Last Updated on June 5, 2025 by PorchLightReading
Folly Beach SC Lighthouse at Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve. How to view Morris Island Lighthouse and the graffiti path that takes you there.
Folly Beach, South Carolina, is becoming one of our favorite places to visit. With each trip we’re exploring different areas, finding better parking, and discovering hidden gems like this graffiti path with white sand dunes and beautiful views of Morris Island Lighthouse.
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When you’re a local, these places are a no brainer. But if you’re new to the area, or just here on vacation, then finding these little spots can be tough!
Where to find parking, if pets are allowed, admission, and other important information you’ll want to know before you go.
- Table of Contents: Folly Beach SC Lighthouse
- Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
- Admission & Parking
- Graffiti Path to The Ocean
- Views of Morris Island Lighthouse
- Folly Beach Swimming
- Helpful Tips
FOLLY BEACH SC LIGHTHOUSE
The Folly Beach SC lighthouse is located on the northern point of Folly Beach, and is actually called Morris Island Lighthouse.
Morris Island Lighthouse was constructed in 1876 and is the tallest lighthouse in South Carolina standing at 161 feet tall. The island it sits upon was once a much larger area but over time it has eroded leading to the small patch of sand it sits upon today. This lighthouse has gone thought its fair share of hurricanes and even an earthquake.
Morris Island Lighthouse was decommissioned in 1962 due to erosion and safety. Since then it was purchased by Save The Light, Inc. to be leased for 99 years to preserve, restore, and stabilize this historic landmark.
LIGHTHOUSE INLET HERITAGE PRESERVE
To the right of the gate entrance you’ll notice a board with information about the area. This area is called the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve and is home to many different plants and animals including loggerhead sea turtle nests. It’s important to stay on the path and note that pets are not allowed.
ADMISSION AND PARKING
Parking along Folly Beach can be tough depending on the time of day and season you are visiting. There is no designated parking area available so the only option is to respectfully park along the side of the road or, if you’re lucky, you might be able to snag a spot in the last public beach parking area.
It’s important to take your time and be patient when finding a spot. The road leading to the lighthouse path will come to an end and a gate will block your access to drive any further. This area is a large enough circle to safely and easily turn around and try to find parking along the other side of the road.
Note- This path and area is free to Gold Pass Members and $1 for non members, paid by the honor system.
- Street parking
- Free for Gold Pass Members
- $1 Fee per person for non members
GRAFFITI PATH TO OCEAN
The path leading to views of Morris Island Lighthouse is paved with graffiti art. With cartoons, flowers, names of past lovers crossed out, and the like. The road IS part of the destination so stop and take a look as you make your way to the beach.
The paved road will give way to a soft sand incline before the path makes its way down to the ocean shoreline. This trail is approximately 0.4 miles one way.
- Walk to beach is approximately 0.4 miles one way.
- Soft sand with slight incline at the end can make it difficult to walk through.
- Views of Morris Island Lighthouse.
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VIEWS OF MORRIS ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE
As you make your way up the sandy path you start to see the tip of Morris Island Lighthouse. Finally at the top of the small incline you’re met with beautiful scenic views of white sand, graffiti rocks, and Morris Island Lighthouse in the distance.
If you missed the sign at the beginning, you need to take note of the bright red sign ahead of you saying that this is a no swimming area along with other rules and guidelines.
At this point the sand becomes more compact and easier to walk on. Walking to the left you’ll find an interesting driftwood beach as the shoreline wraps around the island, allowing you to explore and continue the walk.
This place is perfect for sunbathing, reading on the beach, and fishing along the shore (with appropriate fishing license). Be sure to keep your eyes open for wildlife including pelicans flying over and dolphins swimming in the harbor.
FOLLY BEACH SWIMMING AREA
After a while it was time to find a safe place to swim as we were getting pretty hot! We followed the shoreline back up to where we first saw the lighthouse and graffiti rocks but instead of taking the paved path back to the entrance, we decided to follow the shoreline.
Following the shoreline around a bit further and around the corner will eventually lead back towards the public beach where swimming is permitted.
This little adventure involves a fair amount of walking so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Although you may want to try your luck with just flip flops, walking in the sand can be tough and trying to walk barefoot can burn your feet depending on the season you visit.
Remember to bring plenty of fresh drinking water and to follow all rules and guidelines. This is a carry in and carry out area. No restrooms or trashcans are available.
After enjoying some time swimming and building sand castles along the public beach, we packed up our things and found a short path others where using to get to Folly Beach swimming area. This sandy path lead us right up to the start of Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve without having to backtrack.
HELPFUL TIPS
This can be a bit of a walk so be sure to only pack what is needed to make it easier to move around. The soft sand would make it difficult to push strollers or wagons.
- Hiking backpack, hat, compact beach blanket, book
- Water, suntan lotion, snacks
- Proper footwear
Parking can be tough. If possible try visiting early in the morning, later in the afternoon, or during the weekday as the weekend can get busy depending on the season.
Exploring Folly Beach and seeing Morris Island Lighthouse was a great way to spend a summer afternoon. It involved a fair amount of walking but we took our time to enjoy each part of the adventure. From graffiti paths, soft white sand, a driftwood beach, dolphins in the distance, and panoramic views of the lighthouse off Folly Beach.
It was a summer adventure our kids won’t soon forget.
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The content on this website is for entertainment and informational purposes only. The trail and driving information is to give a better understanding of what to expect while visiting this area. This information is not intended to give advice or directions. This website, and person writing this post, is not responsible for any accidents, inconvenience, injuries, rescues, or loss of life by anyone attempting this walk. Hike and swim at your own risk.