Beaufort, on the South Carolina coast, enjoys the nickname, “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands.” It was ranked by Livability as one of the Top 100 Small Towns in 2015 Beautiful beaches, a charismatic antebellum downtown, rich history, Gullah culture, outdoor activities, and famous Lowcountry dining are just a few of the reasons to visit Beaufort SC.
Nestled on Port Royal Island on the South Carolina coast, Beaufort is one of those destinations you’ll want to return to time and time again. The ocean and intercoastal waterways provide opportunities for all kinds of water activities.
Just a 1.5-hour drive from Charleston and a one-hour drive from Savannah, Beaufort is like a combination of both, but with a more casual vibe.
Here are 10 reasons to visit Beaufort SC:
History
You may not realize it, but Beaufort holds several different important place markers in American history…
- It was the first colony, founded in Port Royal Sound in the 16th-century.
- Rich plantation owners played a major financial role in the Revolutionary War.
- Home of Robert Barnwell Rhett, known as “the Father of Succession’”
- South Carolina was the first state to succeed and thus instigated the Civil War, and subsequent reconstruction period.
Beaufort’s history is incredibly fascinating. For a better understanding, read my article Beaufort SC: US History Began HERE.
Gullah Culture
The Gullah Geechee people created a unique culture with deep African roots that present in their unique arts, crafts, food, music, and spirituality.
What to Do in Beaufort
1. Kayaking in the Bay
2. Beaufort Historic District
- Downtown History Tours
- The Beaufort Arsenal
- Robert Smalls Home
- Parish Church of St. Helena
- Secession House
- First African Baptist Church
3. Beaufort Waterfront
- Henry C. Chambers Waterfront
- Stephen Elliott Park
- Woods Memorial Bridge
4. Filming Locations
- The Big Chill
- The Great Santini
- The Prince of Tides
- Last Dance
- Others
5. Shop in Downtown
- Scout
- The Chocolate Tree
- Bay Street
6. Spanish Moss Trail
7. Old Sheldon Church Ruins
8. Best Beaufort Restaurants
- Saltus River Grill
- Breakwater
- Plums
- Q on the Bay
- Johnson Creek Tavern
- Market Cafe
- Old Bull Tavern
- Lowcountry Food to Try
- Shrimp and Grits
- She-Crab Soup
- Oysters and Mussels
9. Festivals in Beaufort SC
10. Explore the Islands
- Port Royal
- St. Helena Island
- Fort Fremont
- Hunting Island
- Parris Island
Where to Stay in Beaufort
Cuthbert House Inn
Beaufort Inn
When to Go
Beaufort is a gorgeous fusion of antebellum homes, intercoastal waterways, driftwood beaches, outdoor activities, superb Lowcountry dining, and a vibrant art scene. There are so many reasons to visit Beaufort!
For DETAILED information on ALL of the points above read
Top 10 Things to Do in Beaufort SC.
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Disclosure: The author was honored to be the guest of Visit Beaufort during her stay, but as always, the opinions, reviews, and experiences are her own.
About the Author
Patti Morrow is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning blog Luggage and Lipstick. TripAdvisor called her one of “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials.” Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal.
Patti has traveled six continents looking for fabulous places and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer (and Gen X!) tribe. You can follow Patti on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Read more about Patti Morrow.