Hammock Coast dominates Southern Living list of Most Beautiful Places on SC Coast

Hammock Coast dominates Southern Living list of Most Beautiful Places on SC Coast

Anyone who has visited or lived on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast® knows that it is certainly among the most beautiful places in the world.

Now, Southern Living Magazine has once again confirmed that notion by including four areas of the Hammock Coast – Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, and Georgetown — in its list of “The 8 Most Beautiful Places on the South Carolina Coast”. To read the complete article, click here.

The article, by Symiah Dorsey, notes that the Palmetto State boasts 187 miles of scenic coastline.

“If the beach—or anywhere near the water—is your happy place, you might consider South Carolina as a place to settle down now or one to file away as a potential candidate for retirement one day,” Dorsey wrote. “From North Myrtle Beach on the North Carolina-South Carolina border all the way down to Hilton Head located just a couple clicks from the Georgia coast, each one of South Carolina’s beach towns, barrier islands, and waterfront destinations is more scenic than the last.”

The Hammock Coast is located between Myrtle Beach to the north and Charleston to the south in Historic Georgetown County.

Murrells Inlet

She states in the article that Murrells Inlet, known as the seafood capital of the state, is worth adding to your itinerary when visiting South Carolina.

“Murrells Inlet is a prime destination for fishing, watersports, and sunset viewing,” Dorsey writes. “One of the best ways to experience the inlet is to take a stroll along the MarshWalk, a half-mile boardwalk along its saltwater estuary. Head there for a divine waterfront dinner soundtracked by the swells of live music.”

Murrells Inlet is home to world-famous Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park that sits on a stunning, pristine portion of Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Accommodations offered in Murrells Inlet include a Hampton Inn and the charming Brookwood Inn, a classic motor lodge that opened in the 1950s and is now on the National Historic Register.

Pawleys Island and Litchfield beaches

Pawleys Island and Litchfield, two neighboring beaches, are highlighted as where to go “for one peaceful getaway.”

“Pawleys Island is less than four miles long, but make no mistake, it has plenty to offer,” Dorsey wrote. “As one of the oldest seaside resorts on the East Coast, Pawleys Island is rich with historical charm and timeless beauty.”

She also writes that the island’s calm atmosphere and 25 mile-per-hour speed limit make it a popular spot for family outings.

Pawleys is the oldest seaside resort in the nation and was recently named as the Best Beach in South Carolina by USA Today/10 Best.

The Southern Living article also takes note of Pawleys’ neighbor to the north, Litchfield Beach, which ranked fourth in the USA Today’s best South Carolina beach ranking.

“Less than three miles up the road, Litchfield Beach compliments the old-world charm of Pawleys Island with modern comforts,” Southern Living boasted. “Here you find tennis, golf, and uninterrupted peace and quiet.”

Litchfield Beach has been named one of the Top 10 beaches in America by Tripadvisor, based on its overwhelming five-star ratings from vacationers.

Accommodations in Pawleys range from myriad vacation rental properties to two historic inns, the Sea View Inn and The Pelican Inn. In Litchfield, accommodations are primarily vacation rental based, but also include The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn, the Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort and hotels such as the Hampton Inn.

Georgetown

Dorsey describes Georgetown, the third oldest city in South Carolina, as a “slice of Southern heaven” and “something out of a storybook”.

It’s long been a favorite of Southern Living, which has added it to many best-of lists over the years.

“Georgetown’s streets are lined with towering oak trees, 200-year-old-homes, and gorgeous historic properties,” Dorsey wrote.

She also describes Georgetown’s Historic Downtown District as the heart of the city and “cozied up beside the Sampit River.”

“You will find many lively and colorful shops on downtown’s Front Street, which is just a few steps away from the Harborwalk,” Dorsey wrote. “Thanks to stunning sunsets and scenic river views, a stroll along this boardwalk will have you feeling like the main character in your very own fairytale.”

Georgetown offers lots of superb vacation accommodations including bed and breakfasts such as Baxter’s Brewhouse Inn, where Baxter’s own craft bear is served up to guests, and 620 Prince, a charming destination in one of the district’s historic homes. Hotels are aplenty, too, including a Hampton Inn overlooking the waterfront and a new Front Street hotel, appropriately named The George.

Other areas along South Carolina’s coast on the Southern Living list were areas in Beaufort, Horry, and Charleston counties.

About the Hammock Coast

South Carolina’s Hammock Coast is one of the Palmetto State’s top tourist destinations. Generations of visitors have made Georgetown County their preferred vacation spot. Buoyed by its large selection of vacation rental condos and homes and wide-open, pristine beaches, Hammock Coast beaches routinely make the best-of lists from various media outlets. In fact, Pawleys Island was recently named South Carolina’s Best Beach by USA Today/10 Best. In addition to the beaches, people are drawn to the Hammock Coast for its nature-centric pastimes such as fishing, boating, kayaking, birding and more. Attractions such as Hopsewee Plantation, Hobcaw Barony, Brookgreen Gardens, Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park and historic Georgetown with its five museums also offer popular must-do activities for visitors of all ages.

By Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce and South Carolina’s Hammock Coast®