The Southern Belle of South Carolina

Tucked away along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway roughly midway between Charleston, SC, and Savannah, GA, the town of Beaufort is the epitome of South Carolina’s Lowcountry charm. Dubbed the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands” for its beautiful coastal setting, its rich history, and that famous Southern hospitality, Beaufort is an ideal destination for those seeking a fun getaway.

Although visited by the Spanish in 1514, it was the British who colonized the region, establishing Beaufort as a town in 1711. Strategically located on Port Royal Island, an advantageous position along the important Atlantic trade routes to Europe via the Caribbean that led to the town also playing a role as a major port during the Civil War.

Today, Beaufort (population now 13,850) is celebrated for its carefully preserved historic district, a National Historic Landmark that invites visitors to explore its antebellum past through its elegant homes, cobblestone streets, and the stories you’ll discover along the way.

The Civil War and Its Legacy

One of the few Southern towns to emerge relatively unscathed from the Civil War, Beaufort served as a key Union stronghold and a center for social and political transformation during the conflict. Captured without much resistance by Union troops in November 1861 as part of their successful Port Royal expedition, this early occupation ensured that Beaufort's antebellum architecture remained largely intact.

Beaufort also became a safe haven for freed African Americans and played a vital role in the Port Royal Experiment, an effort to integrate freed slaves into society. This initiative focused on education, land redistribution, and self-sufficiency, and saw several schools established, most notably the Penn School on nearby St. Helena Island, one of the first educational institutions for freed African Americans in the South. The Reconstruction Era National Historical Park is a great place to visit in Beaufort to learn more about this transformative period with fascinating insights into the town’s role in shaping post-war America's reconstruction.

You can also explore the well-preserved Beaufort Historic District to get a sense of the town’s historical importance. Self-guided and guided walking tours are a fun way to explore this area, with notable stops including the John Mark Verdier House Museum, a Federal-style home built in 1804 that offers insights into plantation life.

Beaufort’s Beautiful Waterfront

Beaufort’s former importance as a major port and naval base is very evident along the town’s picturesque waterfront. A perfect blend of natural beauty, recreation, and cultural experiences, the heart of the town’s waterside area is Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, a lovely green space overlooking the Beaufort River. Here, you can enjoy shaded swings that frame the scenic water views, picnic areas under sprawling live oaks, and even a playground for the kids to burn off some energy. The park is also a hub for local events, including outdoor concerts, festivals, and movie nights during the warmer months.

For those who enjoy water-based activities, Beaufort’s location along the Intracoastal Waterway makes it a prime destination for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat tours. Local outfitters such as Beaufort Kayak Tours guide adventurers through the Lowcountry’s winding creeks and marshes, providing opportunities to spot dolphins, herons, and other wildlife.

For a more leisurely experience, Captain Dick’s Beaufort River Tours offers narrated boat rides sharing insights into Beaufort’s history, ecology, and role in the local Gullah Geechee culture (you can also learn more about the history of these people through the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor National Historic Area). Arriving by boat? The Downtown Marina caters to boaters and serves as a launching point for exploring the surrounding waterways.

Local Events and Traditions

Each year, Beaufort celebrates its storied past through events like the Beaufort Water Festival, a tradition since 1956 that takes place each July. Combining music, boat races, parades, and plenty of food, this fun festival draws boaters and visitors from across the Carolinas.

And in October, the town hosts the Beaufort Shrimp Festival, a popular event honoring the region’s seafood heritage with live cooking demonstrations, tastings, and family-friendly activities along the waterfront. Visitors can also attend the Penn Center Heritage Days in November, a three-day event that focuses on Gullah culture with educational exhibits, performances, and local crafts.

No visit to Beaufort is complete without sampling another local tradition: its superb Southern dining experiences. Bay Street, which runs parallel to the waterfront, is lined with seafood restaurants offering fresh, locally caught fare. Favorites include Plums Restaurant and Saltus River Grill, both of which boast outdoor seating and menus featuring locally caught fish, fresh shrimp and grits, Lowcountry boil, and sweet potato pie. Great waterside dining options like Lady’s Island Dockside also make the most of Beaufort’s coastal setting.

Other Attractions and Fun Things To Do in Beaufort

For those eager to dive into nature, Beaufort offers a range of outdoor activities. The Spanish Moss Trail, a 10-mile rail-to-trail project, lets you bike or walk through the heart of Lowcountry with great views of salt marshes and creeks along the way. Hunting Island State Park, just a short drive from downtown, features wonderful beaches, a historic lighthouse built in 1858, and many opportunities for wildlife spotting including Hunting Island Deer and alligators.

Downtown Beaufort is also a shopper’s paradise, with local boutique shops like It's Retail Therapy, art galleries including the highly rated I Pinckney Simons Gallery, and antique stores such as Bay St Treasures worth spending time in.

Another must-visit for history buffs, the Beaufort Arsenal was built in 1798 and is now home to the Beaufort History Museum. Its exhibits chronicle the town’s development from the Colonial period through to the Civil War, complimenting your exploration of this beautiful town’s fascinating past.

The Final Word: Why Beaufort, SC, is a Must-Visit Destination

Beaufort’s broad appeal lies in its ability to cater to diverse interests while maintaining an intimate, small-town feel. Enjoy history? Its preservation efforts and thriving tourism industry ensure that visitors can enjoy being entertained while learning more about this Lowcountry gem. In need of a little tranquility? The town’s waterfront parks and shaded streets provide magical moments of peace and relaxation. Feeling adventurous? Then kayaking through the surrounding tidal waterways and exploring nearby islands offers no end of opportunities to connect with nature.

The town is also becoming increasingly popular for creative types, its thriving art scene, highlighted by its many galleries and the state-of-the-art USCB Center for the Arts, making it a cultural hub in Lowcountry South Carolina. Another plus is its proximity to Charleston and Savannah, making it a desirable location for those wanting access to larger cities without sacrificing that warm and friendly small-town feel.

And, of course, Beaufort is a town where history can be explored at every turn. From its founding in 1711 to its role during the Civil War and beyond, the town has preserved its significance as a historic and cultural treasure. Whether strolling through the streets of its historic district, participating in fun annual festivals, or enjoying its beautiful waterfront, you’ll find plenty to appreciate about Beaufort, SC.