California's Pigeon Point And Point Montara Lighthouses--Picturesque Places With Plenty To See And Do

From St. George Reef to Point Loma, California's 840 mile coast has been lighted by 33 lighthouses. I have visited four thus far, all near the multifaceted and diverse city of San Francisco. Often located on perilous points shrouded in fog, the only access to some of these historical wonders was either walking through a dark tunnel cut into a tall cliff, traversing a suspended bridge high above crashing surf or descending steep, narrow stairs hewed out of a jagged rock face. This was true for the lighthouses located at Point Reyes and Point Bonita. For Pigeon Point and Point Montara, it was just a matter of pulling off coastal Highway 1 and walking to the lighthouses.

It was January 28, 1853. The 175-foot clipper ship, with a gilded pigeon as its figurehead, just left the port of Boston. On its maiden voyage, the Carrier Pigeon's crew and cargo were bound for San Francisco. On the morning of June 6th, the vessel was spotted off Santa Cruz. As the day progressed, the ship became shrouded in a thick blanket of fog near the Point of the Whales. The captain, thinking he was a safe distance from land, steered his vessel shoreward, but before land was spotted, it struck rocks and began to sink. After the captain and crew made it safely to shore, efforts to salvage a good portion of its 1,300 tons of cargo was carried out, but the ship valued at $54,000, still stranded on the rocks, was a total loss. Since the time of the wreck, Point of the Whales was renamed Pigeon Point.

Three more ships were lost near Pigeon Point in the 1860's. Now considered the most fatal location on the Pacific coast to navigators, the editor of the San Mateo County Gazette wrote the following in 1868, "It behooves those most interested in maritime affairs on the coast as well as in the East to bring their influence to bear immediately upon the government officials, and never relax their efforts until a light-house is erected at Pigeon Point."

With a 35-foot cliff, Pigeon Point was an ideal spot to build a lighthouse. The fog signal and Victorian fourplex were completed first, and the twelve-inch steam whistle, with four-second blasts separated alternately by seven and forty-five seconds, was fired up for the first time on September 10, 1871. The 115-foot tower with a flash pattern of light every 10 seconds was exhibited for the first time on November 15, 1872.

Today, Pigeon Point Lighthouse is the second tallest on the West Coast and has a first-order Fresnel lens light visible for more than 20 miles. It is closed to the public and currently being renovated. The Coast Guard Family Quarters on sight, built in the 1960's, is used for a hostel.

Nearly 90 vessels had collided into the jagged rocks off Point Montara by the mid-1800s, but two of Point Montara's most notable shipwrecks occurred on November 9, 1868 and October 17, 1872 with the grounding of the Colorado, a large Pacific Mail steamship carrying hundreds of passengers and the U.S. mail, and the British sailing ship, Aculeo, colliding into its hidden rocks after being lost for more than three days in blinding fog. With these two incidents, Congress was forced into action.

Point Montara was originally established in 1875 as a fog signal station, which was updated in 1902 with a new fog signal building. The first light was established in 1900 and consisted of a red lens-lantern hung on a post. A fourth-order Fresnel lens was installed in 1912 on a skeleton tower. The light was electrified in 1919. Finally, in 1928, the current 30-foot cast-iron tower was installed to house the Fresnel lens.



While the two shipwrecks are striking events related to the Point Montara Lighthouse, its claim to fame was uncovered in 2008. It was discovered that the current Point Montara lighthouse had another life. It was built in 1881 and erected on Wellfleet Harbor in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where it stood until the light station was decommissioned in 1922. From Cape Cod, the lighthouse made a 3,000-mile journey to Yerba Buena Island in San Francisco Bay, where it waited in a depot until finally being installed at Point Montara in 1928. It is currently the only known lighthouse to have stood watch on two oceans.

Today, Point Montara Lighthouse is also a hostel. The views of the coastline and ocean are stunning. Ice plants bearing yellow blooms cover the cliffs. An old bridge with a waterfall below it empties onto a beautiful secluded beach.

