Area Overview
"Arrogantly Shabby" Pawleys Island is a beach community on the south end of the Grand Strand
The Pawleys Island & Litchfield Beach sections of the Grand Strand are known for their “arrogantly shabby” oceanfront accommodations and laid-back beach lifestyles.
The Town of Pawleys Island, incorporated in 1985, consists only of the island itself and carries a modest population of about 100 proud year-round residents, although locals commonly refer to the area west of the two connecting causeways as Pawleys Island.
Litchfield Beach, located slightly north of the island, includes rows of beach and channels houses along the coast and tidal creeks that separate it from the mainland.
Boat docks and fishing piers are about as common as mailboxes in these two coastal communities. Residents often go fishing, shrimping and crabbing in their own back yards and cook up a seafood feast for dinner.
There are several upscale restaurants on the mainland for those rainy and unlucky days, such as Frankís Restaurant/Frank’s Outback, as well as unique local shops, including the famous Pawleys Island Hammocks Shops.
Golfers are also in luck, with the famous Waccamaw Golf Trail running right through the middle of the two towns. Caledonia, True Blue, The River Club, and the Litchfield Golf and Beach Club are among the top courses on the entire Grand Strand, which boasts more than 100 links.
The mainland areas were once rice plantations from the Colonial era to the Civil War, and Pawleys Island was the summer home of many wealthy plantation owners looking to escape the heat and the disease-carrying mosquitoes of the marshlands.
The area made the transition to full-time settlement in the 1900s, but remains unincorporated except for the island itself.
The Town of Pawleys Island has its own police department, but the mainland communities are serviced by the Georgetown County Police and Fire & Rescue units.
All public school students attend the award-winning Waccamaw schools, and Lowcountry Day Academy caters to private school children.
Where to stay
Hotels in Pawleys Island, S.C.
Here's a look at some of the best accommodations in Pawleys Island, S.C.:
From the blog
Pawleys Island, S.C. Articles
Here’s a look at some of articles from our staff about Pawleys Island, S.C.:
Myrtle Beach Grocery Store Guide
October 3, 2024
Thrifty vacationers know that one of the best ways to save money on your trip is to buy and prepare food instead of dining out for every meal. As the Myrtl …
Recreation Centers Around the Myrtle Beach Area
September 26, 2024
The Grand Strand has many recreation centers, from the North Strand of Little River down to the South Strand of Pawleys Island. Many of these facilities of …
Myrtle Beach Restaurants Offering Early Bird Specials
September 25, 2024
If you love to eat early and save money with great early bird specials, then you’re in luck! There are several Myrtle Beach restaurants that offer a vari …
19th Holes: Top Myrtle Beach Sports Bars for Golfers
September 16, 2024
The weather in Myrtle Beach is desirable throughout the year, making it one of the best places in the world for golf. The temperate Myrtle Beach weather an …
Gullah Geechee History in Myrtle Beach
September 13, 2024
Whether you’ve been driving down Highway 17 or have visited the Georgetown and Charleston areas, chances are you’ve seen woven baskets being sold on th …
Native American History in Myrtle Beach
September 9, 2024
When thinking about the history of the Grand Strand, many minds immediately go back to the days of plantation owners and slavery. While that is understanda …
#SaveThePelicans
September 6, 2024
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are more than just a baseball team—they are a beloved cornerstone of the community, where families like Janet’s have work …
Attraction Spotlight: Huntington Beach State Park & Atalaya Castle
September 5, 2024
Huntington Beach State Park is a beautiful part of the culture and history of the arts in South Carolina. The park contains campgrounds, picnic areas, hiki …
Shining the Spotlight on Local Products from the Myrtle Beach Area
September 4, 2024
The Grand Strand is home to over 300,000 people, many of which are business owners with creativity and motivated mindsets. Several business owners from the …
Points of Interest
Restaurants & Attractions in Pawleys Island, S.C.
Here's a look at some of the best places to eat and things to do in Pawleys Island, S.C.:
What's Happening
Upcoming Events in Pawleys Island, S.C.
Here’s a look at some of the best Pawleys Island, S.C. events & festivals happening soon in the area:
Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival
The Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival is held in the Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park. The annual event is filled with unique arts and crafts. Over 100 artisans [&helli …
Tickets from $10
Huntington Beach State Park
Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival
The Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival is held in the Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park. The annual event is filled with unique arts and crafts. Over 100 artisans [&helli …
Tickets from $10
Huntington Beach State Park
Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival
The Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival is held in the Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park. The annual event is filled with unique arts and crafts. Over 100 artisans [&helli …
Tickets from $10
Huntington Beach State Park
Brookgreen Gardens Spring Break Camp
Sign up your K-3rd graders for a Spring Break Camp at Brookgreen Gardens! Your kids will enjoy two full days of exploring the gardens and animals as well as creating […] …
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens Spring Break Camp
Sign up your K-3rd graders for a Spring Break Camp at Brookgreen Gardens! Your kids will enjoy two full days of exploring the gardens and animals as well as creating […] …
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens Spring Break Camp
Sign up your K-3rd graders for a Spring Break Camp at Brookgreen Gardens! Your kids will enjoy two full days of exploring the gardens and animals as well as creating […] …
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens Spring Break Camp
Sign up your K-3rd graders for a Spring Break Camp at Brookgreen Gardens! Your kids will enjoy two full days of exploring the gardens and animals as well as creating […] …
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens Spring Break Camp
Sign up your K-3rd graders for a Spring Break Camp at Brookgreen Gardens! Your kids will enjoy two full days of exploring the gardens and animals as well as creating […] …
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens Spring Break Camp
Sign up your K-3rd graders for a Spring Break Camp at Brookgreen Gardens! Your kids will enjoy two full days of exploring the gardens and animals as well as creating […] …
Brookgreen Gardens
Video
Visiting Pawleys Island, S.C.
Check out some of our favorite staff videos from around this area:
Featured
Atalaya Castle at Huntington State Beach
Take a tour of Atalaya Castle and get a glimpse into the life of Archer M. Huntington, a railroad tycoon, and his wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington, a sculptress, during the mid 20th century.
See Video PageReal Estate
Pawleys Island, S.C. Neighborhoods
Check out some of the most popular areas in Pawleys Island, S.C. for Myrtle Beach real estate: