The 30 Best Things to Do in Pawleys Island
Experience the beauty of South Carolina’s Lowcountry in Pawleys Island! This centrally located resort is perfect for those who want to experience the best of Myrtle Beach and Charleston. Enjoy award-winning restaurants, Championship golf, and spectacular views while exploring Litchfield Beach and the Hammock Coast. Whether you visit for a few days or a full week, there are plenty of Pawleys Island things to do and memories to last a lifetime.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the location of Pawleys Island and find some of our activities and attractions. Craving more? Access to our free Litchfield Beach Vacation Guide to learn even more about the area and start planning your trip today!
About Pawleys Island
Litchfield, North Litchfield, and Litchfield by the Sea are all located on an eight-mile stretch of beach in the Waccamaw Neck section of Georgetown County, South Carolina. The Waccamaw Neck is a long, narrow stretch of land bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and the west by the Waccamaw River (the largest freshwater section of the Intracoastal Waterway).
The next beach south gives this special area its name, Pawleys Island. The name’s a bit of a misnomer because there are really four beaches, the three at Litchfield, plus Pawleys Island itself.
Our Favorite Activities & Attractions in Pawleys Island
For Foodies
If you’re anything like us, you’re always searching for your next great meal. Are you craving a Carolina classic like fried chicken and waffles? How about a bowl of our region’s signature she-crab soup? From succulent seafood to southern favorites, Pawleys Island restaurants are always plating up a delicious meal. Browse our restaurant recommendations below and then taste them for yourself to see what makes Lowcountry cuisine so crave-able.
Our Favorites
- Rustic Table $$ | Upscale Southern Cuisine | Family Friendly
- Pawley’s Raw Bar $$ | Funky, Low-Key Seafood Eatery | Family Friendly
- Ocean One $$$ | Seasonal New American | Fine Dining
- Bistro 217 $$ | Chic Bistro | Fine Dining
- Austin’s Cabana Café $$ | Casual Beach Bar | Family Friendly
For Golfers
Did you know? Myrtle Beach is nicknamed the “Golf Capital of the World.” With more than 80 award-winning courses, golf and the South Carolina Lowcountry go together like peanut butter and jelly. Here, avenues of live oaks draped with Spanish moss serve as a backdrop for a fun and challenging day on the green. With views and courses like these, you’ll want to book multiple tee times on your trip! Take a look at some of our favorite courses below:
Our Favorites
- Caledonia Golf & Fish Club Built on a former rice plantation | 6,526-yard, par-70 course | Designed by Mike Strantz
- Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club Historic course with beautiful views | 7,026-yard, par-72 course | A Jack Nicklaus Signature Course
- Founders Club “Tough but fair” course with unrestricted cart access | 7,007-yard, par-72 course | Designed by Thomas Walker
- True Blue Golf Club Fun layout with vast fairways and impressive elevation changes | 7,126-yard, par-72 course | Designed by Mike Strantz
- Heritage Club One of the “50 Best Public Courses in America” | 7,118-yard, par-71 course | Designed by Dan Maples
For Outdoor Enthusiasts
There are so many ways to experience the great outdoors in the Lowcountry. Whether you prefer the beach or a state park, water, or land, we have you covered. The best part? South Carolina’s mild weather offers the chance to experience these recreational activities all year long!
Our Favorites
- Pawleys Kayaks Kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals, boat rentals, and more
- Cyclopedia Rent a bike and explore Pawleys Island
- Surf The Earth Surf lessons and rentals for surfers of all ages & experience levels
- Huntington Beach State Park Nature trails teeming with local wildlife
For Rainy Days
Although South Carolina enjoys lots of sunshine (about 210 days per year), there’s a chance it could rain during your vacation. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do on Pawleys Island in the event of inclement weather. Pick up some souvenirs, treat yourself to a massage, or catch a show at one of our local theatres. You’ll forget all about the less-than-perfect weather.
Our Favorites
- Hammock Shops 23 Unique Shops | Wine Tastings | Fun-Filled Playground
- Island Day Spa Facials | Massages | Manis/Pedi | Salon | & More!
- The Strand Theater Live Community Theater | Academy Award Winning Movies
- The Carolina Opry Seasonal Live Shows | Tribute Concerts | Performing Art Series
- All Fired Up Paint-Your-Own-Pottery
For the Family
Adults and children alike will have a blast on your next family vacation to Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach. It’s the perfect place to unwind and spend time together! Imagine leisurely morning bike rides and long days spent at the beach. In the evenings, take the kids to one of these excellent local attractions and keep the fun going.
- Family Kingdom Amusement park by the sea
- Ripley’s Aquarium An up-close look at all kinds of marine life
- Brookgreen Gardens 9,127 acres of flowers, plants, and sculptures
- Fun Warehouse Indoor fun center with laser tag, roller skating, an arcade, and more
- Pirates Voyage Dinner and a show!
We hope this short list got you excited about visiting Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island! Sure, you could Google the best things to do on your getaway to Lowcountry. But why not ask a local instead? Dunes Beach Home Rentals has been assisting guests with their family vacations for over 50 years. We know this area inside and out, and we’re dedicated to making your trip the best it can be.
Questions About Your Trip?
We’ve put together a Virtual Concierge resource for guests. From local babysitters to grocery stores in the area, we have the best services, vendors, and activities for you or your family.
Access our free Virtual Concierge page. A comprehensive resource of companies that offer services or products that will enhance your vacation with us.
Still have a question? Call us at 843-237-4473