Best Jewelry Store in Folly Beach, SC

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - When Hurricane Ian stormed through the Lowcountry in September, it left Folly Beach’s erosion defenses wiped out, clearing the way for Tropical Storm Nicole to continue the assault on the coastline. The city is now requesting help to restore beach erosion.

Residents have come to the beach throughout the day to see the damage as high tides Thursday morning came up all the way to the sand dunes, an area that is normally very dry.

“A large concern in that request is the lack of storm protection and flood mitigation in place to buffer from another hurricane,” Nicole Elko, coastal consultant for Folly Beach, said. “Folly Beach has little to no capacity to withstand additional erosion from another storm. Fortunately, the dune system is robust along most of the island and that will help protect the upland infrastructure.”

With a high tide on Thursday of 8.63 feet the Folly River bridge, the effects from Nicole are already visible. The city’s director of public works, Eric Lutz, says between Ian and Nicole, portions of the beach are now completely gone at certain points of the day.

With Nicole, the beach has very little capacity to withstand storms, which means less beach for everyone.

“So now we’re going to be looking at lots of areas on the beach where anywhere it’s not low tide, you won’t have any beach to hang out on,” Lutz said. “There will be variants on that but anywhere, probably east of the washout, is going to be pretty severe so you’ll have beach maybe between half of the cycle between tides.”

Lutz says the amount of beach comes and goes. He says this is not the worst erosion he has ever seen.

Lutz says large concrete slabs, known as groins, were installed on the beach around the Folly Beach Pier back in the 90s. They were designed to catch the sand and create sand dunes. Before the storms, those groins were completely covered by sand except for a few feet of exposed concrete painted yellow. Now the storms have whisked away enough sand to expose 15 feet of concrete.

The city tells me this is a groin placed here in the 90s to help catch sand and build the beach. Before #Ian and #Nicole the only visible part was the yellow tip. There are several other groins like this along the beach. #wx #beach #erosion #chsnews @Live5News https://t.co/sFsPolGq2d

— Nick Reagan (@NickReaganLive5) November 10, 2022

Elko says the city is already in the process of requesting federal emergency rehabilitation assistance from Ian impacts. Lutz says he hopes to get new sand on the beach by 2024.

Copyright 2022 WCSC. All rights reserved.

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — Nicole brought rain, choppy waves, and wind to Folly Beach on Thursday.

To some, the storm was a surprise.

"We flew in for the vacation yesterday," said one visitor from New York. "We flew in at 10, and we didn’t know there was a tropical storm, so we made the best of it in Charleston."

Come Friday morning, it was business as usual.

Construction continued on the Folly Pier, with crews hoping to stay on time and have the new pier open by the spring of 2023.

While there was no significant damage to any buildings, Mayor Tim Goodwin said there is significant beach erosion.

The mayor said that erosion will be surveyed on Monday because of the holiday on Friday.

"There’s definitely been more erosion and change in the dunes, especially since we have been here over the last few weeks," said Leah Sin, who is visiting from North Carolina. "We have come out at high tide and low tide all the time."

Sin and her kids, Remy and Sully, were checking out the beach after the storm. They have been staying at Folly for the last few weeks.

"We were already here and – it was a little unexpected. We weren't sure how to navigate it, because we don’t deal with a lot of storms," said Sin.

Some people on the beach were walking, others enjoying a cup of coffee. But most were just taking in the views.

A few surfers caught some waves, and one lifeguard we caught up with was going for a swim.

"It wasn’t my intention to swim, but I had to check it out," said one vacationer. "It was a little bit rough out there. Not so much that it will pull you out."

The storm definitely did not ruin the vacation for the people we spoke with.

"This is a dream come true. This is our favorite place," said Sin.

"With my string of luck, this is my second tropical storm on my second vacation this year. So, you have to make the best of it," said another vacationer.

South Carolina is known for its miles of spectacular coastline and parade of beach town destinations that are perfect for summer getaways. However, once the temperatures drop and the hordes of summer crowds depart, these beautiful beaches transform into off-season retreats that still offer intrepid travelers plenty to see, do, and experience. The following are some of SC’s absolute best beaches for the ultimate idyllic winter vacation full of sun, sand, and off-season adventure.

Hilton Head

Known as “America’s Favorite Island,” Hilton Head is so much more than one of South Carolina’s most visited summer beach towns; it’s also a lovely escape in the off-season for those looking for year-round beachy vibes. And with an average daytime temperature in the low-to-mid 60s, the weather is just balmy enough to still enjoy (most) of HH’s most popular outdoor activities—without the summer crowds.

