Folly Field Beach Park — Attraction in Hilton Head Island

We researched beaches in the Hilton Head area for several days. We were intrigued with Folly Field for their recent (great) reviews. We made the 3 hr ride from GA and expected to have a great time; We did not find satisfaction at this beach. When we arrived at 11am we were met with the main parking area & overflow completely occupied. We didn't wait too long (15)min to find someone who let us know they were leaving. Immediately, the area was physically appealing. The pathway was surrounded by beautiful plants and trees. There was a nice bridge like pathway that led you to the bathrooms/outdoor showers and eventually the entrance to the beach. Upon first glance, it wasn't too crowded and had several opened spots to set up camp. Within 30 min, we realize the tide was coming in (fast). We saw safety patrol and asked how long does the tide usually came in? He claimed around 2:30. Needless to say, it didn't take too long before we needed to relocate further back. (1x) 30 min later, we relocated further back for the 2nd time. Then we (and a few others) were asked to move by safety patrol bc it was too close to the dunes. So we had already moved 3x by 2:45 by that time we had all piled up like sardines in a very limited stretch of beach. Oh, did I mention that the beach is overflowing with crabs ((EVERYWHERE)) they invade your tent, your clothing, bags, or anything placed on the sand. Lastly, there was a pile up of brown soft sticks. For a lack of knowledge of the name of this substance) It's in the water, on the shore and everywhere else on the sand. Oh, I almost forgot, while swimming, we encountered 3 dead jellyfish floating around us.

To be fair, perhaps we went on an off day. But that was enough for us to ensure we would bever return. We did not enjoy this visit at all. Worst beach trip ever.

The only thing we liked about this beach was the family friendly atmosphere & the pathway to the beach- that's all. If you're ok with relocating your items & family several times, the crabs,dead floating jelly fish and tons of those brown sticks everywhere then this is your place. ‐-------------- Next time, we'll invest 1.5 hours more to our road trip and end up in our favorite spot in Wilmington, NC. #WrightsvilleBeach Where the water is clean, clear blue (carribean like) and overflowing w beautiful collectible seashells.

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Very underwhelming experience all together. Starting off the visit, the parking is very limited and inconvenient to say the least. The walk way down to the beach is actually nice and well designed. The beach its self is ok and was spacious enough to where you don’t feel too crowded.

The downfall of the beach, besides the parking, were the lifeguard and bench rental attendant. The website said that this beach offered rentals but did not have a place online to reserve or any more info. I was assuming that once getting to the beach, there would be obvious signs or at least something pointing me in the direction of these offered rentals but no such luck. I approached the lifeguard, who was instantly annoyed before I could even get a word out and asked did the beach offer rentals. I was greeted with a stimulating conversation of vague one word answers that ended with being told “there was a girl who was walking around in a blue bathing suit, who could help me.” I wasn’t directed in a specific direction or anything like that.

I sat back down to wait for the mythical girl in a blue swim suit to appear and it actually did happen after about 15 mins of baking in the sun. This person was unfortunately not the savior I was hoping for. She was standing next to the life guard talking and when asked about the rentals, she was sure to give me a look to let me know she was annoyed by me interrupting her titillating conversation. She too was quick with the one word, obviously annoyed answers that did end up with me getting info that the rentals are already set up in the back and we would have to move if interested in renting these amenities. This is fine and makes complete sense but would have loved a heads up on the website about how the set up worked before hand. Also would be great to see the beach to advance into this century and offer online reservations for the rentals. If you can find a different beach then I would...

Folly Field Beach Park is a great semi-private beach access that actually has the updated credit card parking spots, unlike other beach access areas on the Island (like Islander's Beach Park which still requires coins).

The restrooms are clean and spacious and the rinse off area is large enough for our family of 5 plus one to two other people. The beach is beautiful and the access is well-maintained with quality wood (limiting the risk of splinters if barefoot) and with hard blue rubber walkway leading all the way to the beach, helpful for anyone dragging a cooler, stroller or beach buggy.

The views are spectacular and the water was still warm, even in early November! We come hear at least once every time we visit Hilton Head, which we do 6-8 times/year.

There are many different beaches in Hilton Head that are beautiful so this is definitely one of many, but it...