The official population of Pawleys Island, South Carolina is 83. We are pretty sure this makes Pawleys Island a hidden gem in itself, but if you are reading this you probably already know that. But let’s be honest, that number is pretty inaccurate, because 90% of the homes are vacation properties. That being said, most Pawleys Island vacation rentals are still very secluded due to A.) The distance from any major towns, and B.) The fact that it isn’t a well known vacation destination. The closest major airport to Pawleys Island is Myrtle Beach International Airport (airport code MYR), which is 35 minutes north. The distance from Myrtle Beach is actually a blessing, there’s no way the island would be the peaceful hideaway that it is if it was any closer. Here are the 5 best rated Pawleys Island vacation rentals:
1. The Overall Best Pawleys Island Beachfront Rental, The Family All
We usually start at #5 and move up to the top spot, but this Pawleys Island beach house rental is too perfect to wait on. This 5 bedroom, 6 bathroom house sleeps 11 comfortably. Before we get to far into this review, we have to be honest. You probably won’t be able to book this property. The price, beachfront location, and absolutely immaculate reviews mean this Pawleys Island beachfront rental is nearly impossible to book. You absolutely can’t beat the location on the island, and the fact that this rental is both beachfront and bayfront on the rear of the property is unique. The included kayaks are waiting for you on the calm bay side of the property, right off the dock.
While the house is renovated in a modern style, it still maintains that old world Pawleys Island charm that draws people to the island. There is over 800 square feet of decks on the house, three levels worth. The views from any level of the deck are to die for, with unobstructed ocean views from each. Walking down the first level deck stairs puts you directly on the sand. You can’t get any closer to the beach. There isn’t much more to say about this Pawleys Island rental, it truly is perfection. It hasn’t had anything other than a perfect 5 star review yet, and we can just about guarantee it never will.
Average VRBO Review Score: 5.0/5.0 Check Rates and Availability: The Family All, The Best Overall Pawleys Island Vacation Rental on VRBO.com
2. 1BR Beachfront Pawleys Island Condo with Flawless Reviews
This is by far the smallest Pawleys Island vacation rental on our list, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t deserving of it’s ranking. This is the perfect rental for a couple that is looking for the conveniences of a condo. The Bridgewater condo complex has a great pool and is in an excellent location. This 4th floor unit has amazing views of the Atlantic ocean from multiple rooms of the condo, including the balcony
The condo was recently renovated in a cool island style that we appreciate. If you only need 1 bedroom this Pawleys Island condo rental is a great value. The verified guest reviews agree, as this rental also has a flawless 5.0 average review score. While we recommend this rental for a couple, you can stretch it and use the Murphy bed in the living room for an additional 2 children. While it might be a bit cramped, it is totally doable. You won’t find another beachfront Pawleys Island condo rental with better reviews (trust us we looked).
Average VRBO Review Score: 5.0/5.0 Check Rates and Availability: 1BR Pawleys Island Condo Rental on VRBO.com
3. The Boat House, an 8BR 9BA Pawleys Island Mansion (Sleeps 28)
This house is an absolute monster, the perfect Pawleys Island vacation rental for large groups. There are only a handful of houses in the area that can accommodate this many people, and most of the others have questionable reviews. This house is equipped to handle groups of this size with ease. The huge commercial appliances in the kitchen make eating in enjoyable, rather than stressful. There are plenty of amenities to keep kids (or kids at heart) entertained, whether that is the game room, ping pong, jacuzzi overlooking the ocean, of the massive dock with two floating ramps for jet skis.
If you can utilize the massive amount of sleeping space in this rental, this is a great choice. That being said, we wouldn’t exactly call this unit a great value. It is extremely expensive, and if we are nitpicking, the styling is a bit dated. If you want one of the biggest rental houses in the area that gets great reviews, this is the rental for you.
Average VRBO Review Score: 5.0/5.0 Check Rates and Availability: The Boat House, an 8BR Pawleys Island Mansion Rental on VRBO.com
4. Three Gulls, A 5BR Oceanfront Pawleys Island House Rental
This house is located on the quiet north end of Pawleys Island. Although it isn’t quite as big as the last house (sleeps 16), it is much more affordable. The long private boardwalk leads directly to the beach. We love the porch and decks overlooking the ocean. It doesn’t get a whole lot more relaxing than sitting in one of the 6 rocking chairs on the shaded porch watching the waves roll in.
Pawleys Island is known for being a laid back hidden gem destination, and this rental fits that perfectly. The houses on the north end of the island are a bit more spread out and secluded compared to the southern end, which we appreciate. There aren’t any rowdy crowds on the island, just relaxing tranquility. This rental also includes a really nice kayak and stand up paddle board for guests to use. All in all, this Pawleys Island rental is one of the best values on the island.
Average VRBO Review Score: 4.9/5.0 Check Rates and Availability: Three Gulls, a Beachfront Pawleys Island House Rental on VRBO.com
5. A New 6BR Beachfront Pawleys Island House Rental
This is the newest property on our list and to be fully transparent, it doesn’t have many reviews yet. The host, Suzanne from Tidelift Vacation Rentals has been renting on VRBO since 2009 and is known for quality and service on Pawleys Island. We have full confidence that the number of 5* star reviews will continue to climb as the house gains popularity. The price will continue to climb as well, so this is a great opportunity to rent a large house (somewhat) affordably.
Average VRBO Review Score: 4.8/5.0 Check Rates and Availability: A Brand New 6BR Pawleys Island Vacation Rental on VRBO.com
More about Pawleys Island:
If you’ve never been to Pawleys Island there’s a few things you should know before planning a trip. You won’t find much in the way of “touristy” things you might find on more popular island destinations. You won’t find a plethora of chain restaurants, there’s no Margaritaville here. You won’t find a ton of stuff catered to kids like water parks or go karts either. All of that can be found in Myrtle Beach which makes for a good day trip.
What you will find a ton of on Pawleys Island is outdoor activities. From world class low country fishing to kayaking trails and stand up paddle boarding, this island is an outdoor enthusiasts playground. We recommend Pawleys Kayaks (https://pawleyskayaks.com/) as the best Pawleys Island kayak rental company. They also have bikes, SUP’s, and boats for rent. The jon boats they rent are perfecting for taking out in the bays for fishing or sightseeing, and rent for only $175 a day, everything included.
Came across your article on Instagram!
Thank you for the mention of TideLife Vacation Rentals. The property you featured, Sunburst, is one of our best rentals and continues to remain a guest favorite!! 🤩👍🏼