While summer may be winding down, the fall is the perfect time to head to the Carolina coast. City Editor Danielle here. Before I lived in Greenville, I was a Pawleys Island local, and September and October were my favorite months to live at the beach.

Why go?

Pawleys Island is 40 minutes south of Myrtle Beach and 1.5 hours north of Charleston, just a day trip from your beach vacation to the bustling Broadway at the Beach or shopping on King Street.
Plan your trip around these upcoming events: Halloween on the Marshwalk (Tuesday, Oct. 31) + Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens (Saturday, Nov. 25-Sunday, Dec. 31)
Visit miles of preserved coastline. (Read: It's all dunes without a home or high-rise in sight.)

We don't know if we prefer Brookgreen Gardens at day or night. | Photo by GVLtoday

Act like a local:

Food: With greenery walls and strings of lights, you can’t miss Frank’s Outback for elevated American fare — reservations recommended.
Experience: From seafood spots to live music and beachy cocktails (Don’t Miss: The Mullet Hut’s Rum-a-rita), plan to spend an afternoon or evening exploring the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk. Pro Tip: Visit during Taste of the Marshwalk (winter 2024) for small plates and a Bloody Mary competition.
Shop: The Shops at Tweaked in Murrells Inlet features goods that are vintage to modern, funky to primitive and rustic to regency.
Drink: Brown Fox Coffee Box — located in the parking lot of Creek Ratz at the Marshwalk — is the perfect spot to grab cup of coffee (or two) and walk the Marshwalk without the crowds and live music.
Outdoors: One of my favorite spots in SC, Huntington Beach State Park, boasts protected coastline. Pro tip: Park at the north beach access and walk 1.5 miles north to the jetty — you won’t find better views at sunrise and sunset.
Learn: Explore Historic Pawleys Island as you walk or bike around the historic district with homes dating back to the 1800s.

Where to stay:

Vrbo: Pawleys Island House — This pet-friendly property boasts a rooftop deck and is steps away from the beach and the creek. ($234/night)
Hotel: Pelican Inn — While you can stay at the Inn from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can also rent the entire home in the off-season with private ocean access on a secluded stretch of Pawleys Island. ($300/night)
Splurge rental: Lemon LaBruce — This oceanfront and creekfront 6BR, 3BA home is one of the original Pawleys Island properties (read: built in the mid-1800s), filled with historical character and charm. ($1,036/night)
Save hotel: The Litchfield Inn — Enjoy a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast before walking down to the beach at this oceanfront hotel. (~$130/night)