logo ×

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

American Flag with Pawleys Island Beach in the background

How to Enjoy July 4th in Pawleys Island

Spending the week of July 4th at the beach has been a tradition many families have held for generations! If you will be enjoying this popular week along our beautiful shores, here is our guide to an amazing July 4th in Pawleys Island. If you are looking for a place to stay, join Peace Vacations for a wonderful vacation.

1. Enjoy a Beach Day and Salute from the Shore!

While you are swimming in the ocean, and enjoying the beautiful Pawleys Island beach – keep an eye out for Salute from the Shore. You can enjoy a parade in the sky and watch old and new military planes fly down the South Carolina shore to celebrate Independence Day.

2. Fireworks

Fireworks are a classic July 4th tradition many families share. When your near Pawleys Island, you can watch an amazing firework show in Murrells Inlet! Join the community at the 4th of July on the MarshWalk festival. Before the fireworks start, enjoy a patriotic boat parade starting at 6pm. Many Hammock Coast locals and visitors alike enjoy this July 4th tradition.

3. Pawleys Island 4th of July Parade!

Each year, the locals of Pawleys Island enjoy Independence Day with a parade on the Island! This is a fun and wonderful event the family will enjoy – do not forget your patriotic decorations. You can sit back and enjoy the parade or participate. Learn more: Pawleys Island July 4th Parade

In addition to these events, do not forget to enjoy time with loved ones! Relax, have a cookout, watch some fireworks, and have an amazing day celebrating the United States of America!

Visit our website to learn more.

Loggerhead sea turtle hatchling moving towards the waves

5 Things to Know About Sea Turtle Nests in South Carolina

Along the Waccamaw Neck: Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beaches, Pawleys Island, and Georgetown, South Carolina. One of the many delights the beautiful beaches of the South Carolina offer are the sea turtles! Sea turtle nests in South Carolina are a special part of our local communities. If you ever get the chance to encounter these amazing creatures along our shores whether you see adult or hatchlings, here are some important things to remember.

 

orange protective sign indicating loggerhead sea turtle nest in South Carolina

1. When is South Carolina’s Nesting Season?

As vacationers flock to the sun-kissed shores of South Carolina, another group of travelers makes its annual journey to our coastal haven: sea turtles. With the arrival of warmer weather, these creatures embark on their nesting pilgrimage. Sea turtle nesting season in South Carolina spans from May to October. While nesting activity begins in May, it reaches its pinnacle between June and August, offering enthusiasts the best chance to witness this remarkable spectacle.

 

hatchling loggerhead seat urtle in the shallow waves of the ocean

2. What species of sea turtles nest in South Carolina?

There are seven species of sea turtles you may see in the waters of South Carolina. Adult or juvenile sea turtle species you can see include Loggerhead, Leatherback, Green, Olive Ridley, Kemp’s Ridley, Hawksbill, and Flatback sea turtles. By far, the most common sea turtle nest found in South Carolina are Loggerheads! Green sea turtle nests can also be found along the beaches of South Carolina.

 

Pawleys Island beach at dusk

3. Lights Out: Why minimizing artificial lights along the shore is important.

To protect the success of sea turtle nests in South Carolina, dimming beach lights during nesting season is crucial for guiding the hatchlings safely to the ocean. These turtles rely on natural light cues to navigate their journey, but artificial lights can disrupt their behavior and lead them astray, endangering their survival. By minimizing the artificial light we shine on the beach, we help promote the successful migration of sea turtle hatchlings from nest to sea. Bright lights along the beach will also prevent female sea turtles from laying their eggs, sending them to search for alternative areas.

 

Four hatchling loggerhead sea turtles on the beach of South Carolina

4. How many sea turtle hatchlings are in a nest?

Loggerhead sea turtle nests in South Carolina are the most prevalent species in the region. When these magnificent creatures come ashore to lay eggs, they craft nests around 18 inches deep, typically nestled in the soft sands near the dunes and above the high tide line for protection. Each nest contains approximately 120 eggs, and after incubating for about 60 days, the hatchlings emerge at night, commencing their remarkable journey into the ocean. Loggerhead sea turtles live around 70 – 80 years! Read more about the lifecycle of the loggerhead sea turtle!

 

Protected sea turtle nest in South Carolina

5. S.C.U.T.E: South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts

Discover the coastal chapters of S.C.U.T.E. (South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts), a remarkable organization comprising dedicated volunteers committed to safeguarding the nesting sea turtles of South Carolina. Their mission involves preserving turtle habitats, shielding eggs from predators, and vigilant nest monitoring. Their efforts yield invaluable resources, including hatchling counts and public education initiatives aimed at raising awareness about these fascinating creatures. Peace Vacations proudly serves as the corporate sponsor of DeBordieu-Prince George-Hobcaw S.C.U.T.E.

Stay up to date with Pawleys Island’s chapter of S.C.U.T.E, and attend a public inventory to learn more about these nests!