A Rainy Day in Georgetown

Coastal weather changes its mind. A washed-out day here is far less of a problem than it would be in a beach town, because Georgetown’s best assets have roofs.

Start with the museums. Five of them, all within walking distance in the historic district, covering rice, maritime history, county history, Gullah heritage and an 18th-century manor house. That is easily a full day of indoor exploring — more than most visitors ever get to in good weather, because the sunshine pulls them outside.

Shop Front Street. Antiques, boutiques, art, books and housewares, all locally owned, all along a few compact blocks. Rain gives you an excuse to go into shops you’d have walked past.

Take a long lunch. The waterfront restaurants are just as good from an indoor table, and watching rain move across a river is a better view than most sunny days provide.

Look for a gallery. Rotating exhibits of work by South Carolina artists give you something to see that’s different from your last visit.

Wait it out, then go back outside. Lowcountry rain rarely lasts all day. Afternoon storms in particular roll through hard and clear fast, and the hour afterward — wet brick, dripping live oaks, clean light off the water — is often the most beautiful of the trip.

What to pack. A rain jacket beats an umbrella when there’s wind off the water, and there usually is. Shoes you don’t mind soaking. Everything you want to do is within a few blocks, so the walking is short.

The reframe. A rainy day in a beach town is a wasted day. A rainy day in a 300-year-old harbor town is just a day spent indoors with three centuries of history. Not a bad trade.