Folly Beach

Folly Beach boasts white sand and Atlantic views and is also home to some of the best surfing on the East Coast. Longboards flock to the waters of the 1,000-foot (304-meter) pier; shortboards head for The Washout (marked by the restaurant of the same name). The area’s beautiful salt marshes and wildlife-rich tidal creeks are home to bald eagles, loggerhead turtles, and hundreds of migrating bird species such as plovers and herons. With minimal development, this spot is a church of Mother Nature.

• Time your visit with the tide—the beach gets quite narrow around high tide.

• Traffic can get heavy, both on the road to Folly and on the beach itself. Come early to reduce congestion issues during your trip.

• For a more upscale version of Folly Beach, try Isle of Palms or Sullivans Island.

If you’ve got wheels, it couldn’t be easier (or more scenic): From Charleston, head southwest on Folly Road, which leads directly to Folly Beach; the drive takes around 15-20 minutes, barring traffic issues. If you don’t have access to your own vehicle, you can nab a taxi or a rideshare from Charleston proper.

Folly Beach is a popular spot in summer and on weekends (long holiday weekends, especially). Aim to arrive by 9am to avoid congestion issues—or stay late for the same reason. That being said, spring and fall are markedly less busy and the weather is still mild; visiting in the shoulder season is ideal if you can swing it.

One can’t-miss attraction is the Morris Island Lighthouse, north of Folly Beach on Morris Island. Built in 1876 to mark the southern side of the entrance to Charleston harbor, the lighthouse—which happens to be the state’s tallest at 161 feet (49 meters)—is now defunct, but it’s still a beloved and beautiful icon of South Carolina history.