Georgetown is located in Georgetown County, of which it is the county seat. Georgetown is situated northeast of Charleston along Highway 17 on the banks of the Sampit River near Winyah Bay.

The city's deep-water harbor makes it an important shipping port. Georgetown has a rich history. The city has been the home to Native Americans, settlers, sailors, pirates, and many more. Rice and indigo were major products of the area and helped to establish a rich culture for Georgetown.

As the state's third oldest city, Georgetown dates back to 1729 when the town was laid out by Elisha Screven. The four-by-eight block grid is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This area is bordered by Wood, Church, Meeting and Front Streets, with Front Street running alongside the Sampit River.

There is also a Georgetown, Colorado.