Take a Journey Into the Past at These 6 Historical Attractions Near Pawleys Island

Millions of people visit the Pawleys Island area each year for vacations — and it’s a safe bet that the vast majority of those vacationers are beach lovers. But especially on the South Strand, there are plenty of good reasons for history buffs to visit, too, as the area is loaded with historical landmarks and attractions.

If you and your getaway crew are interested in taking a trek through time on your next beach visit — and to Litchfield Beach, Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet and Georgetown in particular — consider checking out these six area attractions that offer a fascinating peek into the past:

1. Pawleys Island Historic District

A national historic district found along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline in Pawleys Island, the Pawleys Island Historic District encompasses 10-plus buildings dating back as far as 1780 — most of which served as the summer retreats of historical wealthy families.

2. Atalaya Castle

 Found in Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, Atalaya Castle served as the winter home of industrialist/philanthropist/scholar Archer M. Huntington and his wife, sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington. Designed in the Moorish Revival and Mediterranean Revival architectural styles and built in the early 1930s, the structure is on the National Register of Historic Places.

3. Brookgreen Gardens

Located just across Highway 17 from Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens is home to a sprawling set of botanical/sculpture gardens featuring more than 2,000 artworks from 400-plus artists. Now on a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the attraction sits on land that was once a working plantation.

ATALAYA CASTLE (87)

4. Hopsewee Plantation

Boasting a former plantation home dating back to 1735, Hopsewee Plantation once served as a rice plantation and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1971. Located about 20 miles south of Georgetown, the attraction’s biggest claim to historical fame is that it is the birthplace of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Lynch Jr.

5. The Gullah Museum

 Found in historic Georgetown, the Gullah Museum offers a peek into the arts, life, and culture of the African-American Gullah Geechee people. The culture can be particularly unique and interesting, as the Gullah people were able to preserve much of their African heritage, largely as a result of their relative isolation from other cultural influences while working on large, rural plantations during the days of slavery.

6. The Kaminski House Museum

One of the many pre-Revolutionary war structures found in the Georgetown area, the Kaminski House is an antebellum home that was originally built by a successful colonial merchant named Paul Trapier (once known as the “King of Georgetown”) and was later owned by many prominent Georgetown residents. The home considered a great representation of the Georgian style architecture that was popular in the area in the mid-18th century, is now filled with an impressive collection of antiques and offers a peek into what life was like in the area when it was first settled.

The list above, of course, is not an exhaustive one. Other history-rich attractions on the South Strand include Hobcaw Barony, the Rice Museum, the Prince George Winyah Parish Church and many more. Make your plans for a history-focused getaway to the South Strand to explore them all!

 

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Have A Comfortable Stay at The Litchfield Inn

With a range of room and villa options and a picturesque location just steps from the Atlantic Ocean shoreline in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn is the perfect place to stay while making memories on the Grand Strand. Check out our availability now — and start planning your next beach escape today!

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