Georgetown Historic District & Harborwalk
South Carolina's third-oldest city, Georgetown offers a charming historic district with well-preserved architecture and a scenic Harborwalk.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Georgetown Historic District & Harborwalk
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
South Carolina's third-oldest city, Georgetown offers a charming historic district with well-preserved architecture and a scenic Harborwalk.
"A beautiful little town with fascinating history and very friendly people."
🚶♀️ Stroll Front Street First
Access shops & restaurants easily from Front Street. Harborwalk offers views but less direct access.
☕ Visit Thomas' Cafe
Experience a local favorite for 75+ years. Authentic diner feel with friendly locals.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Georgetown Harborwalk
Parallel to Front Street
A scenic promenade offering river views and a glimpse into the town's maritime past. Perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Historic Front Street
Downtown Georgetown
Explore charming shops, historic architecture, and local eateries in South Carolina's third-oldest city.
Historic Homes & Architecture
Throughout the historic district
Admire well-preserved homes dating back to the 1700s, showcasing the rich architectural heritage of the region.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Pace
Navigating the Waterfront
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Stroll Front Street First
Access shops & restaurants easily from Front Street. Harborwalk offers views but less direct access.
☕ Visit Thomas' Cafe
Experience a local favorite for 75+ years. Authentic diner feel with friendly locals.
🚗 Easy Parking
Ample on-street and lot parking available, making it convenient to explore.
🏛️ Explore Local Museums
Discover the fascinating history of Georgetown at its various museums.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stroll Front Street First
Access shops & restaurants easily from Front Street. Harborwalk offers views but less direct access.
☕ Visit Thomas' Cafe
Experience a local favorite for 75+ years. Authentic diner feel with friendly locals.
🚗 Easy Parking
Ample on-street and lot parking available, making it convenient to explore.
🏛️ Explore Local Museums
Discover the fascinating history of Georgetown at its various museums.
🌬️ Be Aware of Mill Odor
A nearby mill can sometimes cause an odor. Check local conditions if sensitive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Georgetown's relaxed pace, charming historic district, and scenic Harborwalk, calling it a 'quieter little sister' to Charleston. The friendly locals and easy parking are frequently highlighted. However, some find limited access from the Harborwalk to shops and restaurants, and the occasional odor from a nearby mill can be a drawback.
"We were coming back to Charleston from Myrtle Beach and decided to have a pit stop at this historic downtown. It is Charleston’s quieter little sister.
As South Carolina’s third-oldest city, nestled in the middle of the state’s Hammock Coast, Georgetown boasts a rich history that is palpable as you walk along the historic houses and oak-lined streets.
We took a Stroll along the historic Harborwalk- The Georgetown Harborwalk runs parallel to Front Street, the main drag of downtown Georgetown. Also had breakfast at Thomas' café. This has been a local favorite for 75+ years – you’ll likely see some of them sitting at the counter in Thomas Cafe t-shirts.
The city’s relaxed pace, scenic river views, and friendly locals make it a great destination for a weekend retreat or an easy little day trip."
Sanjay Gupta
"What a beautiful little town. The third oldest in SC circa 1734. Beautiful historic properties, wonderful museums, and great restaurants. The Riverwalk is so relaxing. The towns history is fascinating and it's people very friendly. Easy parking. Stop in the Information Center to help plan your day. We will definitely go back. We had a great day."
Larry H.
"This is a nice little main street experience to visit if you’re looking for an easy walk with options for food and a variety of shopping in a small area. We found the parking was very easy with both on street and parking lot space available. Very easy environment to walk as the sidewalks are very wide and level and access and entry to all of the shops was easy with many having double doors.
While the waterwalk provided some nice scenery. It was slightly disappointing that there was minimal access to the restaurants and shops from the waterwalk side. We found that we had to go up one side of the street, came back down the water walk, and then ultimately had to walk back up the opposite side of the street to assure we saw everything . We also found maybe while we were visiting that there was very limited outdoor seating at any of the restaurants along the water walk.
There’s currently some construction in the middle part of town which will limit sidewalk access at some point but all in all it was a pleasant experience, in a very friendly community, that provided a nice alternative to the normal activities."
Robert Theisen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Georgetown, SC, is accessible by car. It's located about 45 minutes to an hour from Charleston and an hour from Myrtle Beach. Parking is generally easy to find on the street or in lots.
Yes, the historic district is very walkable, especially Front Street and the Harborwalk. Sidewalks are wide and level, with easy access to shops.
A leisurely walk along Front Street and the Harborwalk is recommended. Consider visiting local museums and historic homes for a deeper dive into the area's past.
Yes, guided walking tours are available, offering insights into the rich history and architecture of Georgetown.
The sidewalks on Front Street are wide and level, and many shops have easy entry, making it generally accessible. The Harborwalk also offers a smooth surface.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the historic district itself is free to explore. There may be admission fees for specific museums or attractions within the district.
Hours can vary, but most shops and restaurants on Front Street are open during typical business hours, often extending into the evening. It's best to check individual business hours.
The Georgetown Harborwalk is a public promenade and does not have an entrance fee.
The local Information Center is a great resource for planning your day and learning about any ongoing events or festivals.
While many historic homes are private residences, some are open to the public as museums or can be admired from the outside.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Thomas' Cafe is a long-standing local favorite. You can also find various eateries along Front Street offering diverse cuisines.
Being a coastal town, Georgetown offers fresh seafood. Many restaurants along Front Street and the waterfront feature seafood dishes.
Yes, Georgetown has several casual dining spots, including cafes and eateries perfect for a relaxed meal.
While some restaurants offer outdoor seating, it can be limited, especially along the Harborwalk.
Look for Lowcountry cuisine, which often features fresh seafood, grits, and other Southern staples.
📸 📸 Photography
The Harborwalk offers scenic river views, while Front Street provides charming historic architecture. Don't miss the picturesque oak-lined streets.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the historic buildings and waterfront.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. Be respectful of private residences and businesses.
A versatile lens for capturing both wide streetscapes and architectural details is recommended. A smartphone camera is also great for casual shots.
You can photograph the exteriors of historic homes from public sidewalks. Remember that many are private residences.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for family-friendly dining options along Front Street.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Georgetown's Past
Beyond its colonial roots, Georgetown also has a significant connection to Indigenous history. The land was once a gathering and trading place for native tribes, known as Tohoga.
While the town experienced economic shifts, including the closure of its prominent paper mill, it has successfully reinvented itself as a charming tourist destination. The Georgetown Harborwalk and the revitalized Front Street are central to this transformation, offering visitors a blend of historical exploration and modern amenities.
Experiencing the Harborwalk & Waterfront
Despite this, the Harborwalk remains a popular spot for its relaxing atmosphere and picturesque scenery. It's an ideal location for a leisurely walk, especially during the pleasant weather of spring and fall.
Shopping and Local Finds
For those interested in vintage items, places like Zamani House of Heritage offer a curated selection of treasures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit