Whether you are driving, flying, or boating to Georgetown County, South Carolina, you will quickly find that the Hammock Coast, with its pristine beaches, scenic marshlands and live oaks, is like no other place. Situated between Myrtle Beach to the north and Charleston to the south, there are plenty of choices for your stay, including rental homes and condominiums, well-appointed bed-and-breakfasts, historic inns, hotels, campgrounds and, for those who prefer to literally stay on the water, several marinas where visitors can dock their boat.
The Hammock Coast is just 360 miles from Atlanta, Georgia; 190 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina; 580 miles from Nashville, Tennessee; 450 miles from Washington, D.C.; 458 miles from Orlando, Florida; 610 miles from Columbus, Ohio; and 670 miles from New York City.
Getting to the Hammock Coast by air is convenient, thanks to three nearby airports. In fact, Georgetown County is located between Myrtle Beach International Airport, just a few miles to the north, and Charleston International Airport, about 75 miles to the south. Additionally, we are also served by the Georgetown County Airport, a local facility that can accommodate small planes and jets.
Thanks to a new terminal, more seating capacity and a larger list of available destinations, Myrtle Beach International Airport sees a growing number of passengers each year, and the number of visitors flying to South Carolina’s Hammock Coast is increasing. In fact, the airport now has more than 50 nonstop destinations. Direct flights are available from larger cities, such as Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Ten airlines serve the airport, as well as nine rental car brands.
Located in North Charleston, about 19 miles from the City of Charleston and about 75 miles from the Hammock Coast, this airport is a great option for air travel to your dream vacation. The largest and busiest airport in South Carolina, Charleston International Airport sees nearly five million passengers a year. Twelve airlines and eight rental car brands serve the airport.
This county-owned, public-use airport can accommodate small planes and jets. It is located at 129 Airport Road, south of Georgetown, just outside the city limits on U.S. Highway 17. Nearly 150 flights are logged at the airport each day.
From the Atlantic Ocean
Head west into Winyah Bay, follow bay markers up to red marker 40, take a port turn into the Sampit River. The last marker will be a red and green “S” marker, bare to starboard side to come into Georgetown Harbor.
Note: After passing the green “S” marker, leave all anchored boats to the port side and stay next to the marinas on the starboard side for deeper water.
Head west into Murrells Inlet after seeing the red and white sea bouy labled “MI.” After a mile, look for the jetties and continue directly between them, and once you are past Garden City Point, take a starboard turn. Veer into a lazy S turn and veer to the port side. Follow the waterway around to get to the MarshWalk area.
From the Intracoastal Waterway:
On the ICW headed north, look for ICW marker 96. The next marker you pick up will be Winyah Bay green marker 29, follow to red marker 40, take a port turn into the Sampit River. The last marker will be a red and green “S” marker, bare to starboard side to come into Georgetown Harbor and downtown Georgetown.
On the ICW headed south on the Waccamaw River, the last ICW marker will be 95. Follow to red marker 40, take a starboard turn into the Sampit River. The last marker will be a red and green “S” marker, bare to starboard side to come into Georgetown Harbor and downtown Georgetown.
On the ICW headed north, look for ICW marker 96. The next marker you pick up will be Winyah Bay green marker 29, follow to red marker 40, take a starboard turn into the Waccamaw River and stay starboard.
On the ICW headed south, continue on the Waccamaw River. In the Murrells Inlet area, search for Wacca Wache Marina on your port side. In the Pawleys Island area, search for Hagley Landing on your port side.
Boaters can dock at one of several marinas in Georgetown County: Due to demand, marina personnel suggests calling in advance to check availability.
From I-95 South, take U.S Highway 301 South at South of the Border (at the North Carolina/South Carolina border) and go through Dillon and Latta. Then take Highway 501 East to Conway, then to Highway 501 East Myrtle Beach. Turn right onto U.S. Highway 17 South at Myrtle Beach. South Carolina’s Hammock Coast is straight ahead along Highway 17. After Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach, you will find access to the beach communities of the Hammock Coast, including Garden City, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach, Pawleys Island and DeBordieu Colony near historic Georgetown.
From I-95 North, take I-26 East to Charleston, South Carolina, then U.S. Highway 17 North toward Georgetown. Once you go over the bridge into Georgetown, stay in the right-hand lane. At the fourth traffic light take a right to stay on Highway 17 North, which takes you to DeBordieu Colony, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, Murrells Inlet and Garden City. To visit the waterfront and the historic district in downtown Georgetown, take a right at the second traffic light at Front Street. Other areas of the city are easily located and accessed via major roads such as Highmarket Street (U.S. Highway 521), which leads to Andrews.
Traveling east on U.S. Highway 501, take the exit for U.S. Highway 701 to Georgetown. When you arrive in Georgetown, continue on U.S. Highway 701 until it merges with U.S. Highway 17 (South Fraser Street). Turn left on Highway 17 North to visit DeBordieu Colony, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, Murrells Inlet and Garden City. To visit historic Georgetown, go straight and get in left-hand lane. Turn left onto Front Street by the railroad tracks. Front Street will take you to the waterfront and the center of the historic district in downtown Georgetown. Other areas of the city are easily located and accessed via major roads such as Highmarket Street (U.S. Highway 521), which leads to Andrews.
From Columbia, South Carolina, take U.S. Highway 378 East, which turns into U.S Highway 527. Then take U.S. Highway 521 East to Georgetown. Turn left on U.S. Highway 17, then take a right to stay on that road. South Carolina’s Hammock Coast is straight ahead. Highway 17 North takes you to Debordieu Colony, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, Murrells Inlet and Garden City. To visit historic Georgetown, cross U.S. Highway 17 and you will go into downtown Georgetown, take a right on Broad Street, which takes you to the waterfront and the historic district. Other areas of the city are easily located and accessed via major roads such as Highmarket Street (U.S. Highway 521), which leads to Andrews.
