The beauty of South Carolina’s Hammock Coast goes far beyond its beaches and marshes. This stretch of the Lowcountry is also filled with centuries of history, enduring traditions, historic architecture, and stories that continue to shape the area today.
From the cottages and rope hammocks of Pawleys Island to the museums and waterfront streets of Georgetown, visitors will find plenty of opportunities to connect with the past. Here are some of the best ways to explore the historic side of the area during your next Lachicotte getaway.
Pawleys Island has welcomed generations of families seeking time along the coast. Historic cottages still line parts of the island, reflecting its long history as a seaside retreat and preserving the character that sets it apart from larger beach destinations.
In 1973, a portion of Pawleys Island was designated as a National Historic District. While many of its historic homes remain privately owned, visitors can appreciate their architecture while walking or biking along the island’s quiet streets. Wide porches, weathered wood, and simple coastal designs offer a glimpse into an earlier era of Lowcountry life.
Few objects are as closely connected to Pawleys Island as the traditional rope hammock. Developed by local riverboat captain Joshua John Ward in the late 1800s, the design became a lasting symbol of the area’s relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Visit the Hammock Shops Village to learn more about this local tradition and watch the craft of hammock weaving continue. The village is also home to boutiques, restaurants, and specialty shops, making it an enjoyable place to browse for locally inspired gifts while experiencing a piece of Pawleys Island culture.
Located inside Huntington Beach State Park, Atalaya Castle was the winter home of philanthropist Archer Huntington and acclaimed sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington. Its distinctive Moorish-inspired architecture, open courtyard, and central watchtower make it unlike any other historic home along the South Carolina coast.
The 40,000-square-foot residence includes 30 rooms as well as indoor and outdoor studios where Anna had space to create her large-scale animal sculptures. Details such as the palm-lined courtyard, wrought-iron window grilles, stables, and working areas reveal how Atalaya functioned as both a private home and a creative retreat.
Visitors can walk through the former living spaces, studios, and grounds while learning about the Huntingtons and their influence on the area. Their legacy also extends across the highway to Brookgreen Gardens, which they founded to preserve American sculpture, Lowcountry history, nature, and wildlife.
Just a short drive south of Pawleys Island, Georgetown was laid out in 1729 and is recognized as the third-oldest city in South Carolina. Its historic district contains homes, churches, and public buildings representing several periods of Lowcountry architecture.
Take a leisurely walk beneath the live oaks, admire the historic buildings, and explore the locally owned shops and restaurants along Front Street. The Georgetown Harborwalk follows the Sampit River and offers a scenic path through the city’s waterfront district, where the community’s past as a working port remains an important part of its identity.
Several museums located within walking distance of one another help tell the complex story of Georgetown and the surrounding Lowcountry.
The Rice Museum explores the crop that once shaped the region’s economy and society, including the knowledge, labor, and experiences of the enslaved Africans and their descendants who made rice cultivation possible. The Georgetown County Museum provides a broader look at the area’s development through periods of indigo, rice, timber, and maritime trade.
At the South Carolina Maritime Museum, visitors can explore exhibits devoted to Georgetown’s waterfront and South Carolina’s maritime heritage. The Kaminski House Museum offers guided tours of a preserved historic home filled with period antiques, while the Gullah Museum shares the culture, traditions, and lasting contributions of the region’s Gullah Geechee community.
After exploring Georgetown’s historic sites, slow down with a walk along the Harborwalk or enjoy a meal overlooking the Sampit River. The waterfront is an ideal place to reflect on everything you have discovered while watching boats pass through the harbor.
With museums, shops, restaurants, and historic architecture located close together, Georgetown makes it easy to experience history without rushing from one place to the next.
Exploring the history of Pawleys Island and Georgetown adds another dimension to a Hammock Coast vacation. Every historic cottage, museum, waterfront street, and local tradition reveals something about the people and places that have shaped this distinctive stretch of South Carolina.
Lachicotte Vacation Rentals offers private homes and condos throughout Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, Georgetown, and the surrounding area. After a day of exploring, return to the space and comfort of your own coastal home, gather for a meal, or relax on the porch while planning tomorrow’s adventure. Book your stay today and experience the history, beauty, and enduring character of the Lowcountry.
Discover the Historic Side of Pawleys Island and Georgetown The beauty of South Carolina’s Hammock Coast goes far beyond its beaches and marshes. This stretch
A Food Lover’s Guide to the South Strand A vacation along the South Strand is about more than beautiful beaches and relaxing days by the
Pawleys Island & Litchfield Beach Named Among South Carolina’s Best Beaches The Hammock Coast has long been one of South Carolina’s best-kept secrets, and now
Your Guide to 2026 Events Happening Along the Grand Strand Throughout 2026, the Grand Strand is poised to deliver another spectacular year of events and
Tee Off Along the South Carolina Coast South Carolina’s Hammock Coast has long been a favorite destination for golfers looking to combine world-class play with
Springtime in Pawleys Island: A Season to Slow Down Spring in Pawleys Island brings a quieter kind of beauty. As the weather warms and the
Bay View On The Boardwalk
Breakers Resort
Caribbean Resort
Compass Cove Resort
Grande Cayman Resort
Litchfield Annual Rentals
Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort
Monterey Bay Suites
Myrtle Beach Golf
Myrtle Beach Resorts
North Beach Resort & Villas
Ocean Reef Resort
Pawleys Pier Village
Paradise Resort
The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn
The Shelby Myrtle Beach
The Strand Myrtle Beach
