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Sandy Island

Take a journey back in time on a tour of Sandy Island, a hidden jewel on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast that is only accessible by boat.

Located between the Waccamaw and Great Pee Dee rivers in the Pawleys Island area, Sandy Island is the last true undeveloped island on the east coast of South Carolina. Residents still travel to and from the island by boat, as they have for generations.

Tours de Sandy Island offer year-round two-and-a-half-hour tours, by reservation only, which include an in-depth history of the Gullah people of Sandy Island. Tours visit the old Mt. Rena cemetery, Sandy Island’s schoolhouse, its volunteer fire department, its villages, as well as a stop at Pyatt’s General store. Upon request, experience a taste of Sandy Island cuisine, hosted by Laura Herriott.

Book online at the website below, or by calling the number below. For questions, contact Tours de Sandy Island by email.

Tour rates are $35 for adults, $32.90 for seniors, $20 for children ages 8-16, $10 for children ages 7 and under, $31.50 for military.

Winter pricing (Nov. 1 – March 31): Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays are the same rates as above; but Saturdays & Mondays, rates are $45 for adults, $42.90 for seniors, $30 for children ages 8-16, $20 for children ages 7 and under, $41.50 for military.

Phone: 843-408-7187

Email: [email protected]

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Tours De Sandy Island LLC

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TOURS DE SANDY ISLAND LLC (Pawleys Island) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Tours De Sandy Island LLC

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Tours De Sandy Island LLC - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Tours De Sandy Island LLC

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Tours De Sandy Island LLC - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Tours De Sandy Island

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Pawleys Island, SC 29585

Serving Pawleys Island Area

About the Business

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Business Owner

Our business specializes in sharing the history and immersing the mind into the culture of the Gullah People of Sandy Island. Come take a ride back in time, travel to Sandy Island in the Old Prince Washington, the school bus boat placed in service from 1970-2014 transporting school children from the island to the mainland for school. Come see the old School House, African cemetery, church and much more... …

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Excellent tour of Sandy Island, learned a lot about the people and history of the Gullah, Captain Rommy was both super informative and funny, lots of great stories and discussions, highly recommend this tour for anyone in the SC low country.

My family and I (college-aged kids and older) did this tour on a nice July morning and it's been one of our favorite in the area since. Rommy is funny, engaging, informative, and puts personal touches on all aspects of the tour. We had plenty of questions and he stuck right along with each one of them. He gave tons of history on the island, what current residents are doing, and more. Would absolutely recommend for anyone looking to learn a bit more about local coastal Carolina, particularly a spot that can be overlooked by mainstream tourism. While the weather was really nice for us on a morning tour, the day did not stay that way in mainland Georgetown County, so we recommend being prepared for any weather. We were happy in long, baggy pants and tank tops. We did get a couple mosquito bites though, so bring your bug spray! And definitely sunscreen and sunglasses. We are a COVID-cautious family, and we felt safe on this tour. We social-distanced and were unmasked when outdoors, and when in the car or building, masks were required. It gave a bit more comfort to a great tour during an uncertain time.

Capt Tommy is a fun and fascinating tour guide of a place unlike any any other you will visit. A glimpse of a time gone by and stories of the hardy people who built this country, working in the most difficult conditions.

Took the boat to Sandy Island today with Captain Rommey. What an educational fun tour. Miss Beulah is just lovely.

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Touring Sandy Island

by Hastings Hensel

February 1, 2019

Mic Smith Mic Smith Photography LLC

Take a journey to a forgotten island steeped in Lowcountry history and a proud tradition of self-reliance.

Photo by Mic Smith

At the Sandy Island landing, live oaks bearded with moss, seem to stoop like wizened men above old boats creaking in their dockside slips. The air and sunlight seem hushed, as if they’ve been waiting a long time for something else to arrive. You can sense it in your bones, immediately—this is a place of ancient passages, of voyages and crossings.

One chilly December morning, Berkeley Electric Cooperative member Captain Rommy Pyatt meets his tour group there. Tall, soft-spoken and bundled up in a camouflage jacket, he is a native Sandy Islander who now lives in Ladson as a member of the Air Force Reserve.

In November of 2005, after a tour of active duty as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he bought a pontoon boat and a 15-passenger van to start a tour service that would show people the 40 square miles of island where he grew up.

“Folks come down here and they go straight to Myrtle Beach and the entertainment, but for those who really want to know what South Carolina was like back in the days, this is like a hidden jewel,” he says.