Not far from Point Montara Lighthouse is the quaint little city of Half Moon Bay. Known as the World Pumpkin Capital, producing 3,000 tons of the orange gourd, every fall people from all over California and places beyond descend on this old city for its Pumpkin Festival. Its Main Street is a pleasant walk featuring old shops and old hotels. Painted on the side of one of its old buildings is a depiction of another famous event that takes place nearby at Pillar Point, the Mavericks Invitational Surf Contest. The world's best surfers come here in the winter to pit their skills against waves that can rise over 50 feet high known as the Mavericks. It is said, when the waves break, the resulting sound is thunderous.

Other points of interest are Half Moon Bay State Beach, Montara Mountain, Pillar Point Harbor, Devil's Slide, and the Ritz-Carlton, the oceanside hotel where American Wedding was filmed. For a complete list, go to Half Moon Bay.

Charleston's Watersports And Hot Spots are Tops-Fun And Sun For Visitors And Locals-Tour, Rentals

Kitesurfing in the "Bath"

It was a beautiful Charleston June day. Most of the country was engulfed in a heatwave, South Carolina included. Weather forecasts were calling for 100 degree heat, but on the IOP it was a breezy 89 degrees. At least, my car's temperature gauge said so, and I wasn't going to dispute it. I parked my car on the IOP side of Breach Inlet across from the Boathouse restaurant. Parking here is a matter of chance on a day like this one because spaces are limited. Today, fortune was on my side. I headed out onto the beach.

The wind was keeping the interior heat and humidity off the beach. The tide was near its high point and the ocean's waters were pouring into the narrow inlet, famous for its deadly currents. No swimming allowed, especially at high tide. My plan was to round the tip of the IOP and head up the beach towards the pier, a fairly decent hike. My goal was to take pictures of the beachgoers as I went. I was particularly looking for SUP boarders. On the way I stopped and talked to a few of the people fishing off the beach along the inlet. One young gentleman I talked to was visiting Charleston from Boston. There was no concealing the heavy Bostonian accent. He asked about tours in Charleston. I picked his brain a little to find out what type of tour he would be interested in. I gave him several options and then moved on.

SUPers on the IOP

I spotted a few SUPers in the surf and decided this was the spot, about the halfway point between Breach Inlet and the pier. I planted my towel and kicked off my Rainbows. Most of the people in this area of the beach are likely vacationers, staying in one the beach houses lining the shore. I pulled my camera out and began to look for a hot shot. The SUPers were making a good shot difficult. They kept on falling off their boards in the heavy surf. The whole idea was to get a picture of them standing on their boards. So, I began to look for other, more interesting footage. There was a family of four taking turns on a skimboard. When it wasn't their turn the two daughters, who looked to be in their twenties, did somersaults in the water. Somersaults in bikinis, interesting. A young couple nearby, possibly honeymooners, were playing paddleball, but not quite the image I was looking for. The best footage was of a man, after completing preparations to kitesurf, taking off down the beach on his board towards the pier with kite in hand navigating the cresting waves with ease. The SUPers were still tumbling around in the surf.

I looked down the beach in the direction of Breach Inlet. I saw what looked like a flock of colorful birds dipping and diving along the beach just beyond the inlet point of Sullivan's Island. At least, that was the best image comparison I could come up with to describe what I saw. In reality, it was the colorful kites of the many kitesurfers who flock to a basin of water on Sullivan's Island called "The Bath". The shifting sands are always changing the topography of this area, but "The Bath" has stood the test of time and has always been a kitesurfing hot spot.


View The Bath in a larger map
Finding a place to park on Marshall Blvd could have been difficult, all of the locals frequent here, but today I was fortunate and had no problem. To reach the best vantage point for picture taking, I had to cross a narrow band of fast-moving water near one of the beach houses. There were a lot more Sup boarders taking advantage of the calmer landlocked water in "The Bath." The breeze was perfect for this type of watersport, kitesurfing that is, and was no doubt the main reason for the large turnout. My guess, there were at least twenty kites criss-crossing the sky at any given time. For picture taking, the kitesurfers did not disappoint. They were more than willing to show off their stuff. Keep your kites toward the "eye of the wind".

This is just one of the many places that make Charleston a top destination for water activities and beautiful beaches. Its diverse barrier island network with its vast maze of intracoastal waters stretch north and south of Charleston from Bull Island down to Seabrook Island. Bull Island and Caper's Island are inaccessible by car, but on any given weekend and holiday boaters flock to these islands for their isolated, untouched beauty and large quantities of shells. You can camp overnight on Caper's with a permit and a ferry runs excursions to Bull Island for $40 per person. The excursion to Bull Island is excellent for families and photographers. Kayaking out of the IOP Marina is also an option.

