Discover Writer
Generations of South Carolinians have enjoyed a relaxing vacation on the coast, along with a fresh, sea-to-table meal that they helped gather. Now you can, too. The secret is that you don’t have to catch “everything” you eat. In fact, it’s a lot easier than you might imagine to live like a local with freshly caught seafood. Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet and nearby Litchfield Beach embody the laid-back charm of coastal SC living, making the area an ideal spot for your sea-to-table experience. And seeing how you’re going to be gathering your own seafood, you’ll want to stay as close to the water as you can.
Accommodations
Just 35 minutes from Myrtle Beach, Pawley’s Island is an ideal home-away-from-home. Check out the rental homes at Pawleys Island or Litchfield Beach. There are many rental companies in the area that can help you find the perfect home for your family and budget. Litchfield Inn and Pawleys Pier Village also offer villas with complete kitchens, along with the advantages of being right on the beach.
There are also myriad resorts and inns available, including the Inlet Sports Lodge in Murrells Inlet, “a boutique hotel catering to golf lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone simply looking to relax,” and Waterside Retreat, a cozy bed and breakfast offering incredible views of the Inlet waterway.
The Heart of South Carolina’s Hammock Coast
Known as the Hammock Coast, the stretch of spectacular beaches and idyllic coastal towns between Myrtle Beach and Charleston offers an unparalleled combination of outdoor activities, historic sites and culinary traditions.
Explore the area by heading down to Georgetown, one of South Carolina's oldest towns and ports. Walk the main street and have lunch in one of the many little restaurants there. You can also tour the Rice Museum, which showcases the history of rice cultivation in the area. On the way back, stop by Independent Seafood for fresh-off-the-boat shrimp. Although it's hidden away at the end of a small street, you'll know you're there when you see the docks and shrimp boats.
Gather fresh produce for your seafood meal at The Fresh Market near Pawleys Island or, if you're visiting from April through October, you can check out the Pawley's Island Farmers Market for produce fresh from the farm crates.
Back home, pull up your crab traps and begin preparing your fresh seafood dinner. A one-pot meal like Frogmore Stew is an easy seafood dish to make and can accommodate your fresh blue crabs. It's traditional to get everyone involved in the preparation—plus the memories will last a lifetime.
After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the beach or creek and take in the sights, sounds and charms of South Carolina's unspoiled coastal living.
Interested in trying another iconic South Carolina meal? Head over to root. for a gourmet dish of fresh shrimp tossed in a creamy white wine butter sauce over white cheddar grits.
Get on “Pawley’s Island Time”
Even if you’re not staying on Pawley’s Island, everyone can get behind the idea of letting go of schedule-driven obligations. That said, today is all about relaxing, taking things slow and enjoying every moment.
Spend the morning bird-watching at Huntington Beach State Park before touring the grounds of Atalaya, a Moorish-style castle that was once home to philanthropists Archer and Anna Huntington. Anna was also a renowned sculptor. If you're up for it, you can view many of her sculptures just across Highway 17 at Brookgreen Gardens.
For lunch, stop by the Rustic Table and experience a truly creative take on traditional South Carolina cuisine. Leave the afternoon open for whatever you're in the mood for—paddleboarding on the creek, surf fishing (you'll need a saltwater license, of course) or just kicking back on the porch and reading a book—or better yet, pondering your next sea-to-table experience in the Palmetto State.
If you’re looking to pack some sandwiches for lunch or are craving pizza for dinner, head to Landolfi’s Bakery & Deli. This quaint eatery specializes in wood-fired brick oven Neapolitan pizza and also serves a variety of sandwiches, paninis and desserts.
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