Spring break is more than just a week away from the classroom or office. It’s a chance for families to start new traditions, make memories and re-discover each other away from hectic schedules and stressful days. Whether your family craves adventure, needs something new or wants to spend a few days recharging ocean-side, there’s something for everyone in Beaufort.

1. Step back in time – Dating back to the establishment of Santa Elena in 1566, Beaufort is bursting with history as the second oldest city in South Carolina. From the architecture to the cuisine, there’s a museum or shop ready to share the history of our piece of the Lowcountry with you. Stay in a historic bed-and-breakfast, like Anchorage 1770 or the Beaufort Inn, both of which were built hundreds of years ago, take time to explore Santa Elena Museum to learn how Beaufort came to be and take a leisurely carriage ride through downtown to hear the stories of the antebellum homes and people who lived in them.


 

2. Relax at the beach – Lounging on the beach more your speed? Head out to Fripp Island, a private community of beachfront properties that offers families week-long rentals just 30 minutes outside of downtown Beaufort.

 

3. Get outdoors – Beaufort is best explored two ways: outside and on the water. From our historic downtown waterfront park to our variety of outdoor activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, fishing and crab hunting, there’s always a reason to be on – or near – the water. Cap off your week at Hunting Island, the state’s most-visited state park and challenge your kids to climb all 167 stairs to the top of the lighthouse for some of the best beach views in the East Coast.

 

4. Discover a new culture – Beaufort and our surrounding Sea Islands are home to one of the largest Gullah Geechee communities in the country. Start your trip at the historic Penn Center, which is home to one of the country's first schools for formerly enslaved individuals, and is located on St. Helena Island, the heart of the Gullah culture. Take home an authentic Gullah sweet grass basket, then, plan your visit back in May for the annual Beaufort Gullah Festival.

 

5. Eat your way through the Lowcountry – Home to the iconic Frogmore Stew, Beaufort is built on culinary traditions passed from generation to generation. Visit local favorites like Shrimp Shack for fresh-caught seafood or Old Bull Tavern for specialty handcrafted cocktails and wood-fired pizzas. Cap off your day at SCOUT Southern Market with a refreshing and fun Sweet Tea Float!

 

Spending spring break in Beaufort? Share your family pictures with us using #LuvBFT!