Folly Beach is known as one of the top thirty surfing beaches on the East Coast. The locals flock to the area they call the "Washout", a four block section from 6th to 10th street. The beach itself slightly curves back towards the NW through the break and the waves are less likely to close out than other locations. It is the only relatively consistent break in SC. It becomes very crowded during bigger swells, especially when hurricanes sit off the coast. Its like a big stage.

There are many outfitters (Charleston Watersports, Charleston SUP Safaris, Air and Earth, Tidal Watersports, and Island Paddle Adventure) ready to satisfy your curiosities if you are in need of equipment and lessons. Tours, safaris, boat rentals, surf boards, SUP boards, kayaks, and jet skis are available. Just pick your poison, as the saying goes. There are also several cruises to choose from for a relaxing tour of Charleston's breathtaking bay, famous rivers, and diverse intracoastal waterways like the Palmetto Breeze, Spiritline Cruises, and Charleston Harbor Tours. Maybe, you just want to sit on the beach with your family and enjoy the surf. Charleston is the place.

A Fast Growing Watersport For The Whole Family-Another Way to Enjoy Charleston's Beautiful Coastal Waters

I know of only one person, and his name is not Bruce Almighty, who history recorded as having actually walked on water. But there is a water sport gaining in popularity in which the participants say doing it is "like walking on water". The difference between actually walking on water and experiencing the sensation of walking on water is ginormous, and despite our restrictive human abilities, just experiencing the sensation would be exilerating, like the idea of flying. This fast-growing-in-popularity watersport first made its appearance over 50 years ago, but only arrived in the U.S. via the West Coast 12 years ago, and is currently taking the Southeast by storm. I only recently became aware of this amazing activity. So, what's SUP with that?

The athletic water activity that is being enthusiasticly embraced by the masses is called Stand Up Paddleboard or SUP for short. All you need is a long surfboard with a leash, a long paddle, and to be safety concious, a life jacket, and you are set to go. The idea originated in Hawaii, the birthplace of surfing. Early in the 1960's the Beach Boys of Waikiki, while standing on their long boards would paddle around the surf with outrigger paddles to take pictures of the tourists learning to surf. Back then it was called "Beach Boy Surfing", another name for SUPing. SUPing then beacame a way for Hawaiian surfers to stay in shape when the surf was flat. Beach Boy, Rick Thomas, is credited with introducing SUP to the beaches of California in the year 2000 and since has found its way to the coastal waterways and beaches of Charleston. It is a fun alternative to kayaking with a one distintive advantage.

The advantage of SUPing verses kayaking is your vantage point. You have the ability to see more things below you when in a standing position as opposed to a sitting position, plus you can see farther out over the surface of the water as well. Everything from horseshoe crabs, stingrays, jellyfish, and dolphins become more visible as you cruise along the rivers, creeks, and backwaters of Charleston's beautiful estuaries. I have kayaked the inner coastal waters and salt marshes of the IOP. At low tide, it is hard to see over the thick marsh grass, thus losing your way or getting lost becomes a possibility. This aspect is minimized if you are on a SUP board. Feeling bodacious and want to take it beyond the flat waters? You can even use your board to catch a wave on one of the three main beaches along Charleston's coastline, the IOP, Sullivan's Island, and Folly Beach. Other activities you can combine with your SUPing are fishing and yoga style excercises.

Interested and don't have your own board, no problem. Charleston SUP Safaris on Folly Beach has everything you need to get you going. They have the equipement. They have the know how. They offer 5 day summer camps specifically for your kids with a focus on teaching them effective paddling and timing techniques with the added features of imparting an understanding of our incredible marine ecosystem and instilling a respect for the importance of preserving the barrier islands. All the instructors have educational experience in Marine Science and ecology of the Lowcountry. There are also three different two to four hour tours available costing from $45 to $70 per person. The Dolphin Safari is an introductory paddle on the Folly River flatwaters. The Sunset and Full Moon Safari is exactly what the name implies. The Morris Island Lighthouse Safari takes you to Morris Island and the mouth of Folly River. It is for more experienced paddlers. For more detailed information on rentals and safaris go to Charleston SUP SAfaris.

