What to Do and See in Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Pawleys Island is a quiet beach town built on a narrow barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Waccamaw River

Pawleys Island sits about 60 miles north of Charleston and has stayed small and residential by design. The island is roughly 4 miles long and less than half a mile wide, with no high-rise hotels, no boardwalk arcades, and no chain restaurants. Instead, you'll find salt marshes, live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and a mix of vacation rentals, historic homes, and a few local shops and restaurants clustered near the north end.

The island draws people who want a beach day without crowds, a place to walk or bike, and access to water activities like kayaking and fishing. It's also home to Brookgreen Museum, one of the state's most visited art museums, and sits near Huntington Beach State Park and Murrells Inlet, both worth a day trip if you're staying in the area.

Key Takeaways

• Pawleys Island has no public beach access points with parking; most visitors stay in vacation rentals or visit as day-trippers through Huntington Beach State Park just south of the island.
• Brookgreen Museum, located on the mainland just west of the island, displays American sculpture in gardens and indoor galleries and is open year-round.
• The island is walkable and bikeable, with a quiet main road and marsh views, but has limited dining and shopping—most restaurants and services are in nearby Murrells Inlet or Pawleys Island proper.
• Kayaking, fishing charters, and boat tours depart from Murrells Inlet and nearby marinas, giving access to salt marshes, creeks, and the Waccamaw River.
• Summer brings crowds and heat; spring and fall offer calmer weather and fewer visitors, making those seasons better for walking and outdoor exploration.

Brookgreen Museum and its sculpture gardens

Brookgreen Museum sits on the mainland just west of Pawleys Island and holds one of the largest collections of American sculpture in the country. The museum occupies a former plantation and spans 9,100 acres of gardens, walking trails, and indoor galleries. Sculptures range from 19th-century works to contemporary pieces, displayed both outdoors among live oaks and in climate-controlled buildings.

The outdoor gardens are the main draw. You can walk among bronze and marble figures, cross footbridges over ponds, and see native plants and wildlife—deer, herons, and alligators are common. The museum also runs a wildlife preserve on the grounds. Indoor galleries show rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection of American art. Hours and admission prices vary by season; the museum is closed Mondays and some holidays. Parking is free, and the grounds are large enough that you can spend a half day or a full day depending on your pace.

Walking and biking the island

Pawleys Island's main road, Myrtle Avenue, runs the length of the island and is quiet enough for walking or biking. The road has a narrow shoulder in places and no dedicated bike lane, so stay alert to occasional car traffic. Most of the island is residential, with no shops or restaurants along the road itself, but the walk offers views of marsh grass, live oaks, and the sound of water.

The north end of the island, near the Pawleys Island Pier, has a small cluster of local businesses including restaurants, a general store, and a few gift shops. This area is the most walkable for dining and browsing. The south end is quieter and more residential. If you don't have a car, biking is the best way to move around; several vacation rental companies and local shops rent bikes by the day or week.

Huntington Beach State Park and public beach access

Huntington Beach State Park sits just south of Pawleys Island and is the main public beach access point in the area. The park has a parking lot, a boardwalk, a fishing pier, and a beach open to swimming, walking, and fishing. The beach is narrower than some South Carolina beaches and can be rocky in places, but it's less crowded than beaches near Myrtle Beach.

The park also has a nature trail through maritime forest and marsh, a picnic area, and a small visitor center. Admission is free, though parking costs a few dollars per vehicle. The park is open year-round during daylight hours. It's a good option if you want a beach day without staying overnight on the island, or if you're renting a home on Pawleys Island and want a change of scenery.

Kayaking, fishing, and water activities

Murrells Inlet, just north of Pawleys Island, is the hub for water-based activities. Several outfitters and charter companies operate from the inlet, offering kayak rentals, guided kayak tours, fishing charters, and boat tours. Kayaking is popular in the salt marshes and creeks around the inlet—you can paddle among spartina grass, spot herons and egrets, and explore tidal creeks. Most kayak tours last two to four hours and are suitable for beginners.

