Things to Do in Beaufort
Beaufort is a city located in the heart of the Sea Islands and South Carolina Lowcountry. Chartered in 1711, it is considered to be the second oldest city in South Carolina. Beaufort is well known for its scenic location. Most importantly, it is famous for maintaining a historic character through the preservation of its antebellum architecture.
The city is often featured in publications. At one time, it was named “Best Small Southern Town” by Southern Living. It also made the list of the “Top 25 Small City Arts Destination” by American Style. Most recently, it landed on the list of the “Top 50 Adventure Town” by National Geographic Adventure.
The list of things that you can do in Beaufort is long. It includes a visit on various historical landmarks, fun and leisure in water and land recreation activities, tours, shopping, food tripping, a game of golf, trips to various must – see sites and attendance to famous local festivals and events. Here is our list of ten fun things to do in Beaufort.
Spanish Moss Trail
Image: Spanish Moss Trail Website
The first thing to do in Beaufort is to get acquainted with the famous non-parasitic flowering plant, the Spanish moss. Native to Beaufort, the Spanish moss is a silvery-gray plant that often grows in large, beardlike masses. It sometimes grows yellow stalkless flowers that have three yellow petals, and three sepals. While visiting Beaufort, you can explore the Spanish Moss trail and observe the famous flora in all its silvery glory.
The Spanish Moss Trail is a 10-mile long recreation trail in northern Beaufort that is a runner or biker’s paradise. The trail was founded in 2012 as a way to promote a healthy lifestyle for both residents and tourists. Take in the saltwater air and the stunning marsh views as you make your way down the trail and through a landscape draped in Spanish moss. There are also several locations along the trail where you can fish.
Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center
Image: Port Royal Sound Foundation Website
Beaufort has many scenic geographic features like a sound. This makes for a thrilling sight-seeing adventure. A sound is an ocean channel between two bodies of land, yet still accessible by ocean-going vessels. The Port Royal Sound Area of Beaufort includes all the areas directly affected by the water flowing into Port Royal or Calibouge Sounds. Rivers such as the Beaufort, Broad and May, as well as all their tributaries are part of this scenic area. The Port Royal Sound extends almost all the way to Interstate 95 and covers most of Beaufort County, as well as portions of Jasper and Hampton counties. Hence, it comprises nearly 1,600 square miles of land, marsh and river.
The Port Royal Sound Maritime Center is located on the Chechessee River. It has exhibits that appeal to visitors of all ages. Some of the most well – known exhibits include a life – sized megalodon jaw and a 3,000 gallon aquarium featuring local marine life of Beaufort, South Carolina.
Highway 21 Drive-In Theater
Image: Highway 21 Drive-In Facebook
Evenings at Beaufort, South Carolina may be spent idly or festively. One of the most fun ways to spend your evenings here is through watching a movie and enjoying concessions at the famous Highway 21 Drive-In Theater.
However you want to arrive, whether in a classic convertible or in a more modern sub-compact sedan, in Beaufort, you can travel back in time to the happy days of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s enjoying a fun evening at the Highway 21 Drive – In Theater. This fun and nostalgic venue boasts two huge outdoor screens which show four movies at any given evening. It is complete with the concessions stand where you can choose from a wide variety of snacks to munch on as the film rolls.
Hunting Island
One of the best places you can visit in Beaufort, South Carolina is a place called Hunting Island State Park. Hunting Island State Park is located just 15 miles east of Beaufort. It is a 5,000 acre secluded semitropical barrier island. The historic Hunting Island Lighthouse is one of the park’s most popular attractions. It stands to a staggering height of 132 feet. The lighthouse was built back in 1859 and is the only one open to the public in the entire state of South Carolina. If you are healthy and able, you can climb the 167 step spiral staircase of the lighthouse. You won’t regret climbing because once on top, you will be amazed by some of the most majestic views of the Atlantic and the surrounding Lowcountry landscape.
Aside from the lighthouse, the Hunting Island State Park also features a fantastic beach for visitors to enjoy. Not too far from the beach, if you lucky, you will also be greeted with the sight of the bottlenose dolphins which are eagerly playing around in the water.
Finally, Hunting Island State Park also boasts miles of hiking trails through the maritime forest, a fishing pier in Fripp Inlet, a Nature Center with live animal exhibits, a camping area with easy access to the beach, and a recently updated Visitor Center with murals of the ecosystems on the semi-tropical island.
Shopping on Bay Street
In Beaufort, you will surely enjoy outdoor adventures. But, before that, make sure to shop at the city’s famous Bay Street Outfitters. Beaufort’s Bay Street Outfitters has been serving the city’s visitors for more than 18 years. They do so by helping them find exactly what they need for their coastal adventures.
Are you planning to go fishing? If you are, know that Bay Street has everything you need. With staff and guides that have experienced fishing all over the world, spent countless hours testing knots and rigging techniques, and knowledge of all the equipment in house, it surely is the place to go for any of your outdoor adventure needs.
Paddleboarding on Factory Creek
Part of Beaufort’s lure is its unique waterways. The city’s bodies of water are on top of the list of the many qualities that make her special. So, if you are in the area, know that there is no better way to see Beaufort’s waterways than from your kayak or paddleboard.
We recommend kayaking for those who are carrying items with them on their trip, such as a small picnic or a camera. On the other hand, paddle boarding is the way to go if you are looking for a great way to see the sites and get an awesome workout at the same time. Whichever you choose, kayaking and paddle boarding are both fun and adventurous activities and are great options you surely would not want to miss.
Beaufort History Museum
Image: Beaufort History Museum Website
Tired of all the outdoor fun at Beaufort? Why not try reliving the city’s rich history next? Look back and relive the rich history of Beaufort. Visit the Beaufort History Museum at the historic Arsenal in downtown Beaufort.
The museum features a guided tour down memory lane through more than 450 years of Beaufort’s past, bringing to life the events that shaped the development of not only the city but also the nation of America.
Southurn Rose Carriage Tours
Image: Southurn Rose Carriage Tours Website
One of the things you wouldn’t want to miss while in Beaufort is riding a horse-drawn carriage through the city’s most scenic spots. With Southurn Rose Carriage Tours, you can try to relive the glory days of the city while sitting comfortably in a horse-drawn carriage. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about the city’s history over the last 300 years as narrated by a friendly and knowledgeable guide.
In the tour, you will be shown the Civil War era antebellum homes. You will be told that these homes with their majestic and historic architecture have their own wild tales of conflict, danger, rivalries, and adventure. The carriage tour will be a truly fascinating experience – one you won’t soon forget.
Penn Center
Image: Penn Center Website
One of the many historic sites that you can visit in Beaufort is the Penn Center. Founded in 1862, the Penn Center is the site of the first academic school for freed slaves which stands today as one of the most significant African American historical and cultural institutions in existence. It features nineteen buildings related to and used by the Penn School, including Brick Church and Darrah Hall, one of the oldest buildings on St. Helena Island.
The Penn Center is a historic institution that continues to be committed to the preservation of the Gullah Geechee culture. It also hosts old burial grounds, Gantt Cottage (where Martin Luther King Jr. lodged), a nature trail, Chowan Creek and acres of pines, native flora and fauna.
Deep Sea Fishing
One of the best things that Beaufort, South Carolina is known for is fishing. According to statistics, twenty-five percent of the U.S. east coast marshland water is here in Beaufort county and because of that, the fishing possibilities here are endless.
The city provides experienced fishing captains who can be booked for your deep sea fishing adventure. Some of the exotic fishes that you can fish in Beaufort waters are giant cobia, jacks, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel or trout.
