29 Best & Fun Things To Do In Beaufort (SC)

29 Best & Fun Things To Do In Beaufort (SC)

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1. The Old Point Neighborhood

The Old Point Neighborhood is a great place to visit if you like unique design and beautiful homes.

One of the coolest things to do in Beaufort is to check out this South Carolina area.

Some of the stateliest and biggest homes in South Carolina are in this area. These are also some of the oldest and most expensive homes there.

The homes are almost as beautiful as the setting, which is between the old downtown area and the river.

There are a lot of different styles of homes, from Victorian to Queen Ann, and each one is more beautiful than the last.

Because the homes in this neighborhood are so well taken care of, the whole area is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Along with beautiful homes, the area has beautiful gardens, churches, and old cemeteries, as well as great shops, galleries, and restaurants.

In South Carolina, the Old Point Neighborhood is a great place to go hiking.

Address: The Old Point, Beaufort, SC 29902, United States

2. Every Second Counts Escape Rooms

This exciting attraction is a great place to go in Beaufort if you want to do something fun, difficult, and inside.

It’s only a few miles from downtown to Every Second Counts Escape Rooms.

There are escape rooms here for people of all ages, whether you’re going with adults, kids, or both.

What to expect if you’ve never been to an escape room: you’ll be “locked” in a themed room for a certain amount of time (usually an hour), and to get out, you’ll have to solve puzzles, riddles, and get past hurdles.

To “escape” from a room successfully, you had to finish your work faster than the time allowed.

You can do these things with a group of people.

One of the fun room themes at Every Second Counts Escape Rooms is a bandit’s heist. Other themes are a wizard’s room, a cabin room, and an insane hospital.

All of the rooms are fun, interesting, and difficult.

Every Second Counts Escape Rooms is a fun place to go with your family, on a date, or even for a work night out.

Address: 22 Sams Point Way, Beaufort, SC 29907, United States

3. Sands Beach

If you’re looking for outdoor things to do in Beaufort, Sands Beach is a great place to relax and have fun.

You can take your family to this great beach on Battery Creek in Port Royal.

The water is always calm because it’s on a creek, making it a great place for little kids and peaceful swims.

Sands Beach is a drive-on beach that is beautiful all year long and great for having a picnic, flying a kite, or looking for treasure.

When we talk about treasure digging, Sands Beach is a popular place to find shark teeth and shells.

Also, this beach is a great place to see dolphin pods run by every once in a while.

Sands Beach is a great place to hang out with friends and family, even locals.

Address: Sands Beach Rd, Port Royal, SC 29935, United States

4. Lady’s Island Dockside

If you want to find great things to do in Beaufort that include eating, you should go to Lady’s Island Dockside.

Since it first opened in 1990, this restaurant has been offering the freshest seafood from the area.

Dockside, as it’s known in the area, serves casual coastal food and has seats both inside and outside on the water.

The restaurant has a view of the boat docks on the Factory Creek River, so you can watch boats come and go while you eat.

Fresh seafood is what Lady’s Island Dockside is known for. Coconut-fried shrimp, crispy flounder, twin lobster tails, bourbon-glazed salmon, and crab stuffed flounder are some of the most popular meals.

Lady’s Island Dockside has a full-service bar with delicious drinks like frozen daiquiris, different kinds of martinis, and a Georgia Peach Lemonade that you will not want to stop drinking.

At Lady’s Island Dockside, you can get a tasty meal for lunch, dinner, or to go.

Address: 71 Sea Island Pkwy, Beaufort, SC 29907, United States

5. Downtown Beaufort

The best place to shop in Beaufort, South Carolina, is in the center area.

Downtown is a great place to walk around because it has a lot of small shops, some of the best restaurants in town, and historical sites around every corner.

The downtown area of Beaufort is warm and friendly, and there are lots of things to do.

Downtown is by far the best place to shop.

You’ll find amazing shops like jewelry stores, gift shops, antique shops, fashion boutiques, and art galleries.

There are also a lot of great places to eat downtown, like pizza shops, fish restaurants, a Mexican girl, coffee shops, and more.

All of these wonderful shops are in beautiful old buildings, and each one has its own story.

If you go to Beaufort, you have to spend some time downtown.

Address: Beaufort, SC 29902, United States

6. Port Royal Boardwalk & Observation Tower

The Port Royal Boardwalk & Observation Tower is one of the nicest places to visit in Beaufort, South Carolina. It’s a great spot to relax outside.

You can walk or run along the path and enjoy the view of the water.

