28 Best & Fun Things to Do in Pawleys Island (SC)

In search of the best and most fun things to do in Pawleys Island, SC?

Pawleys Island is a very small town nestled in Georgetown County, South Carolina, United States. According to the 2020 census, Pawleys Island has a total population of eighty-three.

Pawleys Island is a city recognized for its exceptional natural resources such as oak trees, sand dunes, and beaches, it also has lots of fascinating history and culture.

There are several places to visit in Pawleys Island, such as Inshore Xtreme Fishing Charter, Atalaya Castle, Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, All Fired Up Studios, Chive Blossom Restaurant and Bar, and more.

Are you planning a trip to Pawleys Island? Here are the top things to do in Pawleys Island, SC.

Things to Do in Pawleys Island

1. Pawleys Island Historic District

Pawleys Island Historic District
Credits: Upstateherd [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
Pawleys Island Historic District
If you are exploring Pawleys Island, add a visit to Pawleys Island Historic District to your list of things to do in Pawleys Island, SC.

Pawleys Island Historic District is a national historic district which comprises twelve buildings dating back to 1780.

This district features a shoreline and marshland said to be owned by the landlords of these homes, which are built in a Western Indian style.

Pawleys Island Historic District contains houses built with immense adaptation to the city’s climatic conditions with a high degree of ventilation.

These houses consist of fireplaces and large chimneys with a unique traditional design perfect for the environment.

Address: 321 Myrtle Ave, Pawleys Island, SC 29585-6215 United States

2. Applewood House of Pancakes

Applewood House of Pancakes
Credits: Applewood House of Pancakes / Facebook
Applewood House of Pancakes

Starting up your day with a delicious breakfast meal is one of the best things to do in Pawleys Island, SC. 

Applewood House of Pancakes is a local restaurant renowned for its wonderful weekend breakfast court.

The restaurant is invariably referred to as a pancake house that offers a vast menu of pre-cooked items and cook to order for an affordable price.

Applewood House of Pancakes offers a wide variety of pancakes, omelets, traditional-style breakfast, and fresh fruit cereal.

They offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options for visitors to choose from, so there is practically something for everyone.

To blend with the meals served, Applewood House of Pancakes also serves delightful hot or cold beverages.

Address: 14361 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States

3. Atalaya Castle

Atalaya Castle
Credits: Colette Eshleman [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
Atalaya Castle
Atalaya Castle was initially the holiday home of the son of an established robber baron, Archer Huntington, a popular sculptor, and Anna, his wife

They were owners of many properties, which included more than thirty rooms constructed around a perimeter in the center as an enclosed yard, as well as the current Huntington state park.

Atalaya Castle features a 40- Square foot water tower found in the middle of the home that served as the source of water.

There is a small stable and Anna’s sculpting studio in the castle; during summer, you will find tour guides offering a one-hour tour of the entire property.

4. B Balanced LLC

B Balanced LLC
Credits: fizkes / Shutterstock

Take a break from all the fun and relax. Visiting B Balanced LLC is one of the best things to do in Pawleys Island, SC.

B Balanced LLC is a wellness studio that offers essential services beneficial to the body, mind, and entire well-being of an individual.

This studio offers special massages, private training, yoga, life coaching, and different types of group fitness classes.

B Balanced LLC offers innovative workshops on essential oils, nutrition, and much more. B Balanced LLC is best for wellness programs and nutritional counseling.

Their staff is highly professional and knowledgeable, provides visitors with a peaceful and soothing environment to help you succeed.

Address: 263 Commerce Drive Suite 203-204

Pawleys Island, SC 29585 United States

5. Pawleys Island Tavern

Pawleys Island Tavern
Credits: Bob Usher / Flickr
Pawleys Island Tavern

Pawleys Island Tavern is a place you would love to visit before leaving Pawleys Island, especially with your family and friends.

This restaurant and bar offer a wide range of options for visitors to pick from; you might get confused about what you want.

