Famously known as Paradise with a location just this side of heaven, Pawleys Island has been a family beach vacation tradition for over 300 years. Visitors love Pawleys Island for all that it offers, as well as all that it doesn’t offer. Pawleys Island is a relaxation destination. The ocean and the wide sandy beach naturally set the mood for a laid back and carefree lifestyle. Stroll the beach collecting seashells, marvel at the sight of porpoises swimming in the ocean waves. Every day starts with beautiful sun rising up from the ocean horizon, and ends with a beautiful sunset over the creek. The charm of Pawleys Island is a barefoot and laid back lifestyle. Pawleys Island is only four miles long. The ocean is on one side, and the beautifully marsh lined creeks are on the other, separating life on the island from the hustle and bustle of life on the mainland.
You'll find special events on the island throughout the year. The most anticipated event of the year is the Pawleys Island 4th of July Parade. You'll see decorated floats with themes designed with a competitive edge for the Parade Judges. After the parade, head on out to the beach and you'll see the Salute from the Shore military flyover honoring our troops. Other events include the Pawleys Pavilion Reunion in May and the Guy Osborne Memorial 5K & 8K Turtle Strut in November.
A short trip across either of the two causeways leads to all the conveniences of the modern world. Grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping villages are within minutes of the island. Pawleys Island has four areas: North End, Mid-island, Birds Nest and the South End. There is a single row of homes located along the oceanfront Mid-island and the South End, and there are a few areas wide enough for 2nd Row, Off-ocean and Creekfront homes. This mixture of old style beach cottages, equipped like a modern vacation home, provides the best of all possible rental accommodations. There are three public boat landings, two on the North End, and one in the Birds Nest and the public boardwalks to the beach are marked. The fishing is good in any area of the creeks, and Jon boat rentals are available. Kayak rentals and tours are also available and highly recommended. This is a great excursion for the whole family.
Pawleys Island transcends time and offers the best things of life at the beach. Treasured memories, relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, spending the evening on a screened porch lined with rocking chairs, catching up with friends and family. Natural beauty is bountiful on Pawleys Island, and the experience is intoxicating. Just listen to the waves, and feel the ocean breeze.
All residents and visitors enter the ocean at their own risk. No lifeguards are on duty at any time. However, life rings are available at several public beach accesses. For updates about beach conditions and surf report check out the links at the bottom of this page.
All dogs must be on a leash from May 1st to Sept 30th (8 am – 8 pm). To see the associated Town ordinance please follow this link. Dog Leash Laws
Please also remember you must pick up after your pets. Animal feces can spread illness and can be harmful to the surrounding ecosystem.
No personal property should be left overnight on the beach. Pawleys Island is a popular destination for Sea Turtles during nesting season. Anything left overnight on the beaches can pose a serious threat to Turtles.
Please also remember to fill any manmade holes left out on the beaches. These also pose a serious threat to Turtles and pedestrians alike.
No motorized vehicles are allowed on the beach including golf carts & electric bikes.
This does not include emergency vehicles or those that are approved by the Chief of Police and Town Administrator.
Camping or overnight sleeping are prohibited. If you wish to camp in the general area please contact Huntington State Park for their rules and regulations.
No Fireworks. Fireworks are prohibited across the Island. To see associated Town ordinances follow this link. Fireworks
No soliciting or vending. These activities are prohibited Island wide. To see associated ordinances follow this link. Vending
Please help us by keeping our beaches clean. Littering is strictly enforced.
For rules and regulations about beach parking please follow this link. Beach Access Parking
To ensure the enjoyment of all please observe the following rules and regulations when on Georgetown County beaches:
No littering (depositing refuse on beach or in water is unlawful)
No alcoholic liquors
No glass containers
No vehicles on beaches or dunes
No Obstruction of free access
No tents, cabanas or other items may be left overnight. Items left overnight will be considered abandoned and may be removed
No loitering on beach accesses
No personal property allowed within 25 feet of any emergency beach access
Dogs must be leashed from 9 am to 7 pm. Dogs that are not leashed during other hours must be under voice control and owners must be able to demonstrate voice control to a law enforcement officer if asked
No horses on the beach from March 1 to October 31
No nudity
No sleeping on the beach from midnight to sunrise
Fishing that creates unsafe conditions is unlawful
Digging or altering beach surfaces for recreational purposes is permitted under the following conditions:
Holes may not be deeper than two feet (2')
Holes must be filled in, regardless of diameter or depth, and the area returned to its natural state before leaving the beach
Only children's toys or small gardening hand tools (no more than approx. 12 inches in length) may be used to assist in digging or altering beach surfaces
Beach Access Hours
Open - One hour before sunrise
Closed
April 15 through October 31: 10 pm
November 1 through April 14: 8 pm
Georgetown County Beach Regulations are applicable on public beaches in the unincorporated areas of Georgetown County. Incorporated and private areas may have additional/different regulatory requirements.