Fishing charters depart for offshore and inshore fishing, depending on the season and what you want to catch. Boat tours run through the marshes and sometimes include stops at Atalaya, a historic hunting lodge ruin on the mainland. Rental shops and charter captains are concentrated along the inlet's waterfront; most are easy to find by driving through Murrells Inlet or asking at your vacation rental.

Dining and shopping on and near the island

Pawleys Island itself has a small number of restaurants and shops, mostly clustered at the north end near the pier. Lee's Inlet Kitchen is a local seafood spot known for shrimp and fish. The Pawleys Island General Store sells groceries, snacks, and island souvenirs. A few other casual restaurants and cafes operate seasonally or have limited hours, so call ahead if you're planning a specific meal.

Murrells Inlet, just north of the island, has more dining options including seafood restaurants, casual cafes, and a few upscale spots. The inlet's waterfront is the most developed area nearby and has shops, galleries, and outfitters. If you're staying on the island and want more variety, a short drive to Murrells Inlet or further north to Surfside Beach or Myrtle Beach gives you more choices. Many vacation rentals have kitchens, so buying groceries and cooking is a common option.

When to visit and what to expect by season

Summer (June through August) is the warmest and most crowded season. Temperatures often reach the low 90s, humidity is high, and vacation rentals book up months in advance. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. If you visit in summer, expect crowds at Brookgreen Museum and Huntington Beach State Park, and book accommodations and activities early.

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer milder weather, lower humidity, and fewer visitors. These seasons are ideal for walking, biking, and kayaking. Winter (December through February) is cool and quiet, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Fewer tourists visit, but some vacation rentals and restaurants have reduced hours or close for the season. Hurricane season runs June through November, with peak activity in September and October; storms are not common but possible.

Getting to Pawleys Island and where to stay

Pawleys Island is about 90 minutes from Charleston International Airport and 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach International Airport. If you're flying in, renting a car is the easiest way to reach the island and explore the area. The island has no public transportation, and most activities require a vehicle or bike.

Accommodation on Pawleys Island is almost entirely vacation rentals—there are no hotels or motels on the island itself. Rentals range from small cottages to large beach houses and can be booked through Airbnb, VRBO, and local property management companies. Rates vary widely by season and size; summer weeks are more expensive than off-season months. If you prefer a hotel, nearby Murrells Inlet and Surfside Beach have motels and small hotels at lower prices than the island rentals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk on the beach at Pawleys Island?

Pawleys Island has no public beach access with parking. Huntington Beach State Park, just south of the island, is the main public beach in the area and has a parking lot, boardwalk, and beach open to the public. If you're renting a home on Pawleys Island, you may have private beach access through your rental.

Is Pawleys Island good for families with kids?

Yes, though it's quieter and less activity-focused than Myrtle Beach. Brookgreen Museum has trails and outdoor art that appeal to kids. Huntington Beach State Park has a beach and nature trail. Kayaking tours often welcome children. The island itself is safe for biking and walking. There are fewer arcades and attractions than larger beach towns, so families should plan activities in advance.

How far is Pawleys Island from Myrtle Beach?

Pawleys Island is about 30 miles south of Myrtle Beach, roughly a 45-minute drive. The two towns are very different—Myrtle Beach is a large resort town with hotels, restaurants, and attractions; Pawleys Island is small and residential. Many visitors stay in one place and day-trip to the other.

What is there to do on a rainy day?

Brookgreen Museum has indoor galleries and can be explored in any weather. Murrells Inlet has shops and restaurants. Some vacation rentals have games, books, and entertainment. The island itself is quiet and residential, so rainy-day options are limited compared to larger beach towns. Plan indoor activities or consider a day trip to nearby attractions.

Do I need a car to get around Pawleys Island?

A car is helpful for reaching Brookgreen Museum, Huntington Beach State Park, and Murrells Inlet. Within the island itself, biking or walking works for the main road and nearby areas. If you're staying in a vacation rental and don't plan to leave the island, a car is less essential, but most visitors rent one for flexibility.