South Carolina’s Lowcountry is a region where the tides shape not just the land, but the very soul of its communities. Dotted along its marshy coast are towns that embody Southern charm and a rich shrimping heritage. These places offer more than picturesque views—they invite you to experience a way of life where traditions are anchored in the ebb and flow of the sea. Join us as we count down the 18 most charming shrimping towns in the Lowcountry, each with its own unique stories and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
18. Yemassee: Gateway to the Lowcountry’s Shrimping Heritage
Nestled between forests and marshlands, Yemassee offers a quiet escape rich in history and Southern charm. This small town serves as a gateway to South Carolina’s shrimping areas, and while it might be easy to pass by, those who stop are rewarded with stories of its deep-rooted connections to the Gullah culture. A hidden gem here is the nearby Old Sheldon Church Ruins, a hauntingly beautiful site that’s perfect for photographers and history enthusiasts alike. Yemassee’s annual shrimp festival brings together locals and visitors to celebrate the bounties of the Lowcountry waters. With average prices for a 3-4 bedroom home around $156,000, Yemassee provides an affordable and picturesque option for those seeking to embrace the quiet beauty of the Lowcountry.
17. Pawleys Island: Serenity in a Historic Seaside Resort
Known as one of the oldest summer resorts on the East Coast, Pawleys Island exudes a laid-back atmosphere that seems untouched by time. The creek that separates the island from the mainland is teeming with shrimp, making it a favorite spot for both professional shrimpers and locals casting nets from their docks. Don’t miss the Pawleys Island Chapel, a tiny church that appears to float on the marsh at high tide—a true hidden treasure that captures the essence of this tranquil retreat. For those dreaming of seaside living, a 3-4 bedroom home here averages $481,000, offering a slice of history and serenity.
16. Hilton Head Island: Where Luxury Meets Shrimping Traditions
While Hilton Head Island is famed for its upscale resorts and golf courses, it also harbors a rich shrimping heritage along its picturesque coastline. Venture to the historic Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, a family-run restaurant that has been serving fresh, locally caught shrimp for generations. For a unique experience, take a shrimp trawling excursion where you can learn about the trade and maybe even haul in your own catch from the Atlantic waters. Those seeking refined coastal living can expect to invest around $600,000 for a 3-4 bedroom home in this luxurious destination.
15. Daufuskie Island: A Journey Back in Time
Accessible only by boat, Daufuskie Island offers a remote escape steeped in Gullah culture and shrimping traditions. Here, unpaved roads lead to pristine beaches and ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Visit the Silver Dew Winery, one of the island’s hidden gems, housed in a historic building that dates back to the 1880s. Exploring Daufuskie is like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into a way of life that revolves around the rhythms of the sea. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms average $500,000, making it an exclusive but accessible retreat for those seeking tranquility.
14. Seabrook Island: Nature’s Coastal Retreat
Seabrook Island is a private, serene community where nature thrives and shrimping boats dot the nearshore waters. The island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with dolphin sightings and nesting sea turtles along its quiet beaches. Hidden away is the Equestrian Center, one of the few places where you can ride horses on the beach—a rare treat that complements the island’s natural beauty and connection to the sea. For those who cherish privacy and luxury, a 3-4 bedroom home on Seabrook Island averages $700,000, blending nature with elegance.
13. Sullivan’s Island: Coastal Charm with Historical Depth
Just a short drive from Charleston, Sullivan’s Island combines beautiful beaches with rich history. It’s home to Fort Moultrie, a site that spans from the Revolutionary War through World War II. The island’s local shrimpers supply fresh catches to the quaint restaurants along Middle Street. Edgar Allan Poe fans might seek out Poe’s Tavern, a nod to the writer who was once stationed at the fort—a hidden spot where literary history and seafood delights meet. As one of the most exclusive locales, 3-4 bedroom homes on Sullivan’s Island average a staggering $2,000,000, offering unmatched charm and prestige.
12. Kiawah Island: Luxury Living Amidst Pristine Nature
Kiawah Island is synonymous with luxury resorts and world-class golf, but it’s also deeply connected to the coastal ecosystem where shrimping remains vital. The island’s extensive marshlands and tidal creeks are teeming with wildlife. Visit the Kiawah River, a hidden gem for kayaking and paddleboarding, offering an intimate look at the local shrimping grounds and the chance to spot herons and dolphins in their natural habitat. A 3-4 bedroom home here averages $1,200,000, promising a blend of upscale living and breathtaking natural surroundings.
11. Awendaw: A Small Town with Tidal Treasures
Surrounded by the Francis Marion National Forest, Awendaw is a small town where shrimping and wildlife flourish in the tidal creeks and marshlands. Nature lovers will appreciate the Awendaw Passage, the final section of the Palmetto Trail, offering scenic hikes through coastal landscapes. The lesser-known Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center provides insights into the region’s ecology and the important role shrimping plays in the local community. Those looking for a peaceful home with proximity to nature will find 3-4 bedroom homes in Awendaw averaging $450,000, a perfect balance of value and beauty.
