Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Folly Beach

"Riley Waterfront Park, located on the east of the Charleston peninsula a little beyond the end of Broad Street, is a more recent addition to the city’s downtown park space. Originally known simply as Waterfront Park, it was later renamed in honor of former Mayor of Charleston Joseph P Riley, Jr. It is most notable as the site of Charleston’s Pineapple Fountain (the pineapple is the symbol of hospitality) but is also an ideal spot for a picnic or a rest while sightseeing, providing a shaded place to sit alongside the river."

"Joe Riley Waterfront Park is a captivating eight-acre park which has received the 2007 Landmark Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation."

"A venue for work that is new and innovative with a focus on broadening the art outlook including up and coming local, regional, national & international contemporary artists."

"This historic market complex is located right where it should be- in the heart of downtown Charleston. Here you can get in some of the best shopping you'll find in the entire area, and do it inside of the 200-year old brick market buildings. The selection of local goods and heritage crafts is quite eclectic, sea grass baskets and spices being some of these."

"Peruse local treats, wares, textiles, art, and more at the Historic Charleston City Market!. This National Historic Landmark has been around since the 1790s."

"Known as the "Holy City", for its long tolerance for religions of all types, Charleston is the state's most beautiful and historic treasure...."

"Historic Charleston Foundation fulfills its educational mission through the interpretation of its collections and two house museums, the Nathaniel Russell House (c. 1808) and the Aiken-Rhett House (c. 1820). These historic properties serve as the ideal exhibition space for the Foundation?. s outstanding collection of fine and decorative art."

"The Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, often referred to as Mother Emanuel, is a church in Charleston that serves the African American community in the city since 19th century. Built in 1891, Emanuel AME Church has one of the few well-preserved historic church interiors in the area, with original features including the altar, communion rail, pews, and light fixtures. A pipe organ was installed in 1902.[18] The church has a capacity of 2,500, making it among Charleston's largest black churches.[18] It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018."

"Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church is the oldest AME church in the south. It is referred to as "Mother Emanuel". Emanuel has one of the largest and oldest black congregations south of Baltimore, MD."

"In 1791, the Free African Society was formed as the Bethel Circuit. Reorganized in 1865 and present building erected in 1891. Oldest AME church in the south."

"Marion Square is in the heart of downtown Charleston and the site of so many wonderful celebrations like Turkey Trots and Christmas kickoffs at the holidays, festivals like the Charleston Wine + Food Festival in the spring, and weekend farmer’s markets in the summer. Since Marion Square is so centrally located in town, it is surrounded by some of the city’s best hotels, restaurants, and shops so you’ll most likely find yourself here or walking by at some point on a trip to Charleston. P.S. Marion Square has recently been in the news because the city of Charleston removed the John C. Calhoun statue in the park this week."

"Marion Square is one of the larger of Charleston’s downtown park spaces, located north-east of the intersection of King and Calhoun Streets. Its earlier name, Citadel Green, reflects its historical association with the military in Charleston, the space used as a parade ground by the South Carolina State Arsenal. The Old Citadel building still stands on the north side of the square, currently occupied by a hotel chain."

"We stopped at Marion Square to rest our feet after visiting Rainbow Row and the Battery. It’s a large green space where you can enjoy the fountain and historic monuments. Pro Tip: There is a Farmers Market on Saturday mornings with lots of artisanal food, local fruits, vegetables, and arts and crafts."

"Right in the heart of historic Charleston’s downtown, the Powder Magazine is one of the city’s oldest buildings. Built in 1713, it was once upon a time a storehouse for gunpowder, making it an important location for both British troops and loyalists and those colonists and soldiers who fought on the side of the new nation. After the war, as the Charleston landscape shifted, the small building remained standing, and served as—amongst other things—a print shop, a livery stable, and even a private wine cellar."

"The Powder Magazine, built in 1713, is the oldest government building in South Carolina. The building was used as an arsenal from 1713 to 1748 and was later used in the American Revolution to defend the city. Throughout its years, it has been used as a print shop, a livery stable, a wine cellar, and a carriage house."

"This is a museum operated under an association known as the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. It is the oldest surviving public building of the United Province of Carolina. The museum was earlier on just a godown where the natives used to store their gunpowder supplies."

"Grace Church Cathedral is the diocesan cathedral of the Episcopal Church in South Carolina. The beautiful Gothic sanctuary features stained glass windows, rich in religious symbolism. In the nave, you can see a carved stone cross from the Canterbury Cathedral that was gifted to Grace in 2016."

"Built in 1846, Grace Church Cathedral has one of the four English Changing Ringing (bell ringing) towers in the city. Tours may be arranged in advance."

"If you've ever seen pictures of Charleston, you may have already seen parts of Rainbow Row. It's one of the most famous parts of Charleston and a popular tourist site. Here there are thirteen historic, colorful houses in a row that share party walls with each other."

"A post shared by Charleston Crab House (@charlestoncrabhouse) on Dec 8, 2018 at 8:29am PST. What’s better than outdoor dining by the water?. Because of its location and ambience, and of course the good food, this restaurant is one of the best seafood restaurants in Charleston South Carolina."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Bright, sunshine filled days are our favorite!. How are you enjoying this gorgeous weather?"

"The only barbecue greasy spoon on the list, JB's is known for its roadside buffet. They might have a pig on their sign, but last year City Paper's food critic Robert Moss called their chicken "the real treat."

"Mercantile and Mash is a gourmet food emporium located in the Cigar Factory on East Bay Street. The new age concept boasts a unique combination of a food hall (Mercantile) that offers homemade sandwiches, freshly baked goods, handmade pasta, local and imported culinary items, and freshly brewed coffee, and a full-service whiskey bar (Mash). Mercantile serves breakfast, lunch, and early dinner with breakfast offerings ranging from house-made granola and yogurt, toasted oats, and stoneground white grits to frittatas, salmon and cream cheese, huevos wraps, and spicy chicken biscuits."

"Located within the beautifully renovated Old Cigar Factory, Mercantile and Mash is an excellent place for coffee, breakfast, lunch, or even a glass of wine. Long community tables cover one half of the shop, allowing people to mingle, while the other side offers a long bar near the barista stand as well as smaller, more private tables. Order the Paris by Night, a Vietnamese-style shot of iced coffee with a mint leaf, for a major caffeine rush, or take it easy with a warm, sweet cream latte or hibiscus-flavored tea."

"Wednesday is doughnut day at Mercantile and Mash, where guests can order a signature gourmet doughnut that’s made in-house. Look for flavors like ginger molasses or caramel apple."