Pawleys Island: A Pristine Coastal HavenPawleys Island: A Pristine Coastal Haven Amidst the buzz of coastal towns, Pawleys Island stands as a tranquil oasis, where time seems to slow down and the stresses of daily life melt away. According to USA Today readers, it is the undisputed gem among South Carolina’s pristine beaches. Tranquil and unspoiled, Pawleys Island evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time. Nestled along South Carolina’s Hammock Coast, it stretches a mere four miles long, with a charming procession of homes dating back to the 1700s. Despite the emergence of new residences along the Atlantic coast, Pawleys Island has retained its timeless ambiance. The island’s peaceful nature attracts locals and tourists alike. During the summer months, sun-seekers flock to its pristine shores, where swimming, surfing, and crabbing from the salt marsh docks are beloved pastimes. Approximately 100 residents reside permanently on the island, while countless others return year after year to their cherished family homes. Other Beach Delights While Pawleys Island reigns supreme, South Carolina boasts a wealth of other captivating beach destinations: * North Myrtle Beach: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and wide sandy expanse, North Myrtle Beach offers easy beach access with ample parking spaces and a recently rebuilt pier. * Hunting Island State Park: With over a million visitors annually, Hunting Island boasts a campground, fishing pier, nature trails, and South Carolina’s iconic lighthouse. * Litchfield Beach: Bordering Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach is a sanctuary of tranquility with a historic rice plantation heritage. * Central Myrtle Beach: This lively hub offers a bustling boardwalk, amusement parks, and countless dining options. * Folly Beach: A bohemian haven just south of Charleston, Folly Beach is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and surfing spots.
There are so many sayings associated with Pawleys Island: arrogant and sloppy, we love people who love Pawleys Island, and your blood pressure drops the moment you cross the causeway.
And here’s another one: the best beach in South Carolina, according to readers of USA Today.
Even as new homes have sprung up along the Atlantic Ocean—some in response to hurricanes that have battered the island—Pawleys is in many ways a throwback to what all beaches once were. Peaceful and undeveloped.
Located on the Hammock Coast of South Carolina, it is in many places only one house wide. There are few commercial enterprises on the island itself.
About 100 people live there permanently, but in the summer legions of people flock to rented homes or homes where long-time families live to sunbathe, swim, surf and of course, crab from the docks on the salt marsh. It is 4 miles long and some of the homes date back to the 1700s.
Number 2 on USA Today’s list is North Myrtle Beach.
“North Myrtle Beach, known for its wide sandy beach and family-friendly atmosphere, is a gem along the South Carolina coast,” the newspaper said.
The city has 50 public parking spaces, making access to the beach easy, the newspaper reported. Cherry Grove Pier is also ready for hurricane season, which begins Saturday, city officials said. Hurricane Ian hit the old pier in 2022, and it was rebuilt and opened in March.
When you’re not at the beach, you can attend Barefoot Landing, Alabama Theatre, House of Blues, and Alligator Adventure, among others.
Hunting Island State Park is ranked No. 3. It attracts more than a million visitors each year and, in addition to the beach, has a campground with beach access, a fishing pier, nature trails and South Carolina’s only lighthouse open to the public, the newspaper reported.
No. 4 is Litchfield Beach, bordering Pawleys Island.
“Once home to vast rice plantations, the Litchfield Beach area is now a popular tourist destination on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast, thanks to its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful scenery,” USA Today reports.
The others on the list are:
5. Huntington Beach State Park, east of Beaufort
6. Cherry Grove Beach in North Myrtle Beach
7. Surfside Beach in Horry County, known as the family beach
8. Central Myrtle Beach
9. Folly Beach, south of Charleston
10. Kiawah Beachwalker Park, also south of Charleston