The path the tour takes in his Suncruiser pontoon—from the mainland, down the canal, across the Waccamaw River and onto Sandy Island—is more or less the same path his ancestors first took in rowboats in the 19th century.

“I wouldn’t call my ancestors slaves,” he says, as the boat putters downriver. “They were beyond slaves. I call them the architects and the engineers of the rice.”

Looking out over a part of the Brookgreen Gardens property that once was a rice field, Captain Rommy explains that his ancestors’ knowledge of how to cultivate rice in a tidal basin made Carolina Gold rice the No. 1 cash crop in the world at the time.

“Not to mention they had to take out the pine trees and oak trees and vegetation, and clear out all the marsh, the weeds and the wag,” he says. “They had to fight off the alligators, snakes, mosquitoes, malaria, all that stuff.”

Then they built irrigation canals, berms and rice trunks. Then they flooded the fields. Then they harvested the rice. Then they thrashed the rice to separate the grain from the husk. Then they winnowed the rice to separate the grain from the chaff. Then they bagged the rice, and loaded it on English ships. Repeat. Season after season, year after year. All for the profit of the white plantation owners. Of the 7,000–10,000 people working the rice fields in this area before the Civil War, most lived on the island’s nine plantations.

“When the Emancipation Proclamation finally made it to this area … it was like a mass exodus,” he says. “Some went north, some went out west. But there were those who remained and stayed here on the island. And since it was too much for the plantation owners to pay for labor, they let the rice go out of business.”

The federal government did not fulfill its “40 acres and a mule” promise, so Sandy Islanders fended for themselves.

“The island itself is pretty much self-sufficient,” Captain Rommy says. “The people—how can I say it?—we are survivors. Resilient. Adaptive. Adaptable.”

Early Sandy Islanders used the discarded ballast bricks from English ships to build chimneys and homes. They hunted and fished. In 1880, they built the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. They worshiped and prayed. They sang and they cooked.

Captain Rommy tells us all of this as we make our way across the Waccamaw and dock at the Mt. Arena community. His mother, Beulah Pyatt, greets us at the Pyatt General store, where she sells books, cookbooks, homemade clothing, postcards and artwork.

On our visit, recent flooding and high tides had damaged the store, but Mrs. Pyatt, a true Sandy Islander, demonstrated her flexibility and resilience—she set up shop on the porch. And it’s not the first time she’s had to accommodate the aftermath of storms. The store opened in 1986, and she says, “Three years later, Hugo came around and blew up the foundation.”

Mt. Arena is just one of several African-American communities on the island, where folks routinely travel the unnamed, unpaved roads for supplies at the General Store, thus avoiding the voyage to the mainland. When necessary, barges have been brought in to ferry people and supplies.

The straightforward question—one he always gets—is: Why not a bridge?

But “bridge” is kind of a curse word around here. The last talk of one happened when a textile tycoon and timber baron wanted to harvest their acreage on the island, and then secretly begin building a golf course. Through the work of institutions such as the Southern Environmental Law Center, the S.C. Coastal Conservation League, and the S.C. Department of Transportation, the preservationists persevered. In 2011, the Nature Conservancy purchased the land holdings for $11 million, in part to help preserve the red-cockaded woodpecker.

For his part, Captain Rommy is leading efforts to revitalize Sandy Island—to both preserve its old traditions and to secure its future.

“A lot of history has gone to the grave, but what’s still here, we’re trying to preserve,” he says. “I’d like to see our population—the families actually from the island—actually come back and utilize the land and see what a jewel they have here.”

All tours begin at the boat landing at the end of Sandy Island Road near Brookgreen Gardens, between Litchfield and Murrells Inlet.

Hours: In the summer, tours run Tuesday–Friday, 9–11:30 a.m. Winter hours are the same, but only run on Thursday and Friday.

Cost : Guided history tours start at $35 per adult, $20 for children ages 8–16, and $10 for children ages 7 and under. Captain Rommy Pyatt also offers senior and military discounts.

Details: For online booking and a complete listing of scheduled tours, visit toursdesandyisland.com or call (843) 408-7187.

Copyright 2024 South Carolina Living. All rights reserved.

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SC Picture Project

The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

Sandy Island

SC PICTURE PROJECT 26 Comments

Sandy Island in Georgetown County got its name from the 9,000 acres of prehistoric sand dunes that comprise this refuge. The island and its unincorporated community exist between the Pee Dee and Waccamaw Rivers and can be accessed only by boat. Thanks to a joint effort by the island’s residents, the Coastal Conservation League, and SCDOT, the land now belongs to the people of South Carolina and The Nature Conservancy. It is the largest undeveloped freshwater island on the east coast.

