Folly Beach has only one road in and out—Folly Road. That makes it easy to find your way but also easy for traffic to back up, especially during summer weekends, holidays, and festivals. Fortunately, with a little planning, you can cut down your time in the car and enjoy more of what makes Folly so magical.
1. Travel During the Off-Season
If you can swing it, plan your Folly trip for spring or fall. These shoulder seasons offer:
- Smaller crowds
- Lower prices on rentals and hotels
- More parking options
- Cooler but still beach-worthy weather
Even in the off-season, most restaurants and shops remain open, so you won’t miss out on anything.
2. Avoid the 3–4 PM Check-In Rush
Most hotels and vacation rentals open check-in between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. This causes a big influx of cars just as beachgoers are trying to leave. To skip the crunch:
- Aim to arrive before lunch
- Enjoy some beach time or lunch in town
- Call ahead to see if your rental is ready early
Even if you can’t get in right away, relaxing with a drink or a walk is better than waiting in a traffic jam.
3. Skip Midday Weekend Arrivals
In the summer, thousands of day-trippers head to Folly between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Try to time your arrival:
- Before 8:30 a.m.
- After 3:00 p.m.
This is especially important on holiday weekends like the 4th of July and Labor Day, when traffic builds earlier and lasts longer.
4. Charleston Side Trips: Return After 5 PM
Heading into Charleston for the day? Great idea—but plan your return after 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. That’s when outbound Folly traffic is heaviest, but incoming flow lightens up. You’ll avoid bottlenecks and roll back in just in time for sunset.
5. Use Traffic Apps & Online Tools
Before you head out—or while you’re en route—check traffic conditions with:
- LocalConditions.com – Folly Beach
- Google Maps or Waze for real-time congestion and alternate routes
- SC511 app for statewide road info and live cams
It pays to stay one step ahead, especially if weather, construction, or an accident is slowing things down.
Enjoy Folly on Your Terms
Even if you hit a little traffic, don’t sweat it—you’re on island time. But with these tips, you can spend more of your trip soaking up sunshine instead of sitting on Folly Road.
