There are some places that stick with you, and for Southern Living editor-in-chief Sid Evans, that place is Pawleys Island, South Carolina. He’s been visiting the tiny sliver of Lowcountry land most summers since he was 5 or 6 and says it’s still one of his favorite places. About 70 miles north of South Carolina and 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach, Pawleys has a loyal fan base despite its small stature. The entire barrier island is less than 4 miles long, and in most places, only about one house wide—which means water is everywhere you look. On the west, there’s an intricate network of salt marshes and creeks. On the east, you get gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Though hurricane damage has brought some new and updated places to stay, at its heart Pawleys remains a lowkey Lowcountry getaway where the pace of your day depends entirely on your mood. “If you rent a place with a dock on the creek you can fish, crab, or just hang out and watch the sun set over the marsh,” Evans says. Keep reading for the 14 best things to do on Pawleys Island.
What To Do On Pawleys Island
Stroll And Shop At Hammock Shops Village
The historic heart of Pawleys all started with the Original Hammock Shop, which was established in 1938. Today, the vibrant shopping village consists of 21 unique local shops, two restaurants, a playground, and several outdoor gathering spaces. You can still get an original Pawleys Island Rope Hammock from the legendary store and see other historic buildings like The Schoolhouse and Waverly Building, two 1800s buildings that now house La Tierra Mineral Gallery and BisQit restaurant, respectively.
hammockshops.com; 10880 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Play A Round of Golf
Consult the Waccamaw Golf Trail, a collection of courses that spans Pawleys Island, Litchfield, and the surrounding area for a recommendation on where to play. The 18-hole course at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club has won multiple awards from golf publications for being a top public course. Another popular spot is the Jack Nicklaus-designed course at Pawleys Plantation.
Take An Ecotour With Pawleys Island Guide Service
Between Pawleys saltwater coast and its immense freshwater network of marshes, deltas, tidal creeks, and estuaries, there’s so much vibrant nature and wildlife to observe. On an ecotour with Pawleys Island Guide Services, you can expect to to spot everything from alligators, turtles, crabs, dolphins, and otters to a huge variety of birds including roseate spoonbill, osprey, blue heron, and wood storks.
pawleysislandguideservice.com; 577 Brace Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585; 843-833-4477
Gear Up And Hit The Beach
It’s not hard to find the beach on Pawleys considering the entire island is only about a quarter-mile wide. Before you plant your umbrella in the sand, make a stop at Pawleys Island Supplies for all your beach day essentials. The old-school hardware and general store has everything you might need for a long day of fun in the sun, from floats and boogie boards to sun hats, shades, and snacks…