Golf, Marshes And Beach Days In Pawleys Island

Craving quiet beach mornings, marsh sunsets, and a tee time that feels like a retreat instead of a rush? If you want coastal living that’s calmer than Myrtle Beach but close enough for a day trip, Pawleys Island might be your spot. You’ll find classic Lowcountry scenery, top‑ranked golf, small‑town dining, and a beach that still feels like a beach. In this guide, you’ll learn how Pawleys Island lives day to day, what to expect if you buy here, and smart tips to get started. Let’s dive in.

Why Pawleys Island feels different

Pawleys Island sits at the southern tip of the Grand Strand on the Waccamaw Neck, with the island itself facing the Atlantic and a larger residential and commercial area just inland along US‑17. Its identity is small‑scale and Lowcountry, not high‑rise. You’ll see weathered cottages, hammocks under live oaks, and marsh views that set a slower pace.

You’re close to what you need without the constant bustle. Historic Georgetown is about 10 miles southwest for dining and riverfront walks, while central Myrtle Beach is roughly 25 to 30 miles north for bigger entertainment and services. That easy distance helps Pawleys keep its calm. If you want a quick primer on location and scale, start with the overview on the town’s history and setting on the Pawleys Island page.

Golf first: courses and communities

If you love golf, you’ll notice Pawleys right away. Two standouts, True Blue Golf Club and Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, are often highlighted for course design and scenery. The local golf network also includes Pawleys Plantation, Litchfield Country Club, Willbrook, River Club, and more, which means you can build a full golf routine without long drives.

Course‑side neighborhoods are common here. Pawleys Plantation, River Club, Willbrook, and The Reserve offer a range of home styles and HOA setups. Some communities have optional club memberships, and others require them. If golf is central to your search, ask for a breakdown of each neighborhood’s HOA dues, membership structure, and guest policies. That way you can match your playing style and budget to the right community.

A typical golf day in Pawleys

• Early walk on the beach, coffee at a Hammock Shops café, and a late‑morning round at True Blue or Caledonia.
• Lunch at a clubhouse or a casual spot on US‑17, a quick gallery visit, then a sunset marsh cruise.
• Dinner at a local favorite like Chive Blossom or Bistro 217, then home under quiet skies.

Marsh life and wildlife

The daily scenery in Pawleys leans green and blue. Salt marshes thread the creeks behind the island, with frequent shorebirds and ospreys, and occasional dolphin sightings in the inlet. Nearby preserves and programs make it easy to learn the landscape. Guided bird walks, seasonal programs, and quiet trails are part of the routine here. To sample local birding opportunities and seasonal rhythms, check the Waccamaw Audubon outing calendar.

You’re also within a short drive of Hobcaw Barony, Brookgreen Gardens, and Huntington Beach State Park. Each adds its own layer to life here: research and nature education, sculpture and gardens, and long stretches of beach and marsh.

Beach days, access and conservation

Pawleys Island’s beach is intentionally low‑commercial. The town maintains a handful of public walkovers, with a larger county parking lot at the south end. Parking is limited and enforced, which helps keep crowds manageable. Before you go, review the town’s posted rules and access points on the public beach access and parking map.

From late spring through early fall, sea‑turtle nesting is an active part of life on the island. Local volunteers work with state permits to monitor and protect nests, and you’ll often see marked areas on morning walks. Learn more about the nesting season and community efforts in this local update on sea‑turtle monitoring in Pawleys Island.

Dining, shops and arts

You won’t find a sprawling boardwalk here. Instead, you’ll find the Hammock Shops, small galleries, and a mix of casual and standout dining. BisQit is a go‑to for casual bites, and Chive Blossom is known for seafood‑centric dishes and seasonal plates. For a touch of history and atmosphere, explore the Hammock Shops’ story and stroll the village.

Local galleries like Gray Man Gallery, Floyd Fine Arts, and Island Art Gallery rotate exhibits. Brookgreen Gardens adds concerts and seasonal events, including its well‑known winter candlelight evenings. Together, these create a small‑town arts scene that complements the beach and marsh rhythm.

Real estate snapshot and what to expect

Pawleys Island’s broader ZIP 29585 area includes the barrier island and the mainland neighborhoods along US‑17. Prices can vary widely by neighborhood and proximity to the ocean, marsh, or golf.

• Median value: The Zillow Home Value Index for ZIP 29585 was about 532,086 dollars as of January 31, 2026. See the latest trend for context on the Zillow 29585 page. Other platforms, including Realtor.com, reported similar medians in late 2025. Platform methods differ, so use these as directional guides.
• Micro‑markets: Litchfield‑by‑the‑Sea and certain course communities often post higher list prices. Inland pockets and smaller golf neighborhoods can trend lower. Days on market and list‑to‑sale dynamics shift by season.

Who typically buys here

• Second‑home owners who want beach access, marsh views, and a quieter feel than the busier Grand Strand.
• Retirees who value golf, nature programs, and practical access to regional healthcare.
• Some full‑time residents who work in nearby towns and prefer the Lowcountry setting.

