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 paid public parking in city lots at the beach accesses on most blocks. Since the city’s 2025 rate change, the busiest lots in the center of the island (along Arctic and Ashley avenues between 5th Street East and 5th Street West) charge a flat daily rate, and the outer lots charge by the hour or by the day. Rates are higher in peak season, March through September. As approved by the city, center lots cost $15 a day on weekdays and $25 on weekends and holidays in peak season ($10 and $15 from October through February), and outer lots cost $3 an hour or $12 a day in peak season ($2.50 an hour off-season). Rates can change and are different for special events, so check ParkFollyBeach.org before you go.
Paid lots are enforced from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Payment options are posted at each lot. For questions, call the ParkFollyBeach office at 843-591-7785, or 843-580-0423 for 24-hour parking help.
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, 20 feet of an intersection, or 30 feet of a stop sign or traffic signal. 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 keep your beach day ticket-free. For every other beach rule, from dogs to alcohol, see our Folly Beach rules and regulations.
