Located south of the Grand Strand resort of Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island is known for its unique shopping experience due to the Hammock Shops.
This area features a variety of shops that are filled with Spanish moss. You can also choose to go on a golf course. There are just a lot of best and fun things to do in Pawleys Island.
This island offers a slice of the island life without the crowds. It’s surrounded by some popular destinations such as Charleston and Myrtle Beach.
One of the most significant free beach access points in Georgetown County is located on Pawleys Island’s south end. In addition, eight other public beach access points allow visitors to park their cars using over 140 parking spaces.
In this article, we will talk about the various tourist attractions in Pawleys Island!
Where is Pawleys Island?
The town of Pawleys Island is located in South Carolina’s Georgetown County.
It’s known for its dunes and beaches. The island’s historic district features several houses dating back to the 18th century.
Also, in the north, there’s the Brookgreen Gardens, which feature gardens and sculptures made from native plants.
In addition, the Huntington Beach State Park features a Moorish-style mansion known as Atalaya. In 2010, the population of Pawleys Island was around 103.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town of Pawleys Island has a total area of about 1.0 square miles.
Of the entire region, 0.7 square miles are land, while the remaining 0.3 square miles are water.
Since you’re planning to visit South Carolina, we’d suggest you also check out the best things to do in Spartanburg.
Fun Things to Do in Pawleys Island
The island features several old beach houses and summer homes among oak trees and oleanders. Due to the limited number of cars on the island, parking is not allowed.
This is a great way to enjoy the island life without the crowds.
Below are all the best and fun things to do on Pawleys Island for kids, families, couples, and adults.
1. Apache Pier
One of the most popular attractions on the island is the Apache Pier, a family-friendly facility that can be found at the Apache Family campground.
It’s open year-round and offers various activities for both locals and visitors.
In addition, the length of the pier can be explored to get a glimpse of the ocean below.
During the summer season, the Apache Pier features live music. It’s also an excellent place for people interested in fishing.
The facility has a variety of fishing equipment and a full-service bait shop.
Address: Apache Pier is at Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, United States.
2. Blue Wave Adventures Dolphin Tour
Dolphin tours are also available through Blue Wave Adventures, a local tour company based out of the Crazy Sisters Marina.
The company’s boats are equipped with various equipment designed to provide a fun and educational experience for both adults and children.
These tours are usually conducted every day as long as the weather allows.
The company’s guides are knowledgeable about the various animals that can be seen in the area.
Aside from dolphins, the company also offers other types of marine life, such as turtles and sharks.
Address: This attraction is at 4123-B Hwy 17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, United States.
3. Black River Outdoors Center
The Black Rivers Outdoors Center is a local tour company that offers kayaking and canoe tours.
The company’s tours are designed to explore the various attractions in South Carolina’s Tidelands.
These include the Waccamaw River Cypress-Tupelo Preserve and the Sandy Island Wildlife Preserve.
The company also offers moonlight tours of the Georgetown Harbor.
These tours are ideal for people interested in learning more about the area’s natural beauty. The company’s boats are equipped with tandem and Solo River kayaks.
Address: The Black Rivers Outdoors Center is at 62 Byers Trail, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States.
4. Atalaya Castle
The Atalaya Castle was once the home of Archer Huntington and his wife, Anna.
During their time on the property, they owned various properties, including Huntington State Park.
The castle features over 30 rooms that are situated around a perimeter.
The large home was constructed with a water tower that measures 40 feet tall. It also features Anna’s studio and a small stable.
During the summer, the castle is visited by docent guides who provide one-hour guided property tours.
Address: The Atalaya Castle is at Atalaya Road, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, United States.
5. Applewood House of Pancakes
The Applewood House of Pancakes is a local establishment located on the Ocean Highway of Pawleys Island.
It’s known for its weekend breakfast bar, which features a wide variety of food items.
The restaurant’s prices are also competitive with other establishments in the area.
