A Guide to Pawleys Island

I love to travel and I'm very fortunate to have been able to see and experience a lot of the world. Pawleys is my home base and it's the perfect place to settle in when I'm not on the road. The thing I love most about it here is that there's no big resorts or hotels, no tourist traps, no overcrowding, and only a few recognizable chains in town. I've been living here off and on for the last seven years and still find it charming!

Play golf

Grab your clubs and play at a top 100 ranked course at Caledonia or their sister course True Blue Golf Club. Designed by architect Mike Strantz, the two courses are totally opposites. Caledonia is a short tight shot making course while True Blue is a wide open very long course. While there are about a dozen courses in the area, these two are the best!

Hit the beach

Cross over the causeways to the true ‘island’ and hit the beach! Put up a beach chair and bask in the sun or hunt for some shark teeth. South Carolina is a hotspot for finding these fossilized treasures. During Covid we counted our collection and now have a counter of over 3,000 teeth! Head all the way to the south for the best shot at parking or try your luck with one of the smaller public parking spots along the way.

Go to Brookgreen Gardens

Walk around the beautiful 9,000+ acre grounds of Brookgreen Gardens and enjoy some amazing sculptures, gardens, zoo, and views of the low country. My mom and countless volunteers help make the property look spotless! You may find her in the poetry/rose garden! If you find yourself in town from end of November to Beginning of January, night of a thousand candles is a can't miss event!

Shop at the historic Hammock Shops!

Established in 1938, The Hammock Shops consist of 23 unique shops that offer everything from stylish clothing, hand crafted hammocks, jewelry, and more! If you’re hungry or tired of your partner shopping, grab a beer or bite to eat at Local! (More on them below)

Go kayaking

Hit the marshes, ocean, or Waccamaw River! Surf the Earth and Pawleys Island Beach Service are two of the best spots in town for rentals if you don’t have your own. There are plenty of launching spots around town as well!

My favorite part about traveling is finding where the best eats are in town. So you know for sure that I’ll have the best recommendations for where I live! Places here fill up fast so call ahead and make reservations!

Local Eat Drink Celebrate:Local has the best brunch, happy hour, draft beers, and service in town. My favorites are the dank nugs, crab cakes, fried rice, and the daily specials! They also have an 18+ dining room if you’re looking for a place to get away from screaming kids. Plenty of events and live music that happen here as well!

Rustic Table: Some really good southern comfort food! If you’ve never been to the south, get some grits and collard greens here! My favorites are the fried chicken and blackened mahi mahi.

Tacos Michoacan: This has quickly became my favorite spot in the area! Started going here as a food truck only on Tuesday’s at Owen’s Liquors and they eventually moved into a brick and mortar. Some of the best Mexican food I have ever had in my life and it’s cooked & served by some awesomely nice and amazing people. I’ve had it all here but I think my favorite has to be the birria tacos!

Franks Outback: This is more of a special occasion place for me but I think it has the best ambiance you can get in Pawleys. The short rib is my favorite here. Make sure you’re at the outback and not the inside restaurant. The outback has much better vibes and provides an awesome atmosphere.

Landolfi’s: This place has everything I love, paninis, pizza, salads, soups, Italian pastries, and a full bar. I’m a pizza snob and feel that this is one of the best spots in town. My typical order will be a house salad and either a southwestern panini or a personalized pizza. Check their website before you go as they have different opening hours.

Parlor Doughnuts:Parlor is a perfect spot for your coffee and breakfast fix. They have some awesome croughnuts (Croissant style doughnuts) all made fresh daily with a dozen or so flavors. In addition to doughnuts, they also have small breakfast plates, milkshakes, and other drinks in a funky styled dining room.

Pawleys Island Tavern: A trip to Pawleys isn't complete without stopping by the PIT! It is THE bar to go to in town and you won't be disappointed. Live music here nightly, dollar bills covering every square inch of the place, great food, and always a good hang!

I still have some awesome recommendations but don't want to make this guide too long! Please contact me to discuss more about this paradise!