Welcome to Beaufort, SC in the heart of the Lowcountry. Founded in 1711, this charming harbor town located on Port Royal Island boasts exquisitely preserved antebellum architecture and a downtown designated in its entirety as a historic district.
Here is a place abounding in wildlife and natural beauty with rivers, streams, and marshlands where daily life revolves around the ebb and flow of the tides. It is a road less traveled into one of our country’s last unspoiled places, rich in folklore, history, and spectacular beauty.
Not surprisingly, Hollywood filmmakers adore Beaufort. Its formal houses and gardens bordered by rivers, salt marsh, and sky became settings for films like The Big Chill, Forrest Gump, The Prince of Tides, and G.I. Jane. This grand old Southern town has maintained her magical charms of yesteryear with history and warmth as piquant as her beloved Frogmore Stew.
While the tide surges twice daily to every corner of Beaufort County, it continues to insulate and distinguish the area from other counties within the state. This very isolation has forged Beaufort's strong and unique character. The tide's bounty is legendary. Shrimp, oysters, and crabs have sustained this area for generations, elevating Beaufort County to prominence, and making it the “Jewel of the Lowcountry.” It doesn’t take long to feel the connection between the people, their land, the river, and its history.
Miles of white sandy beaches and tons of outdoor adventures to choose from will round out your visit. Also, just across the swing bridge on St. Helena Island sits Penn Center, one of the nation’s first schools for formerly enslaved individuals, and an important center of Gullah-Geechee culture. A museum on the grounds depicts the unique history of this region.
Activities in Beaufort
Beaufort sightseeing tours offer an ideal introduction to the area’s rich history. Take a walking tour or horse-drawn carriage tour for a great overview of the town and re-live the past through the narration of professional guides. Many of Beaufort’s historic homes also offer tours, opening their doors to visitors at certain times throughout the year.
In Beaufort, golf is a way of life for many. With dozens of world-class courses, public links, and championship layouts, the area serves as a paradise for golfers of all skill levels.
The Legends at Parris Island - The par-72 course features challenging fairways, tough greens, deep sand traps, and vast ponds. Each of the holes on this scenic course is named after an important leader in Southern history.
Pleasant Point Plantation - regarded as one of the best courses near Beaufort, known for its unparalleled golf experience. Each of the rigorous 18 holes presents a challenge, including deep ponds, large sand traps, and Bermuda grass fairways.
Olde Beaufort Golf Club- The golf club is equipped with a driving range and putting greens for practice. It opened its doors in 1970 and offers 18 holes.
Fishing and Boat Rentals
Reel in the big one or just get out on the water to relax and enjoy the coast from a whole new perspective of Beaufort from the river.
Beaufort is widely known as one of our country’s most charming art towns, With plenty of artists and artisans who call Beaufort home, the downtown area boasts a number of art galleries and historic museums.
A literary landmark that educates and inspires a community of readers, writers, and teachers. Beaufort honors one of America’s best-loved writers as it continues Pat Conroy’s courageous and generous-hearted legacy as a teacher, mentor, advocate, and friend to storytellers everywhere.
Family Fun
Beaufort offers family-friendly fun all year round. This charming coastal town has plenty of activities for children of all ages. Rent a bike, enjoy the beach, explore a state park, or relax on a porch swing overlooking the waterfront. The fun never stops in Beaufort, SC!
Witness the enchanting beginning of the Christmas and holiday shopping season in Beaufort during the first weekend of December. Join the long-standing tradition of the local community, "A Night on the Town," an event combining traditional charm with contemporary festivities. Prepare yourself for an evening filled with delightful surprises at every turn, promising to captivate, entertain, and immerse you in the Holiday Spirit.
Discover a Rich Tapestry of Festive Delights
As part of this extraordinary event, numerous shops extend their opening hours, warmly welcoming both regular patrons and new visitors. Step into a world of special treats while gaining an exclusive preview of their extensive and distinctive collection of seasonal items. This is an ideal opportunity to jump-start your holiday shopping with unique finds that promise to make this season especially memorable.
Be Enchanted by the Glow of the Lighted Boat Parade
Make your way to the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park to witness the spectacular Beaufort Lighted Boat Parade. Settle in with your chairs and blankets, and prepare to be mesmerized as local boat owners showcase their personal vessels adorned with stunning Christmas lights and other festive decorations. The parade will feature three passes at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, allowing you to immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season along the seawall.
Embrace the Festive Spirit with the Christmas Parade
Conclude the enthralling "Holiday Weekend" in downtown Beaufort with a captivating Christmas parade led by none other than Santa himself. This grand procession promises to be a heartwarming and captivating spectacle, infusing the air with the joyous spirit of the holidays.
Celebrate the Season in Beaufort's Real Estate Wonderland
From the exciting traditions of A Night on the Town to the breathtaking displays of the Lighted Boat Parade and the heartwarming charm of the Christmas Parade, Beaufort offers an unforgettable holiday experience. Embrace the magic of the season and create cherished memories as you partake in these extraordinary festivities against the backdrop of Beaufort's enchanting real estate landscape.
Unlock the essence of the holidays in Beaufort and discover the joyous spirit that permeates every corner of this delightful coastal town. With its warm community and rich traditions, Beaufort beckons you to experience an extraordinary holiday weekend—a time for celebration, connection, and creating timeless memories.
If you’re looking for a delicious dining experience with great views, visit the Saltus River Grill overlooking the Beaufort River. Dine inside or on the outdoor patio.If you like Lowcountry style with a modern and worldly spirit, try the shrimp pirlau, crab bisque, shrimp and grits, or the buttermilk fried chicken.
If you are an oyster lover, you're in for an exciting evening where you can order char-grilled oysters with roasted garlic and parmesan or simply eat them on the half-shell.
There are sushi and sashimi options to think about and classic skillet-browned crab cakes, smoked salmon, mussels, and steak tartare.
Saltus never disappoints when it comes to their bone-in ribeye served with four different sauces. With an extensive wine list and an array of tempting desserts, you will leave with an unforgettable experience.
At Breakwater great attention is given to details in every aspect of the place.The glassed-enclosed Wine Room opposite the bar showcases a wall of wines from around the world - the most extensive cellar in Beaufort, nearly all of it available by the glass.
The Fresh Crab Stack Salad is a local favorite. It’s hand-picked crab, and grilled corn relish with fresh tomato and basil - light, bright, and refreshing. The Cornmeal Dusted Diver Scallops are pan-seared to a succulent perfection, served with sweet corn risotto and Tabasco beurre blanc.The grilled lamb can be either a tapa or a meal.These plump chops are coated with a savory herb crust, roasted rare, and served atop a bed of rosemary grits with julienne snow peas and port mint demi.The bar noshes are outstanding. They serve Lamb Sliders, with toasty homemade mini-buns with minted yogurt, feta cheese, a pickle, and the famous hand-cut fries.
Breakwater never disappoints.Make your reservation and get ready to be spoiled.
Owner Anne Sergeant describes Wren as a restaurant with an urban edge that maintains a feeling of comfort.“It’s a great place for friends to meet.”
The vibe is a dramatic blend of ingredients and ideas with everything sourced and crafted locally.“Wren is all about choice and value which leads to repeat business,” says Anne.
You will find Wren Bistro and Bar to be a hip neighborhood restaurant that boasts a relaxing, yet upscale environment.They serve delectable dishes with locally grown ingredients, unique microbrews, and carefully selected wines.Located in the heart of historic downtown Beaufort, it’s open for lunch and dinner.
Lunch includes their toasted pecan cranberry chicken salad - a local favorite. You cannot beat their Smash Burger, Fish Tacos, and Crispy Thai Shrimp Salad.
Dinner is served starting at 5 pm with entrees like Mahi Mahi, Diablo Chicken, Shrimp and Grits, Crispy Flounder, and Seafood Pasta.
