How to Save Money on Folly Beach and James Island

When you go on vacation you should set a budget and stick to it. Remember that vacations are a luxury; never go into debt to take a vacation. Budgeting for your vacation should include travel, lodging, food and entertainment. If you are on a family vacation, sticking to a budget is difficult if you are visiting expensive theme parks and trendy theme restaurants. Let’s check out some of the fun attractions on Folly Beach and James Island that won’t break your budget.

folly beach fishing pier south carolina vacation attraction Being on the Atlantic Ocean, there are many water and beach related activities to choose from. Start off with a stroll down the Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Fishing Pier. This impressive pier is 25 feet wide and stretches over 1,000 feet into the ocean. You can rent a pole and fish off the pier or just spend a relaxing time gazing at the seagulls and brown pelicans flying about. Children especially love to watch the dolphins play in the water. Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins are all around Folly Beach.

atlantic ocean beach activities fit family vacation budget Another fun and free activity enjoyed by all ages is seashell gathering. Folly Beach is teaming with seashells and fossils. The best times to look are during an outgoing tide, new or full moon or after a storm. Kids are also fascinated by the small crabs and other abundant sea life crawling about when the tide goes out.

Instead of spending money lunching in restaurants, try picnicking on Folly Beach. There is a very nice Piggly Wiggly supermarket just a couple of minutes down Folly Road where you can get all the supplies you need. Even more convenient is Bert’s Market on East Ashley. Besides all the groceries and beverages you need, Bert’s also features an in-store snack bar where you can purchase hot dogs, sandwiches and chicken. You can even enjoy alcohol on Folly Beach, but please follow the rules of no glass containers or cans on the beach. Bring along some plastic cups, ice and your favorite beverages. This will not only save you money, but will give you more time at the beach.

Another free attraction, Angel Oak Park, is just a short drive from Folly Beach. This is home of Angel Oak, the oldest tree east of the Mississippi River. Although the exact age of the tree has never been determined scientifically, it is widely believed to be more than 1,400 years old! This breathtaking oak is 65 feet high, 25.5 feet in circumference and provides 17,000 square feet of shade.
Angel Oak Park near folly beach features huge live oak tree for sight seeing, vacationers and travelers

If you really want a bargain vacation, you can choose to camp instead of lodging in an expensive hotel or vacation rental. The area offers 2 fine County Parks that are both affordable and fun. James Island County Park offers primitive camping, campsites with facilities and cabins.

Splash zone water park activities for kids at james island county park James Island County Park is located at 871 Riverland Drive, a short trip from Folly Beach. The park charges a $1 admission fee and camping fees range from $18-$26 per campsite per night. Call 843-795-4386 for cabin availability and rates. This impressive 643-acre park offers a wide variety of things to do for the whole family. Features of the park include: public restrooms, picnic tables, shelters, paved trails, playgrounds, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, bicycle rentals, kayak rentals and a tidal creek fishing area. Kids love to beat the heat by splashing around in the Splash Zone Waterpark. The park also has a 50 foot climbing wall that offers more than 4,500 square feet of climbing space.

James Island County Park also hosts some popular events during the year:
• April 2 15th Annual Lowcountry Cajun Festival
• April 21-23 East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival
• June 17 Reggae Concert Series
• July 15 Reggae Concert Series
• August 19 Reggae Concert Series

james island park near folly beach camp grounds Another popular park is the Folly Beach County Park located at the southwest end of West Ashley Street on Folly Island. Summer season hours are 9a.m. to 7p.m. and admission rates are $5 per vehicle, $10 for RV’s and $20 for buses. The park has lots of parking and lifeguards on duty during the summer season. There is no admission fee if you walk or bike in.

Folly Beach County Park offers 2,500 feet of ocean frontage and 200 feet along the Folly River. There is a 600 feet beach front swimming area for your enjoyment. Summer season facilities include: showers, dressing rooms, picnic tables, boardwalks, gift shop and snack bar. You can rent boogie boards for $3 per hour, beach chairs for $6 per day and beach umbrellas for $6 per day. The park is a great way to spend an inexpensive day at the beach.

When dining out, there are some great places to eat and drink on Folly Beach and James Island that won’t break your budget. Visit Jinny & Mike at the popular Dolphin Deli where you can create your own sandwich for less than $5! If you have kids, the Dolphin Deli offers a great bargain with their Little Surfer Menu for those 12 and under for only $2.95. The Lost Dog Café serves breakfast all day. Enjoy a bagel and cream cheese for just over a buck. They also feature excellent coffee and tea.
folly beach restaurants and shops on downtown center street

If you’re thirsty, check out Snapper Jack’s on Folly Beach. Grab a cold one and rub elbows with some of Folly’s entertaining and colorful locals. Travel a few miles up Folly Road and discover 2 of James Island’s favorite watering holes: The Kickin’ Chicken and Frankie Biggs Sports Grill. The Kickin’ Chicken has happy hour specials on food and drink daily. Frankie Biggs has a nice selection of beers on tap and has plenty of screens if you want to watch a game. Both establishments feature friendly and attentive staff that makes you feel like a regular, not like a tourist.