Charleston Watersport, located on 1255 Ben Sawyer Blvd in Mt. Pleasant, is a another option for your SUP needs with rentals, group SUP classes and private SUP lessons. They have partnered with Island Paddle Adventure offering you the opportunity to paddle around the wildlife-rich marshlands and coastal waters of Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island and ever popular Shem Creek with one of their packages. For more information on the tour packages go to Island Paddle Adventure tours and for fitness classes go to Island Paddle Adventure fitness. Charleston Watersport is South Carolina's exclusive gallery for Dragon Paddle Boards and gear. Paddle board rental rates are $40 per day, half days $25, equipment included. Multiple day discounts and weekly rates are available. For more infomation go to Charleston Watersport.

Want to put your SUP skills to the test and have a waterfull time? The 3rd Annual Shem Creek SUP Shootout is scheduled for Friday, July 6, 2012 - Saturday, July 7, 2012. The Registration Party will be at Red's Ice House on July 6th starting at 6pm running till 9pm. Racers meeting will be at 9am on race day at Red's Ice House, Elite SUP Race start time is 10am and all other classes with start at 9:10 in 10 minute intervals for each class. There will be a  Post Race Celebration following the race awards. Paid registration includes both the registration and post parties and a limited edition event t-shirt. All food and beverages are included with paid entry. Registration fees are from $30 to $70. For all the info go to Charleston Watersport.


SUPing is easy to learn and fun for everyone of all ages. It is another way to enjoy our beautiful beaches and marine-life rich coastal waters with either a camera or a fishing rod. For the fitness minded individuals, SUPing fitness classes offer the unique opportunity to excercise right on the water. Give it a try. It is just another SUPer way to spend your day in Charleston.

Great Beach Day On Isle of Palms Memorial Day, May 28, 2012-TS Beryl Kicked Up The Surf

Isle of Palms pier

While Tropical Storm Beryl's bands battered Florida and Georgia, Charleston's beautiful beaches basked in bright sunshine and balmy breezes on this Monday of the Memorial Day weekend. Even though much of Beryl stayed south, the surf was feeling the effects. I ventured out onto Front Beach on Isle of Palms around noon time and the waves were washing up on shore making finding a spot to lay a towel on dry sand more difficult because of the crowd of sunbathers and swimmers. It was also near high tide. Those closet to the water were doing the beach shuffle, trying to keep there blankets out the encroaching waters. Everyone was having a great time.

There was a few surfers working the swells. The best wave hopping would have been found on Folly Beach, the place where all the more experienced surfers go when a storm is brewing in the Atlantic, but the Isle of Palms this day offered plenty of opportunity for it. It was the boogie boards and skim boards that ruled the waves. On shore, there were a few batting the volleyball around by the nets, like Jim and Melonie and others throwing the football in the surf like Joey, Joseph, and Torri. There was also the usual bocce ball players. Most were just there simply to soak up the rays and relax. Whether resident or vacationer, emphasis was on spending some quality time with family and friends.

Jim and Melanie practicing vollies

Bocce players

Mother taking pictures of the kids

Boogie board fun

Beach beauties

The whole time I was on the Isle of Palms the skies were clear, the sun hot, and the breeze brisk. The temperature was around 85 degrees. The clouds stayed off to the south and west. After I left Front Beach, I drove up to Breach Inlet where Isle of Palms ends and Sullivan's Island begins. The inlet is historically known as the actual launching site for the H. L. Hunley. There were a few fishing from the H. L. Hunley Bridge and about the same number fishing off the beach. You can't swim in Breach Inlet because of the powerful currents, and with the wind and high tide the waters were even more worked up. It's a beautiful spot to take pictures with the open waters of the ocean in the distance and the docks in the Intracoastal Waterway of the islands. You will often find dolphins frolicking in these waters, but today was not one of those times.

