What To Do In Georgetown, SC?
What To Do In Georgetown, South Carolina? A lot of stuff! We have a list of 45 things you must see, do, visit and experience. Check out our top picks below.
Often called “Little Charleston,” Georgetown is home to more than 50 historic homes in and around its downtown district, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. All are within an easy stroll of the Harbor Walk, where visitors discover delightful shops and award winning restaurants.
In 2018, USA Today named Georgetown “America’s Best Coastal Small Town,” saying it’s “what Charleston used to be, 200-year-old homes, scenic plantations, lots of Southern charm, and none of the crowds.” Georgetown can even boast more 200-year-old homes than Charleston!
Located on Winyah Bay at the confluence of the Black, Great Pee Dee, Waccamaw, and Sampit Rivers, Georgetown is the second largest seaport in South Carolina and was once the commercial center of an indigo and rice-producing area. It gained additional fame in recent years as the birthplace of Fraser Robinson, the grandfather of former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Georgetown’s Rich History
During the American Revolution, Thomas Lynch Sr. and Thomas Lynch Jr, father and son Georgetown planters, signed the Declaration of Independence. In the final years of the conflict, Georgetown was an important port for supplying Gen. Nathaniel Greene’s army. Francis Marion, better known as the “Swamp Fox,” led many guerilla actions in the vicinity.
Following the American Revolution, rice surpassed indigo as the staple crop and large rice plantations were established around Georgetown along its five rivers. Rice was cultivated in the swampy lowlands along the rivers, where enslaved labor built large earthworks, including dams, gates, and canals to irrigate and drain the rice fields during cultivation.
Those unique American history stories including the travails of slavery are recounted daily in Georgetown. In fact, land, river, and harbor tours feature hosts who cherish the opportunity to detail Georgetown’s rich history and to point out sites such as former rice fields and the historic Georgetown Lighthouse, which has been a beacon to countless visitors for generations. There are even ghost tours to intrigue visitors….don’t worry, they’re not too scary.
Experiencing Georgetown
Picturesque views and Southern charm await visitors to Georgetown where history and hospitality are found in abundance.
Georgetown is located about an hour’s drive north of Charleston and about 40 minutes south of Myrtle Beach. Both cities boast airports with international and direct flights.
To enhance your visit to Georgetown, South Carolina, we’ve completed a list of 45 activities from museums, tours, shopping and dining. If you’re coming soon, you’ll definitely not run out of things to do.
Museums
Learn about Local History at the Georgetown County Museum
This museum features comprehensive collections for visitors to learn all about Georgetown’s captivating history from hunting, fishing, to plantations, slavery, Native Americans, the 20th century, and more. There is no cost to visit or take a guided tour but donations are very much welcome; there is a donation box located next to the visitors’ logbook.
Georgetown County Museum
120 Broad Street
Georgetown, SC 19440
(843) 545-7020
https://www.georgetowncountymuseum.com
Delve into the City’s Rice Cultivation History at the Rice Museum
The Rice Museum was constructed in 1842 and was originally used as a jail. When the jail closed the building was converted into a local history museum. The museum’s exhibits include historical artifacts, documents, and photographs that tell how rice cultivation changed over time.
Price: Adults $7, Seniors 5, Students $3, Children $3
Rice Museum
633 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 546-7423
https://www.ricemuseum.org
Find Out about the Area’s Maritime History at South Carolina Maritime Museum
Navigate through all things maritime in this museum that features photographs, videos, documents, artifacts, and interactive exhibits, including one with the Fresnel lens of the old North Island lighthouse.
Price: Free admission, donations appreciated.
South Carolina Maritime Museum
729 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 520-0111
https://scmaritimemuseum.org
Take a Tour at the Kaminski House Museum
The Kaminski House Museum is the only existing example of the Georgian homes of the early 18th century in Georgetown, South Carolina. This gorgeous home on the banks of the Sampit River dates back to 1769 and boasts rooms of English and American antiques and relics that date back to that era. Concerts on the lawn are often scheduled and it is a popular wedding venue.
Price: Adults $12, Seniors $10, Children 7-17, $6.
Kaminski House Museum
1003 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 546-7706
http://www.kaminskimuseum.org/
Visit the Stewart Parker House
At the same location as the Kaminski House Museum is where you’ll have the opportunity to tour this brick home built in the 1740s. It is known that George Washington was entertained in this residence. Use the Kaminski House information provided above.
Engross Yourself in Gullah/Geechee History at the Gullah Museum
It’s here that you will learn all about the Gullah/Geechee heritage and their significant role in the rice culture, along with the development of cattle and indigo in the Lowcountry. The unique group of African Americans along the coast also created their own Creole language.
