Beaufort Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Beaufort is more than just a postcard-perfect Southern town; it is a place where the tide dictates the rhythm of life and history hangs as heavy as the Spanish moss in the live oaks. Located on Port Royal Island, this queen of the Sea Islands offers a sensory immersion into the Lowcountry, where the smell of pluff mud and salt air greets you the moment you step outside. It is a town that feels suspended in time, having escaped much of the destruction of the Civil War, leaving its Antebellum architecture beautifully intact.

Beyond the mansions and the marina, Beaufort serves as the gateway to the Sea Islands of St. Helena and Hunting Island. Here, the marshes stretch out like vast green fields that flood twice a day, creating a landscape that shifts by the hour. Whether you are here to trace the footsteps of Forrest Gump, uncover the deep roots of the Gullah Geechee culture, or simply sit on a swing watching the shrimp boats glide by, Beaufort invites you to slow down and savor the moment.

The Cradle of Reconstruction

While many visitors come for the movie locations, Beaufort was the primary filming ground for The Big Chill, The Prince of Tides, and Forrest Gump, the city’s true depth lies in its pivotal role in American history. Beaufort is the heart of the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park. Unlike many Southern cities that focus heavily on the antebellum years, Beaufort offers a profound look at the period immediately following the Civil War, where formerly enslaved people built schools, bought land, and held political office earlier than almost anywhere else in the South.

This history is inextricably linked to the Gullah Geechee culture, preserved most vibrantly on nearby St. Helena Island. The isolation of these islands allowed African traditions in food, language, and art to survive for centuries. A visit here isn’t complete without stepping onto the grounds of the Penn Center, the first school in the South for formerly enslaved people, and a retreat center where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. penned parts of his “I Have a Dream” speech.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Hunting Island State Park - This is South Carolina’s most visited state park for a reason. Located 15 miles from downtown, it features five miles of beach, a dense maritime forest, and the only historic lighthouse in the state open to the public ($2 to climb). The “boneyard beach” of fallen trees is a photographer’s dream. Entry is $8 per adult.

Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park - The crown jewel of downtown, this park runs along the Beaufort River. It’s famous for its rows of river-facing swings, open green spaces, and proximity to the marina. It is the perfect spot for a morning jog or an evening stroll after dinner. Free access.

The Penn Center - Located on St. Helena Island (6 miles from downtown), this National Historic Landmark District is the epicenter of African American history in the Lowcountry. The grounds include a museum, historic cottages, and massive live oaks. It provides a quiet, spiritual look into the Gullah culture. Museum admission is approx. $10.

Old Sheldon Church Ruins - About 17 miles north of Beaufort, these ruins of Prince William’s Parish Church offer a hauntingly beautiful sight. Burned by the British in the Revolutionary War and again by Sherman’s troops in the Civil War, the brick columns and empty arches stand among ancient oaks and graves. Free access.

Planning Your Visit

Beaufort is located almost exactly halfway between Charleston, SC, and Savannah, GA. The closest major airport is Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV), about a 45-mile drive. While you can easily walk the entire downtown historic district, you will need a car to visit the beaches at Hunting Island, the ruins at Old Sheldon, or the cultural sites on St. Helena Island.

Pack for the season, but always bring layers. The waterfront breeze can cool things down even in summer evenings. If you plan on exploring the marshes or state parks, bug spray is non-negotiable; the local “no-see-ums” (sand gnats) are tiny but fierce, especially at dawn and dusk. Finally, remember that Beaufort runs on “Lowcountry time”, service is friendly but unhurried, so relax and enjoy the pace.

Whether you are watching the sunrise over the Atlantic at Hunting Island or enjoying a bowl of she-crab soup on Bay Street, Beaufort offers a distinct blend of natural splendor and complex history. It is a destination that stays with you long after the salt water dries on your skin.