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If you happen to’re a fan of the film Forrest Gump, you then’ve most likely already obtained a good suggestion of what Beaufort, South Carolina, seems like. It’s the place many of the film was filmed, and because it’s depicted within the film, it gives tons of rural Southern attraction and laid-back vibes.
Regardless of being a metropolis, it has a small city vibe that’s removed from sleepy, and also you’ll discover loads of issues to do in Beaufort South Carolina in addition to touring movie areas.
Well-known for its beautiful South Carolina coast and sea islands, antebellum mansions and nineteenth century structure, in addition to scrumptious seafood and gorgeous seashores, Beaufort has a lot to supply…
1. Relax at Searching Island State Park
Welcome to an unspoiled forest of palmettos and pines main you all the way down to the ocean. The drive into the park in the direction of the seaside will transport you to a different time one other place.
This, (and Fripp Island) is the world the place lots of the Vietnam Struggle scenes have been filmed for Forrest Gump. You’ll discover as quickly as you enter the jungle on one facet and the marsh fields on the opposite, the sea-grass trying suspiciously like rice paddies.
This 5,000-acre protected park has 8 miles of well-maintained trails.
It was slightly sizzling for climbing once we visited, however we did take pleasure in a fast stroll on the boardwalk that goes out over the marshlands to a small island and jetty in style for households crabbing.
We selected to loosen up on the North Seashore part just below the well-known Searching Island Lighthouse. We had countless house to take a seat safely and comfortably and a pod of dolphins selected to swim about 100 meters away from us.
Searching Island Seashore rapidly turned one among our favourite seashores on the East Coast and ideal for your loved ones getaway.
Usually, you may climb the lighthouse, which is the one one in South Carolina open for climbing. Test for present situations.
There are additionally campsites and rental cabins on this space.
2. Go to Fripp Island
Fripp Island is probably the most westward of South Carolina’s barrier islands and is subsequent door to Searching Island. We visited as a result of Mum loves the Fripp Island home looking present, and we have been completely satisfied to ship her pictures.
It has 3-miles of Atlantic seaside shoreline and lots of unique seaside entrance houses and lodging, in addition to a Golf resort.
It was busy right here with vacationers and guests zipping round on golf carts over the July 4th weekend. We a lot most popular the extra remoted Searching Island Seashore.
3. Discover Cypress Wetland Park
Situated on Port Royal Island, Cypress Wetlands is a surprisingly gorgeous Beaufort sights and the form of hidden shock you need in your Low-country trip.
A brief boardwalk will take you thru the inexperienced swampland framed by cypress timber and Spanish moss the place yow will discover camouflaged alligators and turtles and an ample and numerous chook life.
I don’t suppose I’ve ever seen so many birds in a single space. The prolific snowy white egrets stand out probably the most however it’s also possible to spot herons, hawks, eagles, owls, falcons, geese, geese, and different migratory waterfowl.
4. Take a look at The Outdated Level Neighborhood
One of the crucial stunning Southern neighborhoods I’ve seen is The Level neighborhood, simply to the east of downtown Beaufort.
It was the residential summer season enclave of the rich plantation house owners, as their island marshland houses turned too sizzling and buggy. Their summer season houses caught the breezes off the river.
Dwell Oaks with their dripping Spanish moss drape collectively forming a cover of the streets and a cooler place so that you can stroll and admire the stately antebellum mansion.
Seize a self-guided strolling tour map from the Customer Middle so you may study extra of the historical past and tales behind them.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the marshlands on the finish of a few of the laneways. Followers of the Large Chill will love seeing the home from the film.
It was my favourite alongside the one above with the big reside oak draping itself over the entrance backyard and resting virtually on the roof of the home.
5. Take a horse and buggy tour of The Level (Sea Island Carriage Firm)
Though you will have wandered the streets of The Level by yourself, we suggest you additionally do the horse and buggy tour. It’s most likely greatest to do that carriage tour first for an awesome overview of Beaufort!
The commentary brings to life this space by sharing Beaufort’s distinctive historical past through the Civil Struggle, because it was one of many solely cities not burned by Sherman’s advancing military.
