Folly Beach has no shortage of fantastic restaurants, from casual beach bars to delicious local seafood spots. But if you're looking to venture beyond the island during your stay, there are some incredible waterfront dining experiences waiting just down the road.

Within 10–15 minutes of Folly Beach, you'll find four local favorites offering fresh seafood, laid-back atmospheres, and beautiful views of the surrounding creeks and marshes. Whether you're craving freshly steamed oysters, a waterfront happy hour, or a delicious seafood lunch, these spots are well worth exploring.

1. Ellis Creek Fish Camp — Waterfront Dining & Happy Hour

1243 Harbor View Road, James Island

Tucked along Ellis Creek, Ellis Creek Fish Camp is a laid-back seafood spot with a casual, coastal atmosphere and beautiful marsh views. With plenty of outdoor seating, it's an ideal place to enjoy fresh seafood and a cold drink while taking in the Lowcountry scenery.

One of the biggest draws is the restaurant's happy hour, especially if you're visiting during the week. Specials have included discounted house cocktails, beer, wine, frozen drinks, and appetizers like catfish bites, fried pickles, hushpuppies, and pimento cheese.

The restaurant is also dog-friendly, making it a great option for visitors traveling with their four-legged companions.

Local Tip: Stop by during the afternoon happy hour, typically 3–5 PM, to enjoy great deals before settling in for a relaxing evening by the creek. Check the restaurant's current specials before heading over.

Visit Ellis Creek Fish Camp

2. Bowen's Island Restaurant — A Lowcountry Oyster Tradition

1870 Bowen's Island Road, Charleston

If you're an oyster lover, Bowen's Island Restaurant deserves a spot at the very top of your list.

Established in 1946, this legendary seafood restaurant has become a Lowcountry institution, earning national recognition and appearances in food and travel coverage over the years. It was even honored with a James Beard America's Classics Award in 2006.

But don't expect anything fancy. Part of Bowen's Island's charm is its rustic, no-frills atmosphere, graffiti-covered walls, and incredible views overlooking the surrounding marshes.

The restaurant is particularly famous for its locally harvested steamed oysters, served by the tray during oyster season. You'll also find Southern seafood favorites like fried shrimp, fish platters, hushpuppies, and Frogmore stew.

Local Tip: Don't miss the oyster room downstairs! Rather than simply eating in the main restaurant, head to the dedicated oyster area to experience one of the Lowcountry's most beloved traditions. Grab an oyster knife, dig into a tray of freshly steamed oysters, and enjoy the atmosphere.

And if you can time your visit around sunset, even better. Bowen's Island offers some truly spectacular marsh views as the sun goes down.

Visit Bowen's Island Restaurant

3. LoLo's — Fresh Seafood with a View on the Way to Folly

2293 Folly Road, Charleston

If you've driven onto Folly Beach, chances are you've passed LoLo's without even realizing what a great little waterfront spot is tucked along the road.

Located just before the bridge onto Folly Island, LoLo's (short for Locklear's on Little Oak) sits alongside a scenic tidal creek, offering beautiful waterfront views and a relaxed, coastal dining experience.

It's a great stop for fresh local seafood, Southern-style favorites, and daily specials. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with outdoor seating where you can enjoy the scenery while digging into a seafood platter.

Whether you're stopping for lunch on your way to the beach or heading out for dinner after a day in the sun, LoLo's is a convenient and delicious choice.

Local Tip: Save room for dessert! The homemade key lime pie is a favorite and the perfect way to finish off a seafood dinner.

Learn More About LoLo's

4. CudaCo. Seafood House — Fresh Seafood, Creekside Picnics & a Local Market

765 Folly Road, James Island

CudaCo. offers something a little different from your typical seafood restaurant.

Part seafood market, part casual eatery, this James Island favorite focuses on fresh, thoughtfully sourced seafood and creative coastal dishes.

The menu features options such as fresh fish sandwiches, ceviche, seafood bowls, and other rotating specialties, making it a fantastic spot for a casual lunch or early dinner.

One of its hidden gems is the outdoor picnic area overlooking a scenic tidal creek. Grab something delicious from the counter, find a picnic table, and enjoy a relaxed meal surrounded by the natural beauty of the Lowcountry.

What makes CudaCo. especially unique is its fresh seafood market. The team prioritizes locally and regionally sourced seafood whenever possible, with a focus on sustainability and quality.

You can even purchase fresh fish, shrimp, and other seafood to take home and prepare yourself.

Local Tip: CudaCo. is a great stop for a casual creekside lunch, but don't leave without checking out the seafood market. You might find something fresh and local to cook for dinner later!

Visit CudaCo. Seafood House

Experience More of the Lowcountry During Your Folly Beach Stay

One of the best things about visiting Folly Beach is having so much to explore just beyond the island. While Folly's own restaurants are certainly worth enjoying, venturing a few minutes down the road opens the door to even more authentic Lowcountry experiences.

From the oyster traditions of Bowen's Island to the creekside picnic tables at CudaCo., these four waterfront seafood spots offer something special beyond a great meal. And with beautiful marsh views, relaxed atmospheres, and plenty of fresh seafood, they're wonderful additions to any Folly Beach getaway.

Planning a visit? Make Beachside Boutique Inn or Riverside Inn & Cottages your home base for exploring everything Folly Beach and the surrounding Lowcountry have to offer.

Come for the beach, stay for the seafood, and don't forget to catch a sunset along the way!