What to do and see in Beaufort, United States: The Best Places and Tips

September 6, 2017 Janette Largent

With a pristine coastline, a rich antebellum history and a charming, historic downtown, Beaufort is more than one of the most enriching getaways in South Carolina. Here travelers discover a unique destination where stunning views of rivers, marshes and moss-hung oaks couple with authentic Lowcountry cuisine and a relaxing rhythm of life to create an experience that stays with them long after they leave.
Restaurants in Beaufort

1. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

700 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902-4753 +1 843-525-7071
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 925 reviews

Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

Reviewed By KLE2013 - Centreville, Virginia

Winding along the bank of the Beaufort River, the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park offers lovely paths, stretches of grass, swings and benches from which to experience the charm of the area. On the west end of the park is a small marina and on the east edge of the park is the Woods Memorial Bridge where Forrest Gump ran in that classic film from 1994. Just a short walk south from Bay Street and close to bars and restaurants, the park also has restrooms and parking nearby.

2. St. Helena's Anglican Church

501 Church St, Historic Downtown, Beaufort, SC 29902-4919 +1 843-522-1712
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 213 reviews

St. Helena's Anglican Church

Reviewed By Katherine E - New York City, New York

We were excited to see the "Docent on Duty" sign out on the church door. I was a hot August day and we were greeted enthusiastically by our docent, Rebecca, and invited to come right into the cool sanctuary. She was knowledgeable, entertaining and passionate about this lovely historic gem of a church. Beaufort is a beautiful, historic town and this church has been in the thick of it since Day 1.

3. Beaufort National Cemetery

1601 Boundary St, Beaufort, SC 29902-3947 +1 843-524-3925
Excellent
78%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 215 reviews

Beaufort National Cemetery

Reviewed By markfarner58 - Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

Small national cemetery with Union and Confederate soldiers plus veterans from all the other wars. Well kept, peaceful and easy to walk to from Bay Street.

4. Hunting Island Lighthouse

2355 Sea Island Parkway, Beaufort, SC 29920 +1 843-838-7437
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 659 reviews

Hunting Island Lighthouse

The only public lighthouse in South Carolina.

Reviewed By Jay P - Clover, South Carolina

Our family visited the lighthouse during Spring Break week and it was not overly crowded. Likely because you can complete the lighthouse climb and grounds within one hour of arrival if you're worried about time. It is about 167 steps to the top level where you can go out and view the incredible scenic visuals. You can also access and walk the beach just steps away from the lighthouse. There is a small gift shop and restrooms on premise.

5. The Point

Beaufort, SC
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 136 reviews

The Point

Reviewed By ARodriguezP - Miami, Florida

We toured this area by horse drawn carriage and our tour guide's explanations regarding the different architectural features and the families that built and lived in them made it all quite interesting.
So much beautiful architecture in a town this size is something that Beaufort's residents should be proud of. Besides all the beautiful homes The Point also boasts wonderful views of the surrounding waters and marshes. If I return I would plan on staying longer and either walking or renting a bicycle to get a closer look at this beautiful neighborhood.

6. Hunting Island State Park

1775 Sea Island Pkwy, St. Helena, Beaufort, SC 29920-4808 +1 843-838-2011
Excellent
75%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Hunting Island State Park

Park that is a large secluded barrier island with a historic 1859 lighthouse as its centerpiece.

Reviewed By Vermont68 - Vermont

We walked on the beach, climbed the lighthouse and walked several miles on the trails through the marsh woodlands. Very informative Center, friendly staff. Extremely well maintained. The visitor center at the end of the island is a wealth of information. The boardwalk out into the marsh is fabulous. Very relaxing.

7. Bay Street

Beaufort, SC
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 408 reviews

Bay Street

Reviewed By KLE2013 - Centreville, Virginia

The main street of Beaufort, Bay parallels the Beaufort River and is filled with a variety of restaurants, retail shops and art galleries. Renovated 19th storefronts house unique boutiques, interior design studios, locally owned book stores and provide more than just the typical souvenir shopping. The Vernier House, the only historic house open to the public is located on Bay Street.

8. Spanish Moss Trail

Depot Rd, Beaufort, SC 29902
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 113 reviews

Spanish Moss Trail

Reviewed By MelonfromNY - New York City, New York

The trail has recently been expanded but I have only done the first section. It is a wonderful way to see some nice neighborhoods. You will pass ponds, bridges and nature in many forms. There are a few places where you have to cross some traffic but quickly, you will find yourself back in nature. Worth the trip.

9. Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center

310 Okatie Hwy, Beaufort, SC 29909-3915 +1 843-645-7774
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 72 reviews

Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center

We are excited to share with you the home of the Port Royal Sound Foundation - the Maritime Center. The Foundation renovated the former Lemon Island Marina to establish an engaging and exciting educational experience. The center opened in November 2014 and features exhibits, classrooms, hands-on learning spaces and other areas where you can learn about and celebrate Port Royal Sound. Enjoy diverse and fun opportunities to experience and connect with the Port Royal Sound Area.

Reviewed By Debbie3553 - Charleston, South Carolina

Within the Port Royal area, you learn so much about what is going on in that area. Whether it's about sharks, conservation and all things in the water, you learn something you had not known before. Interesting displays. There is a guide there to answer any questions. Worth the stop !!

10. Hunting Island State park

2555 Sea Island Pkwy, Beaufort, SC 29920-5604 +1 843-838-2011
Excellent
71%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 66 reviews

Hunting Island State park

Reviewed By Tina Mark E

I can't say enough good things about Hunting Island State Park and Ligthhouse! It costs $5 to enter. WELL worth it!! The drive through the park is just gorgeous! The beach is so beautiful I could stay there all day! The light house is so pretty. There are clean bathrooms there, a gift shop and snack area, picnic tables, trails, camping and more! It's an awesome place

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