Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Tucked on a very narrow barrier island along South Carolina’s northern coast, seductive Pawleys Island is a town that casts a spell over nearly everyone. Unhurried and well planned, it is part of the Grand Strand and has long been a summer resort destination.

An understated seaside vibe permeates just about everything in Pawleys Island, from the historic district with its dozen stately antebellum homes to the two inns that cater to the few tourists who wander into town.

Much of the beach is lined with cottages and large private homes, many of them vacation rentals.  The southern end of town has a nice public beach, perfect for lounging, finding seashells and enjoying an evening bonfire.  Legend has it that a tall, cloaked ghost known as the Gray Man wanders the beach before hurricanes to warn locals of impending danger. 

There are no in-town retailers, but across the water on the mainland, which is accessible via two causeways, the unincorporated part of Pawleys Island boasts plenty of fun shops, tasty shrimp and steak eateries and colorful galleries. The marshes between the island and the mainland teem with shrimp, oysters and crab, not to mention a few kayakers.