Pawleys Island is South Carolina’s quiet hammock coast escape. This laid-back barrier island offers wide, uncrowded beaches, world-class golf courses, and rich Lowcountry culture without the heavy crowds of nearby Myrtle Beach. Visitors come here for a slower pace, historic charm, and authentic coastal beauty.
Top 10 Things to Do in Pawleys Island
- Relax on Litchfield Beach: Enjoy wide, quiet sands that are ideal for sunbathing and collecting seashells.
- Explore Brookgreen Gardens: Walk through a 9,100-acre sculpture garden, historic botanical trails, and a native animal zoo.
- Visit Huntington Beach State Park & Atalaya Castle: Discover coastal nature trails, rich bird-watching spots, and a historic winter home.
- Stroll Through Hammock Shops Village: Shop unique local boutiques and watch craftsmen weave famous rope hammocks.
- Play Golf at Caledonia or True Blue: Book a tee time at nationally ranked, plantation-style golf courses.
- Kayak or Paddleboard the Salt Marshes: Take a guided water tour through calm tidal creeks.
- Hunt for Shark Teeth on the Beach: Search the wet sand near the water line, especially during low tide.
- Dine on Lowcountry Cuisine at Frank’s and Frank’s Outback or Rustic Table: Taste fresh local seafood and classic Southern comfort dishes.
- Take a Sunset or Dolphin Cruise from Murrells Inlet: Ride a local boat tour to spot wildlife across the marsh waters.
- Bike the Waccamaw Neck Bikeway: Pedal along a 10.1-mile paved multi-use path (with some on-road “Share the Road” sections) connecting Murrells Inlet to Pawleys Island.
Must-Visit Attractions in Pawleys Island
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens spans 9,100 acres and features over 2,000 works of American figurative sculpture by 430 artists set inside historic rice plantation lands. The property also includes themed botanical gardens and an AZA-AZA-accredited Lowcountry Zoo. General admission adult tickets cost Adults $25, Seniors (65+) $23, Children 4–12 $14, Children 3 and under free for daily visits between Daily 9:30 AM–5 PM (extended to 8 PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays during peak season). Visitors should arrive early in the morning to beat the afternoon tour groups and allow at least three hours to see the main sights.
Huntington Beach State Park & Atalaya Castle
Huntington Beach State Park protects a sweeping coastal beach and serves as a vital home for bird species. Park gates open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours during daylight saving time. Standard entry costs Adults $8, SC Seniors (65+) $5, Youth 6–15 $4, Children 5 and under free. Inside the park, visitors can tour Atalaya Castle, the quirky Spanish-style winter home of sculptors Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, for an additional $2 per person (ages 6+).
Hammock Shops Village & The Original Hammock Shop
The Hammock Shops Village is a historic mainland shopping hub where local artisans have woven handmade cotton rope hammocks for over a century. Visitors can walk shaded brick paths to browse specialty boutiques, art galleries, and a sweet candy shop. Admission and parking are free, and shops generally stay open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Families traveling with young children will also find a small shaded playground on the grounds.
Pawleys Island Historic District
The Pawleys Island Historic District features a quiet residential neighborhood lined with rustic, weather-beaten stilted wooden cottages. Visitors can take a free self-guided walking tour to read historic markers detailing Colonial-era history, Civil War, Reconstruction, and African American heritage. Morning walks offer the best soft light for photography and keep visitors out of the midday heat.
Best Beaches & Water Activities
Litchfield Beach and the public access points directly on Pawleys Island provide clean, wide stretches of sand for a traditional beach day. Because the town limits high-rise development, the coastline remains peaceful and natural.
| Water Activity | Best Provider / Location | Estimated Cost |
| Surf Lessons | Surf the Earth | $50 to $75 per person |
| Guided Kayak Tours | Black River Outdoors | $40 to $60 per person |
| Dolphin Boat Cruises | Murrells Inlet MarshWalk | $30 to $40 per person |
| Crabbing | Local salt marsh bridges | Free (bring your own string and bait) |
Shark teeth hunting is a favorite pastime along the local shorelines. The best time to search is best during low tide, especially after storms or strong winds. To check if a dark triangular find is a real fossil, try to snap it in half; real shark teeth will not break easily under normal pressure. Parking at public beach access points is very limited, so drivers must arrive before 10:00 AM during peak summer months.
Golf in Pawleys Island: Top Courses for Every Player
Pawleys Island is a premier destination for golfers, featuring layouts designed by legendary architects across historic rice plantation grounds.
| Golf Course | Difficulty | Estimated Green Fees (2026) | Best For |
| Caledonia Golf & Fish Club | Championship | $129–$219 depending on season (peak spring/fall rates $189–$219) | Serious players seeking classic plantation scenery |
| True Blue Golf Course | Championship | $79–$209 depending on season (peak spring/fall rates $149–$209) | Golfers wanting wide fairways and dramatic water hazards |
| Heritage Golf Club | Moderate | $80 to $120 | All skill levels looking for smooth, oak-lined greens |
| Litchfield Country Club | Moderate | $70 to $100 | Beginners and families looking for a relaxed round |
| Willbrook Plantation | Moderate-Hard | $90 to $130 | Nature lovers wanting wildlife views |
| River Club | Moderate | $80 to $110 | Budget-conscious players wanting solid course conditions |
Golfers should book their tee times two to four weeks in advance during the busy spring and fall seasons. Afternoon twilight rates often provide savings of up to 40 percent.
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants in Pawleys Island
Local dining highlights fresh catches from nearby tidal creeks and traditional Lowcountry recipes.
