If you’re visiting Beaufort for the very first time, you may not even know where to start after you get to town. There are lots of things to do…and everyone in your family wants something different.
She wants to shop. You want to fish or golf. The kids want to hit the beach. Don’t worry, we’ve put together a list of things that we recommend for the first time visitor to Beaufort.
You’ll find fun, history and adventure…and you may learn a thing or two on the way. These Beaufort must-dos will definitely give you the well-rounded experience you’re looking for on your vacation.
Check out the swing bridge and watch it open and close
The opening & closing of the Woods Memorial Bridge is a sight to see. Just hang out in downtown’s Henry C Chambers Waterfront Park and you’ll catch it opening sooner or later allowing boats to pass through it on their journey along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The Woods Memorial Bridge in downtown Beaufort is one of only a handful of swing bridges still in operation in South Carolina. A swing bridge is different from a drawbridge. Drawbridges rise and lower, swingbridges move left and right.
Take a walk through Beaufort’s Historic District
The best way to explore Beaufort is on foot. Taking a walk through Beaufort’s historic district can be like taking a walk back in time with 304 acres of the city being designated a National Historic Landmark. So what if it’s the largest such designation in all of South Carolina. Don’t be intimidated. You’ll enjoy a nice a walk along Spanish moss draped oak-lined streets and marvel at the beautifully preserved architecture of the antebellum homes that Beaufort and the old South are revered for. Folks have been here for over 500 years. There’s lots to see.
Climb the Hunting Island Lighthouse
One of the most recognizable landmarks in the Beaufort area is the historic Hunting Island Lighthouse. It’s one of the reasons people come here. It’s the only lighthouse in South Carolina where you can climb all the way to the top. Climb if you’re brave enough and walk along the outlook from the top and take in the scenic view of the beach, ocean and maritime forest below. It’s a great spot for a selfie too. Learn more here.
Cast your line in the water
Surrounded by water, Beaufort is a hot spot for fishing. Whether your looking for a quiet day fishing off a local dock, casting for redfish in the tidal flats of our marshes or going offshore to catch the big one, there’s no shortage of spots to put your line in the water. Field & Stream magazine has even named Beaufort one of the Top 20 Fishing Towns in America. Find local piers, fishing guides and a few local hot spots here.
Go to the beach
Check out the beach at Hunting Island. Over a million others do every year! It’s South Carolina’s most visited state park and you’ll see exactly why. Enjoy a day of sandcastles and splashes, or pack a great book and just relax. You’ll be visiting a natural, pristine barrier island with no commercial build up. Play in the sand, go camping, see wildlife and just relax and have family fun. The Visitors Center is also a great place to learn about the wildlife, botany and ecology of the sea islands. With miles of sprawling nature trails and an undeveloped beach, its also a great place for runners and hikers to find some seaside solitude. Find other spots to splash in the water and get some sand between your toes.
Dine along the water
Enjoy local cuisine along the Beaufort River at any of the six restaurants along the waterfront in downtown Beaufort’s aptly nicknamed ‘restaurant row’. Eat like a local on outdoor patios and enjoy local favorites like fresh local shrimp, Frogmore stew, she crab soup, shrimp & grits, BBQ and lots more. After all, it’s what you came to Beaufort for. Find your next plate here.
Enjoy a round of golf
All year round in Beaufort, our coastal community has something for everyone to enjoy. One of our favorite Lowcountry activities is teeing off at one of the golf courses in the Beaufort area. These championship links present a rigorous challenge for avid golfers and novice players, alike. Whatever your skill level may be, plan to book a morning or afternoon tee time so you can work on your golf game during your visit to Beaufort SC.
Visit Beaufort’s local art galleries
Beaufort SC has made the list of Top 25 Small City Arts Destinations by American Style Magazine, and it’s been named a ‘Top 100 Art Town in America’. Boasting over 12 Art Galleries in the downtown area with dozens and dozens of locals contributing to the scene you’ll find everything from glass art, Gullah art and classic southern styles. Find original paintings of the Hunting Island Lighthouse, sea turtles and much more in downtown Beaufort.
Explore Beaufort’s historic spots
Millions of people visit Beaufort each year and one of the biggest reasons is our history. Beaufort was first settled some 500 years ago and that’s a long time for a magical story to unfold. From old forts to church buildings, tabby homes and sacred ruins, Beaufort’s history is virtually about as old as America’s. In fact, America started right here in Beaufort. The Spanish settlement at Santa Elena on Parris Island is dated 11 years before St. Augustine, 38 years before Jamestown, and 51 years before the English pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. That makes it the first attempt of European colonization of the new world.
Make sure your explore these amazing local historic spots on your trip to Beaufort SC.
Enjoy some local retail therapy
Save room in your suitcase. Beaufort is home to delightful shops housing unique finds. Pick up one, or two, keepsakes to commemorate your first Beaufort getaway. Find original Lowcountry-inspired art at Beaufort River Glass. Grab those traditional souvenirs from Hollyhocks or Finders Keepers. Get the kids BEAUFORT SC t-shirts at Carolina Me Crazy.
You’re sure to find what you’re looking for at one of dozens of quaint shops and boutiques in downtown. And, you know you’re buying local. Each business in downtown is a small locally-operated business. No chains here. See them here.
Attend a local festival
There are plenty of local festivals to choose from…so take your pick. We have the Beaufort Water Festival in July, which is the longest running festival in the entire southeast. Beaufort celebrates local shrimp at the annual Shrimp Festival in October and local blue crabs at the annual Soft Shell Crab Festival every April. We also have festivals for food, BBQ, movies heritage and more. With so much history, culture and tradition here in Beaufort, we have lots of reasons to celebrate! See them here.
