Downtown gets all the hype in Charleston, but if you have time to spend a day on Folly Beach during your trip to Charleston, you definitely should. This chill beach town has a totally different vibe than other areas of Charleston and you will truly feel like a local if you follow this itinerary.
Lost Dog Cafe for breakfast
If you brought your pup with you to Charleston, Lost Dog is a great place to take them with you and Folly is pretty dog friendly otherwise. Even if you don’t have a pup with you, Lost Dog is a great breakfast spot with lots of character. Pictures of dogs cover the walls and the huevos rancheros are a must-order.
Explore Bert’s Market
This 24 hour market will cover all your bases for when you need to stock up for a day on Folly, or if you forgot to pack something. Even if you don’t need anything, it’s fun to poke around the seemingly endless aisles.
Walk the beach
The Folly Beach Pier is usually an attraction I would point out, but it’s sadly under construction until 2023. There is still an observation deck and a restaurant you can visit at the start of the pier, so that’s better than nothing. The rest of the beach is fair game, and the further you go from the main drag, the easier it is to find parking and beach space.
Lunch at Chico Feo
Just like that, it’s lunch time. Chico Feo is a Folly gem, with internationally inspired dishes and live music. Keep in mind that this spot only has a patio, so if you’re looking for the relief of air conditioning, you won’t find it here. However, you will find delicious food and ice cold drinks. Put your trust in their culinary team and try whatever they have on special.
Rent a surf board at McKevlin’s
Folly is Charleston’s most popular surf spot, so if you wanted to try it out, McKevlin’s has rental boards. They also sell other beach equipment and souvenirs if that’s more your speed.
Afternoon snack at the Pineapple Hut
Surfing definitely works up an appetite, and a pineapple dole whip from Pineapple Hut is the perfect icy treat to hold you over until dinner time. They are usually parked along Center Street, but check their Instagram for updates. This place is super nostalgic for me and takes me back to my family’s trip to Disney World. My favorite part of the trip was the Dole Whip, that’s how you know I’ve been a foodie since birth.
Dinner at Jack of Cups
Skip the touristy seafood shacks and head to Jack of Cups for globally inspired comfort food. Their menu changes seasonally, but if they have the red or green curry mac and cheese, that would be my first pick. Most locals would gatekeep this place because it is so special, but I want everyone to experience the flavor-packed dishes here.
After dinner drinks at Low Life Bar
Just off the main drag is Lowlife Bar, serving tropical cocktails and casual vibes. The Farmer Tan is my personal favorite drink from there because I’m a sucker for spicy tequila drinks. It combines tequila, chipotle, strawberry, pineapple, and lime juice for a beautiful pink hue and spicy sweet flavor.
There you have it, that is how I would spend a day on Folly Beach. Stay tuned for more Charleston neighborhood guides coming soon.