Although the restaurant’s popularity has been attributed to its weekend buffet, it’s still a great place to grab breakfast before returning to the hotel.
The staff members of the Applewood House of Pancakes serve a variety of food items, such as cereal, fruit, and traditional-style pancakes.
They also have a wide selection of omelets, usually accompanied by seafood. This is one of the best things to do on Pawleys Island.
Address: The Applewood House of Pancakes is at 14361 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States.
6. Caffe Piccolo
Located in an intimate space, the Italian restaurant Caffe Piccolo offers a wide variety of food items made with locally sourced ingredients.
The restaurant’s menu also features a variety of local seafood dishes.
The staff members of the restaurant are committed to using the best ingredients that are available to them.
The restaurant also serves various food items made with gluten-free and vegan options.
It can accommodate private parties and can even provide in-home catering services.
The restaurant staff members can usually be reached by their guests’ homes to prepare a meal for a special occasion.
Address: Caffe Piccolo is at 9428 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States.
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7. Inshore Xtreme Fishing Charter
Professional fishing tour operator Inshore Extreme Fishing Charter offers inshore trips led by Captain Rob Beglin. These trips can accommodate up to three people.
The company’s travels are also available in areas such as Pawleys Island and Grand Strand.
These trips are usually conducted in Cape Romain and Bulls Ray areas.
The captain of Inshore Extreme Fishing Charter has been guiding people on fishing expeditions for several years.
As a result, he’s knowledgeable about the various fish commonly caught in these areas.
Address: This attraction is at 89 Commons Court, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States.
8. High Country Olive Oil
High Country Olive Oils is a manufacturer and supplier of high-quality olive oils.
It also sells various products, such as gift items and body care products.
In addition, the company has three tasting bars in Augusta, Georgia; Aiken, South Carolina; and Pawley’s Island.
These establishments offer a wide variety of products and services.
The company’s tasting bars are designed to allow customers to try the various products it offers.
The staff members of these establishments are knowledgeable about the products and can answer any questions.
Address: The High Country Olive Oils is at 10880 Ocean Highway #8, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States.
9. Cheryl Newby Gallery
The gallery, known as the Cheryl Newby Gallery, has been operating on Pawleys Island for over 30 years.
Initially, it was only known for selling prints and antiques.
Over the years, it has expanded its offerings and now features various art forms such as paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.
In addition, the gallery features works by some of the area’s most prominent artists.
The gallery holds several exhibitions each year that feature different art forms.
It also produces maps and charts that are regarded as some of the best in the area.
Despite its diverse offerings, the gallery still maintains its original business model.
Address: The Cheryl Newby Gallery is at 11096 Ocean Highway #4, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States.
10. Carolina Guide Service
Family-friendly fishing trips are also available through Carolina Guide Service, a local company that offers chartered trips.
The company’s captain uses a combination of skills and knowledge to guide the boats through the various areas commonly used for fishing. These trips are usually conducted year-round.
The fishing charters offered by Carolina Guide Service have room for up to four people.
The trip includes all the necessary equipment for a successful fishing experience, such as a fishing license and various rods and tackle.
Address: Carolina Guide Service is at 169 Windover Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States.
11. Captain Steve’s River Tours
Captain Steve’s River Tours is a boat tour company that offers various tours through the Waccamaw River.
Unlike other companies that operate on the beaches, the company’s staff members use a pontoon boat to explore the area.
As a result, they provide a different type of experience than traditional sightseeing tours.
The company’s tours are usually conducted in 1.5-hour increments.
One of the company’s most popular trips is the Sandy Island tour, which visits a beautiful lagoon.
Another tour is the Waccamaw River Plantation tour, which visits a plantation from the 1800s.
Finally, the Georgetown Tour is a different tour that visits the area along with Winyah Bay and the Georgetown waterfront.
Address: Captain Steve’s River Tours is at 2040 Willbrook Blvd., Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States.