Short‑term rentals: check the rules first

Pawleys Island has been named among attractive beach towns for short‑term rental purchases in national lists. For example, a 2024 ranking reported by CNBC highlighted its rental potential. You can read that context here: best places to buy a beach house. That said, local rules and community covenants can change your numbers fast. Before you buy, confirm current town or county requirements, any HOA restrictions, and permit or tax steps. Build realistic vacancy, fee, and maintenance costs into your pro forma.

Flood, storms and insurance

The entire Town of Pawleys Island lies within FEMA flood hazard areas. The town participates in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System as a Class 5 community, which currently provides a 25 percent flood‑insurance premium discount for eligible policies. For parcel‑level checks, elevation certificates, and guidance, use the town’s flood information resources.

Storm history is real context on this coast. Major hurricanes, including Hugo in 1989, shaped how island homes are built and renovated. Elevation, wind‑rated construction, flood‑resilient materials, and accurate insurance quotes should be part of your early diligence.

Healthcare and daily practicals

Regional healthcare includes Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet and Tidelands Georgetown Memorial in Georgetown. Many retirees choose Pawleys for the mix of calm living and practical access to appointments, specialty care, and pharmacies along US‑17.

A week in Pawleys: the rhythm you’ll feel

• Monday: Sunrise beach walk, coffee, and errands on US‑17. Afternoon gallery stop and early dinner.
• Tuesday: Tee time at True Blue or Caledonia. Quiet marsh sunset.
• Wednesday: Nature morning with a bird walk via Waccamaw Audubon. Lunch in the Hammock Shops.
• Thursday: Explore Brookgreen Gardens or Huntington Beach State Park. Seafood in Murrells Inlet.
• Friday: Morning paddle on a creek, then relax on the beach. Evening concert or event in season.
• Weekend: Family visits, farmers’ market stops, and easy day trips to Georgetown’s Harborwalk or Myrtle Beach attractions.

Seasonal highlights add texture. Summer brings peak beach days and sea‑turtle activity. Spring and fall are prime for golf and bird migration. Winter quiets down, and Brookgreen’s candlelight event brightens the season.

How to start your search

You can make the Pawleys lifestyle real with a focused plan. Here’s a simple path:

1. Define your lifestyle fit

• Prioritize what matters most: golf access, beach proximity, marsh views, or lower‑maintenance living.
• Decide how often you’ll visit or live here each year. That guides whether a condo, townhome, or single‑family home fits best.

2. Build a smart budget

• Get quotes for homeowners and flood insurance early, especially if you’re eyeing marsh or ocean areas.
• Include HOA dues, possible club memberships, and routine coastal maintenance in your monthly numbers.

3. Check rules and logistics

• If you plan to rent, confirm town or county short‑term rental rules, HOA restrictions, and required permits.
• Ask for any available elevation certificates, recent surveys, and shoreline or dock rules if you’re considering waterfront.

4. Compare micro‑markets

• Look at Litchfield‑by‑the‑Sea, course communities like Pawleys Plantation and River Club, and inland neighborhoods to see how price and lifestyle trade off.
• Track days on market and recent sales to time offers.

5. Get local guidance

• Work with a team that lives the Grand Strand day to day. You’ll get micro‑neighborhood context, on‑the‑ground showings, and MLS tools that surface opportunities fast.

When you’re ready to explore homes that match your version of Pawleys living, reach out to Jan and Dan Sitter | Coastal Beach Homes. You’ll get one‑to‑one guidance, MLS search tools, and clear answers on insurance, HOA details, and neighborhood fit.

FAQs

What makes Pawleys Island different from Myrtle Beach?

• Pawleys is a low‑rise, Lowcountry beach town with a quieter feel and marsh scenery. It sits about 25 to 30 miles south of central Myrtle Beach, which offers larger entertainment hubs. For context on location and scale, see the Pawleys Island overview.

How easy is beach parking and access on Pawleys Island?

• Parking is intentionally limited and enforced. The town maintains several public walkovers and a larger county lot at the south end. Review the town’s beach access and parking map before you go.

Are there flood‑insurance discounts in Pawleys Island?

• Yes. The town participates in the NFIP Community Rating System as a Class 5 community, which currently provides a 25 percent discount on eligible flood‑insurance premiums. See the town’s flood information page for details and elevation certificate guidance.

Is Pawleys Island a good place to buy a short‑term rental?

• National roundups have highlighted Pawleys for potential STR returns, including a 2024 list reported by CNBC. Always verify current town or county rules and any HOA restrictions before you underwrite income. Read the context here: best beach house markets.

What are typical home prices in Pawleys Island?

• As a directional guide, Zillow’s Home Value Index for ZIP 29585 was about 532,086 dollars as of January 31, 2026. Check live trends and neighborhood differences on the Zillow 29585 page, and confirm specifics with recent local sales.

Where can I play top golf near Pawleys Island?

• True Blue and Caledonia are local standouts for design and scenery. Learn more about tee times, rates, and course details at True Blue Golf Club.