The Sandy Island community was founded by a freed slave who had worked on local rice plantations. Many of the current residents are his descendants. Because the residents live isolated from the influence of the Grand Strand’s modern culture, the Gullah way of life here is preserved.

In 1996 a controversial bridge was proposed by private developers for hauling timber on and off the island, but the purchase of the land by the state and The Nature Conservancy guaranteed it would remain untouched by development, including the bridge. As a result, residents must have boat access in order to leave the island. Sandy Island children take the state’s only school boat to and from their schools on the mainland.

The boat was christened the Prince Washington and is named for the community founder’s great-grandson. After ferrying children to the mainland each school day since 1964, the Prince Washington was finally replaced just in time for the new school year in 2015. The new boat was named the New Prince Washington.

Sandy Island may be close to the bright lights of Myrtle Beach, but the island did not have electricity until 1965. Just a quick boat trip transports people to a simple world where the locals retire in peaceful solitude after a long workday on the mainland.

Yet the waterway is not without its perils. A stormy night in February of 2009 claimed the lives of three islanders on their way home from the mainland. Since then, residents have been pushing for a ferry to make travel to and from the island safer. The tragedy shook this close-knit community of about 120 people and brought to light the realities of island living. In March of 2013 the South Carolina Legislature approved a resolution to provide a ferry for the island. The resolution awaits approval in the Senate, though any resolution is nonbinding and only suggests that the Department of Transportation provide the ferry.

There is commerce on the island. Pyatt’s General Store is a sunshine-yellow oasis of sodas, snacks, Gullah folk art, and Sandy Island souvenirs. Though people must do their heavy shopping off the island, one can wander into Pyatt’s and quench a quick thirst or satisfy a craving for the “Best Ice Cream in Town.”

The existence of endangered plants and animals such as long leaf pine ( Pinus palustris) and the red-cockaded woodpecker ( Picoides borealis ) help ensure that Sandy Island will remain a protected area in which they can thrive. The Nature Conservancy uses prescribed burning regularly to manage the island’s longleaf pines, many of which are are over 100 years old and dominate the island’s canopy, with live oaks ( Quercus virginiana ) filling out the understory.

The island’s old schoolhouse was built in 1932 by Archer Huntington, noted philanthropist, builder of Atalya , and husband of Murrells Inlet sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington. Though it is no longer used as a school, it serves as a conference center for town meetings on the island.

Pictured above is a simple bed-and-breakfast known as Wilma’s Cottage, and those who have stayed in the bunglaow-style home rave about the home cooking served to guests. Visitors can venture onto Sandy Island via one of four boat landings on the Waccamaw and Pee Dee Rivers. New to the island is a two-mile hiking loop through the nature preserve at Sandy Island. Established by The Nature Conservancy, the walk provides interpretive signage about the local natural community. The trail begins at Thoroughfare Creek Landing. For more, see the website below. People may explore the island, but because wildlife is protected, feeding animals and picking plants and flowers are prohibited. It is also important to remember that the residents appreciate their quiet lives on Sandy Island.

The above photo, titled Sandy Island , was contributed by photographer and author Vennie Deas Moore . The image also appears in her book Home , which “explores the joys and hardships of the people who continue to reside in this portion of the Lowcountry.”

Plan Your Trip: Sandy Island

• See other South Carolina Forests and Nature Preserves
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Reader Interactions

June 17, 2021 at 2:38 PM

I am a direct descendent of Prince and Rebecca Washington. My mother was their daughter. I have built a home on the land that was their home. It brings me so much joy every time I go home. Thanks for sharing this information. So proud of my heritage.

August 1, 2020 at 7:29 PM

Hello, I have been wanting to go to Sandy Island since I’ve been down in the Myrtle Beach. I write a blog myself and like to explore places. I have heard about a lake that locals swim in when they pull up their boat. Can’t wait to go and see the island myself.

March 12, 2020 at 10:28 PM

I enjoyed reading your article and pictures. Butler Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church once was one of the two churches on Sandy Island. I am writing the history of the Georgetown District A.M.E. Churches, and Butler Chapel was one of the 35 churches. I was once part of a Circuit with St. James A.M.E. Church on Cat Island. I am looking for a history and picture of Butler Chapel A.M.E. Church. I have the other 34 church histories written. Please contact me at 318-518-5933 or [email protected] . Thanks.

