Spending your summer in Charleston? Make it your best one yet. Whether you’re a Lowcountry local or planning a beach getaway, a visit to the Morris Island Lighthouse is a must for beach lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike.
This iconic Charleston landmark isn’t the easiest to reach if you’re new to the area, but that’s part of the adventure. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve put together a list of insider tips to guide you.
Getting to Morris Island: Directions and Parking Tips
The Morris Island Lighthouse is located at 1750 E. Ashley Avenue, at the far east end of Folly Beach. If you’re driving, plan to park about ⅓ of a mile before the beach, as the gate on Ashley Avenue is closed to the public. From there, it’s a short walk to reach the lighthouse—an adventure that’s part of the charm.
Before you start your walk, keep these Charleston beach parking rules in mind:
- Always park facing the flow of traffic.
- Make sure all four tires are completely off the pavement—even a small portion of your tire touching the street can result in a ticket.
As you make your way down to the beach, be on the lookout for the iconic purple house—the second-to-last house on the left hand side. Owned by “Purple Paula” (Paula Hinton), an original Save the Light member and Folly Beach local, this house is equipped with a lighthouse-shaped kiosk out front stocked with brochures about the purpose, history, and restoration efforts of the Morris Island Lighthouse for you to peruse as you walk and take home as a keepsake.
Now, you’re ready to head down one of Charleston locals’ favorite walkways. Get your cameras ready, you’re going to want to snap some pictures! Once you reach the gate at the east end of Folly Beach, you’ll follow a ⅓-mile stretch of pavement to the beach. This walkway is covered in graffiti by locals and makes for a great photo op.
Once you’ve reached the end of the walkway and arrived at the beach, you’ll walk over the dunes and be greeted by the iconic Morris Island Lighthouse!
Beach Safety: Swimming Conditions & Tips
The water between the beach and the lighthouse may look calm, and while it’s definitely tempting to jump in for a quick swim, swimming at this end of the beach is strictly prohibited. The area is known for strong, unpredictable currents and sudden drop-offs, which can make conditions dangerous, even for experienced swimmers. To make matters more serious, there are no lifeguards stationed in this area.
Instead, save this part of your vacation for photos, dolphin sightings, and admiring South Carolina’s rich maritime heritage. It’s the perfect spot to take in the view, appreciate the history of the Morris Island Lighthouse, and enjoy the beauty of the coast from a safe distance. When you’re ready for swimming, surfing, and splashing, head back toward Folly Beach, where the waves are friendlier and lifeguards are often on duty.
Make the Most of Your Visit to Morris Island Lighthouse
Whether you’re drawn by the history, the views, or just the sense of adventure, a visit to the Morris Island Lighthouse is more than a beach walk, it’s a chance to experience a special part of Charleston’s coastal charm. From spotting dolphins in the surf to capturing one-of-a-kind photos along the graffiti-covered path, the journey is as memorable as the destination itself.
Just remember: pack water, wear sunscreen, and bring your curiosity. And when you finally catch that first glimpse of the lighthouse rising from the waves, you’ll understand why this hidden gem is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Help Preserve a Piece of History
The Morris Island Lighthouse has stood through storms, erosion, and time, but it won’t stand forever without continued support. Our mission is to preserve this historic landmark and keep the lighthouse standing strong for future generations.
We invite you to follow Save the Light on social media or sign up for their newsletter to stay in the loop on restoration efforts, 2026 ticket sales, and upcoming events. This isn’t just about saving a structure, it’s about protecting a symbol of South Carolina’s maritime legacy. Let’s keep the light shining.
