While it’s well-known that Charleston is one of the top destinations in the South for mouth watering cuisine it’s a common misconception for visitors to assume they need to travel to downtown Charleston for a top notch culinary experience. For vacationers who’ve chosen to vacation on the slower-paced, small town island of Folly Beach, this couldn’t be further from the truth. While the dining scene on Folly may cater to a “flip flop and shorts” kind of clientele, that doesn’t mean that they are serving up only corndogs and baskets of burgers & fries – delicious food can be found pretty much everywhere on Folly. From shrimp & grits at breakfast, to Spam sliders (yes! that’s even on a Folly Beach menu) and Kimchi Beef tacos, you’ll find the local dining spots on Folly Beach serving up some taste-bud-pleasing, delectable fare. You’ll definitely enjoy the casual, laid-back atmosphere of the area plus the diversity of food offerings awaiting you at each amazing restaurant. We’re sharing our guide for where to eat on Folly Beach.
And, before you plan your next trip to Charleston, don’t forget to request access to our Charleston Insider’s Guide. We’ve pulled together a guide to “where the locals go” for the best in dining, spas, parks, golf – you name it! Local recommendations can be invaluable when planning your itinerary and trying to make the most of your time in the Lowcountry.
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Your Guide for Where to Eat on Folly Beach
Chico Fei
From Vietnamese inspired Bun Cha, to a classic Cuban sandwich and an array of tacos, this local spot is a favorite among the surfer crowd – they even provide an up-to-the-minute surf report on their website. A go to for those in search of the perfect beach break.
Lost Dog Café
Indulge in traditional Southern cuisine with a twist! Lost Dog Café is one of the most delicious stops if you’re searching for breakfast to power up for a long day on the beach, or if you need a go-to eatery for a family brunch. With a diverse menu full of both classic favorites and innovative creations, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Folly Benedict is a real crowd-pleaser, and you’ll be blown away by the Graham Cracker Peanut Butter French Toast.
Jack of Cups Saloon
Get an authentic taste of Folly’s food scene at Jack of Cups Saloon. As a long-standing local favorite, there’s a reason visitors and locals alike flock to this unique café in the heart of Folly. Here you can enjoy Asian Fusion, Indian cuisine, and Italian plates all in one seaside joint. Each plate offers a unique taste, so much so that it may even turn into a highlight of your trip.
The Crab Shack
Calling all seafood lovers! Experience some of Charleston’s freshest seafood at The Crab Shack on Folly Beach. After all, what’s a beach trip without a dozen oysters and a Lowcountry boil? That’s not all! You can often find live music at this Folly favorite while enjoying creative frozen cocktails and great times with family.
Taco Boy
With more than one location in Charleston, Taco Boy is considered a local legend for margaritas and tacos. The team at Taco Boy elevates the street taco of West Coast, beachside food trucks and adds a lowcountry twist. And with an all new location on Folly Beach Taco Boy now features an updated taco menu, frozen drink bar, festive décor, and a roof top mezcal and tequila bar with ocean views.
The Bounty Bar
A neighborhood bar and restaurant brought to you by the folks from The Royal American, the Bounty Bar provides a great backdrop to enjoy simple bar fare and a beach-centric cocktail plus catch Lowcountry rock ‘n’ roll all while the surfers catch the last rides of the day. Try the crispy fried fish sandwich, loaded nachos or a frozen creative beach cocktail menu. It will easily become your favorite spot to relax and wind down the day.
Bowens Island
While this long time, locally loved restaurant isn’t “technically” on Folly Beach, we think it’s close enough. Located at the tip of a 13-acre island, 5 minutes from Folly Beach, Bowens Island is famous for its locally harvested oysters, fried shrimp, hushpuppies, cold beer, and its undisturbed view of the river, marshes, islands, and wildlife. When the locals say “there is no place else like it in Charleston” well, they’re not kidding. It doesn’t even have air conditioning, but the food is so good, you won’t even notice.
Loggerhead’s Beach Grill
Loggerhead’s Beach Grill offers a classic beachy atmosphere with plenty of outdoor seating, so you don’t have to say goodbye to the sunshine, even on a lunch break! The atmosphere is only made complete by the old bright blue Volkswagen bus parked outside and the frequent live music found here. Don’t forget to try the conch fritters for a true taste of Charleston’s seafood offerings.
