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

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!

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