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
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That balance is actually what makes Pawleys Island memorable. Many visitors split their time between relaxed beach days and a bit of exploring, especially the nearby waterways and historic Charleston area. The pace stays easy either way, which keeps the experience enjoyable instead of rushed. Honestly, even simple things like a sunset walk or fresh seafood dinner tend to become highlights there.