Wander along the river banks and visit the harbor in a city with a complex history of slavery, rice fields and wealthy aristocrats.
As one of the oldest cities in South Carolina, Georgetown is centered around the old buildings of its quaint historic center. The seaport community has a charming harbor at the confluence of several rivers. Explore the many museums, shops and restaurants on the waterfront.
Among the historic relics that shed light on the city’s past are its stately homes. Visit the 18th-century Hobcaw BaronyOpens in a new window for tours of its vast grounds and preserved buildings. See the Hobcaw House complex and the Bellefield Plantation at the southern end of the site to learn of its history. The complex also contains former slave settlements, rice fields and dense forests. Lay down a blanket for a picnic to enjoy the sunny weather during Georgetown’s hot summers.
Another intriguing estate is the Hopsewee PlantationOpens in a new window, which is open for tours. Wander through hallways and rooms to see period décor and furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries. Admire the West Indian influence in the façade, which has a double-tiered piazza.
These estates were at the forefront of rice production, which played a role in the development of the city. Browse the intriguing displays in the Rice MuseumOpens in a new window, which is in a clock tower called the Old Market Building in the historic center of Georgetown. Learn about the impact of slavery and the city’s dependency on rice production.
Attend the adjacent Maritime Museum Gallery in the Kaminski Hardware Building. Marvel at the 18th-century Browns Ferry Vessel on permanent display. The site also contains the Prevost Art Gallery and the Museum Gift Shop. See the nearby Georgetown County Museum and the Strand Theater.
The city is on the western flank of Winyah Bay on the Grand Strand coastline in South Carolina. Find the community between Myrtle Beach and Charleston. See nearby landmarks, including the Santee Coastal Reserve, Francis Marion National Forest and Brookgreen Gardens.
Make a trip back in time to the maritime and rice fields origins of South Carolina in Georgetown.
