West of the Asley River Day Trip

Area Overview

The city limits of Charleston extend beyond the peninsula, west across the Ashley River and onto James Island to the southwest. While these are largely suburban areas, they're still fun to explore. Beyond them lie many attractions that are worth the drive. To the south, past James Island, you will find the town of Folly Beach and the Morris Island Lighthouse, while to the north up the historic Ashley River Road you will find some of the low country's oldest plantation settlements. Also on this side of the Ashley River, you will find Charlestown Landing, site of the original Charlestown settlement, which has been turned into a state park.

From the Charleston Visitor's Center, travel north on Meeting Street and turn to the left onto Spring Street when you see the Piggly Wiggly Supermarket. Follow Spring Street straight across town, where it will join Highway 17 South, also known as the Crosstown Expressway. Follow Highway 17 over the Ashley River bridge.

Once you've crossed the bridge, the right lane will take you onto Highway 61 (Saint Andrews Blvd.), leading you toward Ashley River Road and the historic plantations. If you keep to the left, and continue along Highway 17 South, you will drive under three overpasses. You will come to a fork in the road. The right lanes will continue along Highway 17 South (Savannah Highway.) Following the left lane will take you onto Folly Road, which you can follow down to James Island and Folly Beach.

Now, let's go exploring...

The Day Trip

We recommend beginning your day West of the Ashley by exploring one of the historic plantation homes and its gardens. To get there, once you have crossed the Ashley River bridge, follow the first fork to the right (and the signs) onto Highway 61, which is called St. Andrews Blvd here. It is approximately 9 miles from the bridge to the first plantation, Drayton Hall. There are two forks in the road along the way, so be sure to follow the signs designating old Highway 61, as well as the signs directing you to the plantations.

All of the plantations will be on the right side of Ashley River Road. First you will come to Drayton Hall, then Magnolia Plantation, and a bit further out Middleton Place. We recommend allowing yourself approximately two and a half hours to explore your selection.

Drayton Hall is a preserved 18th century plantation home. The house itself is the main attraction here. It is owned, operated, and preserved by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which offers guided tours of the house. There are also an African American education program, and self-guided walking tours of the grounds that lead toward the Ashley River.

Just up the street you will find Magnolia Plantation and the Audubon Swamp Garden. These are America's oldest public gardens. The grounds are extensive, incorporating many different styles and features of American gardening. The gardens here are the main attraction and will easily offer you hours of exploration.

The last plantation along the Ashley River is Middleton Place. The grounds and gardens are vast and impressive, much like Magnolia Plantation. The main house, however, was mainly destroyed during the Civil War, and the only surviving part is the Gentleman's Quarters which now serves as the house museum. One of the highlights is the artisan displays, where you can see demonstrations of plantation era craftsmanship.

No matter which plantation you choose to explore, a highlight common to all is spectacular views of the Ashley River and marshes. Be sure to go in the Spring or Summer to catch the gardens in full bloom.

After you've explored a plantation, you will probably be ready for lunch. Trace your route back down the Ashley River Road to the south, almost back to the bridge, and make a right turn onto Wesley Drive, which will take you to Folly Road (there should be a sign designating Folly Road at the turn.) Follow Folly Road approximately 2 miles where you will find Melvin's BBQ on your left, in front of the Publix Supermarket. If you are not in the mood for BBQ, just continue along Folly Road all the way to Folly Beach, which is about 7 miles further south.

Once you have crossed over the bridge into Folly Beach, the road changes name to Center Street. Along Center Street you will find a nice selection of local restaurants that are just a short walk to the beachfront. Some of these restaurants include Folly Beach Crabshack, Planet Follywood, Locklears, Lost Dog Cafe, Taco Boy, and Woody's Pizza. Please note that Locklears Restaurant is located on the Folly Beach Pier itself and not on Center Street. Street-side parking is available on Center Street, as well as at the entrance to Folly Beach Pier.

While you are here, take some time to explore the many beachwear and gift shops along Center Street. If you walk to the end of Center Street, you will see the entrance and parking area for the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. Walking up the front steps, you will pass Locklears on your left and a gift shop on your right. The Pier stretches 1,045 feet ahead of you into the Atlantic Ocean. The pier features a covered pavilion at the end. There are usually many fishermen. The pier was recently renovated and reopened in early 2008.

After you've explored central Folly Beach and the pier, drive along East Ashley Avenue heading to the Northeast towards the tip of the island. Be mindful of the speed limit and parking areas, as they are strictly enforced. After about 2 miles, you will reach an open area with parallel parking along the right side of the roadway. This point is called the "Washout" and is popular with surfers. It has a reputation as one of the East Coast's best surfing spots.

Continue along East Ashley until the road ends in a cul-de-sac, about 1.3 miles. Here you can park your car and walk to the tip of the island, where you will find a breathtaking view of the Morris Island Lighthouse. Park in the sandy areas along the roadside in front of the cul-de-sac, but be sure not to park on the roadway, as police frequently patrol this area.

From the cul-de-sac, you will see a gate and a marked pedestrian walkway along the closed section of roadway. The walk is just under one half mile. At the end you will walk over a steep pathway through the dunes and onto the beach. This spot is great for photographs, but please stay out of the water, as the currents are very rough here and swimming is prohibited. The sand dunes are also protected, so do not climb among them. This is a popular area for fishing and shelling.

After making your way back to your car, trace your route back along East Ashley. You may choose to stop and explore the Washout, or you can park at the end of most side-streets, where you will find small, sand parking lots for beach access. Allow yourself some time to enjoy the beach, where these is usually plenty of activity, and a lot of surfing. Although we have never found ourselves there in the evening, we have heard that the sunset views from Folly Beach are spectacular, especially from the fishing pier.

Once you leave the beach, you may be ready for dinner, as you will probably have walked up an appetite. From the beach, make your way back onto East Ashley Drive and head towards Center Street. You can either enjoy dinner here, or you can head back to James Island.

Some suggestions we have for dinner in West Ashley include The Charleston Crabhouse on James Island, located off Folly Road and alongside the intracoastal waterway. To get there, follow Folly Road until Old Folly Road forks to the left (approximately a half mile past Melvin's BBQ.) Take Old Folly Road to Maybank Highway and make a left and then the next right from Maybank onto Wappoo Creek Drive. Wappoo Creek Drive curves around to the right and straight into the Charleston Crabhouse. To get back to Charleston, make a left onto Maybank Highway, another left onto Folly Road, and follow it as it bears to the right onto Highway 17 North and back across the Ashley River Bridge.

Another good choice is California Dreamin', which is located right on the Ashley River, with excellent views of downtown Charleston. To get there, follow Folly Road north to the James Island Expressway on your right. From the Expressway, take the second exit (Herbert U. Fielding Connector.) From this road, take the next right onto Ashley Point Drive. California Dreamin' is located at the end of this road. To get back to Charleston, return to the James Island Expressway, taking the cloverleaf ramp, which will take you back across the river and onto Calhoun Street.