For decades, Litchfield Beach has been the top spot for visitors who want to sink their toes in the sand on Pawleys Island. A mix of rental properties and family homes bring a mix of tourists and full-time residents to the shore. The community, which takes its name from the Litchfield rice plantation, began developing into a beach resort in the 1950s and 1960s. Since then, the strip of coastline has become one of the most popular beaches in the country. In 2020, Litchfield Beach was featured on TripAdvisor’s list of top 10 beaches in the U.S. There’s also easy access to seafood restaurants, family-friendly attractions and nearly a dozen golf courses. Anyone looking for a piece of Litchfield Beach property will have many options between the gated condo complexes and clusters of beach houses in a variety of sizes. “Litchfield offers tranquility that other beach areas often lack,” says Doug Henderson, a Pawleys Island native and Realtor at Heritage Coast Realty. “It's a slower-paced way of life that emphasizes the natural setting and all that it has to offer rather than a focus on commercialization.”
Oceanfront homes with double porches and beach access are popular in Litchfield Beach.
Litchfield Beach residents love to relax on the beach in Murrells Inlet.
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Family homes in North Litchfield and condos at Litchfield by the Sea
Litchfield Beach is divided into three areas that cater to different lifestyles. North and South Litchfield have multiple beach homes used as full-time residences. “North Litchfield is the most residential beach community in town,” says Jay Nelson, a Pawleys Island native and a sales executive with the Litchfield Company. “When you get off the beachfront, it’s almost all full-timers, which is cool because most other beach communities are rentals, but here people live there 365.” Beachfront homes with balconies, private boat slips and brightly colored exteriors start at $800,000 and can reach up to $3 million. Smaller beach homes range from $400,000 to $800,000, and bungalows and cottages farther from the water cost between $250,000 to $400,000. Coastal flooding is common, so houses by the beach are usually built up or have additional defenses like storm doors. The gated Litchfield by the Sea community is sandwiched between North and South Litchfield and mainly consists of condos and townhouses. These units typically range from $200,000 to $500,000, and monthly HOA fees vary from $500 to $1,000, depending on the building. All of Litchfield Beach has a CAP Index Crime Score of 3, just below the national average score of 4.
Colorful townhomes in Litchfield Beach offer low‑maintenance living from $200k to $500k.
Litchfield Beach features elevated, modern homes, with prices from $400k to $3M.
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Public and private access along Litchfield Beach
On any given day, locals can hunt for crabs or cast a line along Litchfield Beach’s miles of coastline. While most of the beach is open to the public, Litchfield by the Sea residents enjoy private beach access. The gated community also has its own private amenities, including a mini waterpark and private fishing pier. Golfers will never have to go far for tee time thanks to the island’s many courses, including Litchfield Country Club, River Club and Tradition Club, all within about 5 miles of Litchfield Beach. The northern side of Litchfield Beach borders Huntington Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens, which each draw in hundreds of visitors every year. Huntington Beach State Park centers around 3 miles of beachfront hiking trails, while Brookgreen Gardens is famous for having the country’s largest collection of American sculptures.
Litchfield Beach locals enjoy quiet dog walks along the water’s edge.
Litchfield Beach golfers tee off with friends at Litchfield Country Club in Pawleys Island.
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Beach day breakfast at Litchfield Restaurant
Most of the island’s best restaurants and shops surround the busy Ocean Highway, next to Litchfield. Just a mile off the beach, Litchfield Restaurant has been a favorite place to get breakfast before a day on the shore since it opened in 1968. Hanser House offers fresh seafood, hearty sandwiches and soup made from the owner’s family recipes. Perrone’s Restaurant and Bar has more upscale offerings, with a menu of dry-aged steak, caviar and oysters. Retail options on Ocean Highway include supermarkets like Food Lion and boutique stores like Hammock Shops Village, which sells everything from fine jewelry and candles to homemade dog treats and Southern pecans.
Litchfield Restaurant has served hearty breakfasts near Litchfield Beach since 1968.
The Hammock Shops near Litchfield Beach are a go-to for home goods, gifts, and décor.
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Ocean Highway leads to Myrtle Beach and Georgetown
Pawleys Island has a long tourist season, so there are extra cars on the road nearly every month of the year. “Growing up, we always said that Memorial Day to Labor Day was the tourist season, and now our season has broadened,” Nelson says. “Now people stay at Litchfield by the sea during Christmas, and a lot of other people have learned that October is some of the best weather you get here. Our other quiet months are in January and February.” Litchfield is 12 miles from Georgetown and 28 miles from Myrtle Beach, giving locals access to the best of both waterside cities. Georgetown and Myrtle Beach can be reached by a drive on Ocean Highway – also called Route 17 – or on Coast RTA’s daily bus route. These cities offer additional shopping, dining and some essentials. Georgetown Airport has a small regional airport for recreational pilots, while Myrtle Beach International Airport is the largest local commercial airport. Many houses of worship are right on the island, including the Pawleys Island Chapel, which has been in its seaside location on Myrtle Avenue since 1947.