After the locals all fled their antebellum mansions in worry, Sherman determined to take them over for this troops and switch them into Union hospitals.
He freed the slaves – of which they far outnumbered the locals – and employed them to work within the hospitals. Many have been capable of purchase their masters houses as they owed giant sums of taxes once they lastly returned. They didn’t pay them as they felt they might not have houses to return to.
We additionally realized extra in regards to the individuals who as soon as lived within the houses, people who do now, these utilized in films and TV – corresponding to Prince of Tides and the Large Chill – and distinctive options just like the Stairs to Nowhere which might be mentioned by locals to be very haunted.
6. Go to Port Royal Sound Boardwalk and Commentary Tower
A straightforward exercise in Beaufort you are able to do on a overcast day is stroll the Level Royal Island boardwalk, which ends up in an commentary tower.
I loved the view from up right here. You may simply mix this with a go to to Cypress Wetlands and Fish Camp.
There’s a small historic space on Port Royal the place you might want to browse a few of the outdated shops and historic houses. They’re fairly completely different to the Level’s mansions!
7. Search for Sharks Enamel at Sands Seashore
Do you want looking for a needle in a haystack? Nicely you’ll love searching for Shark Enamel on Sands Seashore.
We visited because it was subsequent door to the boardwalk. We grew bored with it after 5 minutes. Your youngsters could find it irresistible. There have been a number of teams of individuals combing the seaside on the riverbank.
My query, “If that is one among in style issues to do in Beaufort, and folks come right here day by day, and presumably discover sharks tooth, simply what does that say about what number of sharks are within the space?”
No, Jaws was not filmed right here, however in Martha’s Winery. Maybe the subsequent model of it. I’ll stick with swimming at Searching Island Seashore with the dolphins as an alternative.
8. Benefit from the sundown and seafood at Fishcamp on eleventh
Sundown dinner at Fishcamp on 11th on Port Royal Island was our greatest native’s tip.
We get so lots of our recommendations on issues to do from the locals. They typically know the place to seek out the very best sunsets and how one can pair that with a scrumptious meal!
Fish Camp checked off all of the containers. After a ten-minute wait, we discovered ourselves at entrance row tables within the screened in porch overlooking the shrimp boats. Our seafood dish was contemporary native and scrumptious – attempt the stuffed flounder.
Our sundown was cancelled after a fast glimpse of its vibrant orange hues and brought over by a dramatic rolling thunderstorm, which surpassed all epicness of a sundown.
It was one among my favourite recollections and experiences of our time in Beaufort. To see the uncooked and fierce facet of Mom Nature may be very humbling.
9. Dine with sundown marina views at Dockside
Simply over the bridge from downtown Beaufort is the Dockside Restaurant on Girl’s Island.
You may sit inside close to giant home windows or within the screened in porch to catch the views over Girl Island Marina and the waterways. There’s additionally exterior seating for drinks and corn-hole underneath the timber.
Chow down on crab, shrimp, mussels, and domestically caught fish. As Aussies we all know good seafood and I used to be so impressed by the standard of the seafood in Beaufort.
10. Stroll round Downtown Beaufort’s Historic District
It’s simple to amble the streets of Downtown Beaufort in between your day by day explorations.
Historic Bay Road is stuffed with native shops and galleries, upscale and informal eating places – many with Beaufort river views and al fresco eating.
The Henry C Chambers Waterfront Park is a well-liked gathering spot and place to walk with views of the marsh islands and intersecting waterways.
11. Bike the Spanish Moss Path
This 10-mile rail to path paved path is a favourite for bike owner, joggers, and walkers. I can see how it could be a enjoyable expertise to have in Beaufort should you cycled the path and loved the altering panorama.
We have been slightly underwhelmed, principally as a result of we have been anticipating a path coated with Spanish Moss. Apparently, the path takes you thru neighborhoods the place you may expertise this.
We additionally obtained caught in a rainstorm so didn’t get to see a lot. We began on the Depot Path Head near downtown and turned proper to go north.
We got here again later and turned left, which we suggest (based mostly on what we noticed) as the higher possibility because it does take you to marshland views that are fairly.
So, discuss to extra locals and the customer middle peeps and see what you may uncover as the very best spot for you OR simply journey your bikes alongside the whole means.
