Things to in Beaufort, SC

Just north of Hilton Head Island, on the banks of the Beaufort River, sits historic Beaufort, South Carolina. A charming town brimming with Southern hospitality, antebellum history, and unique attractions, Beaufort invites you to explore and relax.

Historic Downtown Beaufort is a hub of activities and attractions where visitors can experience history, shop for treasures, enjoy the outdoors, and more.

Historical Markers scattered throughout town, along with many historic sites, connect visitors to the past. Exhibits at the Beaufort History Museum, located in the historic Arsenal, portray events of the past 450 years, complete with Native Americans, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War. 

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park includes The Emancipation Oak, the Old Beaufort Firehouse, and the Penn Center’s Brick Baptist Church and Darrah Hall, which all played key roles in the Reconstruction period.

Other historic buildings include the John Mark Verdier House Museum and the Parish Church of St. Helena, dating back to 1712.

You can choose from a variety of tours of the area, from tours in kayaks, biplanes, or golf carts to tours focused on photography, churches, or dolphins. There’s something for everyone. You can even tour the Kazoobie Kazoo Factory and learn all about kazoos!

Shoppers love the many boutiques and unique local shops downtown that offer everything from handcrafted jewelry to rare books. Beaufort River Glass specializes in glass decor, jewelry, and art. Scout Southern Market & Sweet Tea Bar features Southern-themed items and sweet tea floats.

Sit back and relax at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park along the river where porch swings, playgrounds, and river views await. 

Outdoor recreation focuses a lot on the water, so boating, fishing, and other water sports take center stage. Outfitters offer services like fishing charters, river cruises, and kayaking. The Downtown Marina serves boaters on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. And don’t forget about the Farmer’s Market that takes place every Saturday (rain or shine) from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Navy Heritage Park. 

Walkers, runners, and bikers enjoy the Spanish Moss Trail, a 10-mile paved path through wetlands and neighborhoods, that boasts natural beauty, wildlife viewing, and historic sites.

Good food is central to the Southern experience, and Beaufort has its share of great restaurants, with options for every taste and budget. A few noteworthy choices include Gullah Jazz Cafe for Southern and Caribbean flavors, Dockside Restaurant for Southern seafood with a waterfront view, Old Bull Tavern for the gastropub experience, and City Java & News for coffee and American fare in a cafe setting.

Beaufort has a variety of hotels like Hampton Inn and Tru by Hilton. Or make your stay a little extra special, choosing an inn like The Beaufort Inn, known for classic Southern style in the Historic District, or The Rhett House Inn where stars like Ben Affleck and Barbara Streisand have slept.

Whatever your tastes, Beaufort has a place for you. With its Southern hospitality, Spanish moss-draped trees, and quirky coastal flair, this South Carolina town beckons visitors to grab a sweet tea, relax, explore… and enjoy!