near Folly Beach
3. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (from USD 310)
Located just a two-minute walk from Kiawah Island Beach, this gorgeous resort offers a relaxing getaway with fantastic views of the sea. Guest rooms are lovely and traditional, featuring luxurious furniture such as high-end bedding and deep bathtubs for long soaks.
As a traveler, I am always looking for fun adventures and activities and this resort provides it all. You can embark on a kayak tour, learn stand-up paddle boarding, enjoy fishing, and so much more!
The resort has 2 outdoor pools, an indoor pool, an 18-hole golf course, a playground, bicycle rentals, and 15 outdoor tennis courts for endless recreation with friends and family. A full-service spa is also on site, where guests can choose from a multitude of pampering services for a restful day after outdoor fun.
- Property highlights: The resort offers beach amenities and kayak and paddle board rentals and tours, ideal for adventure seekers.
- Nearest beach: The beach is a short walk away from the property.
- Beach access: Private.
- Suggested rooms/units: The cottages at The Ocean Course are ideal for golf lovers looking for some tee time while enjoying the views of the Atlantic Ocean. Along with access to a golf course and daily breakfast, you can also enjoy other resort amenities.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "...Watching the sunset on the beach in front of the hotel is a must. Rent a bike and ride the beach or the biking trails around the island. So much wildlife..." - by Google reviewer, Shannon Buzzell
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Address: 1 Sanctuary Beach Drive
26.34 km (16.4 mi) from Fort Sumter National Monument
4. Coastal beachfront home for large groups (from USD 1341)
A sprawling property large enough to accommodate 16 guests, this beachfront rental offers stunning views of the water and gorgeous living spaces. Panoramic views of the ocean beckon from the living room, where you can even spot dolphins occasionally. The villa has spacious and well-appointed bedrooms and a full kitchen for an extraordinary stay.
Besides the direct beach access, you’ll also be a short walk from popular local spots like The Windjammer, Acme Lowcountry Kitchen, and The Refuge.
- Property highlights: The rental is in proximity to several spas and restaurants. Nearby beach activities include swimming, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing, and more.
- Nearest beach: The beach is a few meters away from the property.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "The house description was spot on - I appreciate all the detail and I knew that the home was "loved" over the years...and we loved it some more. The beach was SO close to the house and not crowded even on the weekend days that we were there. Lots of kite surfing later in the day that was so fun to watch (not sure if that's the correct term), we were so close to everything that we could get in and out of the fray easily. Communication with the owner/rep was fantastic." - Libby B.
Top guest reviews
Host:
she was so kindan amazing host with great response timesthe owner is wonderful to work withshe was responsive and there were zero issuescommunication with owner was very easy and she was always there to help with any questions we hadLocation:
so close to the water making it easy to go back and forth as often as you wantthe home was in the perfect location right on the beach that was only accessible to the neighborhoodCleanliness:
very clean generous and responsive hostRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the home was comfortable and had all the amenities we neededour extended family group of 14 thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this comfortable well loved and lived in home
5. Beach house with a large screened porch overlooking the water (from USD 575)
A 1960s beach house passed down through generations, this accommodation combines the best of the past with the present, offering updated amenities such as a Keurig coffee maker, WiFi, and satellite TV. The house has a spacious sun deck with seats where you can admire the sunsets daily.
Inside, there are four bedrooms and three bathrooms which can accommodate a total of 10 guests. A full kitchen is also available, where you’ll be able to cook up a storm. The town center is also a short drive away, offering convenient access to grocery stores, a theater, and local boutiques.
I feel this is the perfect rental for families, thanks to the outdoor spaces, gullies on the beach for kids to play during low tide, games, and more!
- Property highlights: Along with a private path to the beach, the rental features a dune deck to catch a glimpse of surfers and ships.
- Nearest beach: The beach is right in front of the house.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "The house was homey and had everything we needed. Spent all our time on the porch when we weren’t at the beach. Great beach chairs and lots of beach toys. Pleasant walk to restaurants in the evening." - Thomas L.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the owners are super friendly and seem like all around great peoplethe location is perfect and the owner was wonderful to work withLocation:
the location is amazingexcellent location and perfect for ladies weekend awayperfect location and original homelovely location with great beach accessmy family truly enjoyed the location and the house but it fell short on a few essentials we expectedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
air conditioner worked extremely well
6. Top-floor condo with pool access and beach views (from USD 675)
Situated in the lively Front Beach area, you’ll be within walking distance to local shops and restaurants, in addition to a popular bar, The Windjammer. The villa is secure and within a gated complex with covered parking. Guests will have access to the gas grill and swimming pool on site.
With three spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, the unit accommodates up to eight guests and is perfect for trips with family and friends. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a 55-inch Samsung HD flat-screen TV, a Samsung 1080p Blu-Ray DVD player, and access to satellite TV with Showtime and HBO. The rental also features a well-appointed kitchen where I can try my hands on my favorite Korean cuisine!
Outside, there is a sun deck overlooking the ocean with comfortable seating available.
- Property highlights: The rental features a well-equipped kitchen where you can prepare delicious seafood.
- Nearest beach: The beach area of Isle of Palms is just a few meters away from the rental.
