This South Carolina Town Should Be Your Next Weekend Getaway—and No, It’s Not Charleston

Located between the Lowcountry city of Charleston and the Grand Strand stretch of beaches (including Myrtle Beach) are several quiet and charming South Carolina communities. Among them is Georgetown, the state’s third-oldest city, set on the river. But don’t call it a smaller version of the Holy City.

I became familiar with the city decades ago while attending college in Charleston. Despite it being less than a two-hour drive, passing the produce stands set up along US-17, I’d stop for much-needed caffeine at one of the cafes on Front Street after a weekend at the beach.

These days, Georgetown makes for a great weekend getaway, as I recently discovered upon revisit, because you’re close to it all. Beaches, forest, and the city are all within a short drive. Best of all, there’s a calmer pace here than the surrounding cities. Plan your visit around annual events like the Georgetown Wooden Boat Show, held every fall to showcase the finest maritime craftsmanship.

Most travelers will fly into either Charleston International Airport (CHS) or Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) and rent a car. Once you’re in town, most locations are accessible on foot or by golf cart, but you may want to drive to nearby towns.

Best Things to Do

Georgetown was founded in 1792 and came to prominence through the production of indigo and rice, at one time for half of the nation’s rice production. But it came at the cost of enslaved individuals, who are part of the Lowcountry’s Gullah Geechee community.

The Gullah Museum celebrates the contributions of the African people that settled in the area after the Civil War, showcasing their art, language, and traditions. Don’t skip the downstairs gallery and gift shop, with pieces from Gullah artists.

Hit the open water with one of the several boat tour operators, spotting dolphins and birds along the way. You can also charter a trip to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, a remote paradise only accessible by boat from neighboring McClellanville.

Wealthy New Yorker Bernard Baruch came to Hobcaw Barony for duck hunting in 1904 before purchasing the 16,000-acre property as a hunting preserve and retreat for his family. Over the years, Baruch welcomed Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jack London, and Winston Churchill. After the death of his daughter, Belle, a foundation was created in her honor, which still manages the site as a research center. Guided tours are offered throughout the week, including stops at the multiple homes on the property, including Belle’s house, Bellefield, and the surrounding salt marsh.

Georgetown is also an easy launching point for the gems along the coast. Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion eluded British troops in the waterways around the county during the Revolutionary War and was honored with his namesake national forest. Filled with imposing bald cypress trees, it spans more than 250,000 acres and is popular for birding and kayaking.

Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet started as the residence of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband, industrialist Archer Milton Huntington. It’s now one of the nation’s top sculpture gardens, hosting annual events like the Nights of a Thousand Candles during the holiday season. It also houses a botanical garden and zoo.

Where to Eat and Drink

Start the day at Thomas Cafe, a local favorite for the past 75 years for hearty Southern breakfasts like shrimp and grits, shrimp and crab-stuffed omelets, and all the coffee you can drink.

Taking its name from the city’s former seafood market, The Independent opened inside The George Hotel with, of course, a seafood-heavy menu and raw bar serving craft cocktails. Don’t miss the crab cakes or blackened red drum, but save room for hummingbird cake.

On the casual end of the spectrum is Buzz’s Roost, a waterfront sports bar with favorites like crab dip, fried shrimp, and abundant tropical drinks. Between the Antlers is another local favorite, set on the far end of the Harborwalk. Root is known for its hearty entrees like meatballs and grits and prime steaks.

Georgetown’s only craft brewery, Winyah Bay Brewing Co., creates beers inspired by the surroundings, including the Wooden Boat Beer and Research Monkeys on the Loose, dedicated to the primates that escaped from a Yemassee research facility.

Where to Shop

Every town needs a good bookstore and Waterfront Books is Georgetown’s. You’ll find titles from Lowcountry authors like the late Pat Conroy plus new releases and artwork.

Sip coffee from Urban Brew while browsing Bluebird Vintage, which has several booths of retro furniture and decor. Even better, the furniture in the coffee shop is also for sale.

The specialty grocery Indigo Mercantile is the best spot to pick up wine and ingredients like spice mixes.

Where to Stay

Opened in spring 2024, The George Hotel has 56 rooms and suites covered in coastal artwork with waterfront views. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee every morning in the light-filled lobby. Eliza’s, the outdoor bar, is the perfect place for a seasonal sundowner, and you can even access the marina (BYOB—boat, that is).

Baxter’s Brewhouse Inn was inspired by the inns of Europe, swapping out the traditional bed-and-breakfast experience for another: bed and beer. Guests of the three-bedroom space enjoy a daily continental breakfast and beer brewed by one of the owners, a 20-year home-brewing veteran.

For something a bit more traditional, 620 Prince is a luxury B&B in a restored 1800s home. With four guest rooms plus a separate cottage, perks include an outdoor pool, a European-style breakfast, and weekend wine receptions.