The Boathouse restaurant is located at Breach Inlet on the Isle of Palms side of the bridge. The restaurant was originally an old bait shop. In 1996 it was reconstructed and became the Boathouse. The restaurant's interior and exterior were designed to reflect an understated, low country island dwelling, complete with authentic local nautical features. It is casual dining with first-rate seafood, guaranteed to be fresh. The restaurant also features a rooftop bar where you can sip cocktails with a beautiful waterfront view, especially around sunset. Located at 101 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms. Call 843-886-8000 for reservations and information.

I headed over to Summerville late afternoon. Summerville was feeling the effects of the tropical storm. There were more clouds in the sky and the ground showed signs that it had rained not long before. I wanted to check out the eatery called Perfectly Frank's. It was recently featured on the Food Network. Their main featured food is hot dogs, but there is nothing simple about these hot dogs. These hot dogs come topped with just about anything you can think of and have names like Frankie Valli and Frank Sinatra. I like bratwurst, so I chose the item called Frankie Brat. It was a bratwurst marinated in beer and onions, then grilled and topped with spicy mustard. Along with the brat, I ordered a 1/2 basket of fries. With a drink, it all cost between $7 and $8's.

The establishment was bright and colorful with scenes painted on the walls and simple tables and chairs to sit on. When I was there the line was long, which is not a good thing when you are hungry, but a good sign for the restaurant. One final note: Guard your food with your life or conscientious workers clearing the tables will take it. I got up to get a refill on my sweet tea and when I returned to the table my food was gone. Apparently, they thought I had left. They gave me a free order of fries and offered me another brat, but I declined. No harm, no foul. You can check them out at 118 N. Main Street in Summerville or perfectlyfranksonline.com.

What did you do on Monday, Memorial Day weekend?

Hurricane Irene Will Be Kicking Up The Surf on The Shores Of Folly Beach

All eyes are on Hurricane Irene as she makes her slow trek toward the East Coast of the USA. When and where Irene makes her turn is crucial as to where she may be headed. The predictions have been fast and furious and the scenarios changing everyday. The latest prediction, as I write this article, puts landfall in North Carolina near the Outer Banks, taking Charleston out of the danger zone. This would be good news for the surfing crowd, particularly the most hardy of the group, who are always looking to the next big wave. Hurricane Irene's presence offshore will make Folly Beach their focus of attention.

Folly Beach, referred to by locals as the "Edge of America," is Charleston's premier beach for surfing. The most popular spot on Folly Beach for surfing is an area called the Washout, where the biggest waves are to be found. In fact, experienced East Coast surfers tend to agree that the Washout is one of the top 30 surf spots on the East Coast. Another popular spot is near the Folly Beach Pier.

The beach on Folly is six miles long and easily accessed anywhere on the island. The most beautiful area of untouched beach is at the Folly Beach County Park at the west end of Folly. There is plenty of parking, a snack bar, retail area, and all the necessary amenities needed for a day at the beach. From the park, you can walk to the end of the island where the waters rush in and out of the channel with tremendous force at the beginning and end of high tide. Often, you are able to watch dolphins riding the fast moving currents. Center Street Beach is located on both sides of the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. In season, this is always a very busy beach. Here you can rent jet skis and boogie boards, purchase food and beverages from the Holiday Inn's Tiki Bar and restaurant or the Starfish Grille on the Pier, take a walk on the Folly Pier or watch the surfers.

If you looking for a place to stay, there are plenty of beach homes with the best of everything for a comfortable stay and cozy cottages with a more simple touch located up and down the island. Charleston's only full-service oceanfront hotel, Tides of Folly Beach, is a newly renovated hotel located right on the beach. The hotel has 132 ocean front rooms with private balcony overlooking the ocean. It is also host to the BLU restaurant with oceanfront dining. What will it be? The choice is yours to make. There are many other places to dine and some have entertainment scheduled throughout the week.

Just a final side note. Where did Folly get its name? It doesn't have anything to do with an act or instance of foolishness. Folly comes from an old English word meaning clump of trees or thicket.

There Is Still Alot Of Summer To Enjoy In Charleston And Its Beaches

School is in, but the beaches are still hot. I spent Friday afternoon on the Isle of Palms near Coconut Joe's taking pictures. The beach was lined with sunbathers as far as you could see. The beach houses appeared to be occupied. There were some decent waves breaking offshore for the surfers, and tide was up, so skimboarders were taking advantage of the surf along the shoreline, skimming the waves as they rolled on shore.