Enjoy the beautiful views, the sound of the waves crashing, and the fresh air from the salt water with a cup of coffee or a picnic lunch.

You can fish off the boardwalk, and it’s fun to dig for shells and shark teeth along the sidewalk. After that, it’s nice to climb the observation tower.

Along with the beautiful views of the coast, you can often see groups of dolphins passing by.

You can watch birds from the viewing tower, which is a nice spot.

Beautiful place to visit today or this weekend; one of the few free things to do.

Address: 901 London Ave, Port Royal, SC 29935, United States

7. Stephen Elliott Park

8. The Spirit of Old Beaufort

This trip of South Carolina’s history will take you back in time.

This is one of many historical sites in Beaufort that you can visit. The Spirit of Old Beaufort will teach you about the Gullah and Geechee ways of life.

Discovery Lady’s Island and St. Helena are just two of the historical places you will see on the three-hour tour.

The first public school for freed slaves is one of the interesting sites you’ll see.

Old churches and farm houses are two other historical sites that are worth seeing.

You can learn about history through songs and stories while riding in a cool car that will pick you up and drop you off.

Locals who know a lot about the area drive and talk about the trips.

You can also go on walking tours if you’d rather. There are city tours that last two hours, tours of the historic area, and other types of tours.

The Spirit of Old Beaufort is a must-do because it’s a great way to learn about the city’s long past.

Address: Beaufort, SC, United States

9. Penn Center

The Penn Center is historically important because it was the first school for West Africans who had been slaves.

The school is now a historical site and is located on the beautiful St. Helena Island.

Walking through the center is a unique experience because it is surrounded by beautiful marshes, live oaks covered in Spanish moss, and other lovely plants.

You will be able to look around the 50-acre campus with 25 buildings during your stay.

Cultural events, like the Gullah Studies Symposium, take place at the welcome center and museum.

It is worth going to the school because it was the first in history to teach people who used to be slaves.

You can set up group tours of the school ahead of time, or you can go on your own.

The Penn Center is one of the most interesting places to visit because it has so much history, beauty, and activities to do outside.

Address: 16 Penn Center Cir E, St Helena Island, SC 29920, United States

10. Sea Island Carriage Company

Book a tour with Sea Island Carriage Company for one of the most interesting ways to see Beaufort, South Carolina.

A trolley trip is a fun way to spend an hour in town because it takes you to and from interesting places in the area.

Up to eight people can ride in a horse-drawn trolley at a time with the Sea Island Carriage Company. Knowledgeable docents drive and talk about the history of the area.

The Sea Island Carriage Company is one of the coolest places to visit in town. They will take you back in time along a historical and beautiful path.

It’s best to book your tour early in the day to avoid the heat of the middle of the day.

You’ll get to see some of the town’s beautiful old homes, movie sets, and culturally important churches during your trolley trip.

One of the few free things in town for kids under three is to go on one of these trolley trips.

Address: 930 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902, United States

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11. Old Sheldon Church Ruins

Beaufort, South Carolina has a lot of important sites to see, so it can be hard to choose which ones are the best.

But you have to see the Old Sheldon Church Ruins!

These church ruins are like Stonehenge. They are near Beaufort, in the city of Sheldon, which is just over 15 miles down the road.

The old church, which used to be called Prince William’s Parish Church, was built around the middle of the 1700s.

In spite of the fact that the church is in ruins, as its name suggests, it was built in the Greek Revival style.

You can walk around the grounds and look at the interesting ruins today.

There are some old gravestones, beautiful live oak trees, and magical Spanish moss in between the ruins.

Aside from going around the site, the ruins are sometimes the site of events, and there is an Easter worship service once a year.

The Old Sheldon Church Ruins are one of the coolest things to see in Beaufort.

Address: Old Sheldon Church Rd, Yemassee, SC 29945, United States

12. Parris Island

The public can now visit this well-known Marine Corps training camp.

It’s now open to everyone, but walks have to be planned 60 days ahead of time.

There is a lot to see and do on Parris Island once you have a ticket.

To begin, the museum on site will teach you about the Corp’s long past.

The graduations on Parris Island are some of the coolest things to see. Anyone can go to them, and they happen almost every week.

The movie “Full Metal Jacket” by Stanley Kubrick, which came out in 1987, made Parris Island popular.

The center is on 3,000 acres of land and is ringed by white-sand beaches. The coast is also very beautiful all around the center.

Parris Island is one of the most well-known and historically important places to visit in Beaufort. It should be