Morris Island Light stands on Morris Island near Folly Beach, South Carolina, a hauntingly beautiful sentinel first built in 1767. Once guarding Charleston Harbor’s southern entrance, the lighthouse was decommissioned and now rises dramatically from the surf — its base submerged due to decades of erosion and shifting sands. This striking image has made it one of the most photographed lighthouses on the East Coast. The tower is not open to the public and cannot be climbed, but visitors can view it from Folly Beach’s north end. Golden hour and low tide offer the best photography conditions. Nearby, explore Folly Beach, Fort Sumter, and historic downtown Charleston, all within easy reach.

Explore Nearby

• Fort Johnson Road — Scenic Byway in South Carolina
• May Forest State Park — State Park in South Carolina
• Mathis Ferry Road — Scenic Byway in South Carolina
• Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site — State Park in South Carolina
• Sumter National Forest — National Forest in South Carolina