Heading to Pawleys Island, South Carolina is a captivating way to spend a well-deserved vacation. Whether you’re one for the great outdoors, or you can’t wait to shop and dine your way through a stay, you’ll find Pawleys Island is packed with options for fun and exploration that make it easy to customize your travel according to your personal style. It’s also a place where you can design a budget-friendly stay thanks to the many free things to do here. From historic stops to scenic stretches of shoreline, you can save money and expand the adventure at the same time.
For even more ideas for a Pawleys Island getaway, be sure to get your copy of our Vacation Guide! Inside, you’ll find all of the top activities to enjoy, from places to grab a bite to local gems to explore!
Take a Stroll by Historic Homes
Pawleys Island is a place that’s truly brimming over with rich history. If you happen to be someone who enjoys pursuing the stories of the past, and has an equal passion for great architecture, you’ll find that taking time to explore the many historic homes in this area is an inspiring and free way to spend some quality time alongside family and friends. Places like the Joseph Byth Allston House date back to the mid-1800s while the R.F.W. Allston House was a summer home utilized by Robert Allston between 1801 and 1864. Walking by the P.C.J. Weston House/Pelican Inn puts you in front of a façade that hasn’t changed much since 1858 while the All Saints Summer Parsonage is always a delight to admire and dates back to its construction in 1848.
Spend time at Hammock Shops Village
Since 1938, Hammock Shops Village has been a hub of shopping and dining in Pawleys Island but there’s no rule that says you have to spend a dime to enjoy time here! Visitors can take time to window shop exclusively as they check out stores that showcase olive oil, hand-made hammocks, wines, apparel, home goods, handcrafted items, and beyond. There’s a chance that you might come across a hammock weaving demonstration in the summertime and people-watching at Hammock Shops Village is always free of charge. It’s a vibrant and welcoming place in town to enjoy the view whenever you’re looking to slow things down and just browse.
Get Out on the Waves in Style
Land-based fun is always a delight when visiting Pawleys Island but there’s something exceptionally thrilling about time on the waves too. If you’re the proud owner of a surfboard, paddleboard, kayak, or canoe, you’ll want to be sure to pack it up and bring it with you for your Pawleys Island adventure. On the west end of Pawleys Island, the calmer inlet waters are particularly welcoming for an afternoon of kayaking or standup paddling boarding. The east end typically sees higher waves which could be ideal for surf enthusiasts. Either location is great for a day of fishing in good company.
Savor Time on the Sand
It’s often the simple things in life that make the lasting impressions and when you head to Pawleys Island in the name of fun, it won’t cost a thing to enjoy a sensational afternoon soaking up the sun from your place on the sand. Some of the more convenient public beach access points in town include Southern Point, Broken Groin, Pawleys Pier, 1st Street Public Beach Access, 2nd Street Access, and 3rd Street Access as well. Southern Point has the largest parking lot available if you’re arriving with a vehicle while Pawleys Pier has no parking and is best enjoyed when you arrive on foot or by bike.
Enjoy a Pawleys Island Adventure Today 
When a Pawleys Island getaway calls, the team at Dunes Beach Home Rentals has the luxurious accommodations you need to top your stay off in style. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting portfolio of inviting options, and to start planning your next trip. We look forward to seeing you in South Carolina soon!