The Department of Public Safety has particular rules for parking on Folly Beach, so read on (and maybe take careful notes) to ensure you don’t get a ticket.
There is public parking in the lots at the beach access points on most city blocks. Parking in these lots costs $2 per hour or $10 daily, which can be paid in the parking meter pay stations. (Note that the rate varies for special events).
Meters are enforced from 8 a.m.– 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday, excluding Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Parking is free after 8 p.m., but parking is not allowed in paid lots after 10 p.m. and after 11 p.m. at the Washout. In addition to paying with debit or credit cards, you can download the Passport Parking app to pay for parking on your phone conveniently.
Folly Beach County Park, located at the west end of Folly, has parking available for a fee per vehicle.
Street parking is free if you can find a spot, but here’s what you need to know to avoid a violation:
First, all four tires must be completely off the street. There aren’t exceptions to this rule, so check that your car is entirely off the road before locking it. If white lines are painted, tires must be outside the white line.
Your car should be parallel to the roadway with the flow of traffic. Don’t park facing traffic or on the opposite side of the street. And unless posted, don’t park diagonally.
Parking on crosswalks, sidewalks, or blocking driveways is prohibited. This includes public buildings and private homes. It’s not okay to park in a private driveway because it looks like no one’s home.
Additionally, there is no parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or 20 feet of an intersection. And don’t take a designated handicapped space unless you have the proper ADA permit or license tag visible on your vehicle. Parking on yellow curbs or within areas marked by yellow or red street lines is also not permitted, as is parking behind yellow lines.
The dunes and revetments are both there to protect and maintain the beach. Parking isn’t allowed on either. And it should probably go without saying, but there is no stopping, standing, or parking in a roadway.
Since parking spaces are limited, walking and biking are always encouraged on Folly. But if you have to drive, following these rules will make your beach time ticket accessible.
