East Bay Park

East Bay Park is located on the upper portion of a small peninsula that jets out into Sampit River and Winyah Bay, and as a result, visitors will admire distant water views from virtually any part of the park.

Sports lovers will feel right at home on the premises, as the park is home to an indoor recreation center with gym, multiple baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, and even a renowned disc golf course which was recently added in 2008. Designed by Ron Wofford, a regional legend, the mostly flat terrain is just challenging enough to engage seasoned pros, but still be enjoyed by players of all levels. All of the sporting facilities are available on a first come, first serve basis, although the fields and tennis courts can be occasionally booked for league events or tournaments.

East Bay Park also features a playground for young attendees, and is also dog friendly ensuring that every member of the family is welcome, even the furry ones.Dogs must be leashed at all times, and summer visitors are advised to use caution in the summertime, when the southern climate can be particularly hot for furry park goers.

The park is popular with local residents and visitors alike, and is the venue of choice for a number of seasonal or special events. The most popular of these special park activities is arguably the weekly farmer's market, which is held on the premises from early April until the end of October. This weekly market sets up stakes on the corners of Front Street and East Bay Street, and features a world of fresh locally grown produce, flowers, plants and garden essentials, homemade honey, jams, and much more, and is an exciting venue for Georgetown visitors who want to shop (and eat) local. The farmer's market is typically held on Saturdays, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., and is wide open to the public.

Another major draw to East Bay Park is the appropriately named East Bay Landing, a wide boat ramp which provides easy access to the Sampit River and Winyah Bay. Free to use and open during daylight hours, the ramp has recently undergone an extensive renovation, and can be easily accessed by vessels of all sizes, from kayaks to Carolina skiffs, allowing anglers, paddlers and sightseers immediate access to the open waters. The boat launch is located on the southwestern edge of the park, practically in between the active East Bay Park and the naturally secluded Morgan Park.

Visitors who don't need a lot of activity, but instead prefer a great view and a little time to relax, will find several benches (included several close to the East Bay Boat Launch) and a number of picnic shelters with tables and trash receptacles for easy outdoor lunches. Admission to all East Bay Park facilities is free, with parking available at the south end of East Bay Street, and the park is open to the public year-round during daylight hours.

Park goers who intend to spend an hour or an afternoon at play will want to load up on sunscreen, as with the exception of a few tall trees and covered picnic shelters, there is not a lot of shade along the flat park grounds. In addition, bug spray is a must during the warm spring, summer and early fall months, as the park borders acres of natural, undisturbed marshes, which can be a haven for warm weather-loving mosquitos.

East Bay Park clearly offers a world of fun from the summertime farmer's markets to springtime baseball practice, and virtually every visitor will find some kind of outdoor entertainment to keep them occupied. With distant water vistas, easy access to the riverfront shorelines of Morgan Park, and a local public boat launch that's worth a visit for the river view alone, this park is as scenic as it is practical, and Georgetown visitors will surely find the scene a breath of fresh air. Grab the kids, the dogs, the athletic equipment, and the picnic baskets, and enjoy a full day of homegrown outdoor fun that is budget friendly and always easily within reach.