- Frank’s and Frank’s Outback: An upscale spot for fresh coastal seafood and aged steaks, with dinner entrees ranging from $30 to $80 per person.
- Rustic Table: A cozy neighborhood restaurant serving southern comfort brunch favorites like shrimp and grits for $20 to $30 per person.
- Pawleys Raw Bar: A casual family tavern serving local oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, and fried fish baskets.
- Moe’s Barbecue: on Ocean Highway (SC-17) in Pawleys Island offering smoked pulled pork, ribs, and classic homemade sides.
Rustic Table serves brunch from 10 AM–3 PM on weekends and 11 AM–3:30 PM on weekdays; arrive by 10 AM on weekends to avoid waits, but hungry guests should arrive before 8:30 AM on weekends to avoid a one-hour wait.
Pawleys Island with Kids: Family-Friendly Activities
Parents visiting the area can easily balance relaxing beach days with interactive stops for younger travelers. The Lowcountry Zoo inside Brookgreen Gardens lets kids see animals up close through free daily programs. Families can also rent bicycles equipped with child safety seats to pedal down the 10.1-mile paved multi-use path (with some on-road “Share the Road” sections) connecting Murrells Inlet to Pawleys Island. For rainy afternoons, All Fired Up Studio provides pottery painting where children can create a personalized souvenir. Visitors should always pack extra water and snacks since beach access points lack concession stands.
Free & Budget-Friendly Things to Do
Travelers on a tight budget can enjoy a full vacation without spending a fortune on admission tickets. Walking through the Pawleys Island Historic District costs nothing and provides a close look at local architecture. Bird watching along the miles of pine forest trails inside Huntington Beach State Park is free once visitors pay the small vehicle entry fee. Art enthusiasts can browse local paintings and sculptures at the Island Art Gallery. Packing picnic lunches for beach days also helps trim daily food costs.
Practical Info: Getting Around, Parking & Best Time to Visit
Because local attractions spread out across the mainland and barrier islands, renting a car is essential for getting around. Ride-share cars like Uber operate in the area, but wait times can spike during peak summer weekends.
Shoulder months between April and May and September through October offer warm weather, manageable crowds, and lower hotel rates. Summer months bring high temperatures and crowded public parking lots.
Dogs are allowed on beaches year-round; from May 1–September 30, dogs must be leashed 8 AM–8 PM, and under voice control 8 PM–8 AM. Visitors with physical mobility needs should call ahead, as Brookgreen Gardens offers fully paved paths while some state park nature trails feature soft, shifting sand.
Suggested Itineraries: 1, 3 & 5 Days in Pawleys Island
1-Day Itinerary (Quick Escape)
- Morning: Collect seashells and hunt for shark teeth at Litchfield Beach.
- Afternoon: Tour the art installations and animal exhibits at Brookgreen Gardens.
- Evening: Sit down for a seafood dinner at Frank’s Restaurant.
3-Day Itinerary (Classic Getaway)
- Day 1: Relax on the sand, browse the Hammock Shops Village, and watch the sunset from the beach access points.
- Day 2: Spend the morning exploring Brookgreen Gardens, then visit Atalaya Castle in the afternoon.
- Day 3: Play a morning round of golf at True Blue, rent a kayak for marsh exploration, and eat dinner nearby.
5-Day Itinerary (Relaxed Immersion)
- Days 1 and 2: Unwind on the shore, walk the historic district, and sample local brunch spots.
- Day 3: Take in the full grounds of Huntington Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens.
- Day 4: Book a full day of golf or relax with a spa treatment.
- Day 5: Take a short day trip to nearby Georgetown to tour the Rice Museum and take a river sunset cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some fun things to do on Pawleys Island?
Relax on uncrowded beaches, explore Brookgreen Gardens, visit Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park, shop at Hammock Shops Village, play golf, kayak salt marshes, and dine on local seafood.
Is Pawleys Island worth visiting?
Yes, especially for travelers seeking a quiet, authentic beach experience without commercial crowds. It offers pristine shores, rich history, excellent golf, and nature preserves.
What are some free things to do in Pawleys Island?
Walk the Historic District, beachcomb for shark teeth, browse Hammock Shops Village, visit art galleries, and bird watch along the state park nature trails.
What are the best beaches in Pawleys Island?
Litchfield Beach and the public access points along Pawleys Island offer wide, clean sands with fewer crowds, making them ideal for swimming, shelling, and shark teeth hunting.
How much does it cost to visit Brookgreen Gardens?
Adult admission is approximately $25, with reduced rates available for children, seniors, and military members. Tickets include full access to the outdoor sculpture gardens and the zoo.
What are the hours for Huntington Beach State Park?
Park grounds stay open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours during daylight saving time. Atalaya Castle opens from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Are there good golf courses in Pawleys Island?
Yes, the area hosts three of America’s Top 100 Public Golf Courses: Caledonia, True Blue, and Heritage. Green fees range from $70 to $150+ depending on the season.
What is there to do in Pawleys Island with kids?
Visit the Lowcountry Zoo, hunt for shark teeth, watch hammock weaving demonstrations, paint pottery, bike local paved paths, and explore nearby nature trails.
Local Tips & Insider Secrets
- Check Event Schedules First: Atalaya Castle occasionally closes for private events or festivals like the annual Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival (2026 dates: September 25–27).
- Time Your Beach Finds: Plan your shark teeth searches for low tide when receding water uncovers fresh gravel beds.
- Find Quiet Parking: Use the public beach access point near the far south end of Litchfield Beach to avoid the crowded central causeway lots.
- Beat the Brunch Rush: Arrive at Rustic Table right when doors open at 8:00 AM to grab a table before their popular breakfast items sell out.
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