Welcome to Folly Beach, South Carolina’s hidden gem.
Have you considered gliding alongside playful dolphins and stunning shorelines?
Discover the best places to paddle board in Folly Beach with us.
Embrace the adventure, and let’s soak in the beauty of this coastal paradise. Are you on board?
Table of Contents
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Where to Paddle Board in Folly Beach
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Folly Beach County Park

- Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Folly Beach County Park (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, ocean currents, afternoon winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, various seabirds
- Landmarks & Views: Folly Beach Pier, Morris Island Lighthouse
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution during peak tourist seasons, respect local regulations
Folly Beach County Park is a pristine oceanfront location perfect for paddleboarding. Stunning views of Folly Beach Pier and Morris Island Lighthouse create a picturesque backdrop for a memorable paddling adventure.
While paddling, keep an eye out for dolphins and sea turtles swimming nearby.
#2 Folly River

- Location Type: River
- Access Point: Folly Beach Boat Landing (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm river waters, gentle currents
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, pelicans, egrets, osprey
- Landmarks & Views: Marshlands, Sunset Cay Marina
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect private properties
Take a peaceful journey along the Folly River, offering paddlers an escape from the ocean waves.
Calm waters and gentle currents allow for a smooth paddleboarding experience. Enjoy scenic views of marshlands and a variety of local fauna, such as dolphins and ospreys.
#3 Charleston Harbor

- Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: Remley’s Point Boat Landing, Mount Pleasant (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, tidal currents
- Popular Seasons: Year-round
- Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, pelicans, sea turtles
- Landmarks & Views: Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to harbor regulations
Charleston Harbor offers a stunning urban paddleboarding experience with iconic landmarks such as Fort Sumter and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
Cruise through the calm bay waters while admiring the historic charm of the area. Keep an eye out for dolphins and sea turtles as you paddle through this bustling harbor.
#4 Shem Creek

- Location Type: Creek
- Access Point: Shem Creek Park (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, tidal influence
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, herons, pelicans
- Landmarks & Views: Marshlands, fishing boats, waterfront restaurants
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect no-wake zones
Shem Creek, located near Folly Beach, provides a picturesque paddling experience alongside marshlands, fishing boats, and waterfront restaurants.
The calm creek waters make it suitable for all skill levels. Dolphins and various seabirds are a common sight as you navigate through this charming waterway.
#5 Kiawah River

- Location Type: River
- Access Point: Mingo Point (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm river waters, mild currents
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, pelicans, herons
- Landmarks & Views: Marshes, Kiawah Island beaches
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect local regulations
Situated near Folly Beach, the Kiawah River offers a serene paddling experience. Glide along the calm waters surrounded by lush marshes and enjoy the sights of local wildlife.
The combination of water and marshland views sets this location apart, perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquillity.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Folly Beach?
Paddle boarding in Folly Beach can be best enjoyed at Folly River, the Morris Island Lighthouse, and Center Street Bridge.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Folly Beach?
No, there is no need to register paddle boards in Folly Beach.
When is the best time to paddle board in Folly Beach?
The optimal time for paddle boarding at Folly Beach tends to be during late spring through early fall when water temperatures are warmer.
