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Situated on Port Royal Island, you will find a little harbor town nestled away that boasts exquisitely preserved antebellum architecture and a downtown area designated to its rich history. Beaufort, South Carolina, is more than just a Lowcountry hidden gem—it's a transformative destination that has charmed visitors since 1512. Its winding, historic streets framed by natural foliage and centuries-old, moss-draped live oak trees make Beaufort something out of a storybook or movie.
Travelers who wish to take in all that Beaufort has to offer can turn to the South Carolina tourism experts at Visit Beaufort. We provide guests with great insight into what makes this area such a great place for vacations, helping you plan your visit with recommendations on things to do, places to stay, where to eat, and much more. Learn more about the area to find out why Beaufort is such a great destination.
Guests of Beaufort can admire its charm in a variety of ways. Take in the area with a walking tour, as part of a private group car or motorcoach bus, or from the delightful seat of a horse-drawn carriage.
Take part in guided island coach tours, fishing charters, and boat and kayak tours. All of these opportunities showcase the area’s rich history, Gullah heritage, and natural beauty of the coastal Lowcountry. In addition, sport fishing, bike tours, horseback riding, and adventure tours are popular year-round on our protected, pristine beaches and peaceful Intracoastal waterways.
Being the second oldest city in South Carolina, there’s no shortage of rich history in Beaufort. The Lowcountry region saw numerous European explorations and colonization attempts from various
nations.
Just 22 years after Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492, Spanish explorer Captain Pedro de Salaza of Hispanola landed on what is now Parris Island. Capt. de Salaza named the area Santa Elena, or St. Helena, and built a makeshift settlement. Since then, ten flags have flown over the Beaufort area. By the early 1700s, English planters and traders had established a strong foothold in the Beaufort-Charleston area and the official founding of Beaufort occurred in 1711.
During the Civil War, Beaufort was home to many turning points that helped shape the outcome of the war. It was the first southern city conquered by Union forces after the U.S. Navy victory in Port Royal on November 7, 1861. Beaufort then became the headquarters of the U.S. Army, Department of the South, with most of the buildings being converted into hospitals for wounded Union soldiers.
After the war, Beaufort saw great prosperity as a commercial and industrial center. This new-age revolution was led by transplanted northern or immigrant merchants and capitalists. Cotton, timber, phosphate mining, and shipping all transformed Beaufort from a model of the Old South before the war to a model of the New South after the war. Today, Beaufort continues to grow, bringing tourists and vacationers to its city limits every year.
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 Recruit Depot at Parris Island transforms more than 20,000 recruits a year into Marines.
Read MoreThe Lowcountry region had been subject to numerous European explorations and several aborted attempts at colonization before the British successfully founded the city in 1711. Below is a timeline of Beaufort - from exploration to foundation
Read MoreBeaufort has served as the backdrop for films such as Forrest Gump, The Great Santini, The Big Chill, GI Jane, Platoon and Forces of Nature – to name just a few!
Read MoreWhat helps make Beaufort a top destination for vacationgoers is the wide assortment of attractions in the area. No matter what type of adventure you are seeking, Beaufort can easily accommodate your needs. The area has something for everyone, including military enthusiasts, historians, movie buffs, nature lovers, families, and more. Areas of interest and activities worth checking out include:
Allow Visit Beaufort to be your visitors’ guide. Our extensive knowledge of the area allows us to match recommendations based on your preferences and desired adventures. Our team is happy to help make traveling easier with recommendations on lodging, accommodations, and the other aspects of planning your ideal getaway. For more information about Beaufort and Port Royal, SC, and the neighboring areas, contact us today at Visit Beaufort.