Why I Love Taking Folly Beach Photos
As a family photographer, I am always looking for the best spots in Charleston for beach photos. My photography portfolio is full of beach photoshoots taken across the Lowcountry:
Kiawah Island Family Session in Johns Island, SC
Isle of Palms Winter Beach Session
Beach Birthday Session in Folly Beach, SC
So what does this have to do with Folly Beach? In my opinion, it’s the best local beach and one of the closest beaches to downtown Charleston.
Why You Should Visit Folly Beach
Getting back to Folly Beach, why is it the best beach in Charleston to visit? Well, mostly because it hasn’t been commercialized and turned into a zoo like some beaches you may know. There is nothing wrong with that if that is what you love, but I love the total hippie relaxed vibe of Folly.
There are great places to eat like Taco Boy, The Washout, and Bowman’s Island Restaurant. All of the restaurants around Folly have the same vibe as I mentioned and most things are within walking distance, except for Bowman’s.
Another great thing I love is the unique Folly Beach annual events that are always fun. Every New Year’s Eve they host their annual Flip Flop Drop where a sparkling pair of flip flops drop when the clock strikes midnight. New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1st with the annual Bill Murray Polar Plunge. Visitors dress as their favorite Bill Murray character and plunge into the Atlantic Ocean.
Other fun family events include the folly beach fireworks on the 4th of July. Who doesn’t love the beautiful lights and a patriotic spirit while sitting on the beach. Folly Beach also hosts a Christmas Parade in December where kids can see Santa in the streets of their favorite beach town. After the parade, Santa always stops at the Folly River Park to give away more treats to the kids.
Where Is Folly Beach
Folly Beach is located on Folly Island in Charleston County, South Carolina and features 6 miles of beaches. Charleston locals call it “the Edge of America” because The Fishing Pier extends more than 1,045 feet in the Atlantic Ocean.
Directions from Downtown Charleston to Folly Beach – 15 minutes:
- merge onto the James Island Connector (SC-30 W) toward James Island/Folly Beach for 2.8 miles
- Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Folly Road (State Hwy 171)
- Continue straight onto Folly Road (State Hwy 171) for 6.4 miles
- Arrive at Folly Beach
Click here to get directions from your starting location
Clients Love Folly Beach Photoshoots
I frequently take clients to Folly Beach for their beach family photo sessions because it is the prettiest beach in Charleston! But don’t take my word for it, I can prove it to you because pictures speak louder than words, right?
I took most of these images when I was helping the ladies from the Insta Inspire Retreat scout locations for the 2019 Retreat in Charleston. They ended up using several of the locations I gave them, but I think Folly Beach was a favorite for a lot of the attendees.
Thanks for reading all about my favorite beach. And if you need a maternity or family session while you visit Charleston, let me know!
This month I am part of a blog circle of an amazing group of photographers. Please follow along to Jillian’s guide on what to wear for your family session Family Photographer in Calgary, Alberta and make the full circle back to me!
Melissa Hunt is a top photographer in the Charleston, SC area and specializes in maternity and family photography.
