Once you experience the unique, natural beauty of Pawleys Island, you’ll want to spend your time wandering the coastline. There are no shortages of attractions for those of you who want to take in all that the island has to offer. In addition to the beautiful coast, Pawleys Island is also home to world-class gardens, some of the area’s most remarkable fairways and greens, Lowcountry cuisine that’s as good as you’ll find, fertile fishing holes, and a unique selection of shops to peruse. For a list of all the best South Carolina Beaches, visit here. Continue reading our Pawley’s Island SC Beachfront Rentals guide, and plan your Pawley’s Island vacation today.
Pawley’s Island SC Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit Pawley’s Island SC is from June to August when the weather is just right for enjoying the beach. Expect some afternoon rain showers during this time of year (especially July), and keep in mind that hurricane season will last from June through November. You’ll can also enjoy warm temperatures and slightly cheaper rates if you visit March through May, but you may have to contend with spring breakers crowding the beach and nearby hotels. Autumn brings in room bargains and cooler temperatures that range from the high 70s to the mid-40s.
The Beach at Pawley’s Island
Pawley’s Island has the largest free public beach access lot in Georgetown County, located on the south end of the island. In addition, there are 8 other public beach access points on the island which offer visitors the use of approximately 141 combined parking spaces, including handicap parking. The Town also allows “street” parking in designated areas additional public parking spaces located within 500 feet of a public beach access. All public access points have trash receptacles, dog waste collection bags and signs providing beach rules and regulations.
Best Pawley’s Island Area Tours & Activities
Charleston Sightseeing Day Trip with Lunch from Myrtle Beach
Enjoy a scenic journey to one of America’s greatest historic treasures—Charleston, South Carolina, for a day of sightseeing, shopping, and dining. Experience the highlights of Charleston on a full sightseeing day trip from Myrtle Beach. Tour package includes a boxed lunch, a ride through the historic district in a traditional horse-drawn carriage, Charleston Harbor boat tour, a visit to Boone Hall Plantation with a guided tour, and a brief stop at the Old City Market. Learn more about the Charleston Sightseeing Day Trip here.
Waccamaw River Nature & Wildlife Tours
Explore the beautiful cypress-lined Waccamaw River, Intracoastal Waterway, and the creeks and swamps on this guided boat tour near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Be on the lookout for birds and other wildlife that inhabit these southern waters that run along the refuge. The boat docks are located within Waccatee Zoo. Learn more about the Waccamaw River Nature & Wildlife Tours here.
Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Ticket in Myrtle Beach
Bring an evening of Polynesian entertainment to the shores of South Carolina with this fire luau and dinner show in Myrtle Beach. Enjoy a buffet dinner before watching an hour-long fire and dance performance by singers, acrobats, and fire knife champions who travel from various Polynesian isles to Myrtle Beach for the show. This seasonal show is only available during the summer. Learn more about the Polynesian Fire Luau & Dinner Show here.
Guided Myrtle Beach Kayak Tour
Myrtle Beach may be known for its lively boardwalk, crowded beaches, and rocking amusement park, but when it’s time to spend some quiet time out on the water, there’s no better way to do it than a sunrise or sunset kayak tour. Locals guides will lead you through the calm waters of Murrells Inlet, which teems with wildlife like birds, fish, and sea turtles. All equipment is included and souvenir photos are available to purchase. Learn more about the Myrtle Beach Kayak Tour here.
Guided Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour
Take a 2-hour guided SUP tour down the Murrells Inlet or the Waccamaw River in Myrtle Beach. Get comfortable with our paddle boards and see some of South Carolina’s coastal scenery and local wildlife. Choose from multiple departures throughout the day, including sunrise and sunset tours, and locations are chosen based on current tides and weather conditions. Learn more about the Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour Here.