By Appointment Only
The Gullah Museum
123 King Street, Unit 6
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 527-1851
http://www.gullahmuseumsc.com
Plantations, Nature, and More
Ramble Inside and Outside at the Hopsewee Plantation
Hopsewee Plantation was built in 1740 and is surrounded by thick cypress trees covered in Spanish moss. This former rice plantation was the dwelling place of many prominent local families. They have an informative tour focusing on the enslaved African experiences on this plantation. The plantation also has a small restaurant that serves traditional Southern dishes. They also conduct sweetgrass basket making workshops.
Hopsewee Plantation
494 Hopsewee Road
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 546-7891
https://hopsewee.com
Tour the Rice Fields at Mansfield Plantation
A well-preserved antebellum rice plantation on the Black River. Considered one of the best bed and breakfast destinations in America. If time doesn’t permit an overnight stay, join a group guided tour to explore the plantation grounds (nearly 1,000 acres) and plantation home instead.
Mansfield Plantation
1776 Mansfield Road
Georgetown, SC 29440
(866) 717-1776
https://mansfieldplantation.com
See, Hear & Explore Hobcaw Barony
Hobcaw Barony is an eccentric home with a penchant for the historical. Belle Wilcox Baruch, wife of Bernard Baruch (American financier and statesman), built it and now the property is dedicated to research and education. The grounds feature over 16,000 acres where bikers/hikers can explore a one-of-kind ecosystem full of plants and interesting wildlife. Hobcaw Barony also includes several cultural sites such as family cemeteries and slave cabins. (The lands contained many plantations. Bernard Baruch purchased it many years later.) You can go inside the house which once hosted many notable visitors such as Winston Churchill.
Sign up for a 2 hour tour with the knowledgeable naturalist driving a minibus and the guide in the Hobcaw house who are both very informative about the grounds and home.
Price: 2 hour guided tour – $25 per person
Hobcaw Barony
22 Hobcaw Road
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 546-4623
https://hobcawbarony.org
Wind Down in Nature at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center
Appreciate the 24,000 acres of managed wetlands, upland longleaf pine forests, and more at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center. It is home to hundreds of species of wildlife and is a habitat for migratory birds, eagles, alligators, and other endangered species. The beaches are considered excellent nesting places for the threatened loggerhead sea turtle.
Guided tours are available by reservation. Tours are often booked months in advance.
The tours are not wheelchair accessible and there are no public facilities. You should bring your own water and insect repellant.
Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center
1 Yawkey Way South
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 546-6814
https://discoversouthcarolina.com/articles/see-coastal-landscape-and-habitat-at-tom-yawkey-wildlife-center
Visit the Georgetown Lighthouse
Located on North Island near the entrance to Winyah Bay, the original tower is one of two built in the late 1790s. Destroyed by a hurricane in 1806, it was rebuilt in 1812 of white washed brick. The current tower is 85 feet high with 124 steps leading to the tower. The building is not open to the public. It is accessible only by boat. Two Georgetown companies offer tours which take visitors out to the island: Rovers Tours (843) 546-8822 and Cap’n Rod’s Plantation Tours (843) 477-0287.
Say a Prayer At Prince George Winyah Church
Prince George Winyah Parish, among the oldest parishes in South Carolina, was founded in 1721. The church building, built in 1750, features a handsome gable, one of only two remaining in South Carolina. It was occupied by British troops during the Revolutionary War, at which time the interior was badly burned. It was restored and a tower and a chancel were added in 1824. The church cemetery is surrounded by a wall of molded handsome brick. It is listed in the National Register.
Self guided tours M-F, 1pm-3pm. Offering welcome.
Prince George Winyah Episcopal Church
300 Broad Street
Georgetown,SC 29440
(843) 546-4358
https://www.pgwinyah.com
Explore the Historical Battery White
Learn something about local history as you set foot in this historical battlement that was named by Confederate troops during the Civil War. Enjoy the scenery and the beautiful walking path (filled with Azaleas in the spring.) Read the historical marker and examine the cannon.
Historic Battery White is located within Belle Isle Villas & Yacht Club, a private gated community. Residents welcome visitors to Battery White. To ensure that you are able to enter the community you must comply with a few simple rules, go to http://www.belleislesc.com/visiting-battery-white or call (843) 244-5106.
Play a Round of Golf At the Wedgefield Country Club
Situated along the winding banks of the Black River, this golf course is full of scenery and charm. The natural scenery of magnolia trees, azaleas, dogwoods, and century-old oaks draped in Spanish Moss is spectacular. There is an abundance of wildlife including deer, water fowl, bald eagles, and turtles. Challenging course with restaurant and bar. Open to the public.
Wedgefield Country Club
129 Club House Lane
Georgetown, SC 29940
(843) 546-8587
https://www.wedgefieldcountryclub.com
Find Peace In Morgan Park
Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Morgan Park, a hidden area that can only be accessed on foot or bicycle. The short boardwalk and trails will lead you through woods to some stunning views of the Sampit River and Winyah Bay.
Morgan Park
East Bay Street
Georgetown, SC 29940
Challenge Your Muscles on an Outdoor Fitness Station in East Bay Park
The largest park with the most amenities in Georgetown, SC, is East Bay Park. Located on a peninsula and offering fantastic views of the Great Pee Dee and Sampit Rivers. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy ball fields, tennis courts, walking past, disc golf course, five outdoor fitness stations and an indoor rec center with a basketball court.
East Bay Park
515 East Bay Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
Watch a Live Music Performance at Francis Marion Park
For people who prefer a small outdoor park in the heart of Georgetown with access to the Harborwalk boardwalk overlooking the waterfront, Frances Marion Park is for you. This park is front and center for action during parades, festivals, and music concerts held on Front Street, including the popular Music in the Park concert series. Check the music in the Park Series website to see the schedule of events.
Francis Marion Park
750 Front Street
Georgetown,SC 29440
Meander Along the Harborwalk Marina
Take a relaxing afternoon walk down the Harborwalk Marina while your eyes take in the exquisite views of the river and boats bobbing on the water. You are only a boardwalk away from Georgetown’s historic district, great food, and shopping.
Harborwalk Marina
525 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 546-4250
http://harborwalkmarina.com/
Take in a Broadway-quality Show at the Strand Theatre
The Swamp Fox Players, a non profit volunteer community organization, puts on live performances four times each season at the Strand Theatre in Georgetown.
Strand Theatre
710 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 527-2924
https://www.swampfoxplayers.com/
Tours
Take a Ride With Front Street Pedal
Front Street Pedal offers a variety of tours exploring historic Georgetown and the waterfront. A local guide will give you an insider’s perspective where the locals go to eat, shop and play.
Front Street Pedal
835 Front Street, Unit C
Georgetown, SC 29440
(678) 231-3608
http://frontstreetpedal.com
Ride a Tram With Swamp Fox Tours
Embark on an adventure aboard a blue and white tram and hear history spanning 300 years (and a ghost story or two). Tour guides have an intimate knowledge of Georgetown’s history and they will even point out places where you can go later for lunch and dinner.
Swamp Fox Tours
814 Front Street
Georgetown, SC
(843) 527- 1112
https://www.bienvenuehomesc.com/swamp-fox-tours
Take a Water Journey With Rover Boat Tours
Collect sea shells, see dolphins in their natural habitat, and view the Georgetown lighthouse all while enjoying a tour on a modern 40-foot pontoon boat. The naturalist-guided tour enables you to listen, watch and learn about the nature and history of one of America’s oldest settled areas, a place where history lives in harmony with the natural world.
Price: Adults $35, Children 11 years and under and under 90 lbs $25
River Boat Tours
735 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 546-8822
https://www.roverboattours.com
Step Back in Time With a Cruise Aboard Cap’n Rod’s Lowcountry Plantation Tours
Pontoon boats tour on the beautiful rivers and creeks of the lowcountry.
Cap’n Rod’s Lowcountry Plantation Tours
705B Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29442
(843) 477-0287
https://lowcountrytours.com
Join a Night Walking Tour of Georgetown’s Historic District
Walk and have a spooky night tour in the centuries-old streets of Georgetown while learning the history of the buildings and famous landmarks around the historic district. Join the lantern-led walking tour that departs every Friday evening at dusk to have a memorable ghost hunting experience. Wear comfortable shoes and ready your camera….you never know what might happen along the way.
Price: $20 per adult (ages 13 and up) $10 ages 8-12. Reservations Only.
Ghost of Georgetown Walking Tour
2208 Violet Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 543-5777
http://www.ghostsofgeorgetown.com
Food and Drink
Wake Up and Smell the Coffee at Coffee Break Cafe
A warm and cozy coffee cafe that serves homemade baked goods, delicious breakfast combinations, and sandwiches for lunch.
Coffee Break Cafe
716 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 546-7202
Pick Up a Tasty Treat at the Indigo Bakery
Scrumptious cakes, cookies, quiche and more
Indigo Bakery
701 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 485-4873
https://www.indigobakerycafe.com/
Have an Ice Cream Cone at Old Georgetown Creamery
Featuring 40 flavors of ice cream and 100% Beef Foot-Long Hot Dogs, Sundaes Shakes, Smoothies, Homemade Cookies, and more.
Old Georgetown Creamery
915 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 461-9147
https://old-georgetown-creamery.business.site/
Eat a Crab Cake on the Waterfront Deck at Buzz’s Roost
Buzz’s Roost was named after a pirate and is getting a second life on Front Street after a fire destroyed its original location. This two-story waterfront deck restaurant serves up casual seafood platters, sandwiches, burgers, and steaks.
