Your Guide to Beaufort, SC

Beaufort-SC.com logo

Find your perfect Beaufort

Vacation Rental

Featured Vacation Rentals

8 Fairway Club - Golf Course & Pond View...

**This property offers club cards for access to Fripp Island Resort amenities. A Resort fee (12.8% of the base rental rate) will be charged in addition to the cost of the individual club cards if you decide you would like to use the Resort...

  • Fripp Island
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
140 Capt John Fripp Villa

Summary:140 Capt John Fripp Villa Resort Access Supplied!The Space:Discover the epitome of island living at 140 Capt. John Fripp Villa, a appealing two-story condo appealingly located in the vibrant heart of Fripp Island. With the Beach Club...

  • Fripp Island
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
230 Tennis Villa

Summary:230 Tennis Villa - Terrific Marsh VistasThe Space:230 Tennis Club Villa is located in the heart of Fripp Island. Just a short walk to the Beach Club, Sandbar, Tennis Courts, Exercise Center, and Guest Services. This 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath home...

  • Fripp Island
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
107 Capt John Fripp Villa

Summary:107 Captain John Fripp Villa - Resort Access and Golf Cart Included!The Space:Embrace Island Living at 107 Capt. John Fripp Villa: A Coastal Haven on Fripp Island- Golf Cart Supplied!Located within the serene landscapes of Fripp Island, 107...

  • Fripp Island
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Comfortable Open Space. Pets are allowed

GREAT LOCATION! Located in the heart of Beaufort. Simple access to our ever-developing Shopping District w/ full access to various Eateries & Shopping Centers; Cross Creek (3 min), Walmart (3 min), Beaufort Plaza (7 min), Midtown Village (7 min), ...

  • Beaufort
  • 1 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 4
An Ocean View from Every Room and Golf A...

This awesome oceanfront two-story townhouse offers spectacular vistas from every room and is only steps to handsome beaches, pool and golf.The villa is freshly painted and kitchen just modernized and professionally decorated to invoke a coastal...

  • Fripp Island
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 7

Beaufort Tours & Activities

Oyster Hatchery Tour and Tasting

Beaufort Kayak Tours

Book online
$35.00

Duration 1 Hour About

Screen 2

Highway 21 Drive-In Theater

Book online
$6.00 - $11.00

description: More Info - Ticket Window and Concessions Open at 6:00PM - The first show will start when the sun goes down - Please arrive early on Friday and Saturday nights - Double Features on Friday and Saturday nights only PLEASE OBSERVE...

One Ocean Film Tour

Port Royal Sound Foundation

Book online
$10.00

duration: 2 meeting_point: 310 Okatie Highway description: The Port Royal Sound Foundation is proud to present One Ocean Film Tour at the Maritime Center. You won't want to miss a great evening of incredible ocean-themed short films and movie snacks...

History, Marshlands & Live Oak Expedition

Beaufort Photography Tours

Book online
$499.00 - $999.00

description: TURN BACK THE CLOCK AND EXPERIENCE THE PAST! Options - **Semi-Private Tour**: Includes one non-shooting guest at no additional charge) - **Private Tour**: (1 -4 Guests) About MUCH OF THE SOUTH WAS DESTROYED, BUT IF YOU KNOW...

Cast Net Fishing Class

Fripp Island Paddle Shack

Book online
$75.00

duration: 1 Hour min_age: 10 description: Learn how to catch bait like the locals! This class will include demonstration and you will get to practice what you learn! what_is_included: Class and your very own cast net to take home.

Family Feud at the Oceanview Lounge

Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort

Book online
$12.00

duration: 1 hour meeting_point: Beach Club min_age: 3 description: Get ready for a fun-filled game of Family Feud! Gather your team and go head-to-head in this exciting, fast-paced trivia challenge based on the classic game show. Answer survey-style...

