Could Pawleys repeat for second year in a row in contest to name ‘Best Beach in South Carolina’?

Will Pawleys Island earn a repeat title as the Palmetto State’s best beach? The only way to help accomplish that is to vote for Pawleys Island once a day on each of your devices in the latest USA Today/10 Best contest!

Pawleys Island came in first place last year in the 2024 USA Today/10 Best contest, with other nearby beaches, Litchfield Beach and Huntington Beach State Park, placing in the top five. Pawleys and the other two local beaches are nominated again this year for the same title.

Click here to vote for Pawleys Island in the 2025 contest. You can vote once per day and on all your devices: desktop and laptop computers, smart phone, tablet, etc.

Aerial view of pawleys island showcasing a beautiful beach and charming houses along the coastline — Pawleys Island is in the running to be named “Best Beach” in South Carolina for the second year in a row. (File photo)

The contest offers the public an opportunity to narrow the initial list of 17 original nominees down to the “10 Best.” Voting began on Monday, April 21, at noon and will run through Monday, May 19, at 11:59 a.m. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, May 28, at noon.

Pawleys Island Town Administrator Daniel Newquist said that he and other town officials are very excited that Pawleys Island is once again in the running for the USAToday Best Beaches in South Carolina contest.
“We all know Pawleys Island is so special and deserves this honor.” he said. “Let’s show our pride for Pawleys Island and secure our standing once again as the best beach in all of South Carolina!”

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, touted as 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 — Pawleys Island won the contest to name South Carolina’s best beach in 2024.

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 Clayton Stairs, tourism manager for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce