Folly Beach vs. Tybee Island: Choosing Your Next Great Beachside Getaway (2024)

Taking time to relax, unwind, and enjoy a well-deserved getaway is always something for travelers to look forward to. When you’re searching for a beach-focused experience where time on the sand can be paired with time on the water, you’ll find opportunities waiting for you at both Folly Beach and Tybee Island. While these destinations are appealing in their own right and well worth exploring, understanding some of the key differences can help you customize your getaway plans according to your personal sense of travel style.

Which is Better: Folly Beach or Tybee Island

Folly Beach Fun Awaits

Travelers who set their sights on a Folly Beach getaway will find themselves enjoying access to stunning shorelines and a charming beach town that’s just minutes from historic Charleston, South Carolina. In total, Folly Beach covers about 12 square miles of barrier island terrain that’s decidedly laid back and scenic. There are unique shops to check out and plenty of restaurants to enjoy as well that showcase Southern specialties and seafood alike. Popular area activities to enjoy during a visit here include boating, kayaking, fishing, biking, surfing, sunbathing, and wildlife watching as well. Sunsets have a reputation for excellence on Folly Beach as well! When it comes to landmark attractions to enjoy, visitors to Folly Beach will be delighted to find they can explore The Porgy House. This historic cottage once housed authors Dubose and Dorothy Heward in the 1930s and is a must-see for history buffs.

Take Time to Enjoy Tybee Island

When you make your way to Tybee Island, one of the most obvious differences is that you’ll have crossed state lines and will instead be enjoying a vacation in Georgia! This is a fan-favorite beach destination for those who are looking to make the most of a charming shoreline adventure while staying within 15 minutes of historic downtown Savannah. Tybee Island offers up a bit more space to roam than Folly Beach but maintains that relaxed vibe that keeps visitors returning year after year. It’s considered the northernmost barrier island in Georgia and is popular for its fresh seafood, sandy beaches, and ocean waves that are ideal for surfing. Tybee Island is sometimes considered more touristy than Folly Beach, but if you’re looking to pair beach time with souvenir shopping then this is ideal! Not to worry, you can still spend plenty of time relaxing on the shoreline and making the most of the beach vacation you’ve been craving here. Tybee Island is known for its great bird-watching opportunities as well as trips enjoyed to the Tybee Island Lighthouse. The area is rich in Civil War history and fossil hunting is a more unique activity you can enjoy when you head this way. Popular activities to enjoy on Tybee Island include paddleboarding and exploring the bike trails as well as eco-tours. When you’re rounding out your itinerary, be sure to add stops at South Beach, and Fort Pulaski as well!

Book Your Folly Beach Getaway Today

You can’t go wrong whether you make your way to Folly Beach or Tybee Island the next time you’re ready to travel. Of course, having amazing beachside vacation rental rentals to top off the experience in style only makes it all that much better!

Folly Beach vs. Tybee Island: Choosing Your Next Great Beachside Getaway (2024)

FAQs

Which is better, Tybee Island or Folly Beach? ›

Tybee Island offers up a bit more space to roam than Folly Beach but maintains that relaxed vibe that keeps visitors returning year after year. It's considered the northernmost barrier island in Georgia and is popular for its fresh seafood, sandy beaches, and ocean waves that are ideal for surfing.

What is so great about Folly Beach? ›

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Folly River, visitors enjoy six miles of wide beaches, surfing, fishing, biking, kayaking, boating, eco-tours, and sea wildlife including several endangered species. The sunsets on Folly are legendary, so make sure you have plenty of space on your camera or smart phone …

Is Tybee Island worth going to? ›

Tybee is also full of history, fun in the sun, beautiful beaches, and a family-friendly atmosphere. With nearly 3 miles of sandy beaches, Tybee Island is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, water sports, kayaking, and fishing. So, don't forget to pack a bottle of sunscreen!

Which is better, Isle of Palms or Folly Beach? ›

The overall atmosphere of these two beach towns can be very different at times. Folly Beach is known as a funky, laid-back town with vibrant people. Lively restaurants and bars line Center Street as the main strip guides you to the beach. Isle of Palms is just as laid-back but with more of a classic beachy vibe.

Is Folly Beach swimmable? ›

STRONG RIP CURRENTS are common so swim with caution. Charleston County Parks and Recreation provides lifeguards at the West End County Park and from 2nd Street East to 3rd Street West beachfront from May through Labor Day. SURFING without a leash is prohibited.

Does Folly Beach have clear water? ›

Folly Beach is a great place to visit for families. Not only are the waters clear, but this town also boasts a pier, county park, lighthouse, and various outdoor adventures for the whole group.

What is the best month to go to Tybee Island? ›

For the typical visitor who wants to enjoy some outdoor, warm-weather activities and no extreme weather, the “best” time of year to visit is from early April through late May, and from late September to the early part of November. “Peak tourist season” is mostly in the spring and summer and ends just after Labor Day.

What is so special about Tybee Island? ›

Throughout Tybee Island's history, it has been known as a recreational and healing haven, its soothing saltwater air has brought many visitors seeking a remedy to respiratory ailments (a practice once known as “taking the slats”) and its peaceful beaches offer mental and emotional rejuvenation.

Do any celebrities live on Tybee Island? ›

Sandra Bullock isn't the only celebrity to discover the tranquility of Tybee. Other stars have also been keeping it under their hat such as musician-actor John Mellencamp and best-selling-author Mary Kay Andrews who also have homes on the island.

Why is the sand black at Folly Beach? ›

The opaque minerals are responsible for the patches of black sand on beaches (sometimes mistaken for oil pollution)—concentrations of heavy minerals that are examples of natural placer deposits. The heavy minerals are dispersed through the entire beach, but under the right conditions, placer deposits form.

Is Folly Beach a party beach? ›

And when the sun goes down, Center Street becomes a lively mix of beach-casual nightlife and rooftop dance clubs. Whether you need a beach front home for a large group or a romantic room for the two of you, Folly Beach is the perfect spot for vacations, reunions, beach weddings, or just a quick weekend get-away.

Who has better beaches, Charleston or Savannah? ›

If you are looking for some of the Southeast's most beautiful beaches, Charleston offers several. And while Savannah does have the gorgeous Tybee Island, Charleston is home to Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Folly Beach, Edisto Beach, Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms, and hidden gems like Bull Island.

Why is Tybee Island popular? ›

Throughout Tybee Island's history, it has been known as a recreational and healing haven, its soothing saltwater air has brought many visitors seeking a remedy to respiratory ailments (a practice once known as “taking the slats”) and its peaceful beaches offer mental and emotional rejuvenation.

Can you swim in the ocean at Tybee Island? ›

The City of Tybee Island's Ocean Rescue provides seasonal Lifeguard Services between April and September, and we encourage the public to swim in life-guard protected areas.

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