Daydream Cruise

Beaufort Boat Charters LLC

Book online
$320.00

description: Join us for a Lowcountry Adventure! Duration 2 Hours About This trip offers a bit more time to settle in on the water. Some options include dolphin and bird watching, stopping at a local waterside restaurant for a drink...

Reptile Meet & Greet

Port Royal Sound Foundation

Book online
$10.00

description: Meet and greet the reptiles in the Maritime Center. Duration 1 Hour About Join our Naturalists for an educational program about the reptiles of the Lowcountry. This program will teach you what makes a reptile a reptile along...

Learn to Sail Adventure

Otter Sailing Adventures LLC

Book online
$600.00

description: Duration 5 hours About Experience the thrill of learning to sail all by yourself on one of our 8 or 10 ft Bauer Sailing Dinghies and then end the day off by learning the "ropes" as we sail the Liahona, our 38' Catalina Sailboat...

Sunset Cruise

Edisto Watersports and Tackle

Book online
$30.00 - $50.00

description: Join us for a Leisurely Sunset Boat Ride! ________________________________ ⚠️**Cancellation Policy** Customer cancellations made more than 7 days in advance will receive a full refund/waiver of fees. Customer cancellations made...

Fripp Island Sunrise

Beaufort Photography Tours

Book online
$75.00

description: About Join us for a sunrise photography session. We'll provide some tips and tricks and give constructive input to improve your shot. Duration 1.5 Hours

Beaufort Tipsy Tour

Beaufort Gray Line

Book online
$55.00

description: Duration 2.5 hours Beaufort’s tour scene is about to get a whole lot better with Kelly Tours new Tipsy Tour! Beaufort’s “Tipsy Tour” is a brand-new tour specifically designed for adults! Enter this exciting experience...

Beaufort, SC

Beaufort is a historic waterfront town in South Carolina's Lowcountry, known for its antebellum architecture, moss-draped oaks, and scenic coastal views.

Founded in 1711, Beaufort is the second-oldest city in South Carolina and offers a rich blend of Southern charm and history. Visitors can stroll the walkable downtown, explore art galleries and boutiques, or take a horse-drawn carriage tour through the historic district. The nearby Sea Islands - including Hunting Island, Fripp Island, and Harbor Island - offer beautiful beaches, nature trails, and wildlife viewing, while the town itself is a favorite for boating, kayaking, and enjoying fresh local seafood.

Beaufort features a variety of lodging options, including historic inns, charming bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals with waterfront views. The area is ideal for those looking to relax and take in the culture, history, and natural beauty of the South Carolina coast. Whether you're exploring Gullah heritage, visiting the lighthouse at Hunting Island State Park, or simply enjoying a quiet evening along the river, Beaufort offers a peaceful and unforgettable Lowcountry getaway.

Beaufort is, at its heart, a small southern town with a big population, that's chock-full of historical sites, a thriving arts scene, and plentiful attractions, which are readily available for curious newcomers to explore. Smaller than its' northern South Carolina neighbor Charleston, Beaufort nonetheless has a far-reaching reputation as one of the most historically relevant and undeniably charming towns along the eastern coastline.

Beaufort SC Waterfront Park

Named by Southern Living Magazine as the "Best Small Southern Town," and featured by both American Style Magazine and the New York Times in recent praising articles, the secret about Beaufort's appeal is clearly out, but visitors can still enjoy miles of quiet waterfront, cool art scenes, or happening downtown streets at their leisure, during any time of the year. An easy day trip that combines the best of the legendary Coastal Carolinas and the modern southern scene, Beaufort, SC clearly deserves its glowing designation as one of the best big little towns in the Lowcountry.

Beaufort SC

The town of Beaufort was originally founded in 1711, as an integral part of the southernmost colony that originated with early English explorations and settlements. The initial growth of the town, (or rather the colony), was quite slow at first as the region was subject to a number of Native American attacks and threats by competing European settlers, (namely, the Spanish explorers.) After these initial growing pains, however, the city of Beaufort flourished as a shipbuilding center, die in no small part to its easy proximity to the Beaufort River, and later as an elite locale for local Lowcountry planters, who thrived in the booming Indigo and rice industries.

