This Is The Friendliest Small Town in South Carolina
Beaufort, the second oldest town in South Carolina, has been perfecting Southern hospitality for centuries. Founded in 1711 by English settlers, the town quickly gained attention, becoming a popular summer retreat by the 19th century. Today, Beaufort maintains a laid-back atmosphere, offering sandy beaches, dolphin tours, and shrimp festivals that honor its agricultural roots. The Gullah people, an African American group in the region that has preserved much of its African heritage, also remain an integral part of the community. If you are ready to be welcomed with a smile, a bowl of warm crab soup, and a charming game of cornhole, Beaufort is the friendly town you have been searching for.
The Gullah Culture & People
The Gullah are African Americans residing in the Lowcountry region of Georgia and South Carolina. They are recognized for preserving their African cultural and linguistic heritage more than any other African American community in the United States. Their English-based Creole language contains a variety of African loanwords and grammatical influences from African languages. Today, Gullah storytelling, music, cuisine, crafts, folk beliefs, and agricultural traditions are widespread throughout the community in Beaufort.
One of the best ways to experience this community’s culture is by attending one of their festivals. The Original Gullah Festival, held annually in Beaufort, offers a wide range of cultural activities. Visitors can participate in workshops to learn trades like basket weaving, quilting, drumming, or musical instrument making. In addition to hands-on activities, the festival hosts engaging lectures and discussions that provide deeper insight into the Gullah community. Performances are another highlight of the weekend, featuring drumming shows, live bands, dances, choirs, and historical reenactments. You won’t want to miss the chance to learn about this group.
Annual Events & Festivals
In addition to The Original Gullah Festival, numerous cultural events and festivals bring Beaufort’s community together each year. The Beaufort Oyster Festival kicks off the year’s festivals, offering a variety of oyster preparations, an Oyster Boogie 5K, a cornhole tournament, and plenty of live music. Beaufort’s International Film Festival follows in February and features several days of local and international film screenings, followed by conversations with the filmmakers, forums, and speakers. For a taste of the area’s best dishes, be sure to attend the Taste of Beaufort festival in May, where you can sample signature plates from local restaurants.
Curious about the up-and-coming local talent? The Music Festival of the Lowcountry, held in June, is the perfect opportunity to discover new artists, featuring musical performances across all genres from the Lowcountry region. In October, travelers can enjoy some freshly caught shrimp and unique shrimp dishes during the Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival. There will be an arts and crafts market at the festival as well, giving you the chance to find the perfect souvenir.
Nearby Beaches and Water Recreation
Situated on Port Royal Island in the heart of South Carolina’s Sea Islands, Beaufort offers convenient access to numerous beaches and water-based recreational activities. With so much natural beauty to enjoy, it is no wonder this small community of 14,000 embraces such a relaxed pace of life. Sands Beach, just a little over a 10-minute drive from town, is the closest beach. Free and open to the public during the day, it’s a popular spot for both residents and tourists, offering activities like kite flying, sunbathing, and even shark tooth hunting along the shore. Hunting Island State Park requires a bit more of a drive, but it is well worth the visit. This state park is, by far, South Carolina’s most popular, attracting over one million visitors annually. Throughout the park, travelers can explore thousands of acres of maritime forest and marsh, an ocean inlet, and a saltwater lagoon. There is also lots of marine wildlife to keep your eye out for.
For those eager to get on the water, Beaufort Kayak Tours offers guided excursions, taking visitors through salt marshes at low tide right in downtown Beaufort. They’ll even let you hop in the water when the weather is warm. A trip to Beaufort wouldn’t be complete without spotting a dolphin. Consider booking a tour with Beaufort Dolphin Adventures, which takes travelers out on a cruise through the town’s waterways, passing by wild dolphins and remote beaches.
Culinary Scene
On weekends, especially on warm, sunny days, restaurants become key gathering spots for the community, with many holding important cultural values. Lady’s Island Dockside, for example, has been serving good food and hospitality to the community since 1990. Although the original location closed in 2015 due to water damage, the Lady’s Island location continues proudly operating in Beaufort, offering views overlooking the water and signature dishes like crab soup and New England clam chowder. Bricks on Boundary is another highly popular spot in town, offering American-style cuisine and a quirky atmosphere, with unique touches like state license plates hanging on the terrace. In the mood for a country-style brunch? Blackstone’s Cafe, open until 2 pm each day, serves some of the best southern-style breakfasts in town, including dishes like cajun shrimp & grits and corned beef hash brisket.
Final Thoughts
While many visit Beaufort for its natural beauty, they often leave impressed by its southern hospitality. Decades-old restaurants, lively oyster festivals, and the thriving Gullah community are just a few of the elements that bring people together and keep the town’s spirit alive. Although it is difficult to find a community in South Carolina that is not friendly, Beaufort has a unique warmth that makes it stand out as one of the friendliest.
