This Underrated Coastal Region in South Carolina Has Pristine Beaches and Tasty Local Seafood—and It's Still Quiet and Affordable

Travel + Leisure

2 days ago

Stay at The George Hotel, an exciting new addition to Georgetown's hospitality scene.
Pack your sunscreen, towels, and a picnic lunch for a beach day on Pawleys Island or at Litchfield Beach.
Pick up some fresh shrimp at Seven Seas Seafood in Murrells Inlet to cook your own seafood feast.
Buy a hammock from The Original Hammock Shop in Pawleys Island as a souvenir from your travels.
Visit during the shoulder seasons—fall and spring—if you want to explore the area without summer crowds.
While Charleston and Myrtle Beach have the name recognition when it comes to waterfront destinations in South Carolina, they're not the only places you can find gorgeous beaches, fresh seafood, and a generally laid-back atmosphere. In fact, the area between the two coastal cities was deemed the 'Hammock Coast' in 2010, harkening back to its relaxed nature and its history; a 19th-century boat captain, Joshua John Ward, created what's now known as the Pawleys Island Hammock, a comfortable rope hammock that's still made in the area today.
The Hammock Coast is made up of six unique communities. Along with Pawleys Island, there's Garden City, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield, Georgetown, and Andrews. Though each has its own appeal, they all have one thing in common: waterfront views. 'Understandably, most people face east toward the salt marsh and Atlantic Ocean when they come here. That's great—it's the beach, after all. But what they don't always realize is that we've got this big, beautiful, historical river system to the west,' says Hastings Hensel, owner of River Reader Kayaking. 'The land here is really just a thin ribbon between two vast bodies of water, and two very different (but equally beautiful) ecosystems.'
Whether you're venturing to this part of the Palmetto State for the rivers or the ocean, here's how to plan a trip to South Carolina's Hammock Coast. Colorful details in a guest room at The George Hotel.
'The Pelican Inn on Pawleys Island is a historic gem with access to both tidal marsh and oceanfront views. It's extremely special,' says Judith Puckett-Rinella, proprietor of Wicklow Hall, a boutique bed-and-breakfast in Georgetown. Open seasonally (Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day), the eight-room property is housed in one of the barrier island's original buildings; it dates back to the 1840s. The guest rooms accommodate between two and four people, and rates include a family-style breakfast and lunch for two.
Opened in 2024, The George Hotel quickly became one of the top places to stay in Georgetown. 'It has brilliant design, an outstanding restaurant in The Independent, and a perfect location right on the water,' says Puckett-Rinella. Each of the 56 rooms is decked out in stunning colors, patterns, and all the modern amenities you could need, including Malin + Goetz bath products, cozy robes, and a coffee and tea station.
'The Sea View Inn is something right out of a dream. It's classic Pawleys Island—a clapboard salt-worn inn with a beach porch for sunrise and a marsh dock for sunset,' says Hensel. 'You can spend all morning in the sand and waves before they ring a bell for their family-style lunch, and then you retreat to your room for a box fan nap, only to wake up in time for an afternoon stroll before a breezy BYOB happy hour.' The property also comes recommended by Bruce and Corinne Taylor, owners of the neighboring Pelican Inn. The harbor in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
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Technically, only the southern portion of Garden City is part of the Hammock Coast. Here, you'll find vacation rentals, beach access, Marlin Quay (a full-service marina), and the Gulf Stream Cafe. The latter is an institution in the area, serving up shrimp, oysters, and a daily local catch.
'Murrells Inlet has always been known as a little, close-knit fishing town. As many surrounding areas continue to grow and develop, the inlet has evolved while maintaining its unique, small-town, Southern charm,' says Katelin Lindrose, marketing director at Crazy Sister Marina. 'The Murrells Inlet salt marsh is one of the few true salt marshes on the eastern seaboard,' adds Hensel. 'That is, no freshwater rivers empty into it—the marsh is entirely fed by the ocean—so the salinity is high. This makes our oysters some of the tastiest and our barstool views some of the prettiest.'
