8 Activities for the Perfect Pawleys Island Summer Vacation

Soak up the Sun

Pawleys Island’s south end has the largest free public beach access lot in Georgetown County. In addition, there are eight other public beach access points on the island. So, there’s no shortage of sand to pitch an umbrella and beach chair for a day of sunbathing. Vacation Equipment Rentals can set you up with all the gear you need. Just bring sunscreen and water.

Catch a Wave

While you’re at the beach you’ll want to jump into the Atlantic Ocean and splash around. Take your adventure to the next level with Surf the Earth for body surfing and surfing lessons. The experienced surf instructors make it easy to learn or improve your surfing. You’re never too old or too young to try. Surf the Earth also offers summer surf camps for the kids.

Be a Beachcomber

Shelling is also a popular activity on Pawleys Island. The best time to search for shells is at low tide or after a storm. Or hit the beach early in the morning to see what the tide washed in. Pawleys Island is less populated than other beach resorts so visitors can fill a bucket in no time. Remember: Put live starfish, sand dollars and shells with animals inside back in the ocean. 

Catch a Crab

The South Causeway Bridge is a peaceful spot for crabbing. All you need is chicken, a hand line and a long-handled net. Tie the chicken to the end of the line and lower it in the water from the bridge. When a crab takes a nibble, swoop your net and you’ve got the start of a delicious dinner. If you prefer, it’s also a good spot to drop a crab pot.

Cast a Line

Head to the North Causeway Bridge for fishing. Anglers line up every day of the week at this popular spot. Cast a line for speckled trout, flounder, and red fish. Because it’s a busy, it’s not the best place for young children. Or go surf fishing at the beach and jetties of Huntington Beach State Park. Bring your gear and your South Carolina fishing license. 

Ride a Bike

The 3.5-mile Pawleys Island Loop is a popular trail for biking. Rent a bike and helmet from VayK Gear to experience the island on two wheels. The Loop gives you beautiful views of the area’s salt marshes and inlets as well as the Atlantic Ocean. 

Paddle the Marsh 

Book a canoe or kayak tour through the Murrells Inlet salt marsh with Black River Outdoors.  You’ll be amazed at the wildlife and natural beauty you discover while exploring the area’s ecosystem. Keep your eyes open for dolphin sightings. 

Grab Some Grub 

All that activity is sure to work up your appetite. Chow down at  Murrells Inlet MarshWalk with your choice of a half dozen delicious restaurants that offer juicy burgers, prepared-to-order seafood, wood-fired pizza and more. The MarshWalk is also home to a half-mile, wooden boardwalk along a natural saltwater estuary.

Now, who’s ready to get this summer started?