January 18, 2020 at 12:36 PM

Born and raised there until the age of five. Reside now in Virginia. My dreams is to build a house there.

May 20, 2019 at 7:00 PM

Really enjoyed this post.

February 1, 2019 at 9:48 AM

While reading the current issue of SC Living magazine I came across an article titled “Touring Sandy Island.” As a person who loves touring and sightseeing off the beaten track, the article captivated my interest. When the weather warms up I look forward to taking the tour along with my younger grandchildren. So glad to know it still exists.

January 22, 2019 at 6:10 PM

Sandy Island, SC is a wonderful place. Having spent most of my summers there growing up, it is a place where the children can run free and the folks on the Island look out for each other. My grand parents house still remains there and I try and visit as much as I can. Growing up in Colorado, I always love going back to Sandy Island to visit and see all my family. We make an effort to go back every couple of years and have a family reunion. My great grand parents lived there, my grand parents lived there and my father grew up on the Island. My father still living (age 82) goes back and visits every couple of months. I can’t wait to be there again this weekend to see family and lay my aunt to rest. If you have never been there, the history alone will excite you.

January 22, 2019 at 11:04 PM

We absolutely love your commentary, thank you so much for sharing it. Would you mind if we added this as a reflection, directly quoting you, on the page itself so more people would see it?

August 15, 2017 at 9:32 AM

Hi, I’m looking for information on boat access coming off of the river down from the 544 bridge. I am looking for the access adjacent to the hiking/birding trails. Which river marker is closest to the inlet leading to the access? Thanks for any help.

September 9, 2016 at 11:59 AM

Hi, my name is Gary Pyatt, and my family is from SC. My sister and I are trying to find our family there. We do know that we have family there and our family comes from there and other parts of SC . Could any one help us? I don’t do Facebook, but I do have a email. Thank you. It very hard as a young black man not to know where he came from and not know his people.

April 1, 2016 at 6:45 PM

What days and times can we tour the Island. 4/1/2016. I have company coming I know would love to see the island.

July 31, 2015 at 9:00 PM

Nice Photos

July 20, 2015 at 7:41 AM

You can view information about the nature preserve at the website below. You can download a preserve guide showing boat landings and a trail map. http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/southcarolina/placesweprotect/sandy-island-preserve.xml

July 20, 2015 at 9:35 AM

Thank you so much, Colette!

July 17, 2015 at 5:22 PM

We took a boating tour with H2O Adventure Tours to Sandy Island. They brought paddleboards and we got to paddle around the actual Sandy Island dunes. This is a tour I recommend!! Affordable and fun! This is their number 843-833-1538

July 20, 2015 at 7:17 AM

Thank you, Kevin!

May 29, 2015 at 10:48 PM

I have a photo tour of Sandy Island here: http://www.lowcountryphotos.com/Tours/Photo-Tour-of-Sandy-Island

May 12, 2015 at 11:48 PM

I want to go there.

April 8, 2015 at 10:28 PM

You can see Sandy Island on a Kayak EcoTour with Black River Outdoors Center (www.blackriveroutdoors.com). We go to the wildlife refuge side of the island, not the Gullah community.

March 8, 2015 at 7:30 PM

would like to bring 15 to 18 senoir citizens there for a tour- what is cost for trip on boat and do you have a tour guide and a resturant?

March 9, 2015 at 8:20 AM

Hi, Marlon! Check with this tour company for more information on Sandy Island tours: http://www.toursdesandyisland.com/

December 30, 2014 at 7:01 PM

Bike riding will be rough since most of the island will be like riding on a sand dune. There is a walking trail though. Not too sure if you do not need to check first before bringing your own boat in to the small dock. As soon as you arrive, the Pyatt's General Store is there and they can let you know what is allowable at the dock though. The best thing to do is to support them by taking Tours de Sandy Island over.

December 28, 2014 at 7:24 PM

New to the site. Can I bring my own boat? My wife and I like bike riding; can we ride on the island?? Is the landing safe on both ends? Is it safe too ride on the island? We both love nature.

December 29, 2014 at 9:33 AM

Hi, Everette. Here is a website to a tour company for Sandy Island: http://www.toursdesandyisland.com/ Hopefully, someone there can answer your questions. Best of luck!

August 13, 2014 at 1:37 PM

Due to the threat of wildfires, campfires and grills are not permitted on Sandy Island Preserve managed by The Nature Conservancy. Thanks for checking! Glad you enjoy visiting Sandy Island.

