From an expansive coastline to winding waterways, Charleston offers countless ways to cool off on hot summer days. As a peninsula, downtown Charleston is surrounded by water and with miles of Atlantic beaches on the surrounding sea islands, a visit isn’t complete without exploring on the water. Whether you are a sun seeker, adventurer, or workout enthusiast, Charleston’s waterways has activities for all levels of water lovers. With warm summer days right around the corner, here are the best ways to cool off from Folly Beach to Isle of Palms!
The eclectic little beach town of Folly Beach is home to some of the best surfing on the East Coast. Whether you are a professional ready to ride the SC waves, or a beginner eager to leaner the sport, Folly can fulfill your surf dreams. You can join (or just watch!) the experienced surfers at Folly’s renowned surf spot, “The Washout” at the north end of the island. And if you want to hop on a board for the first time, you can take a lesson from Carolina Salt – they’ll teach you to surf like a pro in no time!
For a more leisurely board ride, paddleboard through the endless creeks and rivers on the backside of Folly Beach. Or on the Mt. Pleasant side of downtown, Shem Creek offers another picturesque place to start your paddle tour or rental with Coastal Expeditions – you’ll likely have pods of dolphins popping up next to your board! If you’re looking for more of a workout, SUP Safaris offers paddleboard yoga.
If you have a need for speed, jet skiing through Isle of Palms high grass marshlands and intercostal waterways is an absolute MUST. The words “guided tour” may turn off the adrenaline junky, but with Tidal Wave Water Sports, they know how to show you a good time on the water.
There is no doubt that Charleston summers can get a bit warm, so one of the best ways to remedy the summer heat is a day on the boat. Charleston offers both fishing tours or boat charters that zip you around the Intercostal and to beaches you can’t get to by car. Cruising on a boat while sipping on a cold one is the perfect way to spend the day in the South. Want to experience Charleston’s STUNNING sunsets with a drink in hand? Hop aboard a catamaran, The Palmetto Breeze, or a sailing yacht, Fate, for a private sunset cruise you won’t soon forget.
A new sport is talking the water sport community by storm. Flyboarding is your chance to hover up to 20 feet above the water’s surface. HydroFly brings you out on the water with their floating tiki hut on the Ashley River that not only allows you to try this thrill seeking sport, but is also the perfect place for you and your friends to spend an afternoon on the water.
If your idea of a water sport is more along the lines of lounging by a pool, we have 5 Folly Beach vacation rentals with their own private pools. Whichever way you decide to stay cool in Charleston, just remember to pack your swimsuit! For any of these water excursions, our Luxury Simplified Retreats Concierge team is on hand to make all of the arrangements and provide a worry-free vacation while you’re in town.
Looking for a fun getaway that offers water fun in the water right out your back door? Book our newest rentals on Folly – Slightly Off Center – 4 separate beach bungalows each with their own private plunge pool – for 2-32 guests! Start planning your water-centric getaway today!