Although, Folly beach is the better choice when it comes to surfing, the Isle of Palms offers the beachgoer a lot of sand and a shoreline for swimming, particularly when the tide is up. This day's crowd mainly consisted of older teens and adults soaking in the afternoons hot sun with a few throwing the football around. As I perused the beach for some good photos, I zeroed in on three skimboarders near the pier, Lizzy, Simone, and Matt, who were willing to show me what they could do with their boards. Simone, who appeared to be the more skilled of the three, executed a near perfect 360. Then, upon request from me, the three of them attempted to jump a wave at the same time, of which I was able to get a good shot of the result. Good execution and form by Lizzy and Simone, but it was Matt who stole the show.

Isle of Palms is a seven mile long island with approximately six miles of beach access for residents and visitors throughout the island. Isle of Palms County Park, located at the center of the island as you get off the connector, offers beautiful ocean frontage with lifeguards on duty seasonally along a beachfront designated swimming area. Parasailing and wave runners are available for the more adventurous beach goers to rent. For those who would like to explore the intercoastal waters, kayaks are just the ticket and available for rent at the marina. The IOP Marina is also where you can charter both offshore and inshore fishing trips as well as eco tours of nearby uninhabited islands.

Isle of Palms is also home to the Wild Dunes Resort that occupies 1,500 acres on the northern end of the island and offers residents and visitors two 18 hole Tom Fazio golf courses, 17 har tru tennis courts, and numerous pools. Wild Dunes has many private residences as well as condominiums often rented on the vacation rental market. Other options available are the many colorful beach houses with waterfront views for friends and family to relax in and enjoy the sand and surf.

For entertainment, the Windjammer is a popular hot spot on the beach offering good food and live music with a view. Three suggestions that top the restaurant list are the Boathouse at Breech Inlet where you can enjoy sunset and a drink on its rooftop bar before seafood dinner, Long Island Cafe on IOP, and Poe's Tavern on Sullivan's Island famed for its burgers and casual party atmosphere.

The Blue Ocean Waters of Folly Beach and BLU Restaurant and Bar Team Up

The locals call it "The Edge of America". Geographically they are correct because Folly Beach is on the east coast shoreline of the U.S., which would put it on the edge. But I think the reference is to more than just its proximity.

Folly Beach is six miles of sand and surf sporting the longest fishing pier on the East Coast. When it comes to surfing many consider its waves to be the best on the East Coast. You can boat, fish, swim, bicycle, jet ski, parasail, and kayak, your choice. Its quaint seaside village includes small locally owned shops and a variety of casual dining spots and watering holes featuring the best of local entertainment. Conveniently located right smack dab in the middle of all these fabulous amenities is the Folly Beach Holiday Inn.

Newly renovated and rejuvinated, the Folly Beach Holiday Inn at One Center Street has been beautifully enhanced to an island hideaway offering new rooms, meeting spaces, and dining options that include the BLU Restaurant and Bar with indoor and outdoor bar areas, a patio, and an incredible view of the oceanfront. Very few restaurants in Charleston can boast those perks. It has a breakfast, lunch, dinner and a late night menu. Sunrise to sunset your dining needs are covered quite elagantly.

BLU Restaurant and Bar won the the title of Charleston’s Next Top Cocktail in January with a concoction called the Skinny Goose. The Tru Blu Martini and the Island Mai Tai are two other popular alchoholic blends. BLU was also Awarded Platinum Status, the highest level possible by the South Carolina Aquarium's Sustainable Seafood Initiative, a program designed to promote the use of local and sustainable seafood in South Carolina restaurants. Only five other Charleston restaurants carry the certification.

So, go ahead and take a sneek peak at the full menu of fresh local seafood showcasing the finest in contemporary coastal cuisine to whet your appetite. Then imagine a relaxing stroll on the beach to wet your feet, sunrise or sunset, it doesn't matter, and chase your blues away. No pun intended.-Vacation Rick Travel

Tru Blu Martini-Grey Goose Vodka, Hypnotiq, white cranberry juice, lemon twist
Skinny Goose-Grey Goose vodka, pomegranate juice, Triple Sec, and lime; the enticing drink also features VeeV Acai Spirit.