Best Pawley’s Island Restaurants
BisQit $11 – 30
BisQit serves a delicious breakfast lineup that ranges from country classics, like their namesake jumbo-sized biscuits, to healthier fare like the popular Banana Granola Pancakes. But when breakfast turns to lunch and dinner, BisQit serves some of the most incredible hamburgers, fries and shakes on the Grand Strand. Telephone: 843-979-2747 Web: BisQit
Chive Blossom Cafe $11 – 30
Elegantly decorated and walled with windows that overlook live oak trees and Spanish moss, the Chive Blossom serves beautiful cuisine to match the view, including the Crab and Avacado Salad, Fried Green Tomatoes, seafood and steaks, and an extensive wine list. Telephone: 843-237-1438 Web: Chive Blossom Cafe
Frank’s $11 – 30
This Pawleys Island establishment is actually two restaurants in one – Frank’s, the upscale eatery inside an old house, and Frank’s Outback, the covered outdoor patio deck with its own distinct character and vibe. Both focus on fresh local seafood and Lowcountry classics like Shrimp & Grits, Quail & Eggs, Crab Cakes, steaks and local fish for great surf-and-turf combos. Telephone: Web: Frank’s
Bistro 217 $11 – 30
Located in the heart of Pawleys Island, South Carolina and close to Myrtle Beach, Bistro 217 offers an array of fine dining choices of seafood, steaks, and pasta. Telephone: 843-235-8217 Web: Bistro 217
Perrone’s Restaurant and Bar $31 & Up
They consider ourselves “World cuisine with a Mediterranean focus.” The menu reflects the unique culinary influences of a vast and varied world. Complex curries from India and Thailand, rich, warming spices from North Africa, the hearty, yet healthy fare of the Mediterranean, as well as a jumbo lump crab cake from the waters of our own southern backyard. Telephone: 843-235-9193 Web: Perrone’s Restaurant & Bar
Best Pawley’s Island Nightliffe
Pawley’s Island Tavern
Cozy up by the fire at our smoke-free inside bar, or bask under the beautiful canopy of trees out on the front patio. On the back porch, there’s football waiting to be watched and foosball waiting to be played. Telephone: 843-237-8465 Web: Pawley’s Island Tavern
Island Bar & Grill
You’ll feel right at home at IBG Pawleys, with their friendly staff and outstanding food! Enjoy the outdoor patio with most major sports packages shown on the outdoor TV’s. Watch your favorite sports teams in the main dining room or the upstairs sports bar on one of our 30 TVs. Telephone: 843-235-3399 Web: Island Bar & Grill
Pawley’s Raw Bar
Pawleys Blue Crab Raw Bar offers some of the best blue crabs, oysters, and shrimp that the area has to offer. This bar is a good stop before you hit all the other watering holes that are open late night. Telephone: 843-979-2722 Web: Pawley’s Raw Bar
Quigley’s Pint & Plate
Quigley’s Pint & Plate offers guests a variety of specials & entertainment daily including discounted drink and food specials, all-you-can-eat shrimp, team trivia, karaoke, and more. Telephone: 843-237-7010 Web: Quigley’s Pint & Plate
Austin’s Ocean One
Looking for a wine bar with a great view to impress the misses? Got you covered with Austin’s Ocean One- a can’t miss date spot that is truly one of a kind in Pawleys Island. Telephone: 843-235-8700 Web: Austin’s Ocean One
Another lovely place Leahrae!
You do not only describe and show what can be expected from the destination, you also give helpful reminders to the prospected visitors and that is an extra point.
Oh, how I love to reminisce our college days when you would go out with friends on nice and calm beaches like this.
With your posts, you are stirring me to explore beaches again like before, this time with the family.
Beaches are great with the family! So many things to do and a great way to spend time together. I am glad you enjoyed Rose!
This place looks really great! I am actually headed there this summer and you have given me a lot of choices to make my stay tons of fun. Thanks for such great information. I am looking forward to Pawley’s Island. Now I know exactly where I will be staying 🙂
You are very welcome! Thanks for visiting my Pawley’s Island SC Beachfront Rentals guide. Let me know how your vacation goes!
Even though travel has not fully recovered since last year, I find this review very uplifting because I am planning a trip by faith soon, just by faith, nobody knows what will happen but I am glad I am reading this. it shows me that travel destinations are still alive. thank you for opening my eye to SC. I will definitely add it to my list. tanks again for this review.
You are very welcome. Going by faith is a good thing 🙂 Thanks for visiting my Pawley’s Island SC Beachfront Rentals guide.
This is a great guide to Pawleys Island and places to stay and things to do. I love walking on the beach, and this indeed looks as if I would be able to walk for miles. The Myrtle Beach Kayak guided tour sounds like the perfect way to explore the waters and nature.
How many nights would you recommend as a minimum stay to get the most out of a trip to Pawleys Island?
