Only three and a half miles long and a quarter mile wide, Pawleys Island is surrounded by acres of enchanting Lowcountry coastal habitat. The Atlantic barrier reef ecosystem of the island is tucked midway along the coast of South Carolina offering a rich diversity of natural resources and scenic beauty that has quietly attracted generations of visitors.
Affectionately called “Paradise” by locals and visitors, Pawleys Island has a long history of providing refuge from the long hot summers and requisite mosquitoes during colonial and pre-colonial times. Today, the island is primarily residential with a historic district, a couple of inns, a low-rise condo complex, an art gallery, and a town hall and park as well as public boat launches and beach parking areas.
A blend of vintage and ultra-modern bungalows and beach houses all boast what is termed locally as Pawleys Charm and are occupied by full or part-time homeowners as well as vacationing rental guests. Peak vacation season occurs late spring through early fall; however, with a generally mild annual climate, rental homes are available year-round and are prized by many travelers during the quieter time of year.
Most visitors instantly clock in on Island Time leaving behind the demands of modern times and adopting a laidback Lowcountry groove by doing – or not doing – any number of things the island has to offer. Finding your island groove can range from beachcombing and surf fishing on the beach to boating and crabbing on the creek to birdwatching from the dock or rocking to a sultry sunrise on the porch.
The wide soft-sand beach and panoramic saltmarshes, threaded with winding creeks and thrumming with the activity of coastal wildlife, provide endless fascination for artists, photographers, boaters, and fishers. A stroll or bike ride on the island is the best way to fully appreciate and observe the historic and eclectic architectural home details that can be found on the island – and also provides opportunities to interact with other islanders and visitors.
Two causeways provide easy access on and off the island. The mainland extension of Pawleys Island is where residents and visitors shop at local groceries, bakeries, seafood markets, art galleries and gift shops. Pawleys Island Supplies, the oldest hardware store in town, is a popular go-to on the north causeway.
Local restaurants, bistros and bars boast Lowcountry inspired dishes, fresh caught seafood, and tableside entertainment. Award-winning golf courses abound on the Waccamaw Neck, the Lowcountry southern end of the Grand Strand. See where rope hammocks are made at The Original Hammock Shop. View world-renowned sculpture works at Brookgreen Gardens and bring your birding life-list to Huntington Beach State Park.
Embracing the neck, opposite from the island, is the Waccamaw River where more opportunities for boating, fishing and historic tourism can be found. Take guided kayak excursions, plantation river tours, and fishing charters. Visit Sandy Island or Hobcaw Barony. Explore historic Georgetown and be sure to see The Gullah Museum.
Litchfield Real Estate offers charming rentals located right on the island as well as a wonderful assortment of getaways on Litchfield Beach located adjacent to Pawleys Island within the same stunning coastal ecosystem. Many rental beach homes are pet friendly and offer additional amenities like a private pool or creek dock.
TIP #1: In coastal South Carolina, short-term rental rates are lower on either side of summer and tend to be at their lowest between November and March.
TIP #2: Locals will tell you spring and fall are the best times of year on the South Carolina coast. With generally mild temps year round as well as fewer visitors and so much to do in the off-season, a stay on either side of “beach season” on Pawleys Island can be an affordable, fun trip. Stay a month or two and live like a local!
TIP #3: Click here to see select rental homes available on Pawleys Island.