Top 20 Things To Do In Georgetown, South Carolina

1. Take part in a walking night 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. Meet a knowledgeable tour guide who will tell the stories of the people living in the heart of the old seaport Georgetown during the Revolutionary War and the other ghosts that are still lurking in the haunted harbor. Join the Lantern led walking tour that departs every Friday evening at dusk to have a memorable ghost hunting experience. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and ready your camera for you never know what you will encounter along the way.

Ghost of Georgetown Walking Tour

Address: 2208 Violet Street, Georgetown, SC 29440

Website: Ghost of Georgetown

Opening hours: Fri: 8pm - 9:30pm

Price: 15 USD

2. Enjoy a narrated tram ride with Swamp Fox Tours

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Spend an hour on this leisurely tour which is a great way to learn a part of history. Embark on an adventure aboard a blue and white tram and hear the authentic history of Georgetown, South Carolina, spanning almost 300 years. Listen to the knowledgeable, witty, and fun tour guides who know all the information about the historic district as you pass by early homes, public buildings and many other points of interest with extra significance in the area. Enjoy learning interesting facts while visiting old churches and listen to a ghost story or two that even kids will surely be thrilled with.

Swamp Fox Tours

Address: 814 Front Street, Historic Georgetown, SC 29440

Website: Swamp Fox Tours

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 15 USD

3. Learn about local history at Georgetown County Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Celebrate 300 years of local history when visiting this museum tasked with preserving and promoting the history of Georgetown County as part of American History. Spend time moving around the displays of artifacts and items of historical significance collected from the residents and from outside the local community. Join a tour led by nice and informative guides who will point out the highlights of the museum to truly capture and appreciate its significance. There is no cost for the tour or to visit the museum but donations are very much welcome; there is a donation box located next to the visitors’ logbook.

Georgetown County Museum

Address: 120 Broad Street, Georgetown, SC 29440

Website: Georgetown County Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 4pm; Sat: 11am - 3pm (closed on Sun and Mon)

Price: Free

4. Explore the city's rice cultivation history at the Rice Museum

Learn the history of rice cultivation of Georgetown County in this museum that holds a permanent collection of dioramas, maps, paintings, and artifacts dedicated to the rice-growing industry of South Carolina. Run by the local historical society, the museum is far from high tech or interactive, but it offers visitors a great look at an old industry with the help of their very informative tour guides. Considering that this county was once one of the largest rice-producing locations in the world, grab the chance to know the development and fall of hundreds of rice plantations, and the story behind it all.

Rice Museum

Address: 633 Front St, Georgetown, SC 29440

Website: Rice Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 7 USD

5. Find out about the area's maritime history at South Carolina Maritime Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Browse through various artifacts, photos, and documents related to the region’s maritime heritage in this museum which provides an interesting perspective on the importance of shipping and the fishing industry in coastal South Carolina. Considering that it’s the only museum in the state with the sole mission of interpreting South Carolina Maritime history, it is guaranteed that all visitors will have a unique experience as soon as you step through the museum’s entrance. Check out the interesting nautical artifacts including a Fresnel lens from a lighthouse on North Island, some captain’s instruments, several ship parts, as well as old scuba diving equipment.

South Carolina Maritime Museum

Address: 729 Front St, Georgetown, SC 29440

Website: South Carolina Maritime Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Free

6. Tour the rice fields at Mansfield Plantation

Pay a visit to the well-preserved, antebellum rice plantation on the banks of the Black River, offering a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience life on a Southern Plantation during the pre-Civil War. Considered as one of the best bed and breakfast destinations in America, guests are bound to fall in love with its history and comfortable house oozing with timeless elegance that a one-night stay will never be enough. Wake up to a delicious breakfast to kick start your day before exploring the grounds or just spend time sitting under the ancient live oak trees covered by Spanish moss. If time doesn’t permit even an overnight stay, join a group guided tour to explore the plantation grounds and plantation home instead.

Mansfield Plantation

Address: 1776 Mansfield Rd, Georgetown, SC 29440

Website: Mansfield Plantation

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: From 12.50 USD

7. Stroll around Hobcaw Barony

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Sign up for a two-hour tour and enjoy every minute with the knowledgeable naturalist driving the minibus and the docent in Hobcaw house, who are both very informative about the plantation, the owners, and the family members. Enjoy touring the main house which still has the original or recreated furniture and decorated with rare paintings. Acquire interesting facts about the 16,000 acres (6,475 hectares) of land filled with history and ecology as the bus stops at Bellefield Plantation, horse stables, and Friendfield Village. If time permits, let your kids come closer to nature as this facility also hosts children’s programs including coastal ecology camps that your kids will surely love.

