Take the drive to Beaufort
Jewel of the Sea Islands
A perfect balance of moss-draped old Southern elegance and vibrant coastal playground, Beaufort offers a wealth of options for an unforgettable day trip. Explore the timeless mystique of its stunning antebellum architecture or discover what has made this small town one of the hottest destinations on the southeast. Your only limit is your imagination.
Visit Historic Downtown
With its main street lined with stores and grid of streets winding away through centuries old homes, Beaufort’s Historic Downtown offers a little bit of everything that makes this town so special. Be sure your visit includes a stroll along Henry C. Chambers waterfront park, popping into the waterfront shops and restaurants along the way.
Take a Carriage Tour
Like any historic Southern town, Beaufort offers a bevy of options for exploration on carriage. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours not only let you soak in the scenery, they’ll introduce you to Beaufort’s fascinating history. Come for the drama of the city’s years during the Civil War, stay for the chilling ghost stories.
Sample the Cuisine
Beaufort’s culinary scene represents a cross-section of the epicurean traditions that have made this coastal jewel sparkle. Taste the hickory smoke of authentic South Carolina BBQ, dig into a heaping bowl of Frogmore Stew or indulge in something a little more refined at one of the many fine-dining restaurants that dot the town. There isn’t a bad bite to be found.
Explore Hunting Island State Park
Just on the other side of the massive swing bridge over the Beaufort River, Hunting Island enchants with its beautiful beaches, pathways winding through serene woods and its historic lighthouse. Spend a few hours exploring or book a campsite and make a night of it.
Visit the Museums
With that rich history comes a wealth of museums, each highlighting a different fascinating aspect of the town’s lore. Inside the old Arsenal building downtown, the Beaufort History Museum examines the city’s early colonial history, its role in the Civil War and its emergence as a coastal destination. Over on St. Helena Island, the Penn Center offers visitors an unparalleled look into the vital history of African Americans in Beaufort. From its time as one of the first schools for the formerly enslaved to its indelible impact on the Civil Rights movement, Penn Center has played a massive role in history while offering a unique way to explore it.