Top guest reviews
Host:
owners were easy to communicate with and answered questions promptlywe especially loved the quick communication with our hostLocation:
we really like the location and being able to walk to so muchit is the perfect location on isle of palmsgreat location on the beach with nice stretch of sand and great restaurants within easy walking distancethere are also many great restaurants within walking distance from the building and we really enjoyed themthis is a perfect place to bring the family together and have easy access to everythingRead more reviewsCleanliness:
very clean and well keptthe condo was clean spacious and well-equippedproperty is impeccably cleanthe unit itself is nicely decorated and very cleangreat unit clean lots of space on the beach near several restaurants
7. Beautiful oceanfront condo with balcony views (from USD 331)
Boasting stunning oceanfront views, this condo offers convenience and luxury for your next vacation. The condo has two bedrooms and a sofa bed, allowing for up to six guests in total. Each room also features beautiful ocean-themed decor for the ultimate beach getaway ambiance.
The rental features modern amenities, such as new kitchen appliances and flat-screen HDTVs. Entertaining visitors is also an option here, with ample space and fine china and silverware for a posh experience. There is also a balcony with comfortable seating where you can sip on afternoon drinks and enjoy the ocean breeze.
Explorers like me will love the fact that the property offers bicycles for rent, allowing you to visit unheard and unseen places nearby!
- Property highlights: Enjoy some adventurous water sports available locally during your stay. Some of the things you can try are kayaking, canoeing, surfing, parasailing, and more.
- Nearest beach: The rental is a short walk away from the beach.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
clean and upscale placevery clean and updated unitclean well equipped and nicely decoratedthe unit was incredibly clean and well stockedexceptionally clean well stocked kitchen comfy beds nice view of the oceanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the condo is lovely and comfortable with great views of the beach and the sunrisegreat view of the pool and oceanthe beds are nice and comfortable
8. Oceanfront condo unit with magnificent sea views (from USD 225)
You’ll be moments away from the beach and Wild Dunes Links Golf Course if you opt for this condo unit in Seascape Villas. A short drive from the property will take you to downtown Charleston, where you’ll find a variety of local shops and restaurants.
This accommodation features a gorgeous and immaculate interior, including a full kitchen and a furnished balcony for lounging and admiring amazing views. Two parking passes are also included, making it convenient for guests to bring their cars to explore the area.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the check in was very efficient and friendlywe loved staying here- great location friendly staff efficient communicationsLocation:
the location of the rental was very secure and safeit's was great location and beautiful place to stayliked the upgrades to the placeoutstanding location and viewweather was great and location was good condo needs some maintenanceCleanliness:
rental was clean and comfortableit was clean and just perfectthe condo was clean and well stockedthe place was very clean and spaciouseverything was pretty cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the beds were like sleeping on a wooden slabcondo has spacious rooms and balcony with great views and very easy beach accessloved the villa; it was quiet and comfortable and the view was amazingbeds were nice toothe kitchen was pretty well stocked but we didn't do a ton of cooking
9. Three-bedroom beachfront villa with a balcony (from USD 495)
Families and groups of friends will love this convenient accommodation. Overlooking the beach, this recently redecorated villa offers stunning views of the white-sand beach. There are three rooms that can sleep up to eight guests, all of which are comfortably furnished and cozy. Each room also has a private bathroom and a TV for maximum convenience. Guests will also have access to a communal pool.
The property is conveniently located within walking distance from the beach, in addition to the Connector which will bring you to downtown Charleston and the shopping area in Mt. Pleasant.
Top guest reviews
Location:
the location is great easy walking distance to shops bars restaurants and marketgreat condo in a great location will definitely go againjust a great place to stayCleanliness:
the unit was clean and spaciousRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
nice floorplan with views from most of the roomsthe pool was nice and included two natural gas grills for grillingreally enjoyed sitting on the balcony looking at the waves kids loved the pool super locationthe condo was great & comfortablehaving a bathroom for every bedroom really makes this a nice place to stay with multiple couples
10. Large seven-bedroom home with numerous amenities (from USD 700)
With 7 bedrooms and 12 beds, this oceanfront home can accommodate up to 17 guests and is perfect for a getaway with family and friends. The rental has endless opportunities for fun, with a table tennis table, a gas barbecue, a library, an entertainment center, and direct beach access, among others. A full kitchen is also available for whipping up home-cooked meals for the whole group. In addition, there are a couple of furnished decks overlooking the beach.
Top guest reviews
Host:
his restaurant and golf recommendations were helpful as wella big thank you to the owner mark for such an easy checkin and checkout processthe owner has information and suggestions in a notebook that we found very helpfulLocation:
a fantastic place to add to your life time memoriessaved me probably a couple miles of walking per dayCleanliness:
house was very clean and plenty of towels for our big groupthe house itself is clean well equipped and spaciousRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
great views from every roomthe big kithen table deck space bathroom/bedroom layout made things really easy with big groupspecial shoutouts to the giant breakfast griddle and the nice clean toilet under the housegreat views of the ocean from the kitchenthe icemaker at the small bar in the entertainment room supplied us with plenty of ice for everyone
Your next beach getaway awaits
With the gorgeous Folly Beach and lots of attractions to explore, you’ll definitely need to add Folly Town to your travel bucket list. Don’t forget to check out our curated list of the best beach resorts near Folly Beach, South Carolina.
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