10. Isle of Palms: Barrier Island Bliss
The Isle of Palms offers pristine shores and a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to visitors and locals alike. Beyond its beaches, the island has ties to the region’s shrimping traditions. Hidden away is the Isle of Palms Marina, where you can charter a fishing or shrimping excursion. The island’s waterways are perfect for spotting shrimp boats against the backdrop of a stunning sunset—a picture-perfect scene embodying coastal living. For those seeking a luxurious lifestyle, a 3-4 bedroom home on Isle of Palms averages $1,500,000, reflecting its premier location and upscale amenities.
9. Folly Beach: The Edge of America
Affectionately known as “The Edge of America,” Folly Beach boasts a carefree vibe where surf culture meets shrimping heritage. Stroll down to the Folly Beach Pier for panoramic views of the ocean and to observe shrimp boats unloading their daily catch. A hidden gem here is the Morris Island Lighthouse, accessible via a scenic walk at the island’s eastern tip. Folly Beach’s blend of sun, surf, and seafood makes it a quintessential Lowcountry destination. With 3-4 bedroom homes averaging $800,000, this vibrant beach town offers an exciting mix of charm and modern living.
8. Port Royal: Coastal Gem with a Vibrant Dockside
Port Royal invites visitors to experience its thriving seafood industry firsthand. The boardwalk and observation tower at the Sands Beach offer views of shrimp boats coming and going. A local secret is the Cypress Wetlands, a serene trail where you can spot native birds and alligators amidst the cypress trees. Each evening, the community gathers to watch the sunset over Battery Creek, celebrating the simple pleasures of life by the water. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms in Port Royal average $300,000, making it an affordable coastal retreat with authentic charm.
7. Mount Pleasant: Shrimping at Shem Creek
Just across the Cooper River from Charleston, Mount Pleasant is famous for Shem Creek, where shrimp boats share the waters with kayakers and paddleboarders. The lively waterfront is lined with restaurants serving fresh seafood straight from the docks. For a lesser-known adventure, visit the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market, where local shrimpers sell their catch alongside produce and crafts, offering a taste of the community’s vibrant spirit. Those considering a home here will find that a 3-4 bedroom house averages $600,000, offering a balance of coastal living and urban convenience.
6. Bluffton: Lowcountry’s Artistic Shrimping Haven
Set along the May River, Bluffton charms with its historic streets and thriving arts scene. The town’s shrimping heritage is celebrated during the Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival, a week-long event filled with art showcases and seafood tastings. Don’t miss the Church of the Cross, an iconic 19th-century structure overlooking the river—a picturesque spot that reflects the town’s rich history and scenic beauty. Bluffton offers 3-4 bedroom homes at an average of $400,000, providing an affordable yet elegant taste of Lowcountry life.
5. Murrells Inlet: The Seafood Capital of South Carolina
Murrells Inlet proudly holds the title of the state’s seafood capital, where shrimping is woven into daily life. The MarshWalk is a half-mile wooden boardwalk along a natural saltwater estuary, offering stunning views and access to some of the freshest seafood around. For a hidden gem, explore Brookgreen Gardens, combining art, history, and a zoo set in beautiful landscaped grounds—a delightful contrast to the bustling inlet. With 3-4 bedroom homes averaging $350,000, Murrells Inlet offers an affordable entry into this seafood-lover’s paradise.
4. Edisto Island: Unspoiled Beauty and Shrimping Traditions
Edisto Island offers a peaceful retreat with its unspoiled beaches and moss-draped oak trees. The island’s shrimping community maintains a way of life that has persisted for generations. Visit the Edisto Island Serpentarium, a unique attraction showcasing local reptiles and emphasizing the importance of ecological conservation. The island’s state park provides miles of hiking and biking trails through maritime forests and along the beachfront. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms average $600,000, making Edisto Island a tranquil haven for those seeking natural beauty.
3. Georgetown: A Harbor of History and Shrimping Activity
Situated between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, Georgetown is a historic port city with a bustling shrimping industry. Stroll along Front Street to admire the charming storefronts and the Harborwalk, which offers views of moored shrimp boats and the Sampit River. The Rice Museum, a lesser-known attraction, delves into the area’s agricultural past and its connection to maritime commerce, providing deeper insight into Georgetown’s significance. At an average price of $250,000 for a 3-4 bedroom home, Georgetown offers historic charm at a remarkably accessible cost.
2. McClellanville: Time Stands Still in a Fishing Village
In McClellanville, life moves at a slower pace among the towering pines and tidal marshes. The village’s harbor is dotted with shrimp boats that head out daily into Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge waters. A hidden treasure is the local shrimp festival held each May, celebrating the community’s maritime heritage with fresh seafood, music, and crafts. The village is also a haven for artists inspired by its natural beauty and tranquility. With 3-4 bedroom homes averaging $500,000, McClellanville offers a quiet yet sophisticated lifestyle for those seeking solitude and connection to nature.
1. Beaufort: Historic Charm Meets Shrimping Tradition
At the heart of the Lowcountry, Beaufort captivates with its antebellum architecture and scenic waterfront. Shrimping traditions run deep here, with boats departing near the downtown marina against a backdrop of historic homes and oak-lined streets. Don’t miss the secluded Penn Center on nearby St. Helena Island, one of the first schools for formerly enslaved Africans—a site that offers profound historical insight. With 3-4 bedroom homes averaging $315,000, Beaufort provides an affordable blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty.