Pawleys Island Tavern is an ideal place when you either want to relax and have a great time or want to celebrate and grove all night with your buddies.

You sure will create many unforgettable memories here, starting with the energetic atmosphere, great music, lovely locals, and fantastic customer service.

The restaurant serves meals made with local, seasonal, and fresh ingredients using special recipes and techniques.

Pawleys Island Tavern serves meals suitable for lunch or dinner such as chicken sandwiches, shrimp & grits, calamari, caesar salads, Crab Cake Sandwich with Slaw, pit fries with cheese, mozzarella sticks, and more.

You can relax on the front porch under the stunning tree shades or at their smoke-free indoor bar; you can as well watch live matches on the back patio, whichever you prefer.

Address: 10635 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States

6. Inshore Xtreme Fishing Charter

Credits: BILD LLC / Shutterstock

For a more unique experience, a tour with Inshore Xtreme Fishing Charter is one of the top things to do in Pawleys Island, SC.

Inshore Xtreme Fishing Charter is a fantastic company that offers fishing tours guided by an experienced tour guide known as Captain Rob Beglin.

This fishing tour company offers tours that can carry three fishers simultaneously regardless of their skill levels.

Inshore Xtreme Fishing Charter also offers inshore fishing trips through Cape Romain, Myrtle Beach, Bulls Ray, and Pawley’s Island.

The anglers will find fishes like sea trout, bull reds, and many others. Inshore Xtreme Fishing Charter’s captain is highly experienced and has been in the business of taking visitors on fishing trips for decades.

Address: 89 Commons Court, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States

7. Caffe Piccolo

 Caffe Piccolo
Credits: Caffe Piccolo / Facebook
Caffe Piccolo

Caffe Piccolo is a nice Italian restaurant that offers delectable traditional Italian cuisines prepared using authentic Italian recipes in Pawleys Island.

Caffe Piccolo provides a peaceful atmosphere with a fireplace, comfortable seating, and a beautifully designed environment.

The restaurant ensures the meals are made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients while offering gluten-free options.

Caffe Piccolo offers a comprehensive food menu that includes Pan Seared Diver Scallops, calamari, stuffed banana peppers, burrata salad, ribeye, Crab Cakes with Fettuccini and Spinach, snapper special, Caprese Salad and Meatballs, and more.

The restaurant space is available for rentals for private events with fantastic in-home catering services offered by the staff.

Address: 9428 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States

8. The Heritage Club

Heritage Club
Credits: Yellowj / Shutterstock

Whenever you want to spend time outdoors, visit the Heritage Club.

The Heritage Club is a six hundred-acre golf course surrounded by old oak trees of 300-year-old, marshes, tall Magnolias, and freshwater lakes.

This course is situated along the Waccamaw River Trail, which showcases a magnificent landscape shaped by the river’s notions.

The Heritage Club was listed among the 50 best public courses by Golf Digest in America. The course is beautifully designed with wildflowers and shrubs as well as hilly greens enclosed by azaleas and Crepe Myrtle.

Address: Visit The Heritage Club at 478 Heritage Dr, Pawleys Island, SC 29585. United States

Check out the top things to do in Murrells Inletthings to do in Sumter, and things to do in Clemson for a memorable exploration of South Carolina.

9. Captain Steve’s River Tours

Captain Steve's River Tours
Credits: Irina Wilhauk / Shutterstock

Going on a boat tour is one of the best things to do in Pawleys Island, SC, and Captain Steve’s River Tours is the perfect place for you.

Captain Steve’s River Tours is a certified boat tour company that offers a variety of tour options whereby the historic Waccamaw River is explored by pontoon boat.

The company ensures you have an amazing experience as they take tourists on a tour of the South Carolina River.

Captain Steve’s River Tours offers four types of tour packages like the 1.5-hour Sandy Island tour, which includes exploring an incredible lagoon with sand dunes and artificial fingerlings.

