Beaufort, South Carolina Travel Guide
Introducing Beaufort, South Carolina! Beaufort is located in coastal South Carolina and is an easy drive from Hilton Head, SC (50min, 35 miles), Savannah, GA (1hr 5min, 40 miles), and Charleston, SC (1hr 35min, 70 miles). Known for its Low Country lifestyle, Beaufort is home to excellent food, gorgeous live oaks, and plenty of Spanish moss. There is plenty of shopping, museums, and outdoor recreation to try. Whether you are stopping by on the way to a vacation, stopping by while at Parris Island, or spending a few days here, Beaufort is sure to please!
Beaufort is the second oldest city in South Carolina, meaning there is plenty of history here! Visitors can head to the Beaufort History Museum, Beaufort National Cemetery, Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, or the Parris Island Museum to learn more about the area. Beaufort also has beautiful architecture and historical homes. Take a walk around town to see the homes or book a carriage tour with Southern Rose Carriage Tours or Sea Island Carriage Company. Also be sure to see the Old Sheldon Church ruins, constructed in 1752.
Coastal South Carolina is beautiful, and Beaufort is no exception. Spend time at Hunting Island State Park to see the unique ecosystem, infamous lighthouse, and explore hiking trails. The island also offers camping and beach access. Many scenes from Forrest Gump were filmed here, as well as other movies and TV shows! For biking, explore all 15 miles of the Spanish Moss Trail that runs through Beaufort. Another great spot is the Cypress Wetlands, with great hiking, wildlife, and even alligators! Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park is a must see in downtown. Enjoy the walking paths, playground, and view of the water and bridge. If you’re lucky, a festival might be there!
Beaufort has a huge shopping scene, from gifts to specialty foods. Take a walk along Bay Street to enjoy the stores. Some popular shops include Scout Southern Market, Kayla Devito Fine Art, and Lulu Burgess for gifts and fine art, Beaufort Belle Co and Sugar Belle for clothing, Collectors Antique Mall for vintage finds, Gay Fish Company for locally caught shrimp and fish, and Barefoot Bubbas for beach items.
Beaufort has even more to experience. Consider catching a movie under the stars at Hwy 21 Drive Ins, see the Kazoobie Kazoo Factory, or book a dolphin cruise!
Hope you’re hungry, because Beaufort has excellent dining options! For breakfast, have pastries and coffee from Hebran Market and Cafe and Magnolia Cafe Beaufort. For lunch, consider sandwiches from Plums, fried seafood from Shrimp Shack, BBQ from Q on the Bay, or smash burgers and onion rings from Beedos. There are plenty of options for a great dinner. For low country favorites and seafood, consider Fishcamp on 11th Street, Breakwater Restaurant and Bar, and Lady’s Island Dockside. For tavern and bar food, try Old Bull Tavern or Bricks on Boundary. Need a marg? Get margs and tacos from Lost Local. For an upscale dinner, head to Saltus River Grill for fine dining on the water. Need a drink? Try a local brew from Shellring Ale Works.
With so much to do in Beaufort, you’ll need a place to stay! There are many chain hotels nearby. For local spots, consider booking a room at the Beaufort Inn, Rhett House Inn, Magnolia Court, 607 Bay Inn, Anchorage 1770, or City Loft Hotel. Want a whole rental for yourself? Consider booking a Vrbo. Here are some of our favorites: Townhouse for 7, Downtown Cottage for 3, and a Carriage House for 4.
Want to visit Beaufort but not sure when? Consider coming during one of its many festivals, including the Gullah Festival, the Beaufort Oyster Festival, the Beaufort Shrimp Festival, and many more. Whatever you’re into, Beaufort, South Carolina has something worth seeing. We hope this travel guide gives you a glimpse into life in Beaufort that can inspire a future visit.
Happy Travels!
The Modern Travel Guide
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