New city, new rules! Here are some of the most important beach Rules on Folly Beach:
Parking Rules: We recommend coming as early as possible for the most stress-free parking! There are pay to park spots along the road, parking lots, and free parking in some of the neighborhoods.
- No parking on the roadways. All 4 tires must be off the road. If white lines are painted, tires must be outside the white line.
- No parking against traffic. All vehicles must park with the flow of traffic.
- No parking in a crosswalk.
- No parking within 20 feet of an intersection.
- No parking on sidewalks.
- No blocking public or private driveways.
Beach Rules:
DOGS are not allowed on the beach from 10 am to 6 pm from May 1st to Sept. 30th. At all other times they must be leashed and under control. Pick up your dog’s waste and remove from the beach. No pets are allowed on the pier.
NO possession or consumption of alcohol allowed on the beach. However, gather at one of the many restaurants and bars on Folly for a good time!
NO smoking is allowed on the beach or the beach accesses.
NO GLASS is allowed on the beach.
NO PLASTIC, BALLOONS, OR STYROFOAM is allowed on the beach. This means NO single-use styrofoam coolers are allowed. We offer durable igloo coolers to rent for the day. Place trash in your cooler and we will sort and properly dispose of it!
NO OPEN FIRES or FIREWORKS are allowed at any time.
NO LITTERING. Please bring garbage bags and dispose of all trash to the containers found at EACH public beach access. Have BEACH PRIDE and help us keep our beach clean so you and others can enjoy it now and in years to come.
PERSONAL ITEMS LEFT ON THE BEACH after sunset, such as tents, canopies, coolers, volleyball nets, and umbrellas, shall be considered abandoned and the City has the right to take possession and dispose of said items. Please make sure you have all your personal property when you leave the beach.
SAND DUNES are protected and fragile. Beach Sea Oats and grass help protect the dunes. Stay off the dunes and use public walkovers, located at every block, to access the beach.
SEA TURTLES are an endangered species. Do not interfere with them in any way. No lights are allowed that illuminate the front beach between 10 pm and dawn from May 1st to October 31st. Hatchling turtles are disorientated by artificial light. Fill holes dug in sand before you leave the beach. If you see any adult sea turtles or hatchings call 843-588-2433 to report your sighting.
DIGGING HOLES deeper than 1ft on the beach is illegal. All holes must be filled before you leave the beach and no metal shovels are allowed.
STRONG RIP CURRENTS are common so swim with caution. Charleston County Parks and Recreation provides lifeguards at the West End County Park and from 2nd Street East to 3rd Street West beachfront from May through Labor Day.
SURFING without a leash is prohibited. From May 15th to Sept. 15th surfing is prohibited between 10 am to 6 pm from 2nd Street East to 3rd Street West, known as the swimming zone. From September 16th to May 14th, surfing is allowed in any area except surfing is always prohibited 200′ from the fishing pier.
For more rules and ordinances check out the City of Folly Beach Rules Page!