12. Island Art Gallery
The Island Art Gallery is located in the Village Shops of Pawley’s Island and features works by some of the area’s most prominent artists.
It also provides services to both private and corporate art collectors.
The gallery’s staff members are experienced in handling various art transactions.
Address: The Island Art Gallery is at 10744 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States.
13. Surf the Earth
Surf the Earth is a local surf shop that offers various services, such as rentals, sales, and tours on Pawley’s Island.
It also provides weeklong surf camps and lessons in either group or private formats.
Its instructors are highly experienced in teaching various surf skills.
Address: Surf the Earth is at 47 Da Gullah Way, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States.
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14. Winyah Guide Service
Private fishing charters are also available through Winyah Guide Service, which provides inshore and offshore trips to various areas on Pawleys Island.
These trips are usually conducted in Georgetown, South Carolina. Depending on the destination, the company’s inshore trips last four to eight hours.
Address: Winyah Guide Service is at 138 Shipmaster Avenue, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States.
15. Caledonia Golf and Fish Club
The Caledonia Golf and Fish Club are regarded as one of the best courses in South Carolina.
It features a variety of challenging and well-designed holes that are ideal for experienced and beginner players.
The course has been featured in various publications, such as Golf Digest and Golfweek.
Address: The Caledonia Golf and Fish Club is at 369 Caledonia Drive, Pawley’s Island, South Carolina, 29585, United States.
16. All Fired Up Studios
The studio has a vast selection of pottery pieces that can be painted, and it has over five hundred different designs to choose from.
Its staff members are also skilled in handling various types of glazes. With over one hundred different colors, you can easily create your unique work of art.
Address: This studio is at 47 DaGullah Way, Pawley’s Island, South Carolina, 29585, United States.
17. Chive Blossom Restaurant and Bar
The Chive Blossom Restaurant and Bar is a popular destination on Pawley’s Island.
It’s owned by Paul Kelly and his wife, Tarina Renualt, and it features a variety of Southern favorites.
The restaurant also specializes in dishes influenced by various Asian, Mediterranean, and French cuisines. This is one of the fun things to do on Pawleys Island.
Address: The Chive Blossom Restaurant and Bar is at 85 North Causeway, Pawley’s Island, South Carolina, 29585, United States.
18. Frank’s and Frank’s Outback
One of the most popular restaurants on the Grand Strand of Pawley’s Island is Frank’s Outback and Frank’s Inside Bistro.
These establishments are known for their different dishes, such as beef, pork, and lamb.
The latter is a formal restaurant that features a variety of local games.
On the other hand, Frank’s Outback is a casual establishment known for its seafood dishes, such as fried shrimp and barbecue.
Address: This attraction is 10434 Ocean Highway, Pawley’s Island, South Carolina, United States.
19. Learn about the Loggerhead Turtles
The adult loggerhead that lives on Pawleys Island weighs around 300 pounds.
They can build up to five nests on the island each season, and each nest contains approximately 120 eggs.
Unfortunately, some of these nests are placed in the inter-tidal zone, which means that humans are often present when these nests are made.
20. Go surfing
While the surf conditions in South Carolina’s other surfing destination, Charleston, are known to be excellent, Pawleys Island offers great waves.
When the weather is favorable, the waves can reach up to 6 feet.
21. Go Kayaking
In addition to surfing, kayaking is also a great way to explore the island and observe wildlife.
This activity is eco-friendly and allows you to get closer to the natural world.
If you’re interested in learning more about the island’s wildlife, you can participate in one of the island’s guided tours.
Best Time to Visit Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island is located in the U.S. state of South Carolina, and it’s best to visit during April, May, and October.
During these months, the temperature ranges from 20 to 26 degrees Celsius.
Cost of a Trip to Pawleys Island
The average cost of a seven-day trip to Pawleys Island is around $2,500, $4,490 for a couple and $8,418 for a family of four.
Most of the island’s hotels and vacation rentals are priced at around $85 to $385 per night.