As summer stretches on in a dazzling array of sunny days, the number of visitors flocking to Folly’s shores grows exponentially. And as more people soak up our little beach town’s undeniable beauty and charm, there’s naturally more interaction between locals, wildlife, and those “from off” — the Southern phrase for visitors.
One of the most wonderful things about Folly Beach is her giving spirit. The people here are known for their warmth and hospitality — and with good reason. Visitors are the lifeblood of this community, and most locals are more than happy to share this little slice of paradise.
Still, as the height of travel season arrives, conversations often turn to responsible coastal behavior. Those lucky enough to live here love and protect the beach deeply, and it’s easy to forget that not everyone has grown up with the same understanding of coastal ecosystems.
One Folly resident recently shared that she’d never seen the ocean until adulthood — a reminder that many visitors are discovering our shoreline for the first time. When we see mistakes made in caring for the beach, it’s often due to lack of knowledge rather than lack of empathy.
By sharing what we know, we can help others protect the place we all love. Education and encouragement are powerful tools for preserving Folly’s natural beauty.
Here are a few ways to practice good environmental etiquette the next time you visit Folly Beach — whether you’re a local or just visiting for the weekend.
1. Flatten and Fill In the Sand Around You
Building sandcastles is one of the pure joys of a beach day — but don’t forget to fill in holes and flatten mounds before you leave. Sea turtles, which are protected by state and federal laws, come ashore from May through October to lay their eggs.
Holes and uneven sand can make their nesting and hatching journey dangerous. Before heading home, simply smooth the sand around your area. If you forget, the tide will take care of it eventually — but doing your part helps protect these fragile creatures.
Check the Folly Beach tide chart before you go; digging below the high tide line helps ensure the ocean naturally resets your sandcastles and holes.
2. Take Everything You Brought
From coolers and towels to sunglasses and snacks, it’s easy to leave something behind. Unfortunately, litter is one of the biggest threats to marine life. Plastic debris can entangle wildlife, destroy habitats, and enter the food chain.
Be especially mindful of single-use plastics like straws, wrappers, and bottle caps. Before leaving, do a quick sweep of your area and pack out everything you brought. Leave only footprints behind — it’s the simplest and most powerful rule for keeping Folly Beach beautiful.
3. Butt Out
If you smoke, please dispose of cigarette butts properly. Cigarettes do not biodegrade in sand and can leach harmful chemicals into the water. Last year, volunteers collected more than 6,000 cigarette butts from Folly’s beach in just two days.
Thanks to local groups like Folly’s Green Team and the Surfrider Foundation, you’ll now find cigarette disposal containers at many beach walkovers. Use them — and help keep our sand and surf clean for everyone.
4. Respect Sea Creatures
It’s natural to be curious about sea life, but please look — don’t touch. Removing live starfish, sand dollars, or other marine animals from the water can harm or kill them.
If a starfish’s tube feet move or a sand dollar feels fuzzy and dark in color, it’s alive and should stay where it is. Empty white shells or sand dollars are fine to collect — just make sure they aren’t inhabited by a crab or other small creature before you pick them up.
When exploring tide pools near the Folly Beach Pier or around Morris Island Lighthouse, admire them from the edges rather than wading in. The delicate ecosystems inside can be damaged by even a single misplaced step.
5. Don’t Feed the Seagulls
It’s tempting to toss food to the gulls, but feeding them does more harm than good. Human food can make them sick and alter their natural behavior. Some migratory species may even stop traveling if they learn to rely on beachgoers for snacks, putting them at risk during colder months.
Keep your chips, crackers, and leftovers to yourself — the seagulls will find plenty to eat on their own.
6. Be a Champion for Our Coast
Every person who visits Folly has a role in protecting it. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, take time to learn about our coastal environment and the challenges it faces.
If you see someone unintentionally harming marine life or walking on a dune, take the opportunity to gently explain why that matters. Education spreads awareness — and awareness inspires action.
Before visiting, check the Folly Beach weather forecast and plan your beach day responsibly. A little preparation — and a lot of respect — go a long way toward preserving this amazing place.
Together, We Keep Folly Beautiful
From filling holes and packing out trash to respecting sea life and educating others, small actions make a big difference. Folly Beach has always thrived on a balance of natural wonder and community spirit — and with a little awareness, we can keep it that way for generations to come.
