Quiet barrier island known for its historic cottages, hammock-making tradition, and uncrowded beaches ideal for peaceful retreats.
General Information
How to Get There
From Charleston, SC (73 mi): Take US-17 N for approximately 1.5 hours, then follow signs to Pawleys Island via the South Causeway.
Overview
Pawleys Island is one of the oldest seaside resorts on the East Coast, a narrow barrier island just four miles long and half a mile wide with no commercial development, traffic lights, or chain stores. It is known for quiet beaches, historic homes, and the rope hammocks that originated here. Local folklore includes the legend of the Gray Man ghost.
Things to Do
Enjoy the Beach
Uncrowded sandy beaches suit swimming, shell collecting, and long walks.
Shop for a Rope Hammock
Browse local hammock shops, including the Hammock Shops Village on the mainland, and see the historic cottages.
Kayak and Paddleboard
Paddle the salt marshes and tidal creeks, where dolphins and shorebirds are common.
Visit Nearby Attractions
Brookgreen Gardens, Huntington Beach State Park, Atalaya Castle, and the Waccamaw Neck Scenic Byway are close by.
Walking and Biking
| Route | Length | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawleys Island Beach Walk | Varies | Easy | Miles of shoreline, best at sunrise |
| Waccamaw Neck Bikeway | Varies | Easy | Multi-use path to beaches, parks, and attractions |
| Huntington Beach State Park Trails | Varies | Easy | Boardwalks through maritime forest, marsh, and beach |
| Brookgreen Gardens Trail System | Varies | Easy | Sculpture gardens, botanical displays, and historic landscapes |
This article uses material from official tourism pages for Pawleys Island, released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