The second package is a 2.5-hour Waccamaw River Plantation trip that visits a plantation established in the 1800s.

While the Georgetown Tour travels the Waccamaw River and Winyah Bay and ends at the Georgetown waterfront.

Address: 2040 Willbrook Blvd., Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States

10. The Gray Man Gallery

Gray Man Gallery
Credits: Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock

How about visiting one of the oldest galleries in the city?

The Gray Man Gallery is an art gallery and the number one custom framer location in the city, and it is owned by artist Vida Miller.

The gallery owner is an award-winning and renowned local artists popular for producing outstanding artwork.

The Gray Man Gallery showcases a vast collection of artworks made by numerous talented local artists.

Make sure you stop by so you don’t miss your chance to acquire a print and have it framed right in the gallery. This is one of the best things to do in Pawleys Island, SC.

Address: 10729 A, Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585 United States

11. Cheryl Newby Gallery

Cheryl Newby Gallery
Credits: BearFotos / Shutterstock

One fun thing to do in Pawleys Island is visiting the Cheryl Newby Gallery; it doesn’t matter if you are an art enthusiast or not.

The Cheryl Newby Gallery has been in existence for over thirty-five years now; initially, the gallery only held antique prints and maps but added other art forms and media after it immensely grew bigger.

The gallery currently showcases sculptures, ceramics, and paintings, drawing hundreds of people who would like to decorate their preferred environment with beautiful works of art.

Cheryl Newby Gallery showcases the artwork of many local, regional and national artists, both sculptors and painters.

This gallery holds numerous events all year round that evaluate the different kinds of artworks showcased in the gallery.

You will find the original works of Ray Ellis, a painter, Glenda Taylor, a ceramic artist, and Lisa Gleim, an award-winning pastel artists.

Address: 11096 Ocean Highway #4, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States

12. Chive Blossom Restaurant and Bar

Chive Blossom Restaurant and Bar
Credits: Chive Blossom / Facebook
Chive Blossom Restaurant and Bar

Are you searching for a place to relax and enjoy a meal? Then, add a visit to Chive Blossom Restaurant and Bar to your bucket list of things to do in Pawleys Island, SC.

Chive Blossom Restaurant and Bar is a beautifully decorated rustic restaurant that is one of the best food spots in the city.

This restaurant is owned by Trina Renault and Paul Kelly, who have been in the culinary business for many years and have gained lots of experience.

Chive Blossom Restaurant and Bar offers a diverse food menu offering Asian & French dishes with Southern classic and unique Claire.

They serve meals like crab nachos, shrimp & scallops, okra, fried oysters, noodles, Local Ahi Tuna Salad, Green Tomato Napoleon, Rainbow trout, tomato basil soup, Fish Du Jour, Bouillabaisse, and more.

 Address: 85 North Causeway, Pawley’s Island, South Carolina 29585, United States

13. High Country Olive Oil

High Country Olive Oil
Credits: Maya Kruchankova / Shutterstock

High Country Olive Oil is the number one manufacturer of high-quality extra virgin olive oils in Pawleys Island.

High Country Olive Oil manufactures and sells ancient Italian balsamic vinegar and other gourmet foods.

The company displays an outstanding selection of body care products, beautiful souvenirs, and gifts. In addition, high Country Olive Oil’s tasting bars can be found in three different areas.

High Country Olive Oil offers visitors an opportunity to check out various oils and vinegar products in the tasting bars.

The staff in the tasting bars are polite, super nice, and highly informed about the different products produced by High Country Olive Oil.

Address: 10880 Ocean Highway #8, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States

14. Surf the Earth

Surf the Earth
Credits: BearFotos / Shutterstock

Surf the Earth offers different kinds of services in the Pawleys Island, starting with lessons and tours to rentals sales.

They are also available for weeklong surf camps and lessons for both group or private formats, including a full-moon kayak tour.

Surf the Earth provides professional and dedicated instructors to teach basic surfing skills and water safety skills.

