Beaufort
,Beaufort is a charming coastal town located in South Carolina, known for its historic architecture and picturesque waterfront. Visitors can explore the town's rich history by taking a historic walking tour or visiting the Beaufort History Museum. The area is also popular for outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, and dolphin watching tours.
With its vibrant arts scene, delicious Lowcountry cuisine, and warm Southern hospitality, Beaufort offers a relaxing and inviting getaway for visitors.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1.50 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore Beaufort Marshes
morning
:Start your day with a boat tour of the picturesque marshes. Enjoy spotting wildlife and taking in the serene vistas.
afternoon
:Visit the Beaufort History Museum to learn about the rich heritage of the area. Don't forget to stroll through the historic downtown area afterward.
evening
:Relax with dinner at a waterfront restaurant. Savor fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the water.
Nature Walks and Parks
morning
:Head to Hunting Island State Park for an early morning hike. The trails offer beautiful coastal scenery and opportunities to see native wildlife.
afternoon
:After lunch, spend time at the beach relaxing or swimming. Enjoy the soft sand and warm sun during the afternoon.
evening
:Join a local guided night tour to explore the park's wildlife. Experience the tranquility of nature under the stars.
Highlights
Good
- Beautiful coastal scenery and waterfront views
- Rich historical significance and charming architecture
- A variety of outdoor activities, including boating and fishing
- Close-knit community with friendly residents
- Access to nearby islands and natural parks for exploration
Bad
- Limited job opportunities in certain industries
- Seasonal tourism can lead to crowded areas in peak months
- Higher cost of living compared to some other regions
- Hurricane risk during the storm season
- Public transportation options may be limited
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Kayaking in the Lowcountry
Explore the beautiful waterways of Beaufort by kayaking. Rent a kayak and paddle through the salt marshes, spotting local wildlife and enjoying the scenic views.
Hunting Island State Park
Visit this stunning state park with pristine beaches, hiking trails, and scenic views. Ideal for swimming, picnicking, and nature walks.
Biking on the Spanish Moss Trail
Ride along the Spanish Moss Trail, a scenic path that connects Beaufort to Port Royal, perfect for biking, walking, and jogging.
Fishing at the Beaufort River
Try your hand at fishing in the Beaufort River. Whether you prefer shore fishing or chartering a boat, there are plenty of options available.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Rent a paddleboard and navigate the calm waters around Beaufort, enjoying the tranquility and spotting local marine life.
Historic Walking Tours
Take a guided walking tour of Beaufort's historic district, exploring its rich history, architecture, and charming streets.
Bird Watching at Parris Island
Visit Parris Island to enjoy bird watching. The area is home to diverse bird species and offers beautiful natural settings.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Beaufort with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Waterfront Park
A picturesque park along the Beaufort River offering stunning views of the water and historic waterfront.
Hunting Island State Park
A scenic coastal park featuring beautiful beaches, lighthouse views, and nature trails perfect for photography.
The Old Burying Ground
A historic cemetery with ancient oak trees and historic gravestones, providing unique photo opportunities.
Beaufort National Cemetery
A peaceful location with beautiful landscaping and historic monuments, offering serene vistas for photography.
Bay Street
Offers charming views of historic buildings along the waterfront, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Cypress Wetlands
This nature area features boardwalks and trails with opportunities to capture wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Port Royal Sound Foundation
Offers educational exhibits and beautiful natural views of the Sound, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Shrimp and Grits
A quintessential Lowcountry dish featuring locally caught shrimp served in a rich sauce over creamy, stone-ground grits. Best enjoyed at Saltus River Grill or Q on Bay.
Must-Try!
Frogmore Stew
Also known as Lowcountry boil, this communal dish includes a mouthwatering mix of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes simmered in a flavorful broth. Visit The Foolish Frog or Emily's Restaurant & Tapas Bar for an authentic taste.
Pimento Cheese
A beloved Southern spread made from sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and various seasonings. Sample the best at Wren Bistro or Blackstone's Cafe & Bar.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Beaufort better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Port Royal Farmers Market
This bustling market offers a vibrant selection of locally grown produce, homemade treats, and artisanal crafts. Visitors can relish freshly baked bread, flavorful jams, and handcrafted cheeses.
Beaufort Shrimp Festival
An annual celebration spotlighting the region's delectable shrimp in all its forms, from fried to boiled. The festival also features live music, local art, and a delightful array of street food vendors.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Politeness
Beaufort residents value politeness and friendliness. It is customary to greet people with a smile and a simple 'hello' or 'how are you?' This friendly approach helps to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Respect for History
Beaufort is rich in history, especially related to its Gullah culture. Showing respect for historical sites and local traditions is important. Engage with the community by learning about its history and heritage.
