Guide to Folly Beach Bars: Where to Drink by the Ocean

Thinking about spending a day bar hopping on Folly Beach? This guide will help you plan the perfect route and even give you a few tips along the way.

Folly Beach bars are Charleston’s funkiest, most free-spirited beach hangouts. Located just 25 minutes from downtown, it’s the kind of place where flip flops are always appropriate, live music is easy to find, and cold drinks are never far away. It’s laid-back, salty, and built for daytime fun.

If you’re visiting with a group—especially for a Charleston bacheler party or bachelorette party—Folly is one of the best spots to spend a sunny afternoon. And if you really want to do it right, book a Charleston party bus so your whole crew can ride out together, enjoy the breeze, and keep the drinks flowing without worrying about parking or logistics.

In this guide, we’ll cover the top Folly Beach bars, when to go, how to get there, and a sample itinerary to help you plan a stress-free day by the ocean.

Unlike other Charleston-area beaches like Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island, Folly has a built-in bar scene steps from the sand. It’s more casual, more eclectic, and more walkable—perfect for bar hopping on foot.

The streets around Center Street are lined with bars and restaurants, many with rooftop patios, ocean views, and frozen drink machines working overtime. It’s not uncommon to hear reggae or cover bands playing live music all day.

Top Folly Beach Bars to Visit 

Here are a few must-visit bars if you’re heading to Folly:

The Washout – A classic beach bar with cold drinks, live music, and a spacious outdoor patio. A favorite first stop for many.

Snapper Jacks – A three-story bar with a rooftop that overlooks the ocean. Great for frozen drinks and a breezy view.

Loggerhead’s Beach Grill – Perfect for a beachy lunch or happy hour. Laid-back atmosphere with good food and outdoor seating.

Rita’s Seaside Grille – Located right across from the beach, Rita’s is a great place for margaritas, brunch, or an afternoon beer.

Lowlife Bar – Trendier than most Folly spots, with a great cocktail list and an Instagram-friendly vibe.

Chico Feo – A super casual open-air hangout with picnic tables, tacos, and a rotating beer selection. Very local, very chill.

When to Go to Folly Beach Bars 

The best time to bar hop on Folly is between March and October. Weekends tend to be the liveliest, especially Saturday afternoons when the patios are full and the music is flowing.

Aim to arrive before noon if you want to avoid traffic and find a good spot to start the crawl. Things get busiest between 1:00 and 4:00 pm. Sunset is also a great time to grab a drink by the ocean.

Parking on Folly can be a nightmare. There are limited spots and meters everywhere. Plus, if your group is drinking, you’ll want a safe, reliable way to get there and back.

That’s where a Charleston party bus comes in. Not only do you avoid the hassle of traffic and parking, but you can also pre-game on the way, store your beach gear on board, and ride home together without splitting up into Ubers.

Double Black offers 10% off daytime rides, which makes it even easier to plan a fun and stress-free beach bar crawl.

---

---

Sample Folly Beach Bar Crawl Itinerary 

Here’s a sample half-day itinerary to make the most of your time on Folly:

10:30 AM – Pickup from your Airbnb or hotel in a Charleston party bus 

11:15 AM – Arrive at The Washout for brunch drinks and snacks 

1:00 PM – Head to Snapper Jacks for rooftop views and frozen cocktails 

2:30 PM – Walk to Loggerhead’s or Rita’s for a mid-day meal 

4:00 PM – Chill at Chico Feo with beers and live music 

5:30 PM – Back to the bus for a ride home or a nap before going out on King Street

Local Tips & Hidden Gems

• Rita’s has one of the best spicy margaritas in town
• Snapper Jack’s rooftop fills up fast on sunny Saturdays
• Chico Feo usually has a live band or DJ playing by mid-afternoon
• Loggerhead’s has surprisingly good hush puppies
• The Washout is ideal for groups because of its huge outdoor space

Folly Beach offers one of the best daytime drinking scenes in the Charleston area. It’s casual, scenic, and easy to explore on foot—especially if you leave the car behind.

Whether you’re planning a bachelor or bachelorette weekend, a birthday bash, or just a Saturday out with friends, Folly Beach bars are always a good time. Pair them with a Charleston party bus and make your beach day as fun and easy as it should be.

Thirsty for more? Check out our guide on where to go out in Charleston each night of the week!