The shop offers many eco-tour options, which include exploring the Litchfield salt marshes and Pawley’s Island, as well as stand-up paddleboard and kayak tours.

Are you in for a fun time surfing? If yes, add a visit to Surf the Earth to your list of things to do in Pawleys Island, SC, Surf the Earth is a fully stocked surf shop.

Address: 47 Da Gullah Way, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States

15. Black River Outdoors Center

Black River Outdoors Center
Credits: sergua / Shutterstock

Black River Outdoors Center offers kayak and canoe tours that usually last for two to four hours, headed by local naturalists.

During the tours, visitors explore the peaceful Tidelands of South Carolina, including the sandy island wildlife preserve, and Huntington Beach state park.

Black River Outdoors Center also offers tours of the Waccamaw River Cypress-Tupelo Swamp Preserves; during the summer season, kayak tours are open, and they offer short tours of Georgetown in the evenings.

They offer the best kind of couple and single river kayaks that are ideal for everyone who wants to explore regardless of age.

Add a visit to Black River Outdoors Center to your list of things to do in Pawleys Island, SC.

Address: 62 Byers Trail, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States

16. Blue Wave Adventures Dolphin Tour

Blue Wave Adventures Dolphin Tour
Credits: Gonzalo Jara / Shutterstock

Want to see dolphins? Explore with Blue Wave Adventures Dolphin Tour.

Blue Wave Adventures Dolphin Tour is a company that offers families an amazing experience through kayaking exploration and dolphin tours in Murrells Inlet.

They offer family-friendly dolphin tours, which are great for kids of as low as three years and upwards as well as Adults.

Blue Wave Adventures Dolphin Tour provides a boat, a 42-foot aluminum vessel that can accommodate about forty people.

The tour guides are highly knowledgeable and educate the guests about history, wildlife, and many other intriguing facts.

Visitors have the opportunity to get a closer view of wildlife like eagles, jellyfish, turtles, sharks, rays, dolphins, and so on. Blue Wave Adventures Dolphin Tour offers these tours all days of the week under good weather conditions.

Also check out the best of attractions and activities in FlorenceAikenand Mount Pleasant for a fun vacation.

17. Caledonia Golf and Fish Club

Caledonia Golf and Fish Club
Credits: Billion Photos / Shutterstock

Golfing at one of the best golf courses should be on your list of things to do in Pawleys Island, SC. Caledonia Golf and Fish Club is a popular golfing location for many golfers in and outside the city.

Caledonia Golf and Fish Club is a beautiful park designed to be as natural as possible, with challenging tracks that are ideal for testing the skills of beginners and experts.

This golf course was established in 1994, and it is wildly recognized as one of the premier golf courses in America.

Caledonia Golf and Fish Club is well designed with bunkers, fairways, and more, and it is characterized by its 18 signature holes.

The golf course spreads to 6, 526 yards of spectacular land along the Hammock Coast with ponds, streams, and sloping hills.

Address: 369 Caledonia Drive, Pawley’s Island, South Carolina 29585, United States

18. Carolina Guide Service

Carolina Guide Service
Credits: Rocksweeper / Shutterstock

Carolina Guide Service is a popular chartered fishing company in Pawleys Island that offers families an exceptional fish experience.

The well-experienced A. U. A. Coast Guard Captain knows the right spots for an enormous catch as the boat goes through the saltwater and backwaters estuaries.

Carolina Guide Service offers half-day and full-day trips throughout the year; the fishing charters can accommodate four fishers.

Every trip provides all the necessary items you require to have an exciting tour on the water, such as a fishing license, rods, bait, and tackle.

Carolina Guide Service offers trips that are highly recommended for the entire family and help strengthen their bonds.

Address: 169 Windover Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States

19. All Fired Up Studios

All Fired Up Studios
Credits: Pavel L Photo and Video / Shutterstock

A fantastic place perfect for children and adults in Pawleys Island, All Fired Up Studios is a paradise for artists.

