Drive to the far north end of Folly Beach, walk out past the dunes, and there it is: a tall striped lighthouse standing all by itself out in the water. The Morris Island Lighthouse is one of the most photographed sights on the South Carolina coast, and once you see it, you understand why.
A lighthouse that used to stand on land
When the lighthouse was finished in 1876, it stood well back from the water on dry land, with houses for the keepers nearby. Over the years the tides and storms slowly carried the island away. Today the lighthouse stands in the surf, hundreds of feet from shore, still holding on after all this time.
How to see it
The easiest view is from the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve at the north end of East Ashley Avenue. Park at the lot, then follow the path about a third of a mile to the beach. Go at low tide if you can, and bring a camera. Sunrise is especially pretty, with the light coming up right behind the tower.
A few tips:
- Stay on shore. The water around the lighthouse has strong currents, so enjoy it from the beach.
- Wear shoes you don't mind getting sandy. The path is sand and shell.
- Make a morning of it. Grab breakfast on Center Street afterward and walk out on the Folly Beach Pier.
The Edge of America
Folly Beach has called itself "The Edge of America" for years. It's a laid-back, barefoot kind of town, just a short drive from downtown Charleston, where the beach is the main event and nobody is in a hurry.
Take the lighthouse home
Our Folly Beach shirt puts the old Morris Island Lighthouse right on the front, with breaking waves, gulls overhead, and FOLLY BEACH, South Carolina, printed big on a heavyweight, garment-dyed tee. It comes two ways:
- Full Color in Butter, Chambray, Island Reef, Blossom, Pepper or White
- Classic Navy in Ivory, Chambray, Chalky Mint, Sandstone, Blossom or White
Sizes S to 4XL, $32. Free shipping on orders over $50.