This South Carolina Towns Has The Most Walkable Downtown
Georgetown earns its reputation as South Carolina’s most walkable downtown because nearly everything centers on Front Street. From a single parking space, you can reach the Harborwalk boardwalk along Winyah Bay, multiple museums, independent shops, and locally run restaurants within a few blocks. The streets are lined with preserved 18th- and 19th-century homes, and the historic core remains compact enough to explore on foot without backtracking. Founded in 1729, the city’s long history is still visible in its architecture and street layout, giving the waterfront district both character and cohesion.
Taking Advantage of the Town’s Layout
In downtown Georgetown, which spans just four blocks, there is much to see and discover. The Harborwalk is a centerpiece of the action and runs parallel to most of what people want to see along Front Street from the Rice Museumto the Kaminski House Museum. The Harborwalk is ten feet wide and follows the edge of the bay, with access points through several parks: Rainey, Constitution, and Francis Marion. With the flat layout, pedestrian traffic is easy to maintain even for the elderly residents and visitors to the community.
Staying inside the action is not as difficult when you have locally owned and operated accommodations right on Front Street amid the shops and dining options. Those visiting the most walkable downtown in South Carolina might consider the popular George Hotel, which opened here only in early 2024. The hotel offers quick access to the bay and to Georgetown's offerings, and on-site dining through both The Independent and Eliza’s within the sizable 56-room facility at 615 Front Street. Before the George Hotel opened, downtown had been without accommodations since 1967.
Having a Bite Along the Bay
By staying at The George Hotel, one can quickly discover that one of Front Street’s most popular and delicious restaurants is available right on site at The Independent. The name is a throwback to a seafood market that existed here on Front Street for more than 80 years. This is upscale dining, which fits well with the hotel’s location near the bay, so the kitchen specializes in creative southern cuisine that leans hard into its namesake seafood, with the catch of the day, a signature crab dip, and cornmeal pan-fried flounder.
Literally only steps away on the next city block, Thomas Café can be found. The small diner is one of the anchors of the downtown scene, having survived several changes to the downtown directory. Having been in this spot since 1929, the success seems to come from not changing much about how the food is cooked or the items on the menu. It might not be vast, but the menu features authentic comfort foods and southern cuisine, so you leave full. Some of the most popular options are the Low Country Gumbo, Shrimp & Grits, and the Front Street Reuben.
Where to Stop and Shop on Front Street
Some retail locations along Front Street are echoes of the places that came before them, somewhat like The Independent’s name coming from the former seafood market along the bay. Waterfront Books is like this as well, becoming a successor to the popular Harborwalk Books that was leveled by a fire back in 2013. Its convenient access on both Front Street and the Harborwalk helps it to stay seen among the bustling walkways of central Georgetown. Beyond the things you would expect in a bookstore, such as new and classic novels, this full-service location pays a special honor to the artists of the area by featuring their written works, fine art, and unique cards for occasions.
Part eatery, part sweets shop, Sweeties Homemade Ice Cream and Sweets has been operating in Georgetown since 2006. The popular stop is the quintessential boardwalk shop, making it an ideal addition to the coastal vibe the town strives to maintain along Front Street and the Harborwalk. The business is placed in one of the many historic buildings in the downtown district, this one originally built in 1870. Its position in town is right by the Town Clock, making the stroll between The George Hotel and getting treats like a cup of ice cream with house caramel, truffles, and scratch fudge a short one.
The Nearby Towns to Explore
Pawleys Island
Those who are ready to take a break from the convenience of downtown Georgetown and get behind the wheel of their car again should start by heading roughly 15 miles north on Route 17 to Pawleys Island. USA TODAY also recognized this spot as South Carolina’s Best Beach. Everything here is about the coastal vibe, as seen in shops that continue to thrive, like The Original Hammock Shop, which has served folks here since 1938. Nature is an abundant resource right around town, especially at places like Brookgreen Gardens, which spans 9,000 acres and features garden sculptures, miles of walking paths and trails, and a zoo.
McClellanville
Taking Route 17 in the opposite direction for roughly 35 miles will get you to a small and rather special fishing village on the South Carolina coast. At one point, this was a getaway for the well-to-do indigo and rice planters, but in the 20thcentury became a prominent fixture in the fishing industry, specifically shrimp. Visitors can learn more about the fascinating tale of change that shaped McClellanville at the Village Museum. Don’t leave town without grabbing a bite to eat at T.W. Graham and Co. Seafood, one of the most popular local eateries, known for plating fresh seafood right from the local waters.
Murrells Inlet
When setting up a temporary base in Georgetown to explore the state’s coast, do not sleep on the Seafood Capital of South Carolina, Murrells Inlet. Similar to Georgetown, Murrells Inlet has a boardwalk (called the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk) loaded with restaurants and live music venues, keeping the small community spry with activity and offerings for visitors. Just outside of the town limits to the south, you can find an attraction not to be overlooked: The Huntington Beach State Park. This is a stretch of Atlantic coastline spanning three miles and leading guests to the incredible former home of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, Atalaya Castle, constructed in the 1930s.
Take a Stroll Through South Carolina’s Most Walkable Downtown
With historic architecture, eateries like the long-standing Thomas Café, and museums that showcase the community’s story, like The Kaminski House Museum and the Rice Museum, all within a few city blocks, Georgetown has earned the title of South Carolina’s most walkable downtown. Beginning in 2024, it became even easier to arrive and leave the idea of needing to drive your car well behind you when you parked at The George Hotel, an upscale addition to the bustling bayfront district. To truly experience Georgetown, it should be done on foot as there is much to see, shop, eat, and discover around every corner of Front Street.