Find Your Charleston Getaway with Luxury Simplified Retreats
When you’re looking for a vacation that delivers all the rest and relaxation mixed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences Luxury Simplified Retreats is here to help craft your unique Charleston vacation. Whether you’re staying on Folly Beach, Downtown, Isle of Palms or even a luxury destination like Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, SC, you can rest knowing that you’ll be in good hands. From a friendly, professional concierge service team to assist you every step of the way, to exquisite rental homes in Charleston’s most desirable areas, you’ll find everything you need when staying with Luxury Simplified Retreats. Contact us to begin planning your uniquely tailored getaway and book your stay in one of our luxury Charleston rentals homes.
What is your ideal day at the beach? A big umbrella and a good book? Boogie boarding and sand castles? Wading in the waves? Whether you are planning a day trip or a weeklong summer stay, the top beaches to visit in Charleston SC include these four easily accessible public beaches, each with its own unique scene and amenities. Locals tend to visit the beach closest to their home (for obvious reasons), which means the beaches often mirror the communities that border them, but no matter where you are staying in Charleston, you’re always just a few minutes from putting your toes in the sand.
Isle of Palms
Across the intercostal waterway from Mount Pleasant awaits Isle of Palms (lovingly referred to by locals as just “IOP”). Ocean Boulevard is home to a several local beachfront restaurants serving up tasty food with a view. With the Isle of Palms County Park offering convenient parking, beachfront lifeguards, public restrooms and other amenities, IOP is frequented by families of all sizes. And beyond lounging on the sand, you’ll find countless fishermen on the pier just waiting to reel in the catch of the day. Isle of Palms offers a lot for families to do and is one of the most popular beach destinations in Charleston.
Folly Beach
Affectionately known by locals as “funky Folly” for its laid back vibes, Folly Beach offers a classic, casual beach experience. The iconic fishing pier, home to local eatery Pier 101, is the perfect place to take in the panoramic ocean views and look back at the island’s shore. The pier and surrounding beach are part of Folly Beach County Park, which offers amenities including lifeguard supervision, beach patrol, public restrooms, snack bar and equipment rentals (beach chair/umbrella, fishing tackle, etc.). A short way down the beach surfing hotspot ‘The Washout’ draws amateurs and pro’s alike with some of the best surf in the Carolina’s.
Sullivan’s Island
Though it is the smallest of Charleston’s area beaches, Sullivan’s Island beach is among the most pristine. Less frequented than other area beaches, it’s often uncrowded, ideal for morning walks on the beach, or picnics on the sand with views of the Ravenel Bridge. With nearly a dozen local restaurants right off the beach – from tacos and margaritas at Mex 1 Coastal Cantina or dinner at the eclectic Poe’s Tavern – it’s no wonder Sullivan’s is a favorite for local Charlestonians. The island is also home to Fort Moultrie and the iconic Sullivan’s Island lighthouse (commonly called “Charleston Light”), which has the distinction of being among the country’s most modern lighthouses. Fully operational, it serves not only to guide ships safely to shore but also as a reminder of Charleston’s role as a bustling seaport importing and exporting food, goods, and tourists daily.
Beachwalker Park Kiawah Island
A picturesque drive just south of downtown Charleston, Kiawah Island Beach is a tranquil and serene retreat complete with winding oak trees, marsh views, and coastal landscape. As Kiawah Island is a private, gated community, Beachwalker County Park is one of the best kept local secrets – it’s open to the public, with everything you need from lifeguards to changing rooms, showers, handicap access, and plenty of shade. If you’re heading out for a long walk on the beach, make sure you bring a bag or bucket to collect the many sand dollars you’ll find along the way.
Stay in luxury
Choose your favorite beach, or explore them all and discover a few of Charleston’s treasures and secrets along the way. Don’t forget to pack all the beach bag essentials for your fun day on the sand! Book a stay at any of our luxury vacation homes in the heart of Downtown Charleston or on Folly Beach, Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island and be that much closer to having your toes in the sand. The team at Luxury Simplified Retreats goes above and beyond to offer guests an outstanding experience with beautiful beach rentals and unparalleled concierge services. Browse our Experience Packages to consider making your trip especially unique, then sit back, relax, and leave all of the planning to us.