May 27, 2014 at 12:53 PM

We come to Sandy Island a lot in our boat and let the kids play in the sand. I was wondering if you can grill out on the island, or do you have to keep it on the boat?

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Visitors who crave peace and quiet in a beach vacation will find isolated and scenic Pawleys Island a breath of fresh air. As one of the oldest resort areas along the Eastern United States, this unimposing, quiet getaway still holds a well-earned reputation as one of the most scenic and relaxing parcels of shoreline along the South Carolina Grand Strand.

Located 25 miles south of the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach , Pawleys Island instinctively feels like a different world, with uncrowded beaches, a handful of relaxing activities, historic attractions, and miles of undisturbed, white sand beaches.

Pawleys Island has a unique location on the southern end of the Grand Strand. Separated slightly from the mainland by saltwater canals and marshes, the island is accessed by two causeways, known informally as the "North Causeway" and the "South Causeway." There's also a portion of Pawleys Island's town limits which extend just past the causeway into the peninsula in between the ocean and the Waccamaw River. Perhaps due to this remote, water-surrounded locale, Pawleys Island never had the same boom of development as other Grand Strand communities like Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach, but nevertheless, the island has a very long history of being an elite beach destination for mainland-weary East Coast vacationers.

In the 1700s, the mainland portions surrounding Pawleys Island were developed by rice farmers, who found the humid Lowcountry weather ideal for crops, but miserable in the hot, mosquito-filled summer months. As early as the mid-1700s, plantation owners and executives began to make treks along the rivers and canals to the salty, breezy beaches, where the heat was mitigated, and the mosquitos were kept at bay.

Hurricanes would change the face of the local landscape on numerous occasions, especially 1954's devastating Hurricane Hazel, and 1989's equally destructive Hurricane Hugo, however Pawley's Island still boasts a remarkable small historic district, with more than 10 still-standing coastal homes that date back to the 1700s and 1800s.

While neighboring beach destinations like Myrtle Beach boomed in the mid-20th century, Pawleys Island remained small, and in fact took steps to curb its overall development. A current ban on commercial and industrial buildings is still in place, and the island is remarkably comprised of smaller structures, with the exception of a few local businesses, inns, and a condominium complex which were grandfathered in. The result is a picturesque beach town surrounded by busier destinations, which still maintains it small-community charm. The official town government was established in 1985, and today an estimated 150 year-round residents call this 1 square mile community home.

Roughly 30% of the Pawleys Island community is water, and visitors will find ample ways to explore the terrain. The marshes are home to endless canals that meander through the wider channels, and provide exceptional water trails for kayaking and canoeing. Local watersports business "Surf the Earth" offers kayak and board rentals for visitors who want to take a scenic sunset tour through the wild, undeveloped territory. Along the way, kayakers are urged to be on the lookout for some of the region's most elusive shorebirds, including snowy egrets, cormorants, ibises, and even Great Blue Herons.

Fishing is popular on both "coasts" of Pawleys Island, and surf fishermen have ample room to real in big catches including seasonal spring and fall drums, sea mullets, bluefish, flounder, croaker, and speckled trout. On the other side of the island, crabbing and shrimping is king, and as the tides make the canals swell and subside daily, explorers can uncover dozens of small crabs, shrimps, mollusks and more.

Shelling is another popular waterside adventure, especially around the uncrowded shorelines bordering Midway Inlet to the north and Pawleys Inlet to the south. Sand dollars are known to wash up after a strong storm, and though beachcombing can be a little hit or miss, surprises are usually abundant, and treasure hunters never know what treasures they'll find along the uncrowded seashores.

While the region is certainly quiet and un-commercialized, visitors will nevertheless find over 75 restaurants in the area, all located an easy stroll or a short drive away. Holding true to its past as an elite and upscale destination, longtime visitors attest that the Pawleys Island area is the best place to go for a thrilling new fine dining experience or culinary adventure along the Grand Strand, and the area is well known for its bistros, wine bars, and Italian bakeries and cafes. Of course, there are also plenty of classic grills and seafood joints for no-frills, but perfectly fresh meals that take full advantage of South Carolina's local seafood offerings.

The area is also a hot spot for golf, and there are several "golfing plantations" nearby that feature gorgeous and challenging 18-hole courses, seasonal schools and lessons, and incredible views of the Lowcountry landscape.

