Thanksgiving is almost here — that special time of year when we gather with friends and family, share a meal that always lasts a little too long, and take stock of all we’re grateful for.
And this year, as we count our blessings, we think Folly Beach deserves a spot at the top of the list.
Whether you’re a longtime local or simply love visiting the Edge of America, there’s always something to appreciate about this little barrier island that manages to feel like home to everyone who sets foot on it.
Here are just a few of the things we’re thankful for on Folly Beach.
1. The View
There’s no view quite like it anywhere on the East Coast. From the rolling surf at The Washout to the calm waters near the Morris Island Lighthouse, every stretch of Folly’s shoreline offers a new perspective on the Atlantic’s beauty.
Morning walks on Folly Beach County Park are a favorite for families, while surfers and photographers can be found chasing waves or light along the island’s length. Add in blue skies that seem to stretch forever and dolphins that love to play in the breakers, and you’ve got a view we’ll never take for granted.
2. The Folly Attitude
If you’ve spent even an afternoon here, you know what we mean by the Folly attitude. It’s laid-back but vibrant, coastal but creative — equal parts surf town, artist retreat, and family getaway.
You’ll see it in the friendly waves from locals, the casual live music spilling onto porches, and the unmistakable feeling that life moves at its own easy pace here. No one ever seems to be in too much of a hurry on Folly, and that’s exactly how we like it.
3. Center Street Energy
Downtown Folly Beach may only run a few blocks, but it packs in more charm than some cities twice its size. Center Street is the beating heart of the island — a lively mix of restaurants and bars, local shops, surf spots, and outdoor patios buzzing with conversation.
Spend the afternoon browsing beach boutiques or picking up a souvenir, then grab a seat at a favorite local hangout for fresh oysters or Lowcountry shrimp. When the sun sets, Center Street comes alive with live music and laughter that carries all the way to the pier.
Recently rebuilt and better than ever, the Folly Beach Pier is one of the island’s true treasures. Stretching more than 1,000 feet into the Atlantic, it’s the perfect place for a sunrise stroll, an afternoon of fishing, or simply watching waves roll beneath your feet.
With shaded seating areas, a gift shop, and panoramic ocean views, the pier is a reminder of what makes Folly special — a place where locals and visitors come together to enjoy life by the sea.
5. Folly’s One-of-a-Kind Spirit
You can see Folly’s personality everywhere you look — from the colorful cottages lining Ashley Avenue to the hand-painted surfboards that decorate local shops. The Pirate Playground brings families together, and the island’s quirky art installations, live music venues, and beach festivals showcase its creative heart.
No two beach houses look alike, no two sunsets ever repeat, and no two days here feel the same. That individuality — that unfiltered, unapologetic Folly spirit — is something we’re deeply thankful for.
A Community Worth Celebrating
Folly Beach is more than a vacation spot. It’s a community of people who care about the ocean, the environment, and each other. It’s an island that balances celebration with stewardship — and that’s something to be proud of.
So as you gather this Thanksgiving, take a moment to remember all the things that make this place so special: the sights, the sounds, the salt air, and the smiles that greet you wherever you go.
We’ll be giving thanks for another beautiful year on Folly Beach — and for everyone who helps keep this island as vibrant, welcoming, and unforgettable as it’s always been.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us on Folly Beach.
May your holiday be full of good food, good company, and plenty of good coastal vibes.
