The Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Fishing Pier is 25 feet wide, extends more than 1,049 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, and is 22 feet above sea level. A Lowcountry landmark known as one of the best places to go saltwater fishing in Charleston, visitors and locals alike take advantage of the expansive Folly Beach views, bird watching, and walking. Check out one of the best-unobstructed vistas of the “Edge of America” from the Folly Beach Pier. ccprc.com/1753/Folly-Beach-Pier
Where is the Folly Beach Pier?
The Folly Beach Pier is centrally located, just off Center Street, the main entrance to our town. On your way in, drive until you reach the water and look to your left, where you’ll find E. Arctic Avenue. Turn left, and the pier will be immediately to your right. The complete address is:
101 E. Arctic Ave.
Folly Beach, SC 29439
Parking at the Folly Beach Pier
There is a public parking lot at the pier for a fee, or if space allows, on-street parking is available free of charge and is first come, first serve. Parking is limited, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early, carpool when possible, and expect delays entering the parking lot.
Keep in mind that parking can be frustrating on Folly Beach during the summer. Make sure to park legally to avoid a ticket. You’llYou’ll likely visit the pier multiple times, depending on where you’re staying. It’sIt’s an easy walk from many places, or you may take a bike or golf cart if you’re further away. No fee is required for walk-ins or bicyclists.
When is the folly beach pier open?
The Folly Pier is open for your enjoyment during the following hours throughout the year:
Open daily
Pier: 8 a.m.-sunset
Gift shop: 8 a.m.-30 minutes before sunset
Events
In addition to the views, the Folly Beach Pier hosts special events, popular fishing tournaments, and dining. At the end of the pier, a 7,500-square-foot diamond-shaped platform is home to regular Moonlight Mixers.
Restaurants
The Folly Beach Pier is also home to Pier 101 Restaurant and Bar, offering casual beachfront dining with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Pier 101 serves classically-inspired American and Southern dishes, seafood specialties, and cold drinks. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, with live music on the weekends. Learn more here.
Fishing the folly beach pier
Daily fishing from the pier and rod rentals and bait are available for a fee. During the pier’spier’s most recent rebuild, two locations of the pier were slightly widened and covered, at 33 feet wide, allowing additional space for fishing.
History
The current Folly pier reopened to the public on December 26, 2022, after replacing the old one. Folly Pier has been a centerpiece of the town throughout its history and different iterations.
According to the City of Folly, in the 1930’s1930’s, the Pier, Atlantic Pavilion, Boardwalk, and Ocean Hotel were completed. The original Folly Pier was 120 feet wide and 97 feet long and was a green and white structure built with palmetto tree logs. In 1937, 15,000 people celebrated the 4th of July on the Folly Beach Pier. The pier drew famous entertainers and bands over the years, including Jerry Lee Lewis, The Drifters, and The Coasters.
In 1960, after a fire at the nearby Ocean Front Hotel, the pier and pavilion area reopened as the Ocean Plaza with amusement rides, shops, 1,700 feet of boardwalk, a roller-skating rink, and concessions.
In January 1977, the pier burned, and arson was the suspected cause of the fire. On September 22, Hurricane Hugo, a category four hurricane, made landfall on Sullivan’sSullivan’s Island. Winds were estimated to be 135-140 mph, devastating the South Carolina coast. Entire houses were flattened, blown away, and washed away by a massive 11.9-foot storm surge.
On July 4, 1995, the previous Folly Beach Pier and tackle shop were built. It reached its end of life due to deterioration in the wood pilings caused by marine borers. Reconstruction began in October 2020 to erect the current pier, which features modern improvements and a longer lifespan.
Pier amenities
7,500-square-foot diamond head platform at the end of the pier
Rod rentals
Gift and tackle shop
Ice cream and snacks are available
Restrooms/showers
Restaurant
Beach-accessible wheelchair available
