You step off the bus and notice a quiet waterfront park buzzing with families and joggers, the air filled with the salty scent of marshland. A horse-drawn carriage clops by, its driver waving at locals who seem to know everyone. This small-town charm hits you immediately, with historic homes lining the streets and Spanish moss dangling from ancient oaks.
The park’s boardwalk stretches along the river, where you spot kayakers gliding past. This area hosts festivals almost every month, drawing crowds for food, music, and crafts. With over 300 historic buildings and a population just under 13,000, the town feels lively yet intimate, like a place where neighbors still chat on porches.
Welcome to Beaufort, South Carolina, a Lowcountry gem on Port Royal Island. This coastal town, the second-oldest in the state, blends history, nature, and community spirit. Locals pride themselves on their walkable downtown and year-round events, making it a perfect spot for a weekend escape.
Historic Downtown Stroll
Start at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, the heart of Beaufort’s social scene. Walk along Bay Street, where shop owners like Mary at Scout Southern Market serve tea floats and share stories of the town’s past. The area’s historic homes, many from the 1700s, offer guided tours—check the John Mark Verdier House for a peek into antebellum life.
Hunting Island State Park
A 25-minute drive east lands you at Hunting Island, South Carolina’s most visited state park. Its 5 miles of pristine beach and lighthouse draw families for picnics and wildlife spotting—think alligators and ospreys. Entry is $8 for adults, and the park’s trails are stroller-friendly, making it great for kids.
Gullah Heritage and Penn Center
On nearby St. Helena Island, the Penn Center preserves Gullah Geechee culture. Founded in 1862 as a school for freed slaves, it now hosts events like the Gullah Festival over Memorial Day weekend. Local guides, like those from the Gullah Kinfolk Theater, share stories through plays, keeping the heritage alive.
Waterfront Adventures
Beaufort’s waterways are a playground for kayaking, fishing, or dolphin-watching tours. Coastal Expeditions, run by Capt. Henry Brandt, offers boat trips starting at $45, weaving through marshes with views of the town’s steeples. Rentals are affordable, and public boat landings like White Hall are free to access.
Festivals and Food
Beaufort’s calendar is packed with events like the Beaufort Water Festival (July 11-20, 2025) and Taste of Beaufort in May. Local restaurants, like Saltus River Grill, serve fresh seafood—try the shrimp for $20-$30. For updates, locals check the city’s tourism site or downtown bulletin boards.
The town is safe and walkable, with free parking at the waterfront. Public buses connect to nearby Port Royal, and bike rentals cost about $15 a day. Families love the Spanish Moss Trail, a 10-mile paved path for biking or jogging, with benches for breaks.
For more to explore, head to Port Royal’s Cypress Wetlands, a 15-minute drive, for birdwatching on a boardwalk. The Beaufort History Museum, 5 minutes from downtown, dives deeper into the town’s past. Or visit Bluffton, 30 minutes away, for its quirky art scene and historic churches.
Ready to explore? Grab a map and start at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, 1010 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902. Check the city’s tourism page for event schedules and insider tips.