If you’re looking for a great weekend getaway or even a week-long trip, Pawley’s Island is sure to delight. Located just 70 miles north of Charleston, and a mere 25 miles south of renowned Myrtle Beach, Pawley’s Island is a vacation oasis for any vacation-goer at any time of the year.
Don’t let the island location fool you either, as Pawley’s Island is easy to access. No need for a ferry or a flight, as the island is accessed easily by roadway. The island has been a summer retreat location dating back before the Civil War when affluent rice plantation owners vacated to the island to bet the heat and mosquitoes.
Things to Do in Pawleys Island
If you’ve decided that Pawleys Island is the destination for your next vacation, you won’t be disappointed. From fine dining to historic outings, Pawleys Island has something for everyone. Check out this list of five favorite things to do when you find yourself in Pawleys Island.
- Enjoy the loggerhead turtles. From mid-May through July, loggerhead turtles make their nests along Pawleys Beach. Adult loggerheads are four by three feet in size and can easily weigh 300 pounds. Each season, these impressive creatures lay up to five nests with each of those nests containing approximately 120 eggs each the size of golf balls. Tourists appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the loggerheads by attending a SCUTE inventory. Members of SCUTE (South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts) relocate dangerously positioned nests and regularly conduct inventory sessions after hatchings have been identified. During these inventory sessions, volunteers will give informational lectures around their process and provide excellent insights into the loggerhead’s life.
- Surfs up! Of course, a popular tourist activity along any coastline is often surfing, and Pawleys Island does not disappoint. When conditions are at their best, surf-enthusiasts and newbies will enjoy six-foot swells that average between 150 to 500 feet in length. There are a variety of watersport companies located close to the beach, and many offer surfing lessons for beginners and intermediate surfers.
- Embrace Pawley Islands rich history. Tourists will delight in quite the selection of antebellum properties in the historic district near the pier. In particular, Pawley House was owned by a member of the Pawley family in which the island was named after. This historical site was constructed around 1800 and was moved to its current location in 1866. Another popular site to see is Liberty Lodge which is one of the oldest dwellings on the island. The home was purchased by Cornelia C. Ehrich in 1912 and is currently owned by her descendants.
- Fish on! Anglers will appreciate the opportunity to fish and catch either in the surf or on one of the two marsh bridges on the island. Anglers frequently enjoy catching flounder, black drum, redfish, harpoon, sea trout, sheepshead, tarpon, and even shark. It is easy to find a fishing charter company that will take you out for half-day or full-day excursions, providing all of the equipment you need, and expert captains and first mates to increase your chances of reeling in a great catch.
- Take to the water with a scenic boat ride. The Waccamaw River is known to be one of the best blackwater rivers in the southeastern United States. Tourists can enjoy beautiful and scenic landscapes and occasional wildlife while enjoying a boat ride. Dolphin lovers will be delighted to enjoy dolphin watching tours first thing in the morning.
Delight in Pawleys Island Fine Dining
Of course, no vacation is complete without great meals at great dining establishments. So, when planning meals during your trip, don’t be surprised to see Austin’s Ocean One pop up when you search for the best restaurant near me. Austin’s Ocean One has been a favorite Pawleys Island restaurant for those seeking local seafood or hand cut steaks.
Executive Chef Bill Austin is sure to delight, providing an eclectic contemporary American menu that changes based on seasonal availability and products that can be locally sourced. Austin’s Ocean One is one of Pawleys Islands’ best outside dining restaurants and offers a delightful wine list and delectable desserts.
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