Get Out and Stay Out

Folly River Park and Karen Stringer Dock

Folly River Park is located on Center Street just as you drive onto the island. The park includes amenities like pavilions, picnic tables, swings, a fitness area, and a water station for humans and dogs alike. It is a favorite location for outdoor events. The Folly River Park also houses Folly’s most impressive rain garden, located to the left of the dock. Residents and visitors can also fish, crab, and enjoy the river view at the end of the community dock. The pavilions are first-come, first-served.

60 Center Street Map it.

Muriel Edge Weathers Shadow Race Park

Shadow Race Park is the city’s most recently developed outdoor space. It is a unique and peaceful park that encourages calm activities and programs. Activities such as bird watching, walking, relaxing, reading a book, contemplating the history of the battery on the grounds, or simply enjoying the landscaping are all possibilities to enjoy this park. The landscaping is designed to draw in unique local wildlife. Specifically, hardscapes such as bat, bee, ladybug, and birdhouses are woven throughout the grounds with a pergola and benches.

Shadow Race Lane Map it.

Wave Watch Playground

Tucked away on the west side neighborhood of Folly Beach on the corner of 5th Street West and West Cooper lies a fun, colorful children’s playground called Wave Watch Park. A towering playhouse centers the area with slides, ropes, and poles. Swings, a web rope feature, and spinning seats surround the playhouse. Creatively painted surfboards line the fence with ocean-themed artwork from local residences. Artists include children from the library, the Wetmore family, the Foxhall family, and the Grooms family. New bathrooms on site use natural solar lighting and feature a framed chalkboard for children to express their artistic side. A gazebo and table fill the corner for snacks and refreshments while enjoying the adventures at Wave Watch Park.

500 West Cooper Street Map it.

Horres Park

Folly Beach’s newest park is currently being designed and will include amenities similar to Shadow Race Park. This passive park is over one-half acre, ideal for any outdoor activity, while also enhancing and protecting local wildlife. Future nature trails will connect the park to Pirates Cove Playground. Enjoy a peaceful stroll or spot native wildlife like butterflies and ladybugs.

502 East Huron Avenue Map it.

Folly Beach Bark Park

Folly’s Bark Park is located on the east side of the island by the water tower and is accessible from East Erie or East Hudson. This park offers natural shade, water for pups, seating for their owners, pet waste bags, and receptables. The Bark Park is a local favorite for pet friendly play time. A list of rules is posted at the park.

512 East Erie Street Map it.

Timothy M. Goodwin Pirates Cove Playground

Pirates Cove Playground, located near the Bark Park and next to tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts, is a great escape for your little ones. Bring your kids on over to enjoy the pirate themed playground, equipped with regular playground structures, as well as a fire pole, boats to sail on, and a lighthouse slide. Pirates Cove also has a gazebo perfect for a birthday party or any other gathering. The gazebo is first-come, first-served.

506 East Erie Avenue Map it.

Shorebird Park

Folly’s smallest park is hidden just beyond the Washout. This quaint spot is great to sit down and take in the views. With the marsh on one side and the ocean nearby, Shorebird Park is the ideal place for spotting many different bird species, or to take a load off away from the sand and surf.

1584 East Ashley Avenue Map it.

Folly Beach Pier

The Folly Beach Pier pays tribute to the previous Lowcountry icon while allowing breathtaking views of the “Edge of America.” The possibilities are endless at the pier. With some of the best saltwater fishing around and a popular local surf spot, this is the place to be.  

101 East Arctic Avenue Map it.

Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve

Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve is located at the far east side of the island. This site played a significant role in the Civil War and was later used by the U.S. Coast Guard. It is the perfect spot to view the Morris Island Lighthouse, photograph or observe wildlife, or go for a stroll. The preserve is great for avid and amateur birdwatchers, with the County Park offering regularly scheduled bird walks.  

Lighthouse Inlet also contains important marshland and maritime forests that house diverse plant and animal species. Some areas of the inlet are nesting sites for endangered loggerhead sea turtles as well as adorable shorebirds such as the threatened Wilson’s Plovers. No pets are allowed at Lighthouse Inlet.

Read more at the Charleston County Parks website.

1750 East Ashley Avenue Map it.

Folly Beach County Park

Perhaps the most visited park in the city, the Folly Beach County Park boasts access to the beach, along with parking, picnic tables, a snack bar, and more. Bird Key, a major shorebird rookery, is visible at the west end of the park. You can also enjoy one of the best views of the sunset from here.

1100 West Ashley Avenue Map it.