Folly Beach Events:
Bluegrass at Folly Beach Crabshack Jam every Thursday 7-10:30 pm. Bring your instrument down to Folly Beach Crab Shack and join in for an open jam hoe-down.
Moonlight Mixers Shaggin' on the Pier August 13 at 7-11 pm. Shag the night away at the Folly Beach Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier, where Jim Bowers of 1340 The Boardwalk will be spinning the hottest oldies and beach music-$10.00 admission

Search Amazon.com for Folly Beach

A Folly Good Time-Folly Beach, SC Near Charleston

Top down, drive to the beach weather is here. Folly Beach is a favorite destination for sun bathers and surfers alike. Locals refer to it as the "Edge of America", which makes sense since it is on the coast of Eastern United States. It is more than just sand to park yourself on to get a tan or a place to catch a curl in the wild blue. It is rich with history, good food, and good times.

When we think of the word folly, foolishness comes to mind as a likely meaning. But folly actually is an English word meaning an area of dense foliage. Folly was referred to as "Coffin Land" on a 1780 map, but a map dated 1800 shows "Coffin Land" as the western end of Folly Island where the State Park is now. It was customary for ships with plague or cholera victims to leave the ill travelers on barrier islands before they entered the Charleston port and pick them up later if they were still alive.

The ship Amelia wrecked on Folly Island while sailing from New York to New Orleans in 1832. In 1930’s the new Atlantic Pavilion, Boardwalk, Pier and Oceanfront Hotel were built, but in 1957 The Oceanfront Hotel and Pavilion and Joe’s Restaurant burned. The Holiday Inn was built on the spot. The island played a part in the Civil War--first shots of the American Civil War fired by Citatel Cadets on Morris Island. The first surfboard on the island was introduced by Pat Thomas.

Now the fun begins. If you like to fish, there is a 1,045 foot fishing pier that hosts fishing tournament and you can rent everything you need at the shop on the Pier. There is plenty of sand to place your towel or chair upon to take in the rays or read a book. If you are so inclined, take a walk to the tip of the island past the state park and watch the fast moving currents flow in and out of the channel. You may catch a glimpse of a dolphin cruising the rapidly surging waters appearing as if it is stationary in the current. If you have a boat or a jet ski, beach it on the backside of the island and have a picnic. The surfing is some of the best on the east coast and Folly hosts a number of surf events throughout the year.

Looking for a place to stay for more than a day? Accommodations range from charming cottages, modern beach houses, to affordable condominiums and a luxury hotel. You can stay at Water's Edge Inn; top rated by Conde Nast Traveler, or the Tides; Charleston's only full-service oceanfront hotel. Also, plenty of ocean front vacation homes to choose from for the all-around package.

When hunger strikes you after a day on the beach there are a variety of restaurants such as Rita's Seaside Grille, Locklear's Beach City Grill, Folly Beach Crab Shack, and BLU Restaurant with an ocean view and delectable food. Folly Beach recreational activities include kayaking, jet ski rentals, parasailing, boat charters, and whatever else.

Charleston is only minutes away with one of America’s premier downtown historic districts. Angel Oak Park, just a short drive from Folly Beach, is home to "the oldest tree east of the Mississippi." Well, you get the picture. Visit Folly Beach for a day or a week. You may see me there, Vacation Rick. Please don't forget to say hello, southern style.

Breathtaking Beauty in Tofino on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada

Discover a new beach whether you’re looking for solitude, natural beauty or a happening hot spot. Discover it on Vancouver Island in Tofino. Comfortable accommodations along with rugged beauty seen right from your window. Once a mere fishing village, Tofino on the west coast of British Columbia’s Vancouver Island has become a favorite beach destination for travelers from around the world. Surfing, whale watching and fishing attract adventurous beachgoers to this coastal gem. Even in the cold winter months, storm watching draws visitors who want to experience the raw power of the mighty Pacific Ocean.

Choose from one of these resorts:

Long Beach Lodge Resort from $154 nightly rates, Weigh West Marine Resort from $103 nightly rates, Middle Beach Lodge from $220.90 nightly rates, The Wickaninnish Inn from $410.25 nightly rate.

Visit Vacation Rick Travel for more information and choices.