Pawleys Island Named For SC’s Top Beach in USA Today Poll

A USA Today/10Best Readers’ Choice travel contest has nominated Pawleys Island in a contest to name the best beaches in South Carolina.

The contest offers the public an opportunity to narrow the initial list of 17 original nominees down to the “10 Best,” which will be announced in late May.

Voting began on Monday, April 22, at noon and will run through Monday, May 20, at 11:59 a.m.

Pawleys Island Town Administrator Daniel Newquist said that he and other town officials are honored that Pawleys Island is in the running for the USAToday Best Beaches in South Carolina contest.

“With four miles of white sand and clear ocean water, visitors know that Pawleys Island is the best beach in South Carolina,” he said. “Now, we need everyone to vote and let more people know how awesome it is.”

To cast a vote for Pawleys Island, go here . You can vote once per day and on all your devices: desktop and laptop computer, smart phone or tablet.

Hc cvb c1c 1984-onlypawleys — Pawleys Island joined Litchfield Beach, its neighbor to the north on the Hammock Coast, as one of 20 nominees for Best Beach in South Carolina. (Photo by Chris Rogers/Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce)

The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlight top-notch attractions and businesses, providing readers with trusted recommendations. You can read more about USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Pawleys Island, believed to be the oldest seaside resort in America, has welcomed vacationers to its shores since the 1700s. Originally, those visitors were families escaping the humidity and mosquitoes on inland plantations, but, today, those visitors come from around the world to enjoy Pawleys’ laidback beach vibes. In 2022, Garden & Gun Magazine put Pawleys Island at No. 2 in a contest to name the Best Beach Town in the South. And, in 2023, Condé Nast Traveler named Pawleys as one of America’s Top Best Beach Towns.

Usa today 10best readers choice awards 20241 1-onlypawleys

Likewise, Litchfield Beach and Huntington Beach, just north of Pawleys, are also nominated in the contest to name South Carolina’s best beaches.

USA Today/10 Best announces new contests each week. Contests are varied, including Best Aquarium, Best Hiking Trail, Best Drive-In Theater, Best RV Campground and more.

Again, follow this link to vote for Pawleys Island.

— By Mark A. Stevens, director of tourism development for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce