Your Guide to Beaufort, SC

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Featured Vacation Rentals

Luxe Designer Home Steps from Beaufort W...

Feel Beaufort like a local in this stunningly designed 2-bedroom home tucked away in the heart of the Historic District. Our opulent getaway has been curated with high end furnishings & modren accents with your comfort in mind. We are a short walk...

  • Beaufort
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 4
Pinckney Cottage-Charming Cottage in Bea...

This beautiful brick bungalow is located among charming oak trees and is adjacent to a park with the prettiest grove of live oak trees in Beaufort. This relaxing and calming setting has 1400 sq. ft. of living space and a sizable yard. Recently...

  • Beaufort
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
658 Newhaven

Summary:658 Newhaven - Resort Access and Golf Cart Included!The Space:Oceanfront Heaven: Summer-Shine Villa - A 3-Bed/2.5-Bath HavenFeel the epitome of oceanfront luxury at Summer-Shine Villa, a sanctuary offering 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Revel in...

  • Fripp Island
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
Lakefront, Golf Cart Included, Amenity C...

2026 will be our first full season on the rental market.  The rookery is thriving!  Come check out "The Otter Side" of Fripp.  Discover the ultimate getaway on Fripp Island, where beautiful vistas and modern amenities create an memorable escape...

  • Fripp Island
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
Historic Downtown Beaufort Retreat – E...

Historic Downtown Beaufort Retreat – Historic Charm Meets Modern ComfortSome homes whisper their history. This one sings it.Tucked along Carteret Street in the heart of historic downtown Beaufort, this circa‑1900 residence once served as the...

  • Beaufort
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Quality comfort in a convenient location...

Quiet street and close to eateries, grocery, pharmacy, etc. Convenient location for MCRD Parris Island (families of graduates).This home has a decent-sized lot and parking spaces available.There are 3 bedrooms in total. The master bedroom (with a...

  • Beaufort
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8

Beaufort Tours & Activities

Birds of the Low Country-Watercolor Class

duration: 3 hours cancellation_summary: Full refund for cancellations 24 hours or more before class. Day of class, a gift certificate refund, and no shows, no refund. min_age: 14 group_size: 9 accessibility: Second Floor description: Low Country...

20' Skiff

Fripp Island Paddle Shack

Book online
$400.00 - $700.00

duration: Half Day (4 Hours) & Full Day (8.5 Hours) meeting_point: 875 Bonito Dr, Fripp Island, SC 29920 description: Our 20' Skiffs hold up to eight people. They are equipped with 115HP Yamaha four stroke motors and all have bimini tops. Life...

Oyster Hatchery Kayak Paddle, Tour and Tasting
Book online
$75.00 - $90.00

description: Duration 4 Hours About Join Beaufort Kayak Tours as they paddle from Single Lady Oyster Hatchery on McCalley's Creek, return to the oyster hatchery for a tour and end with an Oyster tasting. One of the things that Jim and Teri...

Stepping Stones & Mosaic Coasters at Creekhouse

duration: 1 hour meeting_point: Creekhouse min_age: 3 description: Unleash your creativity in this hands-on workshop where you'll design and craft your own beautiful stepping stones and mosaic coasters! Whether you are looking to add a personal...

Guide's Choice Half Day Outing

Beaufort Photography Tours

Book online
$249.00 - $499.00

description: YOU PICK THE DAY, WE'LL PICK THE LOCATIONS! Options - **Semi-Private Tour**: Includes one non-shooting guest at no additional charge) - **Private Tour**: (1 -4 Guests) About READY FOR AN ADVENUTRE? THROW DOWN THE WILD CARD! If...

Big Fripper Sunset Cruise

Fripp Island Paddle Shack

Book online
$30.00 - $50.00

duration: 1.5 Hours meeting_point: 875 Bonito Dr, Fripp Island, SC 29920 description: Scroll to November 29 date to book the Big Fripper Boat Parade Cruise! Sunset cruise on our 42 foot Pontoon Boat going in the backwaters behind Fripp Island...

Essence Of The Lowcountry Sunrise

Beaufort Photography Tours

Book online
$249.00 - $499.00

description: A MORNING FILLED WITH CHARM, SOUTHERN STYLE! Options - **Semi-Private Tour**: Includes one non-shooting guest at no additional charge - **Private Tour**: (1 -4 Guests) About IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR THE OLD SOUTH, YOU'VE FOUND IT...

An Afternoon with Kim

The Arts Port Royal

Book online
$40.00 - $75.00

duration: 2.5 hours meeting_point: The Arts Port Royal 1404 Paris Ave, Port Royal min_age: 18 group_size: 10 accessibility: Second Floor description: Join us for an afternoon with the amazing Kim Odell. Kim is a psychic medium and clear channel...

Variety Craft Hour at Creekhouse *Walk-Up ONLY

Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort

Book online
$35.00

duration: 1 hour meeting_point: Creekhouse min_age: 3 description: Unleash your creativity at Variety Craft Hour! Each session features a fun, hands-on project, from painting, seasonal decorations, to DIY keepsakes. Whether you're a beginner or a...

Flyboard 20 Minute

Carolina Hydrofly

Book online
$129.00

description: 20 Minute Flyboard Pro Series Experience What's Included? 15 Min Flight Time. Includes 10 minutes of instruction time, fuel, life jacket, wetsuit, and helmet We advise everyone to arrive at least 30 minutes before your start time...

Wednesday Camp Fripp-Wild Water Wednesday

Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort

Book online
$57.00 - $65.00

duration: 3 hours meeting_point: Creekhouse min_age: 3 max_age: 12 description: Cool off and make a splash during Water Works Day! Enjoy a variety of fun water games and activities, including exciting relay races, splash challenges, and pool fun...

Canvas & Cabernet 7/9/26 in Savannahs (above the Ocean Creek Pro Shop)
Book online
$30.00 - $35.00

min_age: 21 group_size: 20 description: Location Savannahs (upstairs Ocean Creek Driving Range Pro Shop) Duration 2 Hours (6pm - 8pm) About Join us for this seasonal Canvas & Cabernet! Our Recreation Intern Artist will guide you through...

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