The Lee Westbury Bridge in Folly Beach, South Carolina offers sweeping marsh views, a beloved fishing spot, and a gateway to the island's laid-back coastal character.
The Lee Westbury Bridge spans the tidal creek and marsh system along Folly Road, serving as the primary land connection to Folly Beach, South Carolina. Named in honor of a local figure, the bridge carries both vehicle traffic and a pedestrian path that invites visitors to slow down and absorb the landscape before they even reach the beach.
From the pedestrian walkway, the views stretch across wide expanses of cordgrass marsh, one of the most productive coastal ecosystems on the Atlantic seaboard. Egrets and great blue herons are a near-constant presence, picking through the shallows while pelicans glide overhead in low formation.
Anglers have long favored the bridge as a casual fishing platform. The tidal creek beneath funnels bait fish and draws species like red drum, flounder, and sheepshead, making it a productive spot with nothing more than a light spinning rod and some patience.
The bridge also frames the first impression many visitors form of Folly Beach, and that impression is one of unhurried coastal beauty. For anyone making the short drive from Charleston, pausing here is a simple reminder that the island rewards those who take their time.
Visit at sunrise or sunset when the marsh grasses catch the low golden light and the creek below reflects the sky.
Bring a fishing rod and a valid South Carolina fishing license to cast from the bridge railings for flounder and red drum.
Walk or cycle across rather than driving to take in the full panorama of the surrounding tidal marsh at a leisurely pace.
Keep an eye out for dolphins moving through the creek channel, especially on an incoming tide in warmer months.
Pair your visit with a walk along the nearby Folly Beach County Park for a full afternoon on the island.
Paddle Folly Beach waters at your own pace on a private board
Paddle at your own pace in a single or tandem kayak