Pawleys Island, SC

Travel Guide

Litchfield Beach showing general coastal views, a sandy beach and a coastal town
Caledonia Golf and Fish Club which includes golf as well as a small group of people
Litchfield Beach showing general coastal views and a beach
Caledonia Golf and Fish Club which includes a pond and golf
Caledonia Golf and Fish Club which includes golf and a pond
The island’s uniqueness invites visitors to relax. Explore its history, walk its beaches and savor Southern food in a world apart.

People have been coming to Pawleys Island, south of Myrtle Beach, since the 1700s because it’s a lovely place to stay. In those early times rice farmers escaped the oppressive heat inland and spent summers with their families on the coast. May to November was the historic time to enjoy this delightful location. Today Pawleys Island is a year-round attraction. Enjoy a relaxed vacation where being shoeless and carefree is expected.

The island is 4 miles (6 kilometers) long and very narrow. Its unique ambiance is immediately discernible upon crossing the causeway from the mainland. The appearance is sometimes described as arrogantly shabby. Enter the Pawleys Island Historic District where 12 early residences still remain. Find a place to park and read the plaques with information about the houses and their inhabitants.

Beach days are common on the wide sand and among the dunes. You may witness the hatching of loggerhead sea turtles in protected areas along the shoreline. Ask questions of knowledgeable volunteers who are often on the beach observing turtle activity.

Purchase one of the unique Pawleys Island Rope Hammocks seen on many island porches. It is a beautiful and functional souvenir or gift for someone back home.

Hotel chains don’t exist on the island, but there are two classic inns. The Pelican Inn was built in the 1840s and the Sea View Inn was built in 1937.

All the conventional conveniences are available on the nearby mainland, in particular Georgetown and Murrells Inlet, 13 miles (21 kilometers) and 10 miles (16 kilometers) away respectively.

Bring your boat and launch it at the public boat ramp or rent kayaks or paddleboards. Fish from Pawleys Island Pier, which extends far out into the ocean. Golf at various Grand Strand courses located within 5 miles (8 kilometers) of the island.

Get to Pawleys Island by traveling south from Myrtle Beach about 23 miles (37 kilometers). Feel your stress slip away as you approach this relaxing getaway destination.

Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort
Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort
3.5 out of 5
14276 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC
$363 nightly
The price is $399 total per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
$399 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Pawleys Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,018 reviews)
"Fantastic resort"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort
The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn
The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn
3 out of 5
1 Norris Drive, Pawleys Island, SC
$206 nightly
The price is $226 total per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
$226 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Pawleys Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"The beach was quiet and very clean"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn
Best Western Pawleys Island
Best Western Pawleys Island
2.5 out of 5
11445 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC
$95 nightly
The price is $104 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$104 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Pawleys Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"We enjoyed the location and being able to enjoy the pool without being crowded. The lady over the breakfast was the absolute sweetest."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Best Western Pawleys Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Just renovated. Best Ocean View Property
Just renovated. Best Ocean View Property
Pawleys Island
Book a stay at this beach condo in Pawleys Island. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (71 reviews)
"Fabulous location. We came for the seafood. We bought grouper and crab and cooked ourselves. The only thing we miss from the northeast, besides family, is the availability of fresh seafood."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Just renovated. Best Ocean View Property
1 BR Studio/Cottage with Pool & Golf Cart/ Near Beach
1 BR Studio/Cottage with Pool & Golf Cart/ Near Beach
Pawleys Island
Stay at this apartment in Pawleys Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Litchfield Beach and True Blue Golf Club are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
Amazing!!
"Wonderful stay and experience. Very homey and relaxing!! Great hosts, 10/10!"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

1 BR Studio/Cottage with Pool & Golf Cart/ Near Beach
High Tide
High Tide
Pawleys Island
Stay at this vacation home in Pawleys Island. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Popular attractions Litchfield Beach and Pawleys ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Great Beachfront House for Friends or Family Vacation
"This property was fantastic! Great location with beach access, decks, screened in porches, and close to golfing. Definitely recommend and will hopefully get to rent again in the future."

Reviewed on May 20, 2025

High Tide
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Pawleys Island

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
148
5 - Excellent 55%
4 - Good
93
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
22
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

William

Pawleys Island is great. We were just disappointed in the hotel. The hotel staff seemed overwhelmed.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I love Pawleys but will call directin future tone sure there are no ball or dance teams staying.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice area, a bit expensive especially for lunch. Shops were a bit expensive but several were unique. Didn’t get to see much of Pawleys Island.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I have been staying at Pawleys since 1960. Great place that has retains its charming quaintness on the Island.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Fun experiences at The Hammock Shops. Santa and Mrs. Claus were there. Wish the hammock weaver had been there that day.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Wanted to walk on the beach, but it was closed to the public! Never thought the beach would be closed!

Cities near Pawleys Island