Murrells Inlet also claims the title of the 'Seafood Capital of South Carolina,' so you'll definitely want to venture to this part of the coast for at least one or two meals during your trip.
South of Murrells Inlet is the community of Litchfield Beach. Named one of 2025's best places to retire, this is a destination that's all about relaxation—lounging on the beach, golfing, taking a leisurely bike ride, or immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Huntington Beach State Park, which sits directly to the north.
'What sets Pawleys Island, where we live and operate The Pelican Inn, apart from other parts of the Hammock Coast, is that it is a quiet residential beach that has tried hard to maintain its long-time title of arrogantly shabby,' the Taylors share. 'Life slows down when you cross the causeway onto the island.' The barrier island is about four miles long and, for the most part, one house wide. The shops and restaurants commonly associated with Pawleys are actually located on the mainland, which is connected to the island by two causeways.
'Georgetown is uniquely situated directly on the waterfront, and that access is open to everyone,' says Puckett-Rinella. The third-oldest city in South Carolina is also home to the Gullah Museum, which highlights local Gullah culture, and hosts the annual Georgetown Wooden Boat Show in October.
The town of Andrews, South Carolina, is miles away from the ocean, but it draws in kayakers and anglers due to its proximity to the Black River. A boardwalk through a wetland in Huntington Beach State Park.
One of Puckett-Rinella's favorite activities is a 'day trip to the white-sand beaches of Pawleys Island,' adding that you 'can even book a surf lesson with David from South End Adventures.' There are several public beach access points on the island, but you'll find the most parking at the South End.
'One thing visitors shouldn't overlook is the water. Be sure to work it into your plans, whether it be a boat trip, an eco kayak tour, a guided fishing outing, or simply a beach day,' says Puckett-Rinella. 'However you choose to experience it, the water is the soul of this region. You'll be grateful you made it part of your journey.' With his company, River Reader Kayaking, Hensel takes visitors on history, sunset, and nature tours along the Waccamaw River and through the Murrells Inlet marsh.
Crazy Sister Marina also offers dolphin-watching tours, fishing charters, and sunset cruises, among other excursions. 'While you're there, you can also stop by any of the delicious restaurants on the MarshWalk for lunch or dinner, enjoy some live music, and take in the breathtaking views,' says Lindrose.
'Huntington Beach State Park is a favorite of mine. It's a nature lover's paradise where you can easily spend a day with the family. The park offers pristine beaches, multiple hiking trails, a chance to see the alligators along 'Alligator Alley,' and the opportunity to visit the historic and beautiful Atalaya Castle,' says Lindrose. The park is dog friendly, and admission is $8 for adults (plus an extra $2 to see the castle).
The Taylors also recommend Brookgreen Gardens, describing it as a 'beautiful and educational respite.' The sculpture garden and wildlife preserve is just a few minutes from the state park, so you can easily check out both in the same day.
'After dinner, there's nothing better than a stroll along the historic waterfront,' says Puckett-Rinella, referring to the Harborwalk in Georgetown. There are several entry points to the 10-foot-wide, four-block-long boardwalk that sits between the harbor and Front Street, and it gives way to some pretty amazing views of the Sampit River. Left: Store front of Rice Birds; Right: China being sold at Rice Birds.
Front Street in Georgetown is home to several shops that come recommended by locals. Puckett-Rinella favors Indigo Mercantile, noting that the store 'carries locally sourced everything, from art to specialty Carolina food products like grits, rice, honey, hot sauce, and even locally made charcuterie boxes.' 'We also adore Wildflower & Whiskey Clothing Co., also on Front Street. It's fun and fashion-forward, with playful pieces and a welcoming staff,' she adds. The Taylors also suggest Sara & Beth Gifts and Rice Birds on Front Street. And if you need a new beach read? Pop into Waterfront Books.