All Fired Up Studios provides a lively environment for people interested in arts and crafts, also offering a large selection of pottery pieces to paint and designs & over 500 styles for guests to choose from.

The studio also provides over one hundred different colors of glaze available for you to use in painting your pottery pieces.

All Fired Up Studios is also an ideal place for couples, friends, colleagues, and families, so get ready to show-off your creative ability.

Address: 47 DaGullah Way, Pawley’s Island, South Carolina 29585, United States

20. Frank’s and Frank’s Outback

Frank's & Frank's Outback
Credits: Frank’s & Frank’s Outback / Facebook
Frank’s & Frank’s Outback

Frank’s and Frank’s Outback is a combination of two restaurants in one; when you visit Pawleys Island, make sure you check out this restaurant.

Frank’s is a laid-back indoor restaurant perfect for meat lovers as they offer delicious and well prepared lamb, pork, and beef.

While Frank’s outback restaurant provides a vibrant outdoor space for patrons to come in and enjoy Lowcountry fares.

Frank’s and Frank’s Outback is concerned with providing the public with delectable meals through an outstanding menu.

They provide a friendly and welcoming environment to relax and feel comfortable while you enjoy your meals.

Address: 10434 Ocean Highway, Pawley’s Island, South Carolina, United States

21. The All Saints Church

All Saints Church
Credits: Eshelms [CC BY-SA 3.0], Wikimedia Commons
All Saints Church
The All Saints Church is a historic church, firstly built in 1737, and the current structure of the chapel was built in 1917 as its fourth iteration.

It is located close to the Waccamaw River, just on Pawleys Island’s mainland, and is dedicated to catering to the spiritual needs of the public.

The All Saints Church is the main origin of a famous ghost tale of a sixteen-year-old teenager, Alice Flagg, who reportedly died in 1849 due to malaria.

Although the church placed several signs deterring ghosts from hunting on the premises, but it is said that you can actually see her ghost on the church premises.

Address; 3560 Kings River Rd, Pawleys Island, SC 29585 United States

22. Magnolia Beach

Magnolia Beach
Credits: Worytko Pawel / Shutterstock

Things to do in Pawleys Island, SC. go beyond just visiting historical sites and other laid-back fun centers; Magnolia Beach will give you a whole new experience.

Magnolia Beach is the perfect place if you’re looking for an intimate location to spend some quality time with your family.

You can spend time adoring the sparkling blue waters of the deep sea while enjoying the bright sunlight or get on and have fun.

Magnolia Beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and a wide variety of other water sports, since the beach is always clean with no crowd.

There is no better place to hang out with your loved ones rather than on Magnolia Beach, with its scenic ocean views.

Address: 49 Loggerhead Ln, Pawleys Island, SC 29585. United States

23. Island Art Gallery

Island Art Gallery
Credits: Iryna Inshyna / Shutterstock

Island Art Gallery is found in Pawleys Island’s Village shops, showcasing an impressive selection of fine art by talented locally and nationally recognized artists.

The gallery is open to established art collectors, both private art collectors, and large-scale corporate collectors.

Island Art Gallery always hosts educational and innovative art classes for the community throughout the year.

They offer classes on introductory art, landscape painting courses, and lots more with an open studio time for visitors to book an appointment and join when there is a chance.

Island Art Gallery’s studio time includes independent painting with a professional guide available to assist in the group setting.

Address: 10744 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States

24. SUSAN ALBRIGHT

SUSAN ALBRIGHT
Credits: Ivan Kurmyshov / Shutterstock

When you want to go shopping in Pawleys Island, Susan Albright is the number one store with almost everything you might need.

Susan Albright produces contemporary home decor, accessories, and fashion styles ignited by her prints from beautiful places.

You’ll find different designs of handbags, bedding, map prints, pillows, scarves, fabrics, local plants & animals patterns, and so on.

Susan Albright is well known and skilled for many things, such as an artist, textile designer, illustrator, and interior decorator.