Folly Beach

The popular Folly Beach is just minutes from downtown Charleston, making it an ideal spot to take a winter break. Temperatures in the 60s throughout make for cooler days that are still perfect for Low Country exploring, while nearby Charleston has a number of fun winter activities that are just a stone’s throw away from Folly Beach’s laidback vibes and picturesque beauty.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is undoubtedly one of South Carolina’s top-rated beaches throughout the summer—but in the off-season, the beautiful beach town is still a bustling hub of activities and events that make it a wow-worthy winter destination, too. And while it may be too cool to take a dip, MB’s outdoor scenery is just as lovely as it is in the summer.

Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island is a secluded beach town escape whose year-round laidback vibes make it the perfect place to visit in winter’s cooler months. Undoubtedly, one of the best reasons to visit Kiawah is its relaxing atmosphere—made even better by the lack of summer crowds—but there are still plenty of outdoor activities and recreation on tap for outdoor enthusiasts, too.

Isle Of Palms

Isle of Palms may be known for its stellar summer recreation; however, this Charleston area beach is so much more than a warm weather retreat. Throughout the off-season, this picturesque SC beach’s tranquil (and mostly crowd-free!) vibes become the perfect getaway for those looking for a beachfront vacay with plenty to see and do during the cool(er) winter months.

Sullivan’s Island

A neighbor to Isle of Palms located at the mouth of the lovely Charleston harbor, Sullivan’s Island is the perfect mix of small-town charm and relaxing, beachside fun. Home to beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, and nearby activities galore, Sullivan’s Island is the perfect winter getaway.

Pawley’s Island

Known as one of America’s oldest and best summer resort communities, Pawley’s Island may seem like an exclusively warm weather destination. However, when the summer crowds leave, there are still plenty of things to see and do in this historic SC beach town.

Murrells Inlet

A popular fishing village near Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet is packed with charm, history, and wonderful waterfront scenery that make it a gorgeous year-round getaway. From pirate lore to oodles of outdoor recreation, SC’s “seafood capital” is a fun-filled winter retreat.

Litchfield Beach

Well known for its pristine white sand and turquoise waters that make for an idyllic summer retreat, Litchfield Beach is no less beautiful during the cool(er) winter months. Come for the activities like fishing and biking, but stay for the relaxing, scenic vibes available year-round.

Surfside Beach

Located near Myrtle Beach, the spectacularly scenic Surfside Beach is known as a popular family-friendly destination throughout the summer. However, there’s plenty to do here during the off-season, too, for those looking to escape the warm weather crowds.

They are aggressive, will eat anything they see and cruise the shallow, warm water close to the coastline.

They are bull sharks, and they are one of South Carolina’s deadliest animals, according to Femanin, which bills itself as a website written by women for women.

“The bull shark is one of the most dangerous of all sharks, as it may attack with no warning out of confusion or fear,” the website said.

Here’s what National Geographic says about this predator: “Historically, they are joined by their more famous cousins, great whites and tiger sharks, as the three species most likely to attack humans.”

And they’re known to swim far inland into rivers and tributaries.

EEK.

They prefer fish, dolphins, other sharks over humans. But get this, often when they attack people it’s a mistake or curiosity.

Curiosity?

The website AZ Animals says bull sharks are common in South Carolina but attacks have taken place at Burkes Beach at Hilton Head, Folly Beach and Debordieu Beach.

While the bull shark may be the most deadly, death is not all that common and neither are attacks.

The International Shark Attack File from the Florida Museum of Natural History has recorded 111 shark attacks between 1837 and 2021. That’s the fourth most in the United States after Florida, Hawaii and California.

But last year was an outlier. The annual report listed 73 unprovoked bites in the U.S., 39 worldwide last year and nine deaths.

Sharks were also the deadliest animal in North Carolina, Femanin found.

Overall among the states, snakes were listed as deadliest. Thirteen states, from Florida to Michigan to Oregon, found any number of rattlesnakes, copperheads and water moccasins to cause the most deaths.

Residents of four states were listed as being threatened by bears — grizzly in Wyoming, polar in Alaska, brown in Arkansas and black in Vermont.

Then there’s the kissing bug in Delaware.

“Sadly, this critter is actually a lot more dangerous than it sounds,” Femanin said.

The description alone is enough to scare you.

“Kissing bugs tend to bite faces and are particularly active at night,” the website said. “If you do get bit, you might develop a disease that can cause cardiac problems.”

Texas has its own problem. Not really an animal but Femanin said it deserves to be on the list: amoebas.

It’s a tiny organism that lives in the water.

“If they get into your body (generally through your nose), they can start eating through your brain tissue,” the website said.

This story was originally published November 17, 2022 8:00 AM.

One of the best things about Folly Beach is that it offers something for everyone. It has a relaxed, family-friendly vibe while at the same time offering a great selection of fun beach bars and nightlife. Its frequent festivals and events also have an atmosphere that is suited for all ages.

It's always a great time to visit Folly Beach, but fall is one of the most delightful seasons for a weekend on the edge of America. See why now is the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway to Charleston's favorite neighboring barrier island.

Why Visit Folly Beach In The Fall?

First and foremost, the weather is wonderful, but there is a fraction of the crowd. While temperatures are still toasty, it isn't quite so sweltering. The heat index in the summer is frequently over 100 degrees, with very high humidity. Expect fall temperatures to be in the 70s - 80s instead, with the ocean remaining warm enough for swimming too.

During the summer, traffic is often an utter nightmare; it can take hours to even get onto the island and find a parking space. By the time September rolls around, the crowd has thinned significantly, and it's smooth sailing. The beach itself also isn't so densely packed, so there is more room to spread out without being towel-to-towel with other beachgoers.

Finally, fall in the Lowcountry means the return of the oyster season, and Folly is full of the freshest shellfish offerings thanks to its surrounding marshland. The area is referred to as the 'Napa Valley of Oysters', and the local oysters are sought after nationwide; try them straight from the source!

Be sure to visit the iconic Bowen's Island restaurant, which has been serving up the daily haul of oysters and other local seafood straight from its docks since 1946.

Fido-Friendly: Folly Beach Dog Rules

From 1 May - 30 September, dogs are prohibited on the beach between the hours of 10 am - 6 pm. After September 30, Fido is welcome to hit the beach anytime; another point for Folly Beach in the fall!

The entire island very much caters to dogs. There is a slew of pet-friendly vacation rentals and numerous restaurants with pet-friendly patios. There is also a public dog park on the island where they can play.

What To See And Do In Folly Beach

Clocking in at only 12 square miles and the majority of the off-the-beach action is concentrated on Center Street. The majority of Folly Beach businesses are locally-owned establishments rather than chain retailers, adding to the strong sense of community.

The shops stock more than just run-of-the-mill beach souvenirs; there are many local artisans who sell their handcrafted items too. Besides clothing and beach goods, there are also surf shops, massage and yoga studios, and a thriving restaurant and bar scene.

Located a block over from Center Street sits Bert's Market, which deserves a special shout-out. Bert's is a Folly Beach institution, adhering to its slogan of ´we may doze, but we never close.' That's right, Bert's is open around the clock. Bert's vibe can't quite be described with words, but the funky little corner store will quickly become a daily go-to. It also has a full-service deli, hot food bar, ice-cream counter, and a great selection of beer and wine.

With its small size, Folly Beach offers great walkability (especially in the pleasant fall weather). In fact, there are even walking history tours of the island and the Morris Island lighthouse.

Those wishing to leave the car parked at the rental (or leave it behind altogether) have other options for getting around too. Bicycles, mopeds, and golf carts can all be rented on the island and make getting around a breeze (plus, they're a ton of fun).

Hitting the sand is super simple in Folly Beach, thanks to its ample beach access points. There is public access to every single block along the island, and on-street parking is free in most places. Just make sure all four wheels are off of the road (that includes golf carts, too) in order to avoid a ticket.

Folly Beach is known for having some of the best surfing in the southeast. Advanced surfers can head to the washout section of the beach, and novices can take a lesson from one of the several reputable surf schools on the island:

For those who want something a bit more relaxed, the coastline is also littered with shark teeth. Take a stroll at the low side and keep your eyes peeled for teeth hidden in among the sand and shells.

Another great way to enjoy Folly Beach and the surroundings is by boat. Take a sunset sailboat, booze cruise, fishing charter, or rent kayaks and explore the inlets all around the island.

While there are dozens of delicious options to choose from, here are some of the perennial crowd favorites to suit a variety of tastes:

Where To Stay In Folly Beach

Another perk of a fall getaway to Folly Beach is the low-season accommodation rates. Most rentals offer considerable discounts after the peak summer season.

While there are only two actual hotels on Folly Beach (The Tides and Folliday Inn), there is a huge selection of vacation rentals to suit all tastes and budgets. There are oceanfront condos, large, modern houses, and funky beach shacks reminiscent of a bygone era. There are also riverfront homes with private docks for anyone looking to bring the boat along. Besides Airbnb, there are numerous vacation rental offices on the island that can help to find the perfect rental while also providing tons of local insight and island recommendations.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that many short-term vacation rentals on the island become available for monthly rentals from September onwards (usually until March/April). So for anyone looking for an extended stay, fall is also an excellent time to lock in a seasonal rental.