Morris Island Lighthouse

The 161-foot (49-meter) lighthouse guards the southern edge of Charleston Harbor. Decommissioned in 1962 and placed on the US National Register of Historic Places 20 years later, the structure is closed to visitors but lures sightseers who admire it from surrounding beaches and waters.

The most popular way to see the lighthouse is on foot, following the paved walkway from Folly Beach to Morris Beach. Alternatively, guided tours from Charleston tend to visit the lighthouse as one of other coastal attractions. Boat trips cruise through tidal creeks to land at the beach and admire the lighthouse, watching for seabirds and dolphins along the way. Travelers on kayaking excursions can catch glimpses of the lighthouse while paddling through waters nearby.

• The lighthouse makes for great photography—don’t forget a camera.

• Wear sunscreen on summer walks from Folly Beach as there’s zero shade.

• Some boat cruises are wheelchair-accessible. Check with cruise lines ahead of time.

For the best views from land, use the walkway from Folly Beach. By car, take the 171 route to Folly Beach and follow East Ashley Avenue to the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Reserve, where you’ll find parking and the walkway. Alternatively, catch the #31 bus from Charleston to Sol Legare Road, and hire a cab from there. Otherwise, book a guided tour or cruise featuring the lighthouse.

The walkway is open year-round and usually accessible from mid-morning to sunset—check the opening hours in advance. For wow-factor views, arrive as early or late in the day as possible to avoid the summer heat and catch the lighthouse at its most atmospheric. Consider striking out along the beach for the full early-morning or sunset effect.

Bring a camera for the walk from Folly Beach. The graffiti-coated walkway is seemingly purpose-built for social media snaps, with a small, picturesque sand dune to climb towards the far end before the lighthouse views unfold. Facing the lighthouse, you’ll find clutches of large, twisted driftwood branches—perfect for atmospheric photos. With just some luck, you may also spot dolphins swimming in the waters nearby.