These products are made with high-quality items by hand, which is the reason for their high durability level and uniqueness.

Address: 11326 Ocean Hwy unit 2, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States

25. Winyah Guide Service

Winyah Guide Service
Credits: 5m3photos / Shutterstock

Winyah Guide Service is a privately owned fishing charter company that offers visitors nothing but a memorable experience.

Visitors get to explore many regions around Pawleys Island through the chartered fishing trips, which begin from Georgetown and other pick-up locations.

Winyah Guide Service offers a full day and half-day inshore fishing trips, which may last from a minimum of four to a maximum of eight hours.

The highly experienced tour guides know the perfect spot to make a great catch, including harpoon, flounder, sea trout, sharks, and so on.

Winyah Guide Service also offers seasonal cast & blast trips for those who would like to go hunting, like hunting for marsh hens and fishing for redfish in a one-day trip.

Address: 138 Shipmaster Avenue, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States

26. Hammock Coast CrossFit 

Hammock Coast CrossFit 
Credits: Myvisuals / Shutterstock

A visit to Hammock Coast Crossfit should be added to your list of things to do on Pawleys Island. 

Aside from relaxing and having a great time, Pawleys Island is great for people who want to stay fit while on vacation. 

One of the places you can visit to stay fit with other members of a successful fitness community is Hammock Coast Cross Fit. 

The Hammock Coast Cross Fit is also suitable for everyone regardless of their CrossFit Skill Levels. So even if you are a CrossFit novice, you will still blend in at Hammock Coast. 

A family of coaches runs the Hammock Coast CrossFit, and they strive to ensure that guests do not feel out of place 

Address 735 Petigru Dr, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States

27. Hammock Shops Village 

Hammock Shops Village 
Credits: Ivan Kurmyshov / Shutterstock

In 1889, a steamboat captain called Joshua Ward created the most helpful and strong cotton-rope hammock, gradually making it popular. 

The First Pawleys Island Rope Hammock is situated in the Hammock Shops Village, where you can watch the weavers at work. 

Later, the roadside stop added a plant nursery combined with freshly captured crabs, artwork, oysters, and hand-woven hammocks. 

You can see the appeal of this town at The Hammock Shops Village when you are exploring the shops, enjoying wine on the porch, or observing the craft of hammock weaving and herb basket making being showcased every day. 

You can also spend the day browsing items such as handmade antiques, gourmet culinary products, wine, presents, chocolate, art, trendy clothes, jewelry, and coastal treasures. 

Address: 10880 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States

28. True Blue Golf Course 

True Blue Golf Course 
Credits: Gualberto Becerra / Shutterstock

One of the things to do on Pawleys Island is golf at True Blue Golf Course

True Blue Gold Course is a spectacular destination characterized by rolling greens, expansive fairways, and excellent elevation. 

True Blue Gold Course was designed by Mike Strantz and is one of the gorgeous golf courses. 

This tourist attraction is a must-visit due to its 18-acre practice area, a lovely grill room, and a pro shop with everything you will need when you visit. 

With six sets of tee boxes, the True Blue Golf par-72 course can get to 7,126 yards and is open to all players. 

True Blue Golf Club uses plants and local grass to maintain its charm while focusing on the area’s gorgeous natural surroundings and great elevation variations. 

Address: 900 Blue Stem Dr, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, United States

Explore more cities in South Carolina, check out our list of things to do in Bluffton , things to do in Spartanburg, and things to do in Summerville for a fun time

Plan a trip to Pawleys Island

Irrespective of how small the city of Pawleys Island is, it offers a unique and more intimate experience with several wonderful attractions.

Pawleys Island is a city adorned with numerous natural attractions, which will make nature lovers feel eclectic and enthusiastic. There are also other attractions that boast history, arts, recreation, and lots more.

Start planning a visit to this beautiful city. This article can guide you in compiling your bucket list of fun things to do in Pawleys Island.