As for accommodations, while there are a small number of inns or resorts on island, many guests feel most comfortable in the vacation rental homes which dominate the lodgings available, and are perched next to the oceanfront or soundside waterfront. These properties can range from simple 2-3 bedroom cottages to elite estates with private fishing or boating docks, beach accesses, pool, hot tubs, and great rooms, allowing weekly vacationing parties of all sizes and styles to find the perfect lodging for their taste. The majority of homes are rented through local property management companies, which feature a portfolio of their rentals available online, complete with extensive photos, location maps, and long lists of amenities.

Pawleys Island is a gem of a getaway along the Grand Strand. Often overlooked but well-loved by its frequent visitors, this patch of beach is a quiet and altogether relaxing destination on the outskirts of coastal South Carolina's most visited destinations. With just enough activities and attractions to keep vacationers entertained, but a primary focus on the gorgeous beaches that first drew interest from mainlanders centuries ago, this elite stretch of shoreline is a paradise for visitors in search of an amiable and perfectly calm beach community.

Rover Boat Tours

Rover Boat Tours takes sight-seers out on a three to four-hour eco-tourism excursion aboard the Carolina Rover, a 40-foot pontoon boat that’s perfect for a day-trip on the Lowcountry’s smooth inlet waters. The cruise takes riders to Georgetown Light, the oldest lighthouse in South Carolina, where bird-viewers will be able to have a field day watching the native winged population.

After that, it’s time to explore and comb the beach for shell treasures, one of the sea’s greatest gifts to land. On the way out and back, naturalist guides aboard the Rover will be dispensing information on historical sites such as the USS Harvest Moon, as well as pointing out bald eagles, alligators, dolphins, sturgeon, and many other wildlife wonders. 

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Kid-Friendly Things to Do on a Pawleys Island SC Vacation

P icture this: endless stretches of calming pristine beach, charming historic homes, and a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere. Welcome to Pawleys Island, South Carolina-a haven for families seeking sun-soaked adventures and quality time together. Nestled along the South Carolina coast, this quaint barrier island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable family vacation.  

Nothing commercial. No filling stations, no fireworks stands, no grocery stores or ships. Just beachfront houses in a single line on a narrow strip of land. It is such a perfect place for the whole family and I treasure our visits there each year.  

A Family Escape to Pawleys Island, SC: Where Memories Await

Pawleys Island, located in Georgetown County, South Carolina, is a laid-back barrier island along the Atlantic Ocean coast. The island itself is relatively small compared to some other nearby coastal destinations. Pawleys Island spans approximately 3.5 miles in length and is only about a quarter of a mile wide at its widest point. Despite its modest size, it offers a serene and picturesque environment with beautiful beaches, marshes, and maritime forests. The island's charm lies in its intimate and tranquil setting, attracting visitors seeking a more secluded and relaxed beach experience.

Pawleys Island, South Carolina, stands out as an exceptional family vacation destination for several compelling reasons:

Uncrowded Shores: Pawleys Island boasts pristine, uncrowded beaches with soft sands, providing families ample space for relaxation and play without the hustle and bustle of more touristy areas. I love that we can go to Pawleys Island, SC for a true beach vacation and never leave the house for the entire week.  It is the perfect spot to go and fully relax without the hustle and bustle of a more populated tourist destination.  

Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The laid-back ambiance of the island creates a peaceful environment, ideal for families seeking a break from the frenetic pace of everyday life.

Outdoor Adventures: From kayaking through serene marshes to biking along scenic trails, the island offers a range of outdoor activities catering to different interests and ages.

Beach Activities: Building sandcastles, collecting shells, and enjoying water sports like paddleboarding and surfing make for memorable family bonding experiences.

Scenic Landscapes: The island's natural beauty, characterized by salt marshes, maritime forests, and stunning sunsets, offers families opportunities to appreciate and connect with nature.

Wildlife Encounters: Wildlife enthusiasts can observe diverse bird species, turtles, and other native animals in their natural habitats, fostering an appreciation for the environment. Stress-Free Environment: Pawleys Island's unhurried pace allows families to unwind and spend quality time together without the pressures of a bustling tourist destination.

Community Feel: The friendly and welcoming community creates a safe and inviting atmosphere for families to explore and enjoy the area.

Pawleys Island's unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly ambiance makes it an ideal destination for creating cherished memories and fostering strong family bonds.

Golfing on Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Golf enthusiasts can tee off at world-class golf courses nearby, perfect for a family-friendly day on the greens. Pawleys Island, SC, is renowned for its excellent golf courses, making it a prime destination for golf enthusiasts. Some of the notable golf courses in the area include:

Renowned golf courses nearby provide opportunities for family-friendly rounds, allowing both seasoned players and beginners to enjoy the sport amidst picturesque settings.

