Located along the picturesque Grand Strand, Pawleys Island offers everyone a treasure of unforgettable memories. The island promises an array of amazing things to do. You can just stroll, explore the rich history and culture, enjoy the tasty cuisine, or have fun with the outdoor adventures. Pawleys Island is a paradise to relax and rejuvenate. Is Pawleys Island your next getaway destination? Let’s explore the amazing things to do in Pawleys Island.
15+ Things To Do in Pawleys Island
1. Relax on The Beach
Wide stretches of soft but firm and warm sand are the right place to sink your barefooted toes and go for a walk or jog. An early morning walk will give you a glimpse of the spectacular view of the sunrise and watch the day unfold. Sunbathing, beachcombing, and just listening to the waves hitting the rocks is a beautiful experience on this tranquil beach.
2. Visit The Art Galleries
Pawleys Island features a diverse collection of artworks in its art galleries including the Island Art Gallery, Cheryl Art Gallery, Lowcountry Art Gallery, EarthArt Pottery Studio, etc. You can explore the handmade works of art crafted by local artisans in the tranquil setting and welcoming atmosphere of the galleries. Don’t miss the vibrant arts community of this charming coastal town.
3. Travel Around The Huntington Beach State Park
Enjoy miles of pristine sandy beach and explore the park’s diverse ecosystem along hiking trails. Admire the Moorish-style architecture of the Atalaya Castle. The park is popular for bird watching. Look for species like herons, pelicans, egrets, and other migrator birds. Camping in the park gazing at the stars in the night and waking to the sound of the waves is an unforgettable experience.
4. Take a Walking Tour of The Brookgreen Gardens
Located between Pawleys Island and Myrtles Beach, Brookgreen Gardens is an award-winning sculpture garden. It boasts a wide variety of sculptures, flora, fauna, and animals. You will be stunned by the beauty of the garden when you take a walking tour. Marvel at the exquisite sculptures, explore the lush greenery, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the place.
5. Stroll Along The Pawleys Island Pier
Take a stroll along the pier to get a view of the blue ocean below. The pier is alive with live music and other entertainment at night. Kids will enjoy playing in the arcade. Grab a bite after walking and playing in the warm sun and breathing fresh air. Visit the beachside shops and buy souvenirs for friends and family.
6. Immerse Yourself in the Hammock Coast
Hammock Coast, a stretch of coastline, is one of the most relaxed places to visit with miles of sand and beautiful landscapes. Clean water, clean sand, and plenty of room to play and stroll are its biggest pluses. Moreover, the place is a birder’s paradise where you can spot hundreds of species of birds. You can enjoy outdoor activities such as tennis, golf, boating, fishing, etc.
7. Explore the Creeks and Marshes
Pawleys Island is known for its lush marshes and serene creeks. You can explore them by taking a hiking, biking, or kayaking tour. Gliding through the calm waters in a guided kayak tour in the stunning surroundings can be an unforgettable adventure. You can opt for a morning tour or a sunset tour. Both of them are amazing.
8. Take a Tour of Georgetown
Georgetown, one of the oldest cities in South Carolina, is located just 15 minutes away from Pawleys Island. It is a must-visit destination for dining, boating, fishing, shopping, and ghost and historic tours. A guided ghost tour will help you to visit eerie sites and learn about the haunted history of the place. Moreover, it is also popular for its cultural venues, restaurants, and shops.
9. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise
Do you want to have a romantic and relaxing evening with someone you love? If so, take a sunset cruise along the Waccamaw River. Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the sunset when the sky is painted with vibrant hues. Soak in the beautiful and refreshing nature in the tranquil and peaceful waters.
10. Tour the Hopsewee Plantation
A guided tour of the Hopsewee Plantation will help you to learn about the rich history of the plantation including its significance in rice cultivation and its ties with the American Revolution. Step back in time and learn about the daily lives of the enslaved people in the past. Don’t forget to capture the beauty of the oak trees, Spanish moss, and magnificent architecture.
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11. Ride Through the Island on Your Bike
The island is small and it is easy to explore it on your bike. Ride through the island to have a glimpse of historic houses and appreciate its natural beauty. There are several bike trails and the most popular one is the Waccamaw Bikeway running through the Pawleys Island and Murrells Inlet areas of Georgetown.
12. Learn to Surf
Pawleys Island, blessed with salty and fresh sparkling waters, has surfing classes for all skill levels. Whether you are a novice or an experienced water enthusiast, you will learn something from the local outfitters.
13. Take an Eco-Tour
An eco-tour on this virgin coast is sure to be a wonderful experience that will leave you in awe. Morning tours are better because you are assured of optimal spotting. You can see alligators, dolphins, birds, turtles, jellyfish, rays, sharks, otters, and native flora and fauna.
14. Support Local Artisans
You can find an array of local stores featuring a treasure trove of local arts, crafts, jewelry, homemade toys and candies, handcrafted collectibles, trinkets, and souvenirs. You can also enjoy demonstrations of hammock weaving and sweetgrass basket making. Take home a few things to remember about the trip and support the local artisans.
15. Experience Vibrant Live Music
Pawleys Island is the destination for live music all year. The island may be small and old but it knows how to capture the hearts of the visitors with vibrant music. The local venues always have a musical event to suit your tastes.
16. Taste The Delicious Food
A visit to Pawleys Island will not be complete without trying the flavors of Lowcountry cuisine. Treat your tastebuds to the freshly caught seafood including shrimp, grits, crabs, etc. Several restaurants on the island offer you regional specialties and traditional southern dishes.
Wrapping Up
Pawleys Island offers diverse experiences for every visitor with a multitude of things to do in Pawleys Island. It promises to enchant and inspire everyone with its abundant beauty and myriad activities. Plan your next trip to Pawleys Island and discover the magic of the place for yourself.
