Welcome To Pawleys Island South Carolina

Pawleys Island, South Carolina, located 70 miles north of Charleston and 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach, is known as one of the oldest summer resorts on the East Coast.

The families of rice planters who owned plantations on the nearby rivers first settled Pawleys Island in the early 1700's. The planters knew that it was unhealthy for their families to remain on the rivers during the summer and that the seashore was much healthier. Even though they didn't know about malaria in the 1700's, they knew enough to get away! They moved their families, horses, cows, bedding, provisions and furniture to Pawleys in May of each year, where they remained until the first frost in November!

From this leisurely existence has developed the charm of Pawleys that still remains. Also still remaining are 12 residences in the historic district, which date from the late 1700's to the mid 1800's. Pawleys continues to be known for its shoeless, carefree, laid-back life style, which includes crabbing in the adjacent creeks, fishing, the rope hammocks and the unspoiled, unsophisticated, casual, delightful stretch of wide beach and sand dunes.

In our historic district you will see a number of signs with a brief history of the antebellum homes. As you traverse our island you will note the variety of shapes and sizes of our beach houses, most of which are available for summer rental.

Often is heard the quote "we like the kind of people who like Pawleys" and among these people is a special feeling of treasure shared.

Pawleys Island is a barrier island less than 4 miles long and mostly 1 house wide, separated from the mainland by a beautiful salt marsh and accessible by two short causeways. Generations of visitors have returned with the feeling that "their blood pressure goes down when they cross the causeway."

Pawleys Island Motto "Arrogantly Shabby"

Pawleys Island Slide Show

Local Area Links

Brookgreen Gardens
Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce
Georgetown CountyVisitors Bureau
Georgetown Historical District
Hammock Shop- Pawleys Island
Huntington Beach State Park
Lowcountry Tours
Murrells Inlet
Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce
Pawleys Island