Top-rated athletics at Waccamaw High School
Niche gives Waccamaw Elementary an A-minus grade, and named it the best public elementary school in Georgetown County. Waccamaw Intermediate School, Waccamaw Middle School and Waccamaw High School all earn B-plus grades from Niche and are some of the best-rated schools in the Georgetown County School District. Waccamaw High is in the top 10 high schools in the Myrtle Beach metro. The high school’s high rating is in part thanks to its decorated athletic programs in football, soccer and tennis. Coastal Carolina University is one of the largest regional colleges, just outside of Myrtle Beach, and the University of South Carolina and Clemson University both have research institutions on Pawleys Island.
Waccamaw High serves grades 9–12 and excels in athletics near Litchfield Beach.
Waccamaw Elementary serves Litchfield Beach and earns a strong A‑minus Niche grade.
Waccamaw Intermediate serves Litchfield Beach grades 4–6 with a B‑plus Niche rating.
Waccamaw Middle serves Litchfield Beach grades 7–8 and holds a B‑plus from Niche.
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Photography Contributed By
Jon Puckett
Video By
Dan Mack
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Beautiful and spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom END UNIT townhouse for sale in the desirable Pawleys Place community. This unit has a living room, a dining area, kitchen, laundry and Master Bedroom and full Bath on the first floor.The community has a pool and is minutes away from restaurants, shopping, golf and the beach. HOA fee covers all exterior maintenance and repairs along with landscape
*OPEN HOUSE FRIDAY, MARCH 20th 2PM-5PM* 49 Schooner Ct. in Waccamaw Trace at North Litchfield Beach invites you to live the coastal lifestyle fully furnished, move-in ready, and beautifully refreshed throughout. Unpack your bags, settle in, and start enjoying beach life from day one. Start your mornings on the front porch, coffee in hand, as the sun rises over the marsh. End your evenings there
Sistare Southern Properties TeamKeller Williams Innovate South
NO HOA, LARGE .69 ACRE LOT, FULLY RENOVATED ---- Completely reimagined and move-in ready, this beautifully renovated 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home sits in the sought-after Litchfield Country Club community with no HOA. The open floor plan features two private primary suites, spacious living areas, and two fireplaces for added warmth and character. Nearly everything is brand new including roof, siding,
Beautiful and spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom END UNIT townhouse for sale in the desirable Pawleys Place community. This unit has a living room, a dining area, kitchen, laundry and Master Bedroom and full Bath on the first floor.The community has a pool and is minutes away from restaurants, shopping, golf and the beach. HOA fee covers all exterior maintenance and repairs along with landscape
This Direct Oceanfront Villa Boasts a superior 4th Floor Location and commands Spectacular Beach Views. Professionally decorated and updated, to include a Fully-Remodeled Kitchen, NEW Cabinetry, Stainless Steel Appliances, Dishwasher, Quartz Countertops, Fully Tiled Shower Bath, and LVT Flooring throughout. The Casual Beach Decor offers a King Bed Master Bedroom and Comfortable Living Space to
Welcome to this beautifully renovated Marsh Heron villa located inside the coveted, guard-gated oceanfront resort community of Litchfield by the Sea in Pawleys Island. This desirable second-row villa offers ocean views and exceptional updates throughout. This 2-bedroom villa features a small private office off the owner’s suite, perfect for remote work or a quiet retreat. The thoughtfully
Located in Pawleys Island, just 0.9 miles from the beach, this end-unit townhouse offers an ideal coastal layout with the primary bedroom on the first floor and a thoughtful mix of upgrades throughout. The entry level features LVP flooring in the main living areas, while the kitchen is finished with upgraded appliances, enhanced countertops, and a modern backsplash, creating a polished and
Nestled in the sought-after Salt Marsh Cove community in South Litchfield, this inviting second-floor condo offers a serene coastal retreat with a relaxed, beachy vibe. Enjoy fresh air and marsh breezes from your private balcony, perfect for unwinding after a day at the beach. Inside, this move-in-ready home features an open and airy floor plan filled with natural light, along with two spacious
Discover a rare 1.16-acre residential lot on Petigru Drive in the heart of Pawleys Island. With water and sewer already tapped in and duplex plans available, this property offers a valuable head start for your next building project. With generous dimensions of approximately 104' x 421' x 105' x 418', this deep homesite provides exceptional space and flexibility—ideal for a duplex, single-family
Enjoy coastal living in this beautifully updated and fully furnished 2-bedroom condo in the heart of Pawleys Island. This move-in-ready home greets you with a bright, contemporary kitchen complete with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and modern cabinetry. Stylish LVP flooring runs throughout, and the updated Jack-and-Jill bathroom adds both comfort and convenience. Located on the
