Welcome to the coastal charm of Georgetown, South Carolina, where some of the state’s finest beaches await your discovery.
From the bustling, world-renowned sands of Myrtle Beach to the quiet allure of lesser-known coastal towns, there’s a shoreline here to suit every sun-seeker.
Prepare to stroll on world-famous boardwalks, dig your toes into the golden sands of quiet seaside hamlets, or venture to the remote wilderness of Boneyard Beach.
Regardless of your preference, these diverse beaches near Georgetown, SC are certain to provide unforgettable coastal adventures.
1. Morgan Park
- Distance from Georgetown: 2 miles
- Activities: hiking, picnics, BBQs, fishing
- Amenities: trails, picnic tables
Morgan Park has a small, peaceful beach, the nearest to Georgetown.
Swimming is off-limits, thanks to the local alligators, but the park has plenty more to offer.
It hosts meandering trails for those eager to explore, offering mud adventures after rainy days.
For those planning a day out, Morgan Park comes equipped with picnic tables and grills, ready to serve as the backdrop for memorable outdoor gatherings.
Though the beach may be compact, its charm is enormous, making Morgan Park a cherished spot for both locals and tourists alike.
2. Huntington Beach State Park
- Distance from Georgetown: 18 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking
- Amenities: campground, trails, picnic shelters, historic castle
Huntington Beach State Park, a favorite among locals and tourists, is known for its stunning, three-mile stretch of pristine beach.
Despite the absence of lifeguards, it continues to draw large crowds owing to its tranquil atmosphere and abundance of activities.
Visitors aren’t confined to the sun, surf, and sand; they can explore walking trails, view wildlife, or simply enjoy a picnic by the shore.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the park’s beauty, camping is an attractive option.
With 173 campsites, visitors can wake to the sounds of waves crashing and birds chirping.
In short, Huntington Beach State Park offers a holistic beach experience, blending relaxation and adventure seamlessly.
3. Ocean Lakes Family Campground
- Distance from Georgetown: 29 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, camping, volleyball, sports and cultural events
- Amenities: campground, beach houses, sports courts, rentals
Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a sought-after vacation destination in Myrtle Beach, offers an unparalleled beach experience complemented by unique amenities.
With a mile of soft sandy beach, visitors can soak up the sun or engage in a captivating fossil hunt, a unique feature of this locale.
Accommodation at Ocean Lakes is not one-size-fits-all, providing an impressive range of options from sprawling beach houses to cozy campsites.
The fun extends beyond the beach with the Sandy Harbor Water Park, a big hit amongst kids.
Featuring an Adventure River, it offers a reprieve from the ocean while keeping the water-themed fun alive.
For vacationers, Ocean Lakes Family Campground is a fusion of beach relaxation and entertainment.
4. PirateLand Family Campground
- Distance from Georgetown: 30 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, camping, kayaking
- Amenities: campground, trailers, cabins, waterpark, pool, rentals
PirateLand Family Campground, an enticing vacation option in Myrtle Beach, offers visitors a direct beachfront camping experience.
Its lengthy sandy beachfront makes it an ideal spot for vacationers seeking sun, sand, and surf.
The campground isn’t only about the beach; its impressive water park serves as a significant draw for families.
Visitors can also take to the water in a different style with kayak rentals, offered as part of the recreational activities.
In sum, PirateLand provides a unique blend of beachfront serenity and exhilarating activities, presenting a compelling vacation option akin to its counterpart, the Ocean Lakes Family Campground.
5. Myrtle Beach State Park
- Distance from Georgetown: 31 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, camping, kayaking, beachcombing, hiking, biking
- Amenities: campground, pier, rentals, picnic spots, trails
Myrtle Beach State Park, a well-known getaway nestled in the Grand Strand coastline, offers visitors a plethora of unique beach experiences.
It boasts of a pristine beach stretch, equipped with seasonal lifeguards for visitor safety from mid-May to mid-September.
An ideal locale for beachcombing, the park allows guests to discover marine treasures washed ashore.
Besides soaking in the sun, visitors have access to a range of activities including fishing, bird watching, and geocaching.
Complementing these is the park’s developed campgrounds, offering cozy sites under towering trees and proximity to the shoreline.
Summarily, Myrtle Beach State Park is not just a beach destination, but a haven for nature-lovers seeking active engagement with the coastal ecosystem.
6. Pawley’s Island Beach
- Distance from Georgetown: 13 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, beachcombing, walking
- Amenities: parking
Tucked away from bustling resorts, Pawley’s Island Beach, a ‘best kept secret’ in South Carolina, guarantees a peaceful getaway devoid of the usual beach-going hordes.
Rather than hotels, quaint residences line this coastal gem, contributing to a more relaxed atmosphere.
Its pristine sands are a treasure trove for beachcombers, who delight in the hunt for unique seashells and the occasional sea creature revealed at low tide.
The beach, however, retains a rustic charm with no facilities, inviting visitors to reconnect with nature.
Yet, it’s important to note the limited parking options; a carpool may be a prudent choice for groups.
Pawley’s Island Beach, it seems, holds the promise of a beach experience as raw and untouched as it can get.
7. Litchfield Beach
- Distance from Georgetown: 17 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, beachcombing, walking
- Amenities: parking, accommodation
Litchfield Beach, a hushed gem along South Carolina’s coast, offers a picturesque and tranquil retreat far from the bustling tourist hotspots.
Ever since the town of Lichfield was established in 1978, this beach has been luring visitors with its soft sand, sparsely populated shoreline, and world-class golf courses.
An ideal spot for long, stress-erasing strolls, it has been named among America’s Top 10 beaches by TripAdvisor.
Few hotels, including The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn, and resort developments ensure a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere, inviting visitors to return time and again.
With its stunning coastline, Litchfield Beach stands as a testament to the undisturbed beauty that South Carolina harbors.
8. Surfside Beach
- Distance from Georgetown: 27 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, beachcombing, surfing, bodyboarding
- Amenities: parking, accommodation, rentals, pier, sports courts
Surfside Beach, a South Carolina coastal town incorporated in 1964, stands out for its quintessential family-friendly environment.
Known as the ‘family beach’, Surfside offers pristine sand expanses maintained by lifeguards and local authorities.
With a pier adding to its allure, this beach has abundant accommodation options, ensuring visitors can relax and soak up the coastal vibes in comfort.
The town itself is rich in recreational possibilities, featuring seven public parks for tennis, bocce, and shuffleboard, among others.
Surfside Beach carved out a niche for itself in 2016 by becoming the first autism-friendly travel destination, reinforcing its reputation as an inclusive retreat for families.
This charming beach encapsulates quality family time and easy-going coastal living, providing a refreshingly intimate seaside experience.
9. Myrtle Beach
- Distance from Georgetown: 35 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, beachcombing, surfing, bodyboarding
- Amenities: parking, accommodation, rentals, pier, sports courts
Myrtle Beach reigns as a renowned vacation hotspot, drawing over 20 million visitors annually from across the nation and beyond.
Flaunting a sprawling 60-mile stretch of sandy coastlines, it promises optimal beachcombing adventures.
Lifeguards regularly patrol the pristine beaches, ensuring a secure, family-friendly environment.
What sets Myrtle Beach apart is its wealth of amenities.
Boasting 86 golf courses, 1,800 restaurants, and around 425 hotels, many beachfront, it presents an unrivaled array of options for every traveler.
From high-rise hotels to quaint vacation rentals and campgrounds, Myrtle Beach offers varied accommodations catering to all preferences.
Its bustling boardwalk, vibrant entertainment, and shopping venues at Broadway at the Beach provide endless opportunities for amusement.
Myrtle Beach, indeed, epitomizes the ultimate coastal getaway.
10. Boneyard Beach
- Distance from Georgetown: 42 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, beachcombing, hiking, kayaking
- Amenities: ferry
Situated off South Carolina’s coastline, Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island is a stark contrast to Myrtle Beach.
Accessible only via ferry, it’s a haven for those seeking solace in nature.
Shunning commercialization, this remote beach offers an idyllic setting for active vacationers who love to explore and enjoy serene tranquility.
Boneyard Beach teems with abundant wildlife, and its untouched landscapes make it a veritable paradise for beachcombers.
The beach, adorned with sun-bleached, fallen trees that resemble skeletal remains, gives the place an otherworldly charm.
So, if you yearn for an adventurous escape that blends tranquility, nature, and outdoor exploration, Boneyard Beach could just be your ideal vacation spot.
It’s South Carolina’s hidden gem, offering an experience that’s worlds apart from Myrtle Beach.