Community Engagement
Participating in local events and respecting community gatherings is encouraged. Residents appreciate when visitors engage in local customs, such as attending festivals or supporting local businesses.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Beaufort with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Beaufort, as in much of the United States, tipping is a common practice in service industries. It is customary to tip restaurant servers, bartenders, taxi drivers, and other service providers. Typical gratuities range from 15% to 20% of the total bill, depending on the quality of service. Tipping is generally seen as a way to reward good service and supplement the income of service workers who may earn lower hourly wages.
Payment
Payment practices in Beaufort typically involve a variety of methods. Most restaurants, shops, and service providers accept credit and debit cards, as well as cash. Mobile payment options, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, are also becoming increasingly popular. Many establishments may have a minimum purchase limit for credit card transactions. Additionally, sales tax is applied to goods and services, and it is important for consumers to account for this in their total payment.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Beaufort.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring
Spring, from March to May, is one of the best times to visit Beaufort. The weather is mild with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 80s (°F). Expect blooming flowers and vibrant greenery, making it a picturesque time for outdoor activities and festivals, including the annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival.
Summer
Summer runs from June to August and features warm to hot temperatures, often reaching the high 80s to low 90s (°F). This season brings high humidity and afternoon rain showers. It's perfect for beach activities, boating, and enjoying the local seafood, though the heat may limit outdoor excursions during the day.
Fall
Fall, from September to November, is another ideal time to visit Beaufort. The weather cools down, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s (°F). The humidity decreases, providing a comfortable atmosphere for exploring historic sites, kayaking, and enjoying fall festivals, such as the Beaufort International Film Festival.
Winter
Winter, from December to February, is mild in Beaufort, with average temperatures ranging from the upper 40s to mid-60s (°F). While it may not be ideal for beachgoers, it's a great time for enjoying a quieter atmosphere, holiday festivities, and exploring the local culture without the summer crowds.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hunting Island State Park
A beautiful barrier island featuring sandy beaches, maritime forests, and scenic hiking trails. Ideal for nature lovers and wildlife viewing.
Port Royal Sound Foundation Heritage Preserve
Offers a variety of trails through the pristine marshlands and coastal ecosystems. Perfect for hiking and enjoying the unique natural scenery of the area.
Spanish Moss Trail
A picturesque multi-use trail that runs through the Lowcountry, ideal for hiking, biking, and enjoying the views of the surrounding nature.
Fish Haul Beach Park
A scenic beach park with walking trails that provide access to the beach and stunning views of the salt marsh and ocean.
Cypress Wetlands
A short nature trail that meanders through wetlands, offering opportunities to observe local wildlife and native plant species.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Beaufort through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Beaufort by plane.
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
Located approximately 40 miles south of Beaufort, this airport serves the Savannah, GA metropolitan area and offers flights to various domestic and limited international destinations.
Charleston International Airport (CHS)
About 70 miles northeast of Beaufort, it serves the Charleston, SC area and provides numerous domestic flights as well as some international services.
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
Located around 120 miles south of Beaufort, this airport is a major hub for northeastern Florida and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights.
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
Approximately 90 miles north of Beaufort, it serves the Myrtle Beach area and primarily offers seasonal flights to domestic vacation destinations.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
Located about 120 miles west of Beaufort, this airport serves the capital of South Carolina and provides a variety of domestic flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
White
Caucasian individuals, primarily of European descent.
Black or African American
Individuals with African ancestry, including those from the African diaspora.
Hispanic or Latino
Individuals of Spanish or Latin American origin, encompassing a diverse range of backgrounds.
Asian
Individuals of Asian descent, including those from East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia.
Two or More Races
Individuals identifying as two or more racial groups.
Native American
Indigenous peoples of the United States, with rich cultural heritages.
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
Individuals with origins in Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, and other Pacific Islands.
The Soul of Beaufort
Discover the essence of Beaufort through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Golf
Beaufort is known for its beautiful golf courses, attracting both locals and tourists.
Fishing
With its coastal location, fishing is a popular pastime in Beaufort, offering opportunities for both recreational and sport fishing.
Sailing
The local waterways make Beaufort a great place for sailing, with many residents enjoying this activity and participating in sailing clubs.
Football
High school football is a significant part of the community culture, drawing fans and supporting local teams.
Soccer
Soccer is growing in popularity among youth and adult leagues in the area.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Many restaurants in Beaufort offer innovative vegetarian and vegan alternatives, with dishes featuring farm-fresh produce and creative plant-based ingredients. Check out Breakwater Restaurant & Bar and Panini's on the Waterfront for an exceptional range of options.
Gluten-Free Choices
For those seeking gluten-free options, several eateries in Beaufort accommodate this dietary requirement with specially curated menus and knowledgeable staff. Notable mentions include Hearth Wood Fired Pizza and Plum's Restaurant.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Beaufort with these cultural adventures.