Basic 2 bedroom condo with 2 vanities-commodes sharing the same tub-shower combo in between them. Galley kitchen with a pass through to the dining area. This is the only building located on a hill in Salt Marsh Cove, which is in a flood zone. Unit is on the first floor with parking directly in front and is next to the community pool. Newer vinyl plank flooring is the start of your renovation
Experience oceanfront living at the charming Litchfield Inn, where coastal beauty meets casual comfort. This rare opportunity places you just steps from the pristine sands of Litchfield Beach - one of the most sought-after stretches of shoreline along the South Carolina coast. This condo offers the perfect blend of relaxation and convenience. Spend your days lounging by one of the two sparkling
Take a tour in Marshland Park where you will find 39 Lazy Hammock Trail. A spacious Raised Beach Custom Home with 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. This home is loaded with upgrades from the custom cabinetry, appliances, tile throughout the bathrooms, lighting fixtures and more. Plus let's not forget the outdoor space that is offered 3 different areas to enjoy, whether to sip on your morning coffee or
Tucked beneath a canopy of majestic oaks and nestled behind the wrought iron gates of Oak Lea, this charming one story three bedroom, two bath Low Country home is a rare gem waiting to be discovered. Located east of Highway 17 in a private, exclusive enclave of just30 homes, opportunities to purchase in this hidden community are few and far between. This home is a true blank canvas- ready for you
Looking for a slice of Pawleys Island tranquility? This beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a spacious half-acre lot and offers peaceful coastal living just minutes from the beach and the area’s award-winning restaurants. Inside, the home features an easy, open floor plan ideal for entertaining. The newly renovated kitchen is perfect for cooking and gathering, while the bright
FRESHLY PAINTED and FREE RENT!? If you sign a 24 month lease by March 31st, your 24th month will be FREE! The community is surrounded by multiple world class golf courses, great local cuisine options, and a variety of entertainment. A short walk to Tidelands HealthPoint Center for Health and Fitness. The surrounding communities and attractions of Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach make Wimbledon
FRESHLY PAINTED and FREE RENT!? If you sign a 24 month lease by the end of March 2026, your 24th month will be FREE! The community is surrounded by multiple world class golf courses, great local cuisine options, and a variety of entertainment. A short walk to Tidelands HealthPoint Center for Health and Fitness. The surrounding communities and attractions of Pawleys Island and Litchfield make
Seize your chance to live in one of the premier apartment communities in Pawleys Island, SC. Picture coming home every day to the warm embrace of meticulous landscaping, comfortable homes, and thoughtful amenities tailored to enhance your life. Located in Litchfield Beach, Pawleys Island, with easy access to Coastal HWY 17 and Transit Bus Lines, Litchfield Oaks Apartments is just minutes away
Looking for a spacious home with exceptional views? This is the one! Discover coastal living at its finest in this spacious single-level home located in the desirable gated community of Willbrook Plantation, Litchfield Beach, SC. This expansive 3BR/2.5BA/2-Car Garage home offers comfort, privacy, and plenty of room to live and entertain. With nearly 3,000 square feet of heated living space and
The advertised rate of $6,993/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 22, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
2 bedroom/ 2 bathroom condo plus a bonus room, and a screened porch overlooking the golf course in the gated community of The River Club. Pool on premises, plus access to the beach in Litchfield By The Sea. Fully furnished, pots, pans, etc. Bed sizes: 1 King, 2 Doubles. Flooring is Luxury Vinyl Plank, and carpet in the bedrooms. No smoking.
The advertised rate of $18,275/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of March 15, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Ground Lease: 1.09 acre outparcel to Pawleys Island Plaza (Publix, TJ Maxx, Petco, Ulta, Rack Room Shoes, etc.), the premier shopping center in the Pawleys Island trade area with over 1.6 million visits per year. GC Zoning. Site is located adjacent to Publix behind CVS with a view corridor from Ocean Hwy/Hwy 17 between Bank of America and CVS. Conceptual site on file for 5,075 SF building
The advertised rate of $12,510/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 6, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
The advertised rate of $29,445/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of March 21, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $9,576/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 22, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
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