If you're in a shopping mood, head to Hammock Shops Village in Pawleys Island, where you'll discover more than 20 stores. Snag a Pawleys Island rope hammock at The Original Hammock Shop, a new pair of sandals at Pawleys Island Shoes, or a bottle of artisanal olive oil at Pawleys Island Olive Oil. Bird's eye view of several plates from Frank's On Front.
'For dinner, 631 Frank's on Front has a lively, stylish crowd. We especially love that they welcome pets. Many of our guests staying in our cottages and cabins, which are dog friendly, enjoy alfresco dining with their fur babies on Frank's back deck right on the water,' says Puckett-Rinella. While 631 is the official name, locals fondly refer to the restaurant as 'Frank's on Front,' a reference to the owners' restaurants; Frank's and Frank's Outback are located on Pawleys Island.
'For lunch, we love Thomas Café in Georgetown. It has that small-town charm and delivers true local fare: fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and sweet tea on every table. Their daily po' boy, whether it's shrimp, oysters, or whiting, is always perfect,' says Puckett-Rinella.
'Our favorite restaurants are Chive Blossom, Frank's, and Bistro 217 in Pawleys,' the Taylors share. But if you're after a great burger, they have two can't-miss spots: BisQit and the Pawleys Island Tavern (The PIT).
'Since the area boasts a strong fishing culture, we have earned the title of the 'Seafood Capital of South Carolina,' so you'll be sure to find some of the freshest seafood options up and down the coast. The food is delicious, the views from the outdoor dining areas cannot be beat, and the live music at many of the restaurants really creates that perfect coastal vibe,' says Lindrose. Although there are a handful to choose from, start your restaurant tour with The Claw House or Russell's Seafood Grill.
Or, you can follow Hensel's advice: 'Here's the move: Grab a coffee from Brown Fox on your way to Perry's Bait & Tackle, where you buy a dip-net, some chicken necks, a hand-line, and a six-pack. Catch some crabs in the salt marsh at Oyster Landing, then buy a few pounds of shrimp from Seven Seas Seafood to throw in the pot with them. Get your potatoes, corn, onion, and andouille sausage from Lee's Farmers Market. Voila—you've got all you need for our greatest local dish, a Lowcountry Boil, with all your ingredients purchased from small, family-run businesses.' Three birds in Huntington Beach State Park.
'There truly is no bad time to visit the Hammock Coast, but I always encourage visitors to check us out during the spring and fall. During that time of the year, the weather is almost always perfect as it isn't too hot or cold, the fish are biting, and the beaches are beautiful,' says Lindrose. 'It's a great time to rent a boat and explore, charter a fishing trip, or enjoy a relaxing cruise before the summer crowds hit.' While Hastings agrees with the suggestion to visit during the shoulder seasons, he also notes that winter is 'underrated.' 'It doesn't get so cold that we can't enjoy being out on the water, and the whole place is a little more relaxed without the summer crowds,' he says.
If you do visit in the summer—and you can handle the South Carolina humidity—you're in for a treat. The Taylors share that along with the heat and humidity comes 'ocean breezes and fresh seafood.' A winding road through South Carolina.
S.Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is the closest airport to the towns along the Hammock Coast; it's about a 20- or 30-minute drive to Garden City and Murrells Inlet, respectively. MYR is served by most major U.S.-based airlines, including American, Delta, Southwest, and United. Flying into Charleston International Airport (CHS) is also an option; it's about 75 miles from the Hammock Coast. There's also the option to travel to the region by boat, as there are a number of docks and marinas in Georgetown and Murrells Inlet.
Some of the Hammock Coast towns are walkable, like the downtown areas of Georgetown and Pawleys Island, but, for the most part, you'll want to drive or rent a car. Once you've arrived at your destination, you can choose to get around on two wheels. Rent a bike from Pawleys Island Beach Service, Myrtle Beach Bicycles (located in Murrells Inlet), or Cyclopedia.