family day trip to pawleys island
For such a small place, Pawleys really crams it in! We’ve got your cheat sheet for a family day trip to Pawleys Island.
We’ll give you a list of options. And at the very end there is a suggested day trip plan that should please the whole family!
pawleys has shopping
Pawleys Island packs a serious punch when it comes to shopping and food. In fact we already have an article for that. You can find the ultimate guide to Pawleys Island shopping centers here.
pawleys has food
If you’re trying to hit all the best food spots then you’ll need a half dozen trips to complete that mission. But we’ve got some suggestions on what to prioritize and what is most kid-friendly.
Parlor Donuts | Duh, everyone loves donuts. The place is big inside and has a nice outdoor patio area too. The donuts are huge; they’re more like a croissant/donut hybrid.
Applewood Pancake House | Not sure there is much to set this one apart from the dozens of others like it in the Grand Strand. But it is reliable, plenty big inside, and they’ve never rolled their eyes at the messes our kids can make in a restaurant.
Bisqit | I’m not usually a burger in a restaurant girl but I tried that the first time we went here and now it’s all I’ll eat. The one with the brisket on it. 5/5 recommend. The place is kid-friendly too. Never too busy and has a nice screened-in porch area.
Quigley’s Pint & Plate | They have an affordable and decently varied kids menu with some veggie options, standard kid food, and a few more unique options. Has lots of returning customers because of the family-friendly vibe.
Chester’s Pit Stop | The kinda place that would be on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, if they had a hot dog feature episode. Cool and tasty and perfectly unassuming.
Save these for a date night | Franks, Local, Yagi Sushi, Chive Blossom
pawleys has history & scenery
There isn’t a lot of entertainment in Pawleys Island. No putt-putt, dinner shows, or escape rooms. But you will find plenty to do out in nature. You’ll want to cross over the causeway to find all of these.
*NOTE* Think of this more like a self-guided driving tour of the island. Make a stop, read about it, walk around, and appreciate the beauty and history. These are not open in the sense that you’ll go in for a tour.
(1) Pawleys Island New Town Hall & Police Department | As soon as you drive across the North Causeway you’ll run into this. Park here and spend some time walking around the open lawn (aka Pawleys Island Nature Park), cross the street to the marsh for a beautiful view, or cross over the other street for a look at the Old Town Hall building.
Things to look for & do there | Find the bird houses that are adorable replicas of PI’s most famous landmarks. Find the painted Pawley’s Rocks (plan ahead and paint one to leave behind). Walk around to just enjoy the views!
(2) OLD TOWN HALL | The old town hall is now used primarily as exhibit space for the Waccamaw Neck Arts Alliance. It’s not open all the time but if you can catch it when it’s open and staffed then you’ve struck gold! Just walking inside gives you a glimpse of the history of the building and the whole town. It was formerly a realtor’s office, town hall, and jail (housing 1 single cell).
Things to look for & do there | The Pawley’s Island historical marker. The mural on the side of the old town hall. Just sit under the shade and look out over the marsh.
(3) PAWLEYS ISLAND CHAPEL | Start driving south just a bit and you’ll see the chapel sitting on the marsh side. The church is still used for services during the warmer season and available for rent but otherwise it isn’t open.
Things to look for & do there | Read about the HISTORY OF THE CHAPEL HERE and look for the historical marker. Take some pictures and try to keep the kids from running in the road.
(4) Pelican Inn | This place, it is just stunning! It’s currently an 8 room bed and breakfast. Sadly there are no ways to enjoy or explore this place without booking a room. They offer no tours or meals except for overnight guests. Just read the history and take a quick look around the grounds.
(5) South End of the Island Parking | AKA The Point. There is a large lot on the south end of the island. From here you can easily access the beach side and the marsh side. It’s worth walking around down here if you can find parking. There are a few other beach access points if you want to spend time on the shore.
PARTS OF THE ISLAND THAT ARE PRIVATE | Most, if not all, of the docks that stretch out over the marsh are privately owned and usually gated. The Pawleys Island pier is also only accessible to the guests/residents of Pawleys Pier Village.
Pawleys Has parks (+ stuff for the kids)
Playground at Hammock Shops | The famous hammock shops has a small and shaded playground good for the younger kids. This is a good stop after spending time on the island. Kids can stretch legs and everyone can refresh with some food.
Stables Park | We have not reviewed it yet but there is a small playground here.
Last thing – Read up on the Pawleys Island Gray Man story/legend here.