How Far Is Pawleys Island from Myrtle Beach Driving?
Discover the driving distance from Pawleys Island to Myrtle Beach, travel tips, best routes, and nearby attractions for a smooth trip.
If you're planning a trip between Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach, you might wonder about the driving distance and travel time. Both destinations are popular spots along South Carolina's Grand Strand, offering beautiful beaches, great food, and plenty of fun activities. Knowing how far they are and the best way to get there can help you plan your day or weekend trip with ease.
In this guide, I'll walk you through the exact driving distance, the usual travel time, the best routes to take, and some tips to make your drive comfortable. Plus, I’ll share some interesting stops and attractions you can enjoy along the way. Whether you're heading to Myrtle Beach for a day of shopping or coming back to Pawleys Island to relax, this info will help you get there smoothly.
Driving Distance Between Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach
The driving distance from Pawleys Island to Myrtle Beach is approximately 15 to 20 miles, depending on your exact start and end points. This makes it a short and easy drive, perfect for a day trip or quick visit.
From Pawleys Island town center to Myrtle Beach city center: About 17 miles.
Estimated driving time: Around 25 to 30 minutes without heavy traffic.
Route options: The most common route is via U.S. Highway 17, which is a direct and well-maintained road connecting both areas.
This short distance means you can enjoy the calm and quiet of Pawleys Island and still be close to the lively Myrtle Beach attractions.
Best Driving Routes from Pawleys Island to Myrtle Beach
There are a couple of good routes you can take when driving from Pawleys Island to Myrtle Beach. Here’s a breakdown of the main options:
1. U.S. Highway 17 (Ocean Highway)
This is the most straightforward and popular route. It runs along the coast and offers scenic views of marshes and waterways.
Start from Pawleys Island heading north on Ocean Highway (US-17).
Continue straight for about 17 miles.
Follow signs for Myrtle Beach city center or your specific destination.
This route is well-marked and usually has smooth traffic, especially outside of peak tourist seasons.
2. Alternate Route via SC-707
If you want to avoid potential traffic on US-17, you can take SC-707, which runs a bit inland.
From Pawleys Island, take SC-707 north.
Connect to SC-544 or US-17 near Myrtle Beach.
This route is slightly longer but can be faster during busy times.
Use a GPS or map app to check live traffic before choosing this option.
Travel Tips for Driving Between Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach
To make your drive smooth and enjoyable, keep these tips in mind:
Check traffic times: Myrtle Beach can get busy during weekends and holidays. Try to travel early in the day or later in the evening.
Watch for beach traffic: During summer, beach traffic can slow you down, especially near popular spots like the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
Use navigation apps: Apps like Google Maps or Waze help you find the fastest route and avoid delays.
Plan for parking: Myrtle Beach has many parking options, but some areas fill up quickly. Look for public lots or hotel parking if visiting attractions.
Fuel up in Pawleys Island: Gas stations are available but fewer on Pawleys Island, so fill your tank before heading out.
Attractions and Stops Along the Way
The drive between Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach is short but offers some nice spots to visit if you want to stretch your legs or explore a bit.
Brookgreen Gardens: Located just south of Pawleys Island, this beautiful sculpture garden and wildlife preserve is a peaceful stop.
Huntington Beach State Park: Near Brookgreen Gardens, this park offers beach access, bird watching, and a historic mansion.
Murrells Inlet MarshWalk: A lively area with seafood restaurants and bars, perfect for a meal or drink stop on your way north.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk: Once you arrive, enjoy the ocean views, shops, and entertainment along the boardwalk.
Where to Stay When Traveling Between Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach
If you want to split your time between the quiet charm of Pawleys Island and the excitement of Myrtle Beach, here are some lodging options:
Pawleys Island: Look for cozy beach cottages, small inns, or vacation rentals for a relaxed stay.
Myrtle Beach: Choose from large resorts like Marriott, Hilton, or oceanfront hotels with pools and entertainment.
Murrells Inlet: A good middle ground with waterfront hotels and easy access to both destinations.
Booking early is best, especially in summer or during festivals.
Driving Safety and Road Conditions
The roads between Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach are generally in good condition and safe for all drivers. Here are some points to keep in mind:
Speed limits on US-17 range from 45 to 55 mph.
Watch for pedestrians and cyclists near beach areas.
Be cautious during rainy weather as roads can get slippery.
Use turn signals and follow local traffic laws.
Overall, the drive is easy and well-suited for families, solo travelers, and groups.
Public Transportation and Alternatives
If you don’t want to drive, there are a few alternatives to get between Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach:
Taxi or rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate in the area, but prices can vary.
Local shuttles: Some hotels offer shuttle services between the two locations.
Bike: For the adventurous, biking is possible but requires planning due to distance and traffic.
Public buses are limited, so driving remains the easiest option.
Planning Your Trip: Best Time to Travel
The best time to drive between Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach depends on your travel goals:
Spring and Fall: Mild weather and fewer crowds make driving pleasant.
Summer: Expect more traffic but enjoy beach activities and events.
Winter: Quiet roads and lower hotel rates, though some attractions may be closed.
Check local event calendars to avoid heavy traffic days.
Conclusion
Driving from Pawleys Island to Myrtle Beach is a short and easy trip, covering about 17 miles in roughly 25 to 30 minutes. The main route via U.S. Highway 17 offers a scenic and direct path, with options to take alternate roads if needed. Along the way, you can visit beautiful parks, enjoy fresh seafood, or simply relax on the beach.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, knowing the distance, routes, and travel tips will help you make the most of your journey. Keep an eye on traffic, plan your stops, and enjoy the beautiful South Carolina coast as you travel between these two charming destinations.
FAQs
How long does it take to drive from Pawleys Island to Myrtle Beach?
The drive usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes, covering roughly 17 miles via U.S. Highway 17. Travel time can vary with traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons.
What is the best route to drive from Pawleys Island to Myrtle Beach?
The best route is U.S. Highway 17, also called Ocean Highway. It’s a direct and scenic road connecting both places. SC-707 is an alternate route if you want to avoid traffic.
Are there any interesting stops between Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach?
Yes, you can visit Brookgreen Gardens, Huntington Beach State Park, and Murrells Inlet MarshWalk. These spots offer nature, art, and great food along the way.
Is there public transportation between Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach?
Public transportation is limited. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available, and some hotels offer shuttles. Driving is the easiest way to travel between the two.
What is the best time to drive between Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach?
Spring and fall offer mild weather and less traffic. Summer is busy but great for beach activities. Winter has quieter roads but fewer open attractions.
