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Suggested Itineraries

Planning the perfect Beaufort, SC getaway for you and your family is easy with our local-approved, custom-curated guides. Browse activities by interest, including history, Lowcountry cuisine, watersports, fishing and boating, arts and culture, family-friendly activities, marine corps, and more.

Travel Like a Beaufort Local

The Inner Coastal Podcast

Voiced as a glimpse into the transformative mindset that one drifts into when experiencing all the enriching elements of Beaufort together…

Outdoor Activities

Beaufort and Port Royal, South Carolina, are filled with sunshine, saltwater, fresh air, and opportunities for adventures and peace in the…

History

The Lowcountry region had been subject to numerous European explorations and several aborted attempts at colonization before the British…

Movie Locations

Beaufort has served as the backdrop for films such as Forrest Gump, The Great Santini, The Big Chill, GI Jane, Platoon and Forces of Nature…

Romantic Getaway

Couples Enjoy Anniversaries, Honeymoons, and Romantic Getaways in Beaufort South Carolina. When it comes to romance, Beaufort sets a…

Military

More than 17,000 active duty military members and their families live and work in the Beaufort area. In Port Royal, the U.S. Marine Corps…

Golf

Our area is home to several golf courses that provide scenic views, plentiful reservation times, and everything you’ll need to enjoy…

Gullah Culture

The Gullah are African Americans who live in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and Georgia, which includes both the coastal plain and…

Parks

The Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park is located in downtown Beaufort along the waters of the Beaufort River. The multi-acre park provides a…

Farmers Market

Visiting the local farmers’ market has become the cornerstone of locals who enjoy supporting farmers in their communities. These local…

Getaway to Beaufort

What to do if you have one hour:

There are a variety of activities to do in Beaufort even if you only have an hour to do so! You could tour the Beaufort History Museum for instance. With 500 years of history, there's a lot to learn about the 2nd oldest city in South Carolina. Or you could take a guided tour of the John Mark Verdier House located right on Bay Street and is the only historic home open to the public. If you would like to take a look at the other historic homes downtown - stroll through "The Point" neighborhood a couple of blocks down. The beautiful architecture and gardens will not disappoint.

Not really into history? Grab a cup of coffee or Sweet Tea Float (in Scout Southern Market) and walk down Bay Street to check out all the unique, locally-owned shops Beaufort has to offer. You'll leave with art, treasures, and much more! 

Before you leave, take a few minutes to sit on the swings in the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. The view of the water combined with the smell of the salty air will leave you with a relaxing drive home.

What to do if you have two hours:

Two hours in Beaufort? Great! You will have plenty of time to take a tour and learn about our beautiful little city. Hop on a horse carriage tour by Southurn Rose or Sea Island Carriages. Visit the Pat Conroy Literary Center and learn about the famed author whose books are all about Beaufort and have been made into popular movies. Take a guided walking tour or van tour through the historic "Point" neighborhood from Janet's Walking Tours, Emma's Golf Cart Tours, Gray Line Tours, or Beaufort Tours.

After your tour (or before), have lunch at one of the many restaurants located on the waterfront. From authentic South Carolina BBQ to fresh seafood, you won't be disappointed!

What to do if you have a half-day:

Half a day in Beaufort gives visitors the flexibility to stray from downtown and explore the Sea Islands that surround us. Drive out to St. Helena Island and visit the Penn Center and Reconstruction sites that gave newly freed slaves a second chance to learn and build their own paths. Past St. Helena Island, take a trip to Hunting Island State Park and climb the historic lighthouse. For only $2, you'll get the best views of the ocean and maritime forest. 

In the opposite direction, take a trip to the Kazoobie Kazoo Factory and Museum in Uptown Beaufort where you can tour the facility and make your own kazoo! Kazoobie Kazoos has been manufacturing plastic kazoos in the USA since 1999 and ship nearly one million kazoos a year to all points on the globe.

If you want to learn about military history, drive to the Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot and visit the Parris Island Museum. The exhibits focus on the long and honored history and traditions of the Marine Corps. On display are artifacts covering Port Royal's important military role from the American Revolution to the Civil War, along with development of the island into a Marine Corps installation after the Spanish-American War through the present. Free to the public, all you need is your driver's license, car registration, and insurance to get through the gates at Parris Island. 

On your way out of Beaufort, don't forget to stop by the Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center

For more information and places to visit, be sure to swing by the Beaufort, Port Royal, and Sea Islands visitor center to speak with our experienced information specialists at 713 Craven Street, Beaufort, SC 29902 or call 843-525-8500. Hours of operation are Monday - Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday 10am-3pm.