Buzz’s Roost
911 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 545-1595
https://buzzsroost.com
Dig into a Fried Oyster Platter at the River Room Restaurant
Open since 1984, the River Room restaurant has perfected their menu of seafood specialties and their outstanding wine list. You’ll love the ambiance of the historic department store building with its original brick walls and heart pine flooring, huge bar, giant reef aquarium, and dining room overlooking the harbor.
River Room Restaurant
801 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 527-4110
https://riverroomgeorgetown.com
Sample the Sweet Potato Pie at Aunny’s Country Kitchen
The motto at Aunny’s is “You enter as strangers and leave as friends.” This family-owned restaurant serves their renditions of Southern favorites like collard greens, fried okra, turkey wings, and fried chicken.
Aunny’s Country Kitchen
926 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 461-4750
Dance at the Gator Grill
Newly renovated and smoke free, the Gator Grill is a local favorite. Serving pub food and drinks with a live band or DJ many nights.
The Gator Grill
833 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 527-8000
Experience Fine Dining at Root
Root serves traditional and modern takes of Lowcountry classics. Extensive wine list and crafted cocktails. They have an inviting patio on the waterfront.
Root
919 Front Street
Georgetown,SC 29440
(843) 833-8224
Venture off the Beaten Path and Dine at Eve’s Caribbean Soul Food
A little way down North Fraser Street you can find this warm and welcoming restaurant. Try the house specialties, curry goat and oxtails. You will not be disappointed with the jerk chicken or the juicy BBQ ribs.
Eve’s Caribbean Soul Food
1171 North Front Street
Georgetown,SC 29440
(843) 325-2725
https://evessoulfood.com
Savor a Slice at Tony’s Famous Pizza
Since 1979, Tony’s Famous Pizza has been turning out Italian comfort food like meatballs, lasagna, cheese manicotti, ravioli, and, of course, their famous pizza. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal with a glass of wine.
Tony’s Famous Pizza
415 North Fraser Street
Georgetown,SC 29440
(843) 546-1612
https://tfpizza.com
Reserve a Booth at Graham’s Landing on Front
Graham’s Landing on Front offers a wide variety of menu choices from BBQ ribs, Smoked Prime Rib, Fresh Seafood, Gumbo Stew, Burgers, Pizza, and much, much more.
Graham’s Landing on Front
929 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 485-4025
http://grahamsonfront.com/
Watch the Alligators while Sitting on the Deck at the Big Tuna Raw Bar
Big Tuna is known for a menu of fish, local shrimp, oysters, and clams. The grouper fingers and tuna tartare are outstanding with an ice cold beer.
Big Tuna Raw Bar
807 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 546-1045
http://bigtunarawbar.com
Shopping
Buy a New or Used Book at Waterfront Books
Waterfront Books is an eclectic mix of new and used books, cards, gifts, magazines, newspapers, and art by local artists.
Waterfront Books
815 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 546-2665
https://www.waterfrontbookssc.com/
Browse in Sara and Beth Gifts and Home
Sara and Beth Gifts is a neighborhood boutique featuring unique gifts, home decor, designer jewelry, and full-service bridal registry.
Sara & Beth Gifts and Home
1003 Prince Street
Georgetown,SC 29440
(843) 833-8768
https://saraandbethgifts.com
Gaze at the Stunning Gems at the Diamond Collection
This is a favorite jeweler among the locals for custom jewelry and beautiful gems and diamonds.
The Diamond Collection
920 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 546-5614
https://diamondci.com
Purchase a Painting by a Local Artist at Art Harbor Gallery
Art Harbor Gallery features original artwork by local and regional artists in a variety of medias and styles. There’s something for everyone.
Art Harbor Gallery
912 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 808-9269
https://artharbor.org/
Revel in a New Cashmere Sweater at Wildflower and Whisky
Wildflower and Whisky is a boutique offering men’s and women’s clothing and lifestyle items. The store contains a curated collection of luxury cottons, linens, cashmere, fine wools, denim, and silk from designers and artisans all over the world.
Wildflower & Whiskey
914 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 833-8130
https://www.wildflowerandwhiskey.com/
Stay
Surround Yourself With Luxury at 620 Prince
Situated in the Heart of Historic Georgetown, 620 Prince is a luxury bed & breakfast in a fully restored 1800s house.
620 Prince
620 Prince Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 485-4899
https://www.620prince.com/
Enjoy Some R&R at 835 Harbor Walk Vacation Getaway
835 Harborwalk is an indoor/outdoor apartment bursting with charm and perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Your view is the beautiful Georgetown Harbour. Available for short term vacation rentals.
835 Harbourwalk
836 Front Street
Georgetown, SC2 9940
(678) 232-3801
https://835harborwalk.com
For those looking for a taste of authentic coast life, be it for a vacation or for a future home, Georgetown, South Carolina, is the place to be. As locals say, “Play, eat, shop, and live in Georgetown.”