12. Find out about Gullah tradition and meals
The Gullah are a gaggle of African American individuals who settled within the Low South. We discovered many of the Gullah tradition was totally on St Helena Island, however yow will discover extra details about them within the Penn Middle.
Penn Middle is the positioning of one of many nation’s first colleges for freed slaves and probably the most vital African American historic and cultural establishments in existence at the moment.
13. Take a dolphin watching boat tour
If you happen to’re ever quick wandering what to do in Beaufort SC, then discovering a boat tour is all the time an excellent place to begin.
Not solely is it enjoyable, however you additionally get to see a few of the areas native wildlife.
14. Take a kayak tour of the river
Take a kayak out onto the world’s rivers and estuaries and witness Beaufort’s magnificence up shut. We now have paddle boards so would like to take them out too!
15. Go to Outdated Sheldon Church
If you happen to’re a historical past buff or photographer, you’ll love the ruins of this church sitting a phenomenal forest of draped timber and Revolutionary Struggle graves.
It was burnt by British troops through the Revolutionary warfare, after which plundered by Union troops on the finish of the civil Struggle after it was rebuilt in 1826.
16. Stroll round Beaufort Nationwide Cemetery
That is one of the oldest United States Nationwide Cemeteries. The cemetery dates again to the Civil Struggle period and options meticulously maintained grounds, monuments, and memorials, honoring the sacrifices and repair of America’s navy heroes.
The cemetery is likely one of the few within the South that was particularly established for Union troopers and sailors. As you wander via the cemetery, replicate on their legacy and what these heroes died for.
17. Dine at Plums Restaurant
If you happen to’re visiting Beaufort and undecided the place to eat, then Plums Restaurant is a must-visit.
Situated on the riverfront, this charming restaurant gives a comfortable and welcoming ambiance, with indoor and outside seating. The menu options quite a lot of dishes impressed by Lowcountry delicacies utilizing contemporary, domestically sourced substances.
You may attempt native seafood, selfmade soups, and grilled meat dishes.
Plums Restaurant is the proper spot to take a seat again and dine on beautiful meals whereas having fun with the peaceable and tranquil ambiance of the riverside space of Beaufort.
18. Tour the Parris Island Museum and The Marine Corps Air Station
If you happen to’re involved in aviation historical past, then you might wish to go to Parris Island, which is house to The Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS).
The air station has a wealthy navy historical past and performed a significant function in World Struggle II, the Korean Struggle, and the Gulf Struggle.
Guests to Parris Island can tour the Parris Island Museum, which is a warfare memorial museum detailing the areas marine historical past. Together with a go to to the museum, can tour behind the scenes of the bottom by advance reservation.
19. Sit underneath the Chocolate Tree
Sit underneath the enduring tree the place Forrest Gump proclaimed, “life is sort of a field of goodies, you by no means know what you’re goin’ to get.”
The tree is situated at 507 Carteret St, Beaufort. You might must queue as much as get a photograph on this iconic filming location.
20. Step again in time at Beaufort Historical past Museum
Beaufort is an beautiful and serene small historic metropolis immersed in a forest of historic reside oaks and surrounded by marshlands, islands, waterways, and the Atlantic Ocean. To not point out it’s South Carolina’s second-oldest metropolis.
The Beaufort Historical past Museum is the proper place for historical past buffs to study in regards to the wealthy historical past and tradition of this distinctive metropolis in Lowcountry.
The museum options interactive displays, historic artifacts, and informative shows that showcase the world’s previous, from the primary Native Individuals to the colonial period to the current day.
You may study in regards to the Gullah individuals, who’ve lived within the area for hundreds of years, in addition to discover the impression of the Civil Struggle and Spanish American Struggle on the world.
A short historical past of Beaufort
Again in 1562, the French explorer Jean Ribault claimed the Port Royal Harbor and arrange a settlement on Paris Island.
This makes this space older than Jamestown in Virginia by 45 years and St Augustine in Florida by three years.
Throughout this time interval, the Spanish additionally tried to colonize this space bordering the second deepest pure harbor on the East Coast, and the British got here later.
All failed due to the fierce protection of the Yamasee individuals, the Native Individuals who lived in these lands. Life was ample for them right here and they didn’t wish to go away.
Sadly, as our unhappy historical past goes, the English formally chartered Beaufort in 1711, turning it right into a ship constructing hub and pushing the Yamasee out into North Florida with the Seminoles.
We are able to’t change historical past, however we will find out about it and acknowledge those that lived as a part of this land as its custodians and the way they suffered.
21. Take the children to the Kazoobie Kazoo Manufacturing facility
Right here’s a hidden gem in Beaufort that the guidebooks received’t inform you about! The Kazoobie Kazoo Manufacturing facility is an immersive museum the place you may find out how kazoos are made by touring the manufacturing unit from begin to end.
Then you may make your personal kazoo to maintain!
The museum itself can be enjoyable and quirky with numerous art work and installations that includes a kazoo. My favourite factor within the museum is a huge American flag made out of kazoos!
The place to remain in Beaufort: The Beaufort Inn
As a result of Beaufort is an enthralling historic Southern metropolis, your lodging can grow to be a part of the vacation spot highlights.
We needed our lodging to be distinctive to the Beaufort expertise, so we stayed at The Beaufort Inn, situated a block away from the primary avenue and river, and the outdated Level neighborhood. And it’s solely a brief drive to all different Beaufort sights.
The Beaufort Inn is unfold out over a number of blocks of guesthouses, manicured gardens, and communal sitting areas.
There are a number of choices for the place you may keep relying upon your touring group!
There’s the primary pink inn, the historic Smith Wallace Mansion. It was inbuilt 1897 by William Sidney Smith as a summer season retreat for his household. Kids underneath 12 can’t keep on this constructing!
The opposite lodging choices embrace beautiful, restored cottages and houses and vary from Customary resort/inn model rooms to these with dwelling areas and absolutely geared up kitchens. We had a two-double bed room in one of many Palmetto Courtyard Queen Rooms.
It was stunning on the skin and we had our personal rocking chairs on the porch and sitting space out entrance with views of the quiet and charming Craven Road – voted most charming avenue within the South by Southern Residing Journal!
The rooms have been a typical resort room however fantastically embellished and splendidly comfy, with an awesome rest room and bathe.
The Beaufort Inn is one among our favourite lodging stays on the East Coast thus far. We have been impressed by the worth of this Beaufort lodging. This included the next facilities:
- Breakfast coupons every for 3 completely different eating places close by
- Complementary entrance passes to Searching Island State Park – the most effective issues to do in Beaufort SC
- Pool passes to Cat Island Swimming pools
- Free bike rental
Watch our video evaluate of the Beaufort Inn beneath.
Is Beaufort, South Carolina Value Visiting?
Beaufort is wealthy in historical past and Gullah heritage, Southern Attraction, pure magnificence, and scrumptious native seafood, so sure, it’s price visiting.
There are such a lot of historic, cultural, and outside journey experiences in Beaufort, that you just would possibly even discover you may’t go every thing you deliberate, which is why it’s an awesome vacation spot to go to as each time you go, there’s one thing new to do.
It was named the South’s greatest small city by Southern Residing Journal in 2024, and we additionally added it as a worthy vacation spot to go to on our greatest USA highway journeys checklist!
We first visited with my mother and father in 2010 when Kalyra was solely two and a half, and have been again many instances since. We nonetheless speak about that highway journey between right here and the opposite Beaufort in North Carolina.
Up there in NC they pronounce it Bowfort (as in bow tie), which is the English pronunciation. Down right here, they pronounce it Beaufort (as in stunning).
What number of days do you have to go to Beaufort?
There is no such thing as a finish to a incredible Beaufort trip, and you possibly can simply keep right here for weeks – or endlessly – and take in its historical past and the serenity of its pure magnificence and gradual, candy Low-Nation dwelling.
However that’s most likely not the way you journey.
We suggest at the least two nights/three days to take pleasure in all the highlights in Beaufort SC. Meaning should you left on a Friday afternoon and returned on Sunday afternoon, you possibly can simply make Beaufort a weekend getaway.
Watch us discover Beaufort, SC
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