Caledonia Golf & Fish Club: Often ranked among the top courses in South Carolina, Caledonia offers a stunning Lowcountry setting with beautiful landscaping and challenging holes.

True Blue Golf Club: Adjacent to Caledonia, True Blue provides another exceptional golfing experience. Its layout is known for its wide fairways and large, undulating greens.

The Heritage Club: This course combines natural beauty with a challenging layout, featuring tree-lined fairways and scenic marsh views.

Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club: Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course offers a mix of Lowcountry landscapes, including marshlands and tidal creeks, providing both beauty and challenge.

Founders Club at Pawleys Island: This Arnold Palmer-designed course is known for its natural terrain and strategically placed bunkers, providing an enjoyable yet challenging round.

Tradition Golf Club: With a traditional layout and beautiful surroundings, this course offers a classic golf experience in Pawleys Island.

These courses cater to golfers of varying skill levels and offer picturesque views of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Depending on the time of year and any ongoing promotions, rates for tee times can vary, so it's advisable to check with the individual courses or through booking platforms for availability and pricing.

Kid Friendly Things to Do in Pawleys Island, SC

Beach Days: Pawleys Island boasts some of the most beautiful and uncrowded beaches on the East Coast. Spend lazy afternoons building sandcastles, collecting shells, or simply basking in the sun's warmth.

Outdoor Adventures: Embrace the island's natural beauty with kayaking or paddleboarding along the salt marsh creeks. Nature preserve, walking trails and bike paths also provide an excellent way to explore the area's scenic landscapes.  Huntington Beach State Park is a great place for 

History and Culture: Discover the rich history of Pawleys Island by visiting the historic plantations nearby, such as Hobcaw Barony or Brookgreen Gardens, where stunning sculptures and botanical gardens await. Atalaya Castle, located within Huntington Beach State Park near Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, is a unique historic landmark.  

Shopping: Pawleys Island offers a quaint shopping experience with a mix of local boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores. If you love antiquing and thrift store hunting like me, check out this list of my favorite must stop and shop antiques in Pawleys Island.

Here are some places you might enjoy:

The Hammock Shops Village: This is a must-visit spot for shopping in Pawleys Island. It's a collection of shops housed in rustic buildings surrounded by beautiful oak trees. You'll find unique stores offering everything from clothing and accessories to home decor and local crafts. You will want a Pawleys Island Hammock to take home to relax in!

Island Shops: Along Highway 17 in Pawleys Island, you'll find a variety of shops ranging from art galleries showcasing local artists' work to souvenir shops with beach-themed gifts.

Pawleys Island Mercantile: A great stop for unique gifts, coastal-inspired home decor, and local artisanal products.

Rice Birds: This boutique offers trendy clothing, accessories, and gifts, often with a coastal flair.

Carolina Gourmet: If you're a foodie, this place offers a selection of gourmet foods, kitchenware, and specialty items perfect for culinary enthusiasts.

Exploring Pawleys Island by boat offers a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the area's marshes, creeks, and coastline. While there might not be specific boat tours based solely in Pawleys Island, several nearby companies in the broader Grand Strand area offer boat tours that include Pawleys Island or its surrounding waterways:

Cap'n Rod's Lowcountry Tours: Located in nearby Georgetown, Cap'n Rod's offers eco-tours that explore the beautiful rivers, plantations, and wildlife of the area, including parts near Pawleys Island.

Island Adventure Watersports: This company in nearby Murrells Inlet offers a variety of tours, including dolphin watching tours, which might explore areas near Pawleys Island.

Murrells Inlet Boat Tours: Located in Murrells Inlet, this company offers various tours including creek excursions and eco-tours that explore the stunning marshes and creeks near Pawleys Island.

Blue Wave Adventures Dolphin Watch Tour: While primarily focused on dolphin watching, this tour in Murrells Inlet offers the chance to see wildlife and enjoy the beautiful waters close to Pawleys Island.

These tours typically provide insights into the local ecosystem, wildlife, and history of the region while cruising through the scenic waterways. It's advisable to check with these tour operators regarding their specific itineraries, availability, and any tours that may include Pawleys Island in their route.

LowCountry Zoo / Brookgreen Gardens: The Lowcountry Zoo is a unique and immersive experience nestled within Brookgreen Gardens, located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Unlike traditional zoos, this zoo focuses on showcasing native animals and plants of the South Carolina Lowcountry, contributing to conservation efforts and educating visitors about the region's wildlife.

