How to Plan a Getaway to Beaufort SC: Things to Do + Where to Stay

If the bustling scenes of Raleigh get too much, then the perfect getaway for a quiet, relaxing stay, is to the historic city of Beaufort. It’s 4 hours away from Raleigh, making it the ideal destination for a long weekend away from the city, or even longer. Much of the city can be explored quite easily on foot, so we recommend you spend around 2-3 days in Beaufort to get a feel for the area and see Beaufort’s top attractions.

Founded in 1711, it’s the second oldest city in South Carolina and one of the oldest cities in the states. It’s well known for its well-maintained historic cottages and antebellum architecture, as well as being the setting of one of our favorite movies – Forrest Gump. It was also voted ‘America’s Happiest Seaside Town’ by Coastal Living Magazine in 2013.

Although small, there are plenty of things to do in Beaufort SC that make it a worthwhile destination to visit for a few days. In this guide, we share what you can do on a short getaway to Beaufort from Raleigh…

How to Get from Raleigh to Beaufort, SC

Beaufort is 300 miles away from Raleigh and takes around 4 hours to drive, depending on the traffic. You can reach Beaufort by taking the I-40 W from Raleigh and merging onto I-95 until Exit 33 on the US – 17 North, take that to the US 21 south, which will take you to Beaufort. Follow the signs!

Things to Do in Beaufort SC

Walking Tour of The Old Point Neighborhood and Downtown Beaufort’s Historic District

A great way to get to know a city is to take a walking tour with a local guide, who can not only tell you about the history and significance of the area but also give you local tips and suggestions. Beaufort is well known for its Civil War history, but it’s also a well-known movie location, so we recommend the complete walking history and movie tour by Beaufort Tours as the one to take.

The tour takes you past some of the most historic homes in The Old Point and Historic Downtown area, as well as on The Bluff and The Old Commons. 

You’ll hear stories of pre-Civil War times, about the foundation of the city, and see where Barbra Streisand stayed while filming The Prince of Tides as well as the house from the Big Easy. Old Point is one of the most charming and beautiful neighborhoods we’ve seen in the USA, at least in the south. The live oak trees drip with Spanish moss and are unbelievably stunning.

If you’d prefer not to walk, check out this History and Movie Tour by Golf Buggy here.

Visit Beaufort History Museum

If walking tours aren’t your thing, you can learn more about Beaufort’s history at the Beaufort History Museum. Located in the historic Arsenal building, a former armory built in 1798, this museum has a wide range of exhibits detailing the history of the city from its early colonial roots to its role in the Civil War and beyond. 

There are also many artifacts and displays related to the area’s Gullah culture, the impact of the Civil War on Beaufort, and the contributions of local residents to the region’s development. Be sure to check out The Reconstruction Era display, which provides insight into the period following the Civil War, and the Gullah Voices exhibit, which celebrates the unique culture and traditions of the Gullah people.

Explore Hunting Island State Park

Beaufort is also an excellent destination for nature lovers since its coastal position puts it within easy reach of many nature preserves and state parks. Hunting Island State Park is one of the most popular parks near Beaufort. It’s not only rich in natural beauty but history as well, with its iconic lighthouse being one of the main attractions. 

The lighthouse, originally constructed in the 19th century, is currently closed for renovations, but you can still visit and learn about its history and significance through a VR headset from the Visitor’s Center. Hunting Island State Park also has five miles of pristine beach, where you can go beachcombing for shark’s teeth and sub-tropical seashells that have been washed ashore.

There are also several nature trails and hiking trails that wind through the park, passing by several lagoons and freshwater ponds, where it’s possible to see loggerhead turtles and alligators lurking beneath the waters. This is where the Vietnam War scenes from Forest Gump were filmed. Since we’ve been to Vietnam, we can say it did have those jungle on the beach kind of vibes. Don’t miss a chance to catch a sunset from the Marsh Boardwalk, which has the best golden hour in the park!

Take a Day Trip to Fripp Island

Fripp Island is a barrier island just a 40-minute drive from Beaufort and is a well-known wildlife sanctuary with pristine beaches, a sleepy town, and an abundance of wildlife – most notably its alligator population and variety of bird species. It’s also a known nesting ground for loggerhead turtles. 

Fripp Island has 3,000 acres of nature to explore, particularly the beautiful white-sand beaches, offering opportunities for swimming and beachcombing. It’s also possible to see pods of dolphins playing by the shores of Fripp Island if you’re lucky. The island also boasts world-class golf courses, making it a popular destination for golf enthusiasts to practice their swing. 

Bike Ride Along the Spanish Moss Trail

The Spanish Moss Trail is a 10-mile bike ride that follows the old historic Magnolia Line Railroad.  This 19th-century railroad was transformed into a recreation trail in 2013 and connects the city of Beaufort to the town of Port Royal. The trail is mostly flat and paved, making it easy and family friendly. We walked a section of it as we did not have our bikes! While in Port Royal, be sure to check out a…

Catch Sunrise from Port Royal Sound Boardwalk and Observation Tower

A great spot for a sunset is the Port Royal boardwalk on Battery Creek, which has an observation tower overlooking the vast waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Its position facing West makes it a great spot for a sunrise, though it’s equally beautiful at sunset. 

