Your 2026 Pawleys Island Bucket List
12/20/2025
Your 2026 Pawleys Island Bucket List Planning your 2026 escape to Pawleys Island? Whether you’re a beach lover, foodie, or adventure seeker, this charming stretch
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Planning your 2026 escape to Pawleys Island? Whether you’re a beach lover, foodie, or adventure seeker, this charming stretch of the South Carolina coast has something unforgettable waiting for you. Use this curated bucket list to plan days filled with salt air, fresh flavors, local nature, and the relaxing spirit that makes Pawleys so special.
1. Catch a Sunrise Over the Ocean
Start at least one morning by watching the sun rise over the Atlantic. You can stroll down to the soft shoreline with a warm drink in hand or simply step onto your private oceanfront balcony and let the colors unfold. The peaceful soundtrack of waves, mixed with the early morning stillness, sets the tone for a perfect day. It is one of those simple moments that stay with you long after vacation ends.
2. Stroll the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk
The Murrells Inlet Marshwalk deserves a spot on every traveler’s list. The wooden boardwalk winds along the estuary, offering up-close views of herons, egrets, and boats drifting in and out. It is the perfect place to take photos, enjoy live music in the evenings, and sample local seafood along the waterfront. Whether you visit at sunrise or sunset, it delivers classic Lowcountry charm.
4. Dine at Tide to Table
Treat yourself to an elevated meal at Tide to Table, Litchfield Inn’s onsite oceanfront restaurant. The menu showcases fresh coastal ingredients, prepared with creativity and a classic Lowcountry flair. Whether you’re enjoying oysters, a perfectly cooked catch of the day, or a crisp salad, everything tastes even better with the ocean just steps away. Pair your meal with a local beer or chilled glass of wine and let the atmosphere work its magic.
5. Lounge Poolside at the Litchfield Inn
Set aside a few hours for pure relaxation by the Inn’s pool. Between the whisper of ocean breezes and the warm Carolina sunshine, it is the perfect place to enjoy a good book or simply drift into a midday nap. Families love the easy access to both the pool and beach, while couples enjoy the peaceful setting. This is what a beach vacation is meant to feel like.
6. Spend an Afternoon Shell Hunting Along the Shore
The beaches around Pawleys Island are renowned for their natural, unspoiled landscape, making them an ideal destination for shell collecting. Spend an afternoon exploring stretches of sand that reveal everything from tiny spiral shells to the occasional sand dollar. The quietness of the shoreline makes this a calming and almost meditative experience. You may even catch dolphins playing just beyond the breakers as you walk.
7. Bike the Huntington Beach State Park Trails
Rent a bike and explore one of the area’s most beautiful natural spaces at Huntington Beach State Park. The park offers scenic routes like the Sandpiper Pond Trail and the Causeway, where you can spot wildlife such as alligators, herons, and ospreys. These paths are smooth, quiet, and shaded by live oaks, making them great for a leisurely ride. It is a perfect way to connect with nature while enjoying a refreshing break from the beach.
8. Paddle With Black River Outdoors
For a little adventure on the water, book a paddleboard or kayak tour with Black River Outdoors. Their experienced guides lead trips through salt marshes, quiet creeks, and wildlife-rich estuaries, highlighting the beauty of the Lowcountry ecosystem. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers, and the scenery is unforgettable. You will finish the trip with a new appreciation for the landscape that makes this region so special.
9. Wander the Grounds of Brookgreen Gardens
No visit to the area is complete without spending time at Brookgreen Gardens. The sprawling property boasts world-class sculpture collections, seasonal blooms, and moss-draped pathways that invite slow, contemplative exploration. You can stroll through botanical gardens, learn about wildlife in the Lowcountry Zoo, or take a guided boat tour through historic rice fields. It is peaceful, inspiring, and unlike anywhere else on the East Coast.
10. Stay at the Litchfield Inn
Top off your 2026 bucket list with a stay at the Litchfield Inn, the perfect home base for everything Pawleys Island has to offer. With oceanfront rooms, private balconies, and direct beach access, you wake up each day only steps from the sand. On-site dining, refreshing drinks, and friendly hospitality make every moment effortless and relaxing. When you stay here, the best of Pawleys Island is always just outside your door.
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