Pawleys Island, renowned as the country’s oldest seaside resort, has been awarded the title of “Best Beach in South Carolina” by the USA Today/10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
While it seems everyone is putting a best-of-you-name-it list together, it’s hard to argue with the readers of USA Today’s selections. As locals, we tend to view picking the best beach on the Grand Strand as a pretty difficult task. It’s just so hard to go wrong with all the great beaches in the area.
Where is Pawleys Island, SC, Located?
Pawleys Island is located on the coast of South Carolina, in Georgetown County. It is situated about 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach and roughly 70 miles north of Charleston. The island is part of the Hammock Coast, a region known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere.
Which Georgetown County Beaches Made The Best Beaches List?
Three Georgetown County beaches—Huntington Beach State Park, Litchfield Beach, and Pawleys Island—were contenders in the competition. Impressively, Huntington Beach secured the No. 5 spot, while Litchfield Beach came in at No. 4. North Myrtle Beach in Horry County took the No. 2 position.
According to tourism officials, the list was narrowed down from an initial 17 nominees as part of a series to identify the best beaches in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, California, New Jersey, and Michigan.
Which South Carolina Beaches Are Considered The Best?
South Carolina State beaches that were in the running included: Bloody Point Beach (Daufuskie Island), Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove Beach (North Myrtle Beach), Coligny Beach Park (Hilton Head Island), Edisto Beach State Park (Edisto Island), Folly Beach, Folly Field Beach Park (Hilton Head Island), Hunting Island State Park (Hunting Island), Huntington Beach State Park (Murrells Inlet), Isle of Palms, Kiawah Beachwalker Park (Kiawah Island), Litchfield Beach, Myrtle Beach State Park, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Sullivan’s Island, and Surfside Beach.
You can check out all the Myrtle Beach Area Beach Access Points here.
Dennis Stemmle is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and lecturer at Coastal Carolina University. He writes about travel, college success, and entrepreneurship.