Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank and Beaufort SC has plenty of budget-friendly dining and entertainment options, with plenty of things to do in Beaufort that won’t cost a dime. Enjoy one of our many historic spots, our parks and walking district, spend a rainy day in a museum or enjoy making memories at free community events with your family. There’s always something to do in Beaufort.
Tour the Parris Island Museum
Explore the long and rich legacy of the United States Marine Corps as well as the exciting history of the Port Royal region at the Parris Island Museum. See thousands of artifacts, images and other materials illustrating the stories within the exhibit galleries from Native Americans to modern Marines. FREE to the public.
Visit here for hours and special program information.
Visit Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park is Beaufort’s most prominent park. Located in downtown Beaufort along the Beaufort River, the multi-acre park provides a breathtaking view of the Beaufort River, the Woods Memorial Bridge, the western tip of Lady’s Island and the eastern side of Port Royal Island. Enjoy amenities including several gardens, riverfront walkways, creaky old swings, a pavilion and a children’s playground. Shaded trees swaying in the sea breeze provide a relaxing atmosphere.
Go for an adventure along the Spanish Moss Trail
The Spanish Moss Trail in Beaufort follows the former Port Royal Railroad that was constructed way back in 1870. The 10 mile trail is a 12-foot wide, paved path dedicated to those who want to walk, run, bike, fish, skate, scoot or stroll and it offers spectacular Lowcountry water and marsh views, coastal wildlife viewing, and historic points of interest as it meanders through Spanish moss-draped neighborhoods. Parking can be found along the trail’s eastern side at Technical College of the Lowcountry, 921 Ribaut Road. Along the southern half of the trail, additional parking areas can be found at Broome Lane and Westvine Drive. See more about the Spanish Moss Trail.
The Sands Beach
The Sands Beach in Port Royal is a great spot to park your car along the water and enjoy sunbathing, finding sharks teeth, taking relaxing walks, fishing and lots more. Found at the end of Sands Beach Road, its boardwalk is a fantastic picturesque walk along Battery Creek that’s great for dolphin watching; and the observation tower has a super view and it’s a perfect location to catch a photo-worthy sunrise and sunset. More about Sands Beach.
Marvel at the homes in Beaufort’s Point Neighborhood
Home to some of the most beautiful houses in the south, Beaufort’s historic district is renowned for its impressive collection of antebellum architecture that reflect the styles that were popular during centuries past in the old South. Downtown Beaufort’s Point neighborhood is home to lots of them and dates back to the 1700s. Defined as the land between Carteret Street and the Beaufort River, the neighborhood was once an area where a timber mill operated. Among many other historic homes, enjoy Tidalholm (pictured above), the Castle, B.B. Sams House, the Thomas House, the Chaplin House and the Elizebeth Barnwell Gough House along your walk under beautiful live oak trees draped in Spanish moss.
Enjoy the shore at ‘Lands End’
If you love an out of the way spot where you won’t see too many other people, try Lands End Beach on St. Helena Island. It also comes with a sprinkle of history. Lands End is Fort Fremont‘s beach and it lies right in front of the historic fort. It’s off the beaten path and, especially at low tide, offers a fantastic spot to relax, enjoy nature, go fishing, catch some sun or play in the water. Find it at 1126 Lands End Road, St. Helena Island SC
Visit the home and grave site of Robert Smalls
Robert Smalls was born into slavery and spent most of his early years in this house at 511 Prince Street in downtown Beaufort. After he returned home from his historic service, he was elected to 5 terms as Congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives and purchased his former owner’s house, and took care of Mrs. McKee until the day she passed away. Smalls died in the house on February 22, 1915 and is buried on the grounds of the Tabernacle Baptist Church on downtown’s Craven Street, also the future home of the Harriett Tubman Monument. See Smalls’ Story
Visit a local historic site
Yep! Beaufort sure has enough of them. 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 as old as it gets. See more Beaufort SC historic spots here.
Find local nature at the Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center
No matter where you travel in Beaufort County and the surrounding area, you’ll likely cross the waters of Port Royal Sound. These waters are some of the most pristine in the country, and the Port Royal Sound Foundation wants to keep them that way. The exhibits at the Maritime Center include a 3,000 gallon salt water tank displaying local fish and a shallow touch tank that showcases seasonal marine life from our local rivers. Also enjoy free events including creature feedings, story time, educational wildlife programs and more. Located at 310 Okatie Highway, Okatie SC. See more.
Attend a local festival
With so much history, culture and tradition here in Beaufort, we have lots of reasons to celebrate including shrimp, the natural waters, crabs, BBQ, local cuisine and heritage. Take a look at some of the Beaufort area’s larger festivals here, and make sure to attend so you can make memories that will last a lifetime.
These activities are perfect for anybody who may be planning a trip on a budget or if you find yourself in Beaufort SC with some free time on your hands. Come see why people treasure our charming little town.
There’s plenty to do in Beaufort that won’t cost you a dime.