Hobcaw Barony

Address: 22 Hobcaw Road, Georgetown, SC 29440

Website: Hobcaw Barony

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 2pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 20 USD

8. Drop by Old Georgetown Creamery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Gratify the sweet tooth in you and visit this quaint hot dog and ice cream parlor located a few blocks above the main shopping area. Beat the heat of summer days with a foot-long chili hot dog and an ice-cream cone that are a great addition to the old Georgetown feel. Tickle your taste buds with luscious fluff as you have a banana split or scoops from any of the large variety of flavors available. Whether you choose soft serve or hand-scooped, both ice creams are rich and flavorful, perfect for a quick snack while strolling around the harbor area.

Old Georgetown Creamery

Address: 915 Front St, Georgetown, SC 29440

Website: Old Georgetown Creamery

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm

9. Take a leisurely stroll along the Harborwalk Marina

Have a beautiful afternoon stroll down the Harborwalk Marina while your eyes feast on the nice views of the river and boats in the lovely sunset. Walk around and look for artisan shops with beautiful art collections and local shops where you can find a thing or two for souvenirs or just anything to bring back home. Feel the cool breeze beside the water while having a bottle of cold beer along the harbor or just enjoy watching people passing by. If you want to explore beyond the harbor, take a boat out to some of the islands to pick up seashells and hear all the stories about the history of this area.

Harborwalk Marina

Address: 525 Front St, Georgetown, SC 29440

Facebook: Harborwalk Marina

Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Free

10. Unwind in nature at Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center

Admire the 24,000 acres (9,712 hectares) of managed wetlands, upland longleaf pine forests and more at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center. Be one with nature while taking everything in as you admire the amazing number of flora and fauna; this facility is considered one of the most outstanding wildlife preserve, research area, and waterfowl refuge in North America. Learn interesting facts from tour guides who are historians and wildlife experts who will go the extra mile to answer any questions with the main purpose of educating all visitors about the diverse ecosystem. Visitation is by appointment only and reservations are required so make sure to book ahead of time.

Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center

Address: 1 Yawkey Way S, Georgetown, SC 29440

Facebook: Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sat and Sun)

Price: 18 USD

11. Say a prayer at Prince George Winyah Church

Pay your holy respects in this great old church that is kept in good shape, even after many changes have been made since its establishment. Listen to the interesting facts from a very knowledgeable tour guide as you explore the inside of the church which is complete with old wooden enclosed pews, an exquisite old pipe organ, and stained glass windows. Have a great peek into bygone eras of this church while stepping in its original brick floors and see the balcony for the choir which you can hear sings during the Sunday mass. Visit the outdoor garden and the graveyard adjacent to the church that also tells stories of the early people of this area.

Prince George Winyah Church

Address: 301 Screven Street, Georgetown, SC 29440

Website: Prince George Winyah Church

Opening hours: 8, 9, 11am (Sunday mass)

Price: Free

12. Watch a live music performance at Francis Marion Park

Soak up the sun and have a picnic with the whole family in this small park through which you can access the harbor walk in historic Georgetown. Grab some snacks and refreshments before choosing a shaded seat in the large square lined with benches on the sides, and planter boxes at the front. Check the Music in the Park Series website to see the schedule of events happening during summer with concerts and other performances set on its stage, bringing crowds to Downtown Georgetown. Enjoy the fresh air during the spring season when the flowers are in full bloom and behold the magical rainbow of colors in the park.

Francis Marion Park

Address: 750 Front St, Georgetown, SC 29440

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

13. Enjoy a picnic at East Bay Park

Plan a picnic with family at the beautiful East Bay Park where visitors can admire distant water views from virtually any part of the park. Considered as one of the three smallest parks that you can use to enter the harbor walk in historic Georgetown, this spot features an indoor recreation center with a gym, sports fields, tennis courts, and a renowned disc golf course thanks to its mostly flat terrain. With vast activities to choose from, make sure to bring enough water and stay hydrated especially during summer when the weather can be particularly hot. If you happen to be in the area during springtime, enjoy browsing local produce in the weekly farmer’s market which takes place every April until the end of October.

East Bay Park

Address: 515 E Bay St, Georgetown, SC 29440

Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)

Price: Free

14. Find solitude in Morgan Park

Relax amidst the serene landscape of this park located just beyond the East Bay Park where you can lay a picnic sheet or make use of the available picnic tables. Enjoy the fantastic view of the Sampit River and Winyah Bay as you explore several short boardwalks and established trails that will lead you through the woods and give you some great views of the waterways. During low tide, have a leisurely walk along the river shoreline while breathing in the cool breeze which gently touches your face. As alligators are common in the area, keep your distance from the water and be warned that swimming is strictly not allowed.

