Metal Detecting at Pawleys Island
Georgetown County · Grand Strand · Town beach
Last verified:
The rules
The Town of Pawleys Island's beach rules do not ban metal detecting; they require you to fill any manmade holes (a sea-turtle and pedestrian hazard) and prohibit motorized vehicles, overnight property and camping on the beach. Detect the public wet sand and beach accesses - stay off the private dunes and don't cross onto private oceanfront lots. Dogs must be leashed May 1-Sept 30.
Permit: Not required
📞 Call ahead: 843-237-1698 (confirm the current rule before you go)
Why detect here
One of the oldest resort beaches on the East Coast - a narrow island of old cottages; public accesses and the foreshore hold coins and jewelry.
Beach detecting here? You want a saltwater-capable machine and a long-handled sand scoop. The Nokta Legend 2 is the best value that handles wet salt sand. See the Nokta Legend 2 →
More spots nearby: Grand Strand (Myrtle Beach) · See the full South Carolina metal detecting laws · federal rules · which detector to buy
Source: Town of Pawleys Island - Beach Rules. Verify against the managing authority before detecting.