Top Things To Do In Pawleys Island, SC: 8 Beachside Activities

things to do in pawleys island south carolina
Trip101 Editorial
Trip101 Editorial 
Updated
| 4 min read

The small barrier island of Pawleys Island, South Carolina is a place of amazing natural beauty. From golden sandy beaches to intricate labyrinths of lowland creeks and marshes to wonderfully manicured plantations and gardens, Pawleys Island has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re an avid fisherman or a beach dweller, this list of activities is sure to make your next Pawleys Island trip one to remember.

1. Experience the beauty of Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens Sculpture12
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Adolph Alexander ... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Brookgreen Gardens are home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Pawleys Island. Consistently ranked one of the finest gardens in the world, the Brookgreen Gardens combine art, history, and nature in one amazing location. While at Brookgreen, you can stroll through the sculpture garden, enjoy the Enchanted Storybook Forest, or meet the animals at the local zoo. Take a guided tour or explore the many exhibits and excursions on your own while at Brookgreen. There’s something at Brookgreen Gardens for the whole family!

Brookgreen Gardens

Address: 1931 Brookgreen Garden Dr, 29576 Murrells Inlet, SC

Website: Brookgreen Gardens

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2. Meet your need for speed at the Broadway Grand Prix!

Go kart
Source: Needpix

If you love excitement and adrenaline, the Broadway Grand Prix is the location for you. Broadway Grand Prix has seven go-kart tracks, a climbing wall, two mini golf courses, a roller coaster, bumper cars, and an arcade, making it the perfect family-fun destination. After the fun, enjoy a snack at any of Broadway’s numerous cafes before heading back out onto the track. Bring the whole family to Broadway Grand Prix to spice up your next Pawleys Island vacation!

Broadway Grand Prix

Address: 1820 21st Ave N, 29577 Myrtle Beach, SC

Website: Broadway Grand Prix

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3. Fish in the backwaters of South Carolina

IMG_1659
Source: Photo by Flickr user Davey Borden used under CC BY-ND 2.0

The rivers, creeks, and open ocean surrounding Pawleys Island make it a prime destination for both fresh and saltwater fishing. Venture into the backwaters of the Waccamaw River to snag some bream and bass or explore the open ocean for a chance to catch some flounder and salmon. Don’t miss your chance to impress your friends and family by grabbing the biggest catch of the day in Pawleys Island.

Pawleys Island fishing

Website: Pawleys Island Fishing Information

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4. Hit the links on South Carolina’s finest golf courses

Golf Club
Source: Pixabay

Pawley’s Island and the rest of the Grand Strand are home to some of the best golfing on the East Coast. Although many of the area’s courses are of championship caliber, there is a course for every golfer. Those looking for a challenge can head to Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club, home to a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course.

Complete with a number of challenges such as split fairways, treelines, and water hazards, this course is sure to challenge the best of players. Those looking for an easier game or those looking to accommodate a wide range of skill sets can head to True Blue for an easygoing day at the links. Don’t wait too long to sign up for a tee time at these local courses, though. They fill up fast!

Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club

Address: 70 Tanglewood Dr, 29585 Pawleys Island, SC

Website: Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club

True Blue Plantation

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

Website: True Blue Plantation

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5. Enjoy the sound of music at the House of Blues

Cocktails
Source: Pixnio

The House of Blues is the Grand Strand’s biggest and best live music and entertainment venue. Every day, the House of Blues hosts a handful of shows, covering a wide range of genres and providing everyone with the perfect musical experience. The venue’s restaurant and bar is an attraction in and of itself, serving up delectable meals and drinks for breakfast, happy hour, and dinner. Whether you choose to spend an evening or the whole day enjoying the music, the House of Blues is sure to impress.

House of Blues

Address: 4640 Hwy 17 S, 29582 North Myrtle Beach, SC

Website: House of Blues

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6. Tour the rich history of lowland country at Hobcaw Barony

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Hobcaw Barony is a 6,400-hectare (16,000-acre) magnificent tract of land located between Winyah Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Originally granted to John Carteret in 1718 by royal decree, the Hobcaw Barony was soon developed into a dozen rice plantations, each with a unique set of houses and buildings. Today’s Hobcaw Barony is a wonder to behold, a perfect blend between rich Lowland country culture and natural beauty. Access to the Barony is only by guided tour, and the property’s managers offer daily bus tours and programs. The tours and programs fill quickly, so make your reservation today!

Hobcaw Barony

Address: 22 Hobcaw Rd, 29440 Georgetown, SC

Website: Hobcaw Barony

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7. Have some fun in the sun at Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington beach state park salt marsh
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pendragon1998 used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Huntington Beach State Park is one of South Carolina’s most recognizable landmarks. Vast sandy beaches and a light sea breeze make the park one of the nicest places around Pawleys Island to relax and enjoy the Grand Strand’s spectacular landscape. Head to Huntington Beach to fish, swim, kayak, hike, or picnic on your own or sign up for one of the park’s many interpretive programs. Huntington Beach State Park is certainly a must-see destination in South Carolina!

Huntington Beach State Park

Address: 16148 Ocean Hwy, 29576 Murrells Inlet, SC

Website: Huntington Beach State Park

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8. Paddleboard or kayak through beautiful local creeks and waterways

Waccamaw River Memorial Bridge Jun 10
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pubdog used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Coastal South Carolina is home to hundreds of creeks and waterways that are just begging to be explored. Grab a kayak or a paddle board and hit the water for a day of excitement and fun! The Waccamaw River is a great local paddling area that has something for everyone, from first-timers to experienced paddlers. Bring your own boat or rent one from a local outfitter and enjoy some fun on the water!

Kayak rentals and information

Address: 241 Main St, 29582 North Myrtle Beach, SC

Website: Great Escape Kayak

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Enjoy sandy beaches and vast open ocean at Pawleys Island

Pawleys Island Estuary
Source: Photo by user Waywuwei used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Pawleys Island’s unique location and characteristics make it the perfect location to combine adventure and relaxation. Spend your days fishing and hiking around the area’s many creeks and rivers or set up your umbrella and enjoy the soft, golden sand on the beach. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on these eight great activities in Pawleys Island!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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