Dining near Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Pawleys Island boasts a diverse culinary scene with a range of restaurants offering delicious dining experiences. Here are some top spots for dining in Pawleys Island:

Frank's Restaurant & Bar: Known for its upscale Southern cuisine and elegant atmosphere, Frank's offers a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and creative dishes.

The Chive Blossom: This charming eatery serves Lowcountry cuisine with a twist, offering a diverse menu that includes seafood, steak, and innovative dishes in a cozy setting.

Bistro 217: A popular spot for contemporary American cuisine with a Southern influence. The menu features fresh seafood, steaks, and an excellent wine selection.

Nosh (North Litchfield): Offering a unique dining experience with small plates, craft cocktails, and an ever-changing menu that showcases seasonal and local ingredients.

Perrone's Restaurant & Bar: This family-owned restaurant serves Italian-inspired cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere, featuring pasta dishes, seafood, and flavorful Italian classics.

Quigley's Pint & Plate: A laid-back gastropub offering a range of comfort foods, burgers, sandwiches, and a good selection of craft beers.

Habaneros Mexican Restaurant: For those craving Mexican cuisine, Habaneros offers a menu of traditional dishes in a vibrant setting.

Hog Heaven BBQ - Mouth watering BBQ and sides perfect for catering and a take out meal to eat after a long day on the beach.

 Pawleys Island Tavern is the best spot for live music and night life and has the best vibe!

Pizza -there are SO many delicious pizza restaurants in Pawleys Island, SC and Ive rounded up our favorites here .

These restaurants highlight the diverse culinary options available in Pawleys Island, from upscale dining to more casual and family-friendly atmospheres. Reservations are often recommended, especially during peak seasons or for popular dining spots.

Best Time of Year to Visit

The best time to visit Pawleys Island is in the spring or fall when the weather is pleasantly warm and the crowds are thinner. Spring (March to May) offers blooming flowers and comfortable temperatures, while fall (September to November) provides milder weather and fewer tourists, allowing for a more serene experience.  It is the perfect location to visit during any season.  No matter when you arrive, you will have a great time on the island.

Where to Stay in the Pawleys Island Area:

Find the perfect vacation rental based on the number of family members coming to visit and the needs of your group. We prefer being right on the oceanfront at the end of the island with both beach and creek views.  Taking small children to the beach requires easy access out of the front door in my opinion!  

Pawleys Island, SC, offers a range of accommodation options from beachfront houses to cozy cottages and resorts. Here are a few popular choices:

The Pelican Inn: This historic inn offers a charming stay with comfortable rooms and proximity to the beach. Average costs might vary between $150 to $250 per night, depending on the room type and season.

The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn: This oceanfront property provides beautiful views and easy beach access. Prices can range from $200 to $300 per night.

Sea View Inn: The Inn, charming and laid back, is smack in the middle of the island and is more than just a bed and breakfast. She welcomes you to two meals a day, 20 rooms, and a perfect beach. Nightly rates are typically between 200-300 a night and during the summer a week stay is required.

Vacation Rentals / Beach House Rental: Pawleys Island has numerous vacation rental properties including beach houses and cottages. Prices can vary widely based on size, location, and amenities. You could find rentals starting from $150 per night for smaller accommodations and they can go up significantly for larger or more luxurious options.  We always stay oceanfront at Pawleys Island and love that the entire extended family and large groups can rent a huge house to stay together. Keep in mind that these are approximate costs and might fluctuate based on the time of year, demand, and specific accommodations. Booking in advance and checking with Pawleys Island Vacation Rental for deals or packages can often help find better rates.

Pawleys Island, South Carolina, is situated approximately 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach along the Atlantic Ocean coast. The driving distance between the two locations is roughly a short drive of 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific starting and ending points within each area. The most direct route between Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach is via US-17, a scenic coastal highway that connects these popular destinations along the South Carolina coast.  The most well-known and bustling area along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach offers a vibrant boardwalk, a multitude of resorts, entertainment options, golf courses, and a wide range of family-friendly attractions.

Pawleys Island, with its laid-back ambiance and a plethora of family-friendly activities, is the quintessential destination for a memorable family vacation. Whether you're seeking relaxation on the shores or seeking adventure amidst nature's wonders, this hidden gem along the South Carolina coast promises an experience that will create lasting memories for you and your loved ones.  So pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and embark on a journey to Pawleys Island-a place where family bonds grow stronger and the essence of true vacation bliss is found.