2024 Hunting Island History Guide

The Hunting Island State Park comprises the entirety of the famed Hunting Island, and is a family-friendly beach destination with a big reputation. As the most visited state park in all of South Carolina, the 5,000 acre undeveloped barrier island feels surprisingly isolated, and even on a busy summer day, visitors will find a stretch of sand or a quiet nature trail to call all their own.

The USCB, (University of South Carolina at Beaufort), Center for the Arts is the local go-to for outstanding regional performances that include dramatic and comedy shows, concerts, independent movies, and virtually every kind of spell-binding entertainment under the sun. With regular performances that span the theatrical spectrum from dramatic plays to ensemble music salutes, virtually every theater-goer will find something to love at the critically acclaimed center.

Visitors to historic Beaufort typically can't help but notice the distinguished St. Helena's Episcopal Church, a beautiful site with a sky-high steeple that towers over the lush, evergreen scene. In addition to its exterior beauty, the church has its own distinction as being one of the oldest churches in North America, and carries on the tradition of being a beacon for the local community today, with regular Sunday services and special events that everyone in the community is welcome to attend.

The small Pigeon Point Park, located appropriately along Pigeon Point Road on the Beaufort Riverbanks, is a small but beautifully relaxing public park located in a quiet residential area on the western borders of historic Beaufort. A perfect stop for families with young ones in tow, this semi-circular park with ample playground equipment and plenty of shade is a great spot for kids to burn off a little energy, and for parents to take a breather along comfy park benches and views of massive live oaks in virtually every direction.

The Beaufort National Cemetery is a somber but historically important site located in the heart of Beaufort County. Quietly beautiful, with the region's renowned live oaks towering over the lines of small, white headstones, the cemetery holds a world of historical significance, and is an important stop for history and Civil War buffs touring the coastal South Carolina region.

Spend an early morning outdoors with a hot cup of coffee and a gorgeous waterfront sunrise, or enjoy a romantic stroll around sunset watching Beaufort's ships come in, with a visit to the exceptionally beautiful Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. This scenic public park which serves as both a local marina and a picturesque spot to simply relax and watch the on-the-eater world go by is a must-see for any Beaufort visitor with a love of wide open water views.