If you’re lucky, you might see some playful dolphins by the water’s edge and see migrating coastal birds flying above your head. If you’re a fisherman, you can also cast a line from the boardwalk, completely free.

 Sunset Seafood Dinner at Fishcamp on 11th

Sunset dinner at Fishcamp on 11^th on Port Royal Island was one of the best things we did in Beaufort. There’s nothing better than front row tables in the screened in porch overlooking the shrimp boats. Beaufort is popular for shrimp boats – just ask Bubba Gump! You can watch them coming in – if you time it right. We were more than happy with the sunset views AND the views of a storm that blew in.

Our seafood dish was fresh local and delicious – try the stuffed flounder and mussels in white wine sauce. If you’re after land animals, the steak was delicious!

Sunset Dinner at Dockside Restaurant

Another great sunset spot is back over near Downtown Beaufort at the Dockside restaurant on Lady Island. You can sit inside near large windows or in the screened in porch to catch the views over Lady Island Marina and the waterways. There is also outside seating for drinks and corn-hole under the trees.

Chow down on crab, shrimp, mussels, and locally caught fish. As Aussies we know good seafood and I was so impressed by the quality of the seafood in Beaufort.

Take a Dolphin Watching Cruise

One of the most popular things to do in Beaufort is to take a dolphin watch cruise. Cruises depart from Port Royal Landing Marina, less than 10 minutes from Downtown Beaufort, and operate daily all year round.

These 90-minute cruises take passengers out to observe dolphins in their natural habitat, as well as see other wildlife such as seabirds and possibly even loggerhead sea turtles. Sit back and relax as the knowledgeable crew shares an educational commentary on the behavior and habits of dolphins, and admire the serene coastal scenery.

The cruises are conducted on small, intimate boats, with no more than 6 passengers, allowing for a more personalized and immersive experience.

Check Out Old Sheldon Church Ruins

History buffs shouldn’t miss a chance to check out The Old Sheldon Church Ruins, located just a 25-minute drive out of downtown Beaufort. 

The ruins, which date back to the mid-18th century, have been burned and rebuilt several times, including during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War periods. The ruins stand as a testament to the area’s tumultuous past and the enduring spirit of its inhabitants. Although the history of the Old Sheldon Church is tumultuous, the setting in which they are found is serene and picturesque, surrounded by ancient oak trees and a peaceful, pastoral landscape. 

The juxtaposition of the weathered stone ruins against the natural beauty of the surroundings creates a powerful and evocative atmosphere.

Walk Around Cypress Wetland Park

Another gorgeous natural oasis near Beaufort is Cypress Wetland Park, an ecologically diverse destination known for its array of plant and animal species, including majestic cypress trees, birdlife, and various aquatic creatures. 

Walk along the boardwalks and trails through the wetlands and soak in the peaceful power of nature, then dip into a bird hide for a chance to spot ducks, eagles, falcons, geese, herons, hawks, and more.

Admire the Tombs of Beaufort National Cemetery

The Beaufort National Cemetery is the resting place of Union Army soldiers, including Col. Robert Gould Shaw, leader of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry. There are said to be more than 11,000 Civil War soldiers buried here, including 9,000 Union soldiers, 2,800 Prisoners of War, and 1,700 African-American Union soldiers. There are only 102 Confederate soldiers. The cemetery is a quiet and peaceful place for remembrance and contemplation, as well as an important Civil War landmark.

Step Back In Time at The Parris Island Museum & The Marine Corps Air Station

Another historic attraction not to miss is the Parris Island Museum, which is located on the former Marine Corps Air Station used for training during the U.S. Marines. The museum contains eye-opening exhibits telling the story of U.S. marines during World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. You can also learn about recruit training and learn about the history and legacy of the United States Marine Corps. 

Where to Stay in Beaufort: The Beaufort Inn

One of the most unique aspects of Beaufort is how charming and historic it is, so if you want to have a special accommodation that matches the vibe, then you’ll want to stay at The Beaufort Inn. Just like the town, the Beaufort Inn is beautiful. It’s composed of three charming cottage houses, which are suitable for every type of traveler.

Couples will want to stay in the elegant main house, which is strictly adults-only, whereas families and those traveling with pets, can stay in the more modern cottages behind the main house. Every guest also gets breakfast coupons to be used at a nearby cafe, and you’re within walking distance of the main attractions of Beaufort historical downtown. See prices and availability here.

Video Review of the Beaufort Inn

You can watch our video review of The Beaufort Inn here…

Historic private home in Beaufort Historic Center

Alternatively, consider a vacation rental in the heart of historic Beaufort. This two-bedroom home sleeps four guests, and puts you close to everything. Although a historic home, it has been lovingly restored and kitted out with modern amenities, and decorated with curated artwork from talented local Beaufort artists. It has a private, large grassy front yard and with plenty of off-street parking, and it has a fully equipped kitchen that was installed in May 2024. See prices and availability here.

Video: A Family Trip to Beaufort 

You can hear more about our experience in Beaufort in our podcast episode…

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