Pawleys Island South Carolina is known for lowcountry charm, quaint beaches, and a shabby chic sense of style. The first timer may find it strange that the majority of the town rests on Highway 17, a major thoroughfare heading north to Myrtle Beach and south to Charleston, but you will quickly discover that the shops and restaurants along the roadside are far more unique than you imagined.

Beach lovers have their pick of catching waves and rays on Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach and North Litchfield beach, which all have free, public parking. Private areas like DeBordieu and Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort are restricted to property owners and vacation renters.

Litchfield Beach is a great pick for early morning runs with the dog, since canine friends are allowed off the leash prior to 9:00 am and the beach access points have a tidy supply of waste bags available for pet owners. The beach at Litchfield is long and wide, allowing runners to have their pick at surface firmness.

Pawleys Island is unparalleled for the charm of its historic beach cottages, with some dating back to the 1700’s. The Pawleys Pier is a great backdrop for watching surfers and fishermen while taking a leisurely stroll. A bike ride around the island is an excellent way to peak at the island’s historic sites, many of which are tucked away in dense, low live oak trees.

If you take the time to explore beyond the beach, you will discover what the Pawleys area locals hold close to their hearts: the intricate and lush tidal waterways and creeks, which can be readily explored in a kayak or canoe. Keep an eye out for alligators, sea turtles, horseshoe crabs, osprey, bald eagles and more. Or, head south to the Cape Romain National Refuge, which is accessible by boat only.

Outback at Frank’s is an affordable place to grab an incredible meal and sample shrimp and grits or lowcountry crabcakes. The Eggs Up Grill is the place for an enormous breakfast before hitting the road home or tackling a day at the beach.

Your trip would not be complete without exploring the famous Hammock Shops, tasting some local fudge, and at least window shopping in a few boutiques and furniture stores, where you will find everything from beach-centric Lilly Pulitzer at The Joggling Board to playful kitchen towels at As For Me and My House.

A long weekend at Pawleys can become full just from spending long days at the beach, but if you have time to spare, Brookgreen Gardens is worth a solid day’s visit amongst the 300 acres of incredible trees, flowers, and landscaping, and your ticket is valid for seven days, allowing you to space our your visit.

It will not take long to gain an appreciation for the Shabby Chic mindset of Pawleys, and you will likely be hooked by the local charm and individuality.