Beaufort did it again and this time it was USA Todayโs readers who named Beaufort to the list of the Ten Best Coastal Small Towns in the U.S., in an article published this month.
We couldnโt agree more.
โBig cities have their perks, but these 10 coastal small towns โ nominated by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best in the country โ offer a calm and charm that is hard to find in more heavily populated areas. Each one has a population of 25,000 or less, and you can enjoy scenic views, historic attractions, delicious food, and plenty of things to do both on and off the water.โ USA Today said.
When it came to Beaufort, USA Today said, โBeaufort is a Lowcountry hidden gem located on Port Royal Island on the Atlantic Coast.โ
โFounded in 1711, the town is steeped in history, with the downtown buildings all preserved as a historic district. Find shopping, arts and classic Southern dining experiences there, as well as famous fishing spots, hiking trails, water sports, and more.”
“Plus, experience the rich Gullah culture in Beaufort, where descendants of enslaved Africans have preserved and developed a unique heritage blending African traditions with local influences,” the USA Today article added.
Coming in at #10 on the list, Beaufort enjoyed being in some good company. Pismo Beach, CA took the top spot, Cedar Key, FL came in at #2 and Gulf Shores, AL and Morro Bay, CA are on the list as well.
- Pismo Beach, CA
- Cedar Key, FL
- Castine, ME
- Bar Harbor, ME
- Morro Bay, CA
- Gulf Shores, AL
- Stuart, FL
- Duck, NC
- Rehoboth Beach, DE
- Beaufort, SC
Beaufort, SC last made the list from USA Today in 2021.
The accolades have been pouring in for Beaufort recently.
Weโve also recently been named one of the Most Laid Back Towns in South Carolina, the Most Charming Small Town in South Carolina; one of the Best Beach Towns, and One of the Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in the South.
Our downtown district has been named one of the Ten Best Downtown’s in the U.S., and Beaufort County has been named the Best County to Live in South Carolina.
In addition to those, Southern Living magazine has named the Old Sheldon Church ruins one of the Southโs Most Beautiful Chapels; named Hunting Island State Park one of the Best State Parks in the South; and named downtown Beaufortโs Craven Street one of the Southโs Most Beautiful Streets. Also, weโre both the Healthiest County in South Carolina and frequently the Most Patriotic Town, too.
Weโre grateful for the USA Today readers who thought enough of Beaufort to vote for her as one of the Best Coastal Small Towns in the U.S. With much bias, we all know that Beaufort deserves to be among the best townsโฆif not the best.