Morgan Park

Address: East Bay Street, Georgetown, SC 29440

Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)

Price: Free

15. Explore the historical Battery White

Learn something new about the local history as you set foot in this historic battlement that was manned by Confederate troops during the Civil War. Make your way inside Belle Isle Plantation where this coastal treasure can be found with a single cannon still standing. Enjoy the scenery, including the nice view of Winyah Bay, or visit in early spring to admire the beautiful walking path filled with Azaleas. To ensure that you can enter the private gated community and fully enjoy your time, prepare the gate access and other needed documents before your intended day of visit.

Battery White

Address: 1228 Belle Isle Rd, Georgetown, SC 29440

Website: Battery White

Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)

Price: Free

16. Treat your palate at Deborah's Kitchen

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Indulge in well-loved all-time favorite American cuisine in this restaurant which serves good home-like of food, perfect for having your breakfast or lunch. Appease your hungry soul with a hearty meal for the food here is served hot with the freshest ingredients that are cooked and seasoned perfectly. Munch on flavorful treats like fried chicken, meatloaf, and chocolate delights for dessert while enjoying the legendary service of the friendly staff and crew. Though a little off the beaten path, the Sunday lunch buffet will hit the mark so make it a spot to stop whenever in Georgetown.

Deborah's Kitchen

Address: 1926 S Island Rd, Georgetown, South Carolina 29440

Facebook: Deborah’s Kitchen

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 2pm; Sun: 11am - 2pm (closed on Sat)

17. Have drinks at Big Tuna Raw Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Drink the night away in this upbeat waterfront bar serving the freshest local seafood treats and all-time favorite American dishes. Discover the gastronomic wonders of South American cuisines while munching down on a serving of tuna tartar, fish sandwich, and shrimps and grits that are heavenly, buttery, and flavorful. Fret not for if you’re not a seafood lover, you can still enjoy having a cheeseburger or a plate of ribeye any time of the day. Have a table for outdoor dining and enjoy the coldest beer in town while relaxing on the back deck with sunset views overlooking Georgetown’s Sampit River.

Big Tuna Raw Bar

Address: 807 Front St, Georgetown, SC 29440

Website: Big Tuna Raw Bar

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

18. Be pampered at Sweetgrass Boutique & Day Spa

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Let your muscles and joints sing joyous notes with a full body massage in this day spa which offers a wide array of services for you to have relaxing and rejuvenating hours after touring around Georgetown. Have quality bonding with your girlfriends inside the spa, featuring four treatment rooms and a relaxation station. Pamper yourself and experience a heavenly treatment provided by their licensed and seasoned massage therapists, assuring quality services. If you have the whole day to spend, bring out a more beautiful and confident you with their array of beauty and salon services, ranging from hair styling, rebonding, treatment, manicure, and makeover that you can combine for a totally rewarding package.

Sweetgrass Boutique & Day Spa

Address: 924 Front St, Georgetown, SC 29440

Website: Sweetgrass Boutique & Day Spa

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

19. Play a round of golf at Wedgefield Plantation Country Club

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Book a tee time and play a round of golf with friends in this country club which offers a breathtaking view of South Carolina Lowcountry scenery. Situated along the winding banks of the Black River and located on the extreme southern end of the Grand Strand, this semi-private golf course is a golfer’s sweet escape from the busy life of the nearby cities. Home lots of wildlife including deer and old oak trees, players get the chance to experience the Old South while playing a challenging round of golf on lush Bermuda grass. Don’t forget to drop by Manor House Restaurant to enjoy a scrumptious meal after the game.

Wedgefield Plantation Country Club

Address: 129 Club House Ln, Georgetown, SC 29440

Website: Wedgefield Plantation Country Club

Opening hours: 7:30am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 40 USD

20. Explore Kaminski House Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Experience what life was like before modern technology while touring this museum which features antiques, architecture, and history all wrapped up in a bow of Southern hospitality. Learn intricate details from the positioning of the porch to the origin of the candle shape molding prominent in the Georgetown area, including some information about its original owners. Listen to intriguing tales of South Carolinians from the 18th Century about the two Great Wars narrated by a knowledgeable docent who will answer all questions about the history of Georgetown as well as the history of the house.

Kaminski House Museum

Address: 1003 Front St, Georgetown, SC 29440

Website: Kaminski House Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 12 USD

Experience the charms of Georgetown

Brimming with historical attractions, antebellum mansions, and scenery of rivers and lush greenery, historic Georgetown offers a delightful escape from daily modern life. Treat your Instagram feed to aesthetically pleasing shots of the Historic District from every possible angle as you discover these things to do in Georgetown, South Carolina. Grab your travel bags now and start exploring this side of the southeastern U.S. state today!