Beaufort SC

This affluent lifestyle would change significantly during the Civil War, when Beaufort was quickly seized and occupied after the Battle of Port Royal, one of the earliest battles of the war, which took place on November 7th, 1861. As a result of this early occupation, Beaufort attracted a large number of escaped slaves during the war, and a local Freedmen's Bureau worked with these new residents well into the Reconstruction period to provide an education and an overall preparation for full independence in the years to come.

Beaufort SC

After the war, the rich plantation era ended, but Beaufort slowly regained notoriety as a phosphate mining center. With the new mining industry, the town was slowly coming back to life until an 1893 hurricane brought the region to its knees, causing massive devastation that took Beaufort a full half-century to recover from. It wasn't until the second half of the 20th century, in fact, that visitors began to trickle into the area, and locals realized their town's inherent potential as a viable tourism destination. Today, the city is thriving with an eclectic mix of modern restaurants and galleries coupled with historic graveyards and historic sites, and visitors have ample room and centuries to explore. From the initial colonization to recent revitalization projects along key portions of the historic downtown, Beaufort, after a long recovery, is clearly a city on the rise.

Beaufort SC

The bulk of the city itself is situated on Port Royal Island, an interior island that features several local towns, (including the town of Port Royal), and which is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by St. Helena Island, Parris Island, and Hunting Island and the Hunting Island State Park. Despite these island borders, the city is essentially surrounded by water, primarily via the wide Beaufort River, which cuts through this mainland region and connects with the neighboring Atlantic Ocean. At a whopping 33.6 square miles in area, (including 6 square miles of water), the population of 12,300 residents or so in Beaufort almost seems somewhat small. In fact, the outlaying portions of the city are relatively quiet, while the downtown area has most of the action with plenty of sites and attractions for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.

Local outdoor attractions like the Beaufort National Cemetery, the Spanish Moss Trail and the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park will keep visitors smiling at the prospect of staying outdoors and enjoying the scene, while local historical attractions like the John Mark Verdier House Museum, the James Robert Verdier House, the Thomas Hepworth House, and the St. Helena's Episcopal Church add a touch of Beaufort's legacy and long history to the surroundings.

Beaufort SC

Cultural outposts, including a world of art galleries, local theater groups and the USCB Center for the Arts, keep visitors and locals alike thoroughly entertained with one of the most acclaimed arts scenes in the region, while shoppers will find plenty of classic boutiques and treasured antique stores to go around.

Beaufort SC

The dining scene in Beaufort is equally exquisite, with more than 130 restaurants to explore within this Lowcountry area. Local waterfront cafes, barbecue joints, and even southern-style gastro pubs can be found side-by-side on some of the more populated city blocks, and visitors are encouraged to sample the local seafood, (especially the shrimp and blue crabs), for an authentic taste of this coastal town.

For accommodations, the lodgings of choice for most visitors are local hotels, motels, and B&Bs, and there are approximately 20 of these accommodation options within the city limits. With chic loft hotels and antebellum mansions converted into beautiful inns, potential visitors will find a wide variety of lush accommodations that are close to the local attractions, and fit in effortlessly with the laid-back southern atmosphere. There are also a handful of vacation rentals available as well, namely small cottages and townhomes, and travelers heading to the area by sea will find an ample number of marinas to dock for a night or two and enjoy a little inland exploring.

Easily one of the most peaceful and surprisingly varied southern destinations, Beaufort is rising to fame as one of the most accommodating and interesting communities along the East Coast. A small southern city with a big personality, Beaufort is sure to keep visitors entertained and smiling with its coastal atmosphere, gorgeous landscapes, local sights, and general warm southern nature that makes out-of-town guests feel welcome and essentially right at home.

Beaufort Vacation Guides