You could stay a week and see everything. There is so much in the area though, and I would stay for 2 weeks if I could 🙂
This was quite interesting for me because I lived in Myrtle Beach South Carolina for over 30 years before relocating to Maui. Im quite familiar with a lot of the places mentioned. It was a very well-put-together travel site for Pawleys Island. I was especially intrigued by the Luau at the St. Johns Inn. I’m not sure if my legs would handle 2 hours of SUP on the Waccamaw river. I have been swimming in the Waccamaw River a few times, I must say I enjoy the weather here a lot more than I did in Myrtle Beach. Mahalo for that little slice of home
Wow, how nice! I paddle board for about 2 hours, and as you say that is plenty. By then end I am tired. It is more work then people realize, but peaceful and relaxing as well. Sounds like you are in a great place!
Hello Leahrae, first of all I love love love your website about travel. This is one of the places I’ve never been but always heard great things about taking vacations there. Thanks for pointing out everything we need to know before arrival, like 8 public beaches, then you list the restaurants, tours and other important little details. This makes it seem so personal, which is nice. I’ll plan a trip to S.C; it appears that this pandemic will be lifting soon, the world is ready to travel.
Thanks!
Great Denise. Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for sharing about Pawley’s Island SC With us. The view on the video is so pretty and making me want to jump in my car and be there right now. But I can wait until June. The wild life tour sounds interesting and I am sure that my husband and I will love that. I also want to check out Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Ticket in Myrtle Beach as well.
Great, you’ll truly enjoy 🙂 Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Another gorgeous beach to visit and enjoy. At least there are masses of room on the beach, sort of away from it all. Plenty of fun things to do with a trip to the nature and wildlife tour and I would love to join in the Luau and watch the dancers. This show must be amazing with the Polynesian knife throwers and dancers and fire ceremony.
I could link it with a longer journey just to chill for a while.
Yes Lily, the Polynesian Fire Luau is worth booking. A great way to enjoy an evening in Pawley’s Island. Thank you for stopping by.
This is a great introduction to Pawley’s Island.
There really is a lot to do. The beaches look so inviting and everyone will want to spend many hours sitting relaxing and enjoying being on holiday.
The tour of Charleston sounds really good. The horse drawn carriage part sounds really different and one you will be telling all your friends about.
Bistro 217 certainly is one of the places I will be dinning.
Thanks for sharing.
You are welcome Geoff. Glad you enjoyed. Please stop by again when you are ready to plan your Pawley’s Island South Carolina vacation.
hey! thanks for this info.. right on time.. we were looking at places for kayaking but more on the river type waters.. have you tried that kayak tour? looks very tempting, especially if you can make it at sunrise or sunset but do I understand correctly that this is done on sea/ocean? we’re beginners so want to make sure we’ll be ok with our limited skillset 😉
I kayak and paddle board where I live and would not be without either as I do live on the beach. I know when I first started kayaking was easy. It was the balancing on the paddleboard that took a little extra time. if you have kayaked before, it will be a breeze!
Pawley’s Island is another place in the United States that I haven’t heard about. As a Canadian living in Calgary, I would love to come down to the United States and visit beaches such as the one on Pawley’s Island. Lots of great recommendations on this post, thank you, Leahrae! I noticed you talked a little about fertile fishing holes in your introduction. Do you, by chance, know where I would find those fishing holes?
The best fishing spots are going to be in North Beach of Huntington Beach State Park and the jetty area there. There are a lot of great areas in the Charleston area, beaches, things to do, you won’t get bored.
One of my sons will be visiting Charleston, South Carolina this Summer and he asked me to look for some information about what beach to visit as he will have a couple of days free from work, I knew I could find the best information about a nice beach to visit in your website, as you always share accurate information about the best places to visit. I’m sure my son will love to read your article as it shares all the information he needs to know to plan his trip.
Great, and please let him know that I can help plan his trip or answer any questions that he has. Thanks for visiting my Pawley’s Island SC Beachfront Rentals guide.
The South Carolina beaches are a wonderful place to enjoy an affordable vacation at great Atlantic Ocean locations! The area is nice and quiet and serene for anyone who needs a quiet escape, but close enough to easily make the short drive to Myrtle Beach for more neon attractions and crowds. Thanks for sharing all the great details about this gem vacation spot!
Agreed Aly and it is a gem in a very ideal location. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave me some comments 🙂