Summer is the perfect time to visit Beaufort, South Carolina. The skies are clear, the school year is over, and the beaches are busy with special events. However, summer is also the hottest season. When the midday sun begins to feel oppressive, tourists start looking for ways to cool off. Here, Visit Beaufort talks about how to escape the South Carolina summer heat while staying in the area.
Grab an Ice Cream
Fun under the summer sun can work up quite a thirst. Luckily, there are plenty of locations in Beaufort offering refreshing treats. Ice cream is a favorite summer snack for the whole family, as are other cold items such as slushies, Italian ice, and frozen drinks. We recommend the following locations:
- Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
- Mameem & Maudie Beaufort Café, Icery and Shoppe
- Sunset Slush and Beaufort
- Maynard’s Ice Cream & Café
- Southern Sweets Ice Cream Parlor & Sandwich Shop
- Yo Yo’s Frozen Yogurt
Many sites offer indoor seating or shaded tables if you’re hoping to escape the sun. Or, take your treat with you to stay cool while continuing your adventure.
Relax at the Spa
For an extended break from the heat, cool off in ultimate comfort at the spa. Graceful Touch Day Spa offers a luxury experience, including massage, skincare, and waxing, all within a rejuvenating environment. The experience is guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed and ready to brave the sun once more. Or, unwind at the Beaufort Day Spa, an oasis of serenity set against a romantic Lowcountry backdrop. Relax and unwind while enjoying views of tranquil gardens and oak trees draped in Spanish moss.
Go Shopping
Is there a shopaholic in your travel party? Retail therapy is the perfect way to spend a hot summer day indoors. Beaufort is home to a wide variety of retailers and local artisans, offering everything you can imagine. Some of the special souvenirs you can find on your travels include:
- Antiques
- Artisan Jewelry
- Boutique Fashion
- Candy
- Cookware
- New and used books
- Glassworks
- Hand-crafted soaps
- Home design
- Local wine and brews
- Yarn and art supplies
Cool off while commemorating your vacation with a souvenir. Or, grab a gift for your pet sitter or an upcoming birthday or Christmas.
Experience Arts and Culture
Port Royal and Beaufort, SC, are home to a thriving arts and culture scene inspired by Lowcountry scenery and history. Galleries and performances are the perfect way to spend a few hours indoors while experiencing the creations of local artists. You can even watch crafters at work at Thibault Gallery.
If you’d like to stretch your own creativity, the area also offers opportunities to create your own work of art. Paints ‘N Paradise provides over 200 unique pottery pieces to choose from, from cookware to décor to kids’ items. Select a piece and make it your own with custom paint, mosaics, and glass fusing. The Southern Palette Art Studio also provides wine and art classes, where customers can pour a glass and select from a gallery of projects to create.
Take a Dip
The most classic way to cool off, of course, is with a swim. The Port Royal and Beaufort, SC, region features multiple beautiful beaches, including:
- Hunting Island State Park: The area’s most popular beach, Hunting Island boasts five miles of white sand beaches, which attract over 1,000,000 tourists each year.
- Sands Beach: Located on Battery Creek rather than the oceanfront, this beach’s limited wave action makes it a safe swimming spot for families with small children.
- Lands End Beach: This isolated shoreline offers a quiet getaway for travelers who wish to enjoy the water without the crowds. It’s also a great spot for fishing.
Whether you take a dip in the salty water, surf, or simply remain under your beach umbrella, staying cool doesn’t always mean leaving the shorefront. Bring a cooler of drinks with you for extra refreshment.
Make the Most of South Carolina Summers with Visit Beaufort, Port Royal & Sea Islands
A hot South Carolina summer doesn’t spell an end to your vacation. Visit Beaufort is your guide to the Beaufort and Port Royal, SC, region, offering local travel tips and things to do – whatever the weather. Get in touch for downloadable guides or to get started with planning your stay.
