James Island and Folly Beach

James Island

James Island is a popular bedroom community with quick access to downtown Charleston. Known for its down-to-earth, independent, and family-friendly character, it offers expansive waterway vistas carved by tidal creeks and marshes. Many neighborhoods here were developed in the 1980s-90s, featuring established homes shaded by mature tree canopies. However, there are also many newly built homes, apartments, and condos.

Neighborhoods Include:

• Harbor Woods
• Riverland Terrace
• Seaside Plantation
• Freeman’s Point
• Ocean Neighbors
• Bennett’s Bluff
• Stiles Point Plantation

Attractions Include:

• James Island County Park: Water parks, annual Festival of Lights, 643 acres of walking and biking trails, off-leash dog park, and boat rentals.
• Terrace Theater: Features independent films.

James Island is the closest suburb to Charleston, offering everything you need without leaving the island.

Folly Beach

Where James Island ends and Folly Road crosses Folly River, the “Edge of America” begins. Folly Beach is a vibrant community home to families, artists, surfers, beach enthusiasts, and vacationers.

Attractions include:

• Folly Pier
• Bowen’s Island Restaurant (famed for fresh you-shuck oysters)
• Morris Island Lighthouse
• Tides Hotel (offers free movies on the beach in summer)

Folly Beach retains much of its weathered old island charm, with dogs allowed on the beach at certain times.

Neighborhoods include:

• Laid-back surf town of Folly Beach!

It’s almost impossible not to feel relaxed as you breathe in the warm, salty air. Folly Beach is known for its paradise mentality, great surf, the pier, and a strong sense of community. Residents and tourists, along with Charleston locals, bring a vibrant summer feel to this otherwise sleepy beach town.