Folly Beach: The Ultimate Laid back escape vacation spot

Folly Beach: The Ultimate Laid-Back Escape

Folly Beach isn’t just a beach—it’s a vibe. The salty breeze, the colorful surf shacks, the way time seems to slow down as soon as you cross that last bridge—it’s the kind of place that invites you to kick off your shoes, sink your toes in the sand, and just enjoy the moment.

Whether you’re here for a quick day trip, a long weekend, or an extended stay soaking up the sun, there’s plenty to do beyond just the beach itself (though, let’s be real, the beach is reason enough to visit). From delicious eats to hidden gems, here’s how to make the most of your time!

Folly Beach is a photographer’s dream. Whether it's the dramatic beauty of the Morris Island Lighthouse, the charm of the Folly Beach Pier, or the dreamy glow of sunset reflecting off the water, every session here is filled with movement, emotion, and that unmistakable coastal magic. Check out this dreamy sunset family session on the beach! If you’re looking for photos that feel as natural and beautiful as your time at the beach, Folly is the place to be.

Start with the Beach (Obviously!)

There’s no wrong way to enjoy a day at Folly, but if you’re looking for the best beach experience, grab a spot near the Folly Beach Pier for easy access to restaurants and shops, or head toward the Washout if you want to watch surfers catching waves. Looking for photos at Folly Beach Pier, this ADORABLE family set the tone for a magical photoshoot with an awesome guest star from a rainbow!

Want something a little more secluded? Take a stroll to Morris Island Lighthouse Beach, where the driftwood-strewn shoreline makes for an absolutely stunning backdrop—especially at sunrise. This spot feels like something out of a dream, with waves lapping at the shore and the historic lighthouse standing tall in the distance. If you’re looking for a place that captures the true beauty of Folly, this is it. Click here to explore the stunning, picture-perfect views of the Morris Island Lighthouse.

And if you’re here at golden hour, there’s no better way to capture the moment than with a beachfront photo session. The soft light, the rolling waves, the wind in your hair—it’s effortless, natural, and so Folly. Check out this stunning family session at sunset on Folly Beach! If you have children, this is the perfect spot to capture candid photos of them playing with driftwood and running freely, just being themselves.

Worried about coordinating a big group? Don’t be! We love photographing extended families and do it all the time. Whether you’re bringing grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, or the whole crew, we know how to make the session feel relaxed, fun, and natural. These are the moments you’ll cherish for years to come—laughter between generations, big family hugs, and those sweet in-between moments that make your family unique. So gather everyone up, and let’s make some beautiful memories together, just like this awesome extended family I had the pleasure of capturing, with 19 people total! That’s right - 19 people!

Explore the Marsh

Folly Beach isn’t just about ocean views—the marshlands that surround the island are just as breathtaking. Whether you’re kayaking through the winding waterways, spotting dolphins at play, or just enjoying the golden glow of sunset over the grass, the marsh is one of the most peaceful places on Folly. It’s also a fantastic spot for a unique, Lowcountry-style photo session.Take a look at this session I captured this beautiful family at the marsh on Folly Beach!

Eat Like a Local

Nothing works up an appetite like a day in the sun, and lucky for you, Folly Beach has some of the best food spots in Charleston.

• Taco Boy – A Folly staple! Whether you’re a classic carnitas fan or all about the tempura shrimp tacos, this spot delivers fresh flavors and a killer margarita menu.

• Lost Dog Café – The perfect spot for a laid-back brunch. Expect huge biscuits, strong coffee, and a dog-friendly patio that makes you wish you brought your pup along.

• The Crab Shack – No-frills, all-flavor. Think lowcountry boils, fresh peel-and-eat shrimp, and ice-cold beer served in a cozy setting.

• Coda del Pesce – Want something a little more upscale? This oceanfront Italian spot serves up handmade pasta and some of the best seafood in town, with views that make it worth every penny.

Cool Off with Something Sweet

If the Charleston heat starts to get to you, Dolce Banana Café is the place to go. Their Pineapple Dole Whip is a must-try—sweet, refreshing, and addictive.

And if your kids need a little incentive to behave (or just a reason to keep going), promise them a scoop of superhero ice cream. The bright blue-and-red swirls will leave them with stained lips—and a sugar rush to fuel the rest of the adventure.

Let the Kids (and Adults!) Play

Need a break from the waves? Head to Folly River Park, where kids can burn off some energy on the playground while you relax under the shade of moss-draped oaks. Or, if they still need to get some energy out, Folly Beach County Park has plenty of space to run, jump, and splash around—plus, it's one of the best spots on the island for watching the sunset.

End the Day with a Walk on the Pier

There’s something about the Folly Beach Pier that just feels right at the end of the day. Whether you’re fishing, people-watching, or just taking in the ocean views, it’s the perfect place to slow down and soak in the moment. Watching the sky change colors over the ocean from the pier is something you won’t forget anytime soon. With its easy access right off the road, it’s perfect for all ages. Check out this extended family session at the Folly Beach Pier!

If you're planning a family trip to Folly Beach, don't forget to get some photos! Capture those special moments, frame them, and you'll have perfect Christmas gifts ready for everyone to enjoy!

Interested in booking your own Folly Beach session? Click here to find all of the details about booking a session including pricing and be sure and sign up for the newsletter to get all of the latest news about travel and any special offerings.