Beaufort Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Beaufort, South Carolina with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Beaufort

Beaufort is a charming historic town in the Golden Corner of South Carolina. With its picturesque streets lined with live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, it’s easy to see why Beaufort has been called the “Best Small Southern Town” by Southern Living magazine. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip to Beaufort.

List of Places to Visit in Beaufort

  • Historic Downtown Beaufort
  • Beaufort National Cemetery
  • Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
  • Hunting Island State Park
  • Parris Island Museum and Recruit Depot
  • Santa Elena History Center
  • The Arsenal Museum
  • Bay Street
  • St. Helena Island
  • Penn Center

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Experience the rich culture and history of Beaufort by visiting some of its museums and historical sites:

  • Parris Island Museum and Recruit Depot: Learn about the history and training of the United States Marine Corps at this museum located on Parris Island.
  • Santa Elena History Center: This museum tells the story of the Spanish settlement of Santa Elena in the 16th century.
  • The Arsenal Museum: Located in the Beaufort Arsenal, this museum explores the area’s military history and exhibits weapons and artifacts from the Revolutionary War to World War II.
  • Penn Center: This historic site was once a school for freed slaves and now serves as an educational and cultural center.

Natural Attractions of Beaufort: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Beaufort is also known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures:

  • Hunting Island State Park: Relax on the beach, hike through the maritime forest, or climb to the top of the historic lighthouse at Hunting Island State Park.
  • St. Helena Island: A rural island with beautiful scenery, this is the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon drive or bike ride.
  • Beaufort River: Take a kayak or paddleboard trip down the Beaufort River and enjoy views of historic homes, sailboats, and shrimp boats.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Beaufort

  • Spanish Moss Trail: This 10-mile hiking and biking trail runs from Port Royal to Beaufort and offers beautiful views of wetlands, forests, and the Beaufort River.
  • Hunting Island State Park: With over five miles of hiking and biking trails throughout the park, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Best Things to Do in Beaufort: Activities and Tours

  • Historic Walking Tour: Join a guided walking tour of the town and learn about Beaufort’s history and architecture.
  • Carriage Tours: Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district of Beaufort.
  • Boat Tours: Explore the Beaufort River and its surrounding areas on a scenic boat tour.
  • Ghost Tours: Experience the supernatural side of Beaufort with a ghost tour of the town’s historic buildings and graveyards.
  • Fishing: Take a fishing excursion in the Beaufort River or head out to the Atlantic Ocean for a deep-sea fishing adventure.

Week-Long Itinerary for Beaufort

Day 1: Historic Downtown Beaufort Day 2: Hunting Island State Park Day 3: Parris Island Museum and Recruit Depot Day 4: St. Helena Island and Penn Center Day 5: Spanish Moss Trail and Kayaking on Beaufort River Day 6: Bay Street and The Arsenal Museum Day 7: Relaxing day at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

Food and Drink Scene of Beaufort

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lowcountry Boil: A popular Southern dish consisting of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes boiled in seafood seasoning.
  • Frogmore Stew: This dish is similar to Lowcountry Boil but uses a mix of seafood like crab, shrimp, and clams.
  • She-Crab Soup: A creamy soup made with blue crab meat, sherry, and heavy cream.
  • Gullah Cuisine: Try dishes inspired by the Gullah people, like okra gumbo or red rice.

Local Beverages

  • Sweet Tea: A Southern staple, sweet tea is a sweetened iced tea that’s perfect for sipping on hot days.
  • Palmetto Beer: A South Carolina brewery that produces a variety of craft beers.
  • Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka: A popular vodka produced in South Carolina that’s made with sweet tea.

Where to Stay in Beaufort: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Beaufort Inn: This historic hotel is located in the heart of downtown Beaufort and offers luxurious accommodations.
  • Best Western Sea Island Inn: A budget-friendly option located on the waterfront with a pool and complimentary breakfast.
  • City Loft Hotel: A stylish hotel in the heart of downtown with a rooftop bar and spa services.

What to Buy in Beaufort: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Gullah Sweetgrass Baskets: Handmade baskets woven from grasses that grow in the area.
  • Southern Candied Pecans: A sweet and crunchy snack that’s perfect for sharing.
  • South Carolina Tea: Enjoy a taste of Southern hospitality with a box of locally-blended tea.

Local Culture and Customs of Beaufort

Beaufort is a small Southern town with a rich culture and history. Visitors should respect local customs, such as saying “y’all” instead of “you all” and holding doors open for others. It’s also important to be mindful of local history and the area’s central role in the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement.

Best Time to Visit Beaufort

The best time to visit Beaufort is from October to April, when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller. However, summer is peak tourist season, and there are plenty of events and festivals during this time, such as the Beaufort Water Festival in July.

Do’s and Don’ts of Beaufort

Do:

  • Explore the town’s history and architecture on a walking tour.
  • Try local seafood dishes like Lowcountry Boil and She-Crab Soup.
  • Take a trip to Hunting Island State Park for hiking and beachcombing.
  • Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore Beaufort River.

Don’t:

  • Wear offensive or inappropriate clothing when visiting historic sites and museums.
  • Touch or remove items from historic sites.
  • Litter or damage natural areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Beaufort

Beaufort is a relatively safe town, but crime can occur in any area. Visitors should take precautions to stay safe, like locking car doors, being aware of surroundings, and avoiding walking alone at night.

Health in Beaufort

Beaufort has a variety of medical facilities, including Beaufort Memorial Hospital and the Naval Hospital Beaufort. It’s important to stay hydrated and protect skin from the sun’s rays when spending time outdoors.

Getting to Beaufort: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Beaufort

The closest major airport to Beaufort is Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, which is about an hour’s drive away. The Charleston International Airport is also nearby, about a two-hour drive from Beaufort.

Bus Stations Near Beaufort

Greyhound offers bus service to nearby cities like Charleston and Savannah, but there is no Greyhound station in Beaufort. The closest station is in nearby Bluffton.

Other Options

Renting a car is the easiest way to get around Beaufort and the surrounding areas. Taxis and rideshare services are also available in Beaufort.

How to Get Around in Beaufort

Beaufort is a walkable town, and many of its sights and attractions are located in the historic downtown area. Biking is also a popular option, and there are many biking trails and routes throughout the area. Several taxi and rideshare services also operate in Beaufort.

Where to Go Next from Beaufort: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Charleston: Drive just over two hours up the coast to the beautiful and historic city of Charleston.
  • Hilton Head Island: Head south to the popular resort town of Hilton Head Island for more beach and outdoor activities.
  • Savannah: Just across the border in Georgia, the charming and historic city of Savannah is also a must-visit destination.

Conclusion

Beaufort is a charming and historic town with plenty to offer visitors. From its picturesque streets to its natural beauty and rich history, there’s something for everyone in Beaufort. Use this guide to plan your trip and experience all that this Southern gem has to offer.

Home in historic downtown Beaufort. Home in historic downtown Beaufort.