Things To Do
in Beaufort
Beaufort, South Carolina is a charming coastal town in the Lowcountry known for its well-preserved antebellum architecture, moss-draped live oaks, and scenic waterfront. The town sits on Port Royal Island and offers easy access to barrier islands, salt marshes, and wide beaches. Beaufort blends Gullah-Geechee cultural history, a historic downtown with art galleries and tasting rooms, and an active military presence from nearby Parris Island.
Its slow pace, scenic beauty, and emphasis on outdoor life make it a popular base for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at one of Beaufort's charming cafes. Afterward, take a stroll through the Historical District, admiring the antebellum architecture and rich history of the area. Be sure to stop by the local shops and quaint boutiques that line the streets.
In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of the historic sites, including the Old Burying Ground and the stunning marinas. Enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant where you can savor fresh seafood while watching boats glide by. Afterwards, consider taking a scenic kayak tour to explore the coastal waterways.
As the sun sets, head back to the Historical District for an evening ghost tour, where you'll hear eerie tales of Beaufort's past. For dinner, indulge in high-end cuisine at a local restaurant that focuses on farm-to-table dining. Finish the evening with a relaxing walk along the waterfront, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Begin your day early with a visit to the nearby Hunting Island State Park, where you can hike the scenic trails surrounded by nature. Take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking views from the lighthouse and learn about the local flora and fauna. Pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy on the beach as you take in the peaceful surroundings.
After a morning of exploration, spend the afternoon at the beach, swimming or relaxing in the sun. You may also want to try your hand at fishing or rent a paddleboard to explore the gentle waves. On your way back to Beaufort, stop at a local market for a taste of the region's fresh produce.
As evening approaches, return to Beaufort and dine at a rustic eatery known for its Southern comfort food. Engage in a friendly game of cornhole at a local pub while enjoying a craft beer brewed in the area. End your day with a sunset cruise on the Beaufort River to witness the magnificent skyline of the town.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-220 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.00-4.00 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $4-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful historic district and scenic Lowcountry landscapes
- Excellent access to beaches, marshes, and wildlife viewing
- Strong local food culture centered on fresh seafood and Lowcountry cuisine
- Laid-back, small-town atmosphere with friendly hospitality
- Hot, humid summers and risk of hurricanes in late summer/fall
- Limited late-night nightlife and fewer services compared to larger cities
- Dependence on cars outside the compact downtown; limited public transit
Places to Visit in Beaufort
Visit one of these nice places.
The town’s picturesque waterfront boardwalk with boat traffic, marsh views, and benches that make for classic sunrise and sunset shots.
Antebellum homes, oak-lined streets with Spanish moss, colorful porches and period architecture provide endless street and architectural photography opportunities.
Expansive beachfront, dunes and the iconic lighthouse create dramatic coastal landscapes and sunset compositions.
Historic Gullah-Geechee site with interpretive exhibits and scenic marsh backdrops; meaningful cultural photography opportunities.
Open water vistas and soft light over the sound are excellent for birdlife, boat, and wide seascape photography.
Food in Beaufort
Beaufort Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy, rich crab bisque flavored with sherry and made with blue crab meat and roe; commonly found at waterfront restaurants and classic Lowcountry eateries.
Must-Try!
Pan-seared or sautéed local shrimp served over creamy stone-ground grits—an essential Southern comfort dish available at cafes and upscale restaurants alike.
A communal pot of shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes boiled with spices—often served at festivals, community events, and some casual seafood spots.
Fresh local oysters from nearby sounds, featured on raw bars or roasted with garlic-butter and herbs at many seafood restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market (often weekends) offering local produce, seafood vendors, baked goods, and crafts; a good place to sample local products and meet producers.
Rotating food truck scene and pop-up dinners appear around downtown and parks—great for casual bites, seafood tacos, and Lowcountry-inspired street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite, friendly behavior is appreciated—greetings, saying 'please' and 'thank you', and a relaxed pace reflect local norms; using 'ma'am' or 'sir' is often seen as respectful.
Many beautiful homes and docks are private—stay on public sidewalks and boardwalks, and do not trespass on private yards or docks for photos.
Beaufort balances year-round residents, retirees, and seasonal visitors; be mindful of quieter residential neighborhoods, and respect local signage and quiet hours.
Safety
Tipping in Beaufort
Ensure a smooth experience
In Beaufort (as in much of the U.S.), tip restaurant servers around 15–20% of the pre-tax bill, bartenders $1–2 per drink or 15–20% for tab bills, taxi/rideshare drivers 10–15%, and hotel housekeeping $2–5 per night. Tour guides and fishing charter crews typically receive 10–20% depending on service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Small cash is useful for farmers markets, tips, or smaller vendors. ATMs are available but can be sparse outside the downtown area.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid, and busy with tourists between June and August; ideal for beach days, boating, and water sports but bring sun protection and be aware of afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane season (June–November).
Milder temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer bugs—great for outdoor activities, kayaking, and festivals; peak hurricane risk tails off but early fall storms can still occur.
Mild and cool with temperatures typically in the 40s–60s°F (5–20°C); fewer tourists, quieter streets, and lower accommodation rates—some seasonal businesses may have limited hours.
Pleasant weather, blooming gardens, and an uptick in festivals and events—one of the most popular times to visit for outdoor activities and birding.
Beaufort at Night
Hiking in Beaufort
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short nature trails through maritime forests and dunes, plus boardwalks and beach access; ideal for birding and coastal scenery.
A multi-use rail-trail in Beaufort County offering miles of relatively flat biking and walking paths through marsh-edge landscapes and small towns (check local maps for access points).
Local park trails and boardwalks through tidal marsh and maritime forest—good for family walks, birdwatching, and easy hikes.
Airports
How to reach Beaufort by plane.
Small regional airport about 30–45 minutes from Beaufort—convenient for regional flights and some connecting services; rental cars and shuttles available.
Major regional airport approximately 50–70 minutes north of Beaufort, offering numerous domestic flights and car rental options—a common choice for visitors.
Larger airport about 1.5–2 hours north by car with broad domestic service and more flight options; convenient for travelers combining Beaufort with Charleston visits.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People who have lived in Beaufort for generations, including families tied to the maritime and agricultural history of the area.
Descendants of enslaved Africans who have preserved unique cultural, linguistic, culinary, and craft traditions across the Sea Islands and Lowcountry.
Significant presence due to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, with military personnel, families, and veterans contributing to the local population.
Retirees and second-home owners are common, especially on nearby islands, contributing to a fluctuating seasonal population with peaks in winter and summer.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Recreational boating, inshore and nearshore fishing are hugely popular due to easy access to sounds, inlets, and rivers.
The Lowcountry region and nearby islands host several golf courses favored by residents and visitors, popular with retirees and vacationers.
Friday-night high school football has a strong local following and is an important community activity in many coastal Southern towns.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Beaufort.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited relative to meat/seafood dishes; many restaurants will accommodate with salads, vegetable sides, and grilled vegetable plates—call ahead for more substantial plant-based entrées.
Vegan and gluten-free diners can find options at cafés and some upscale restaurants, but choices are fewer than in larger cities—notify servers about allergies and preferences to get suitable substitutions.
Because seafood dominates the local cuisine, explicitly mention shellfish or fish allergies when ordering; cross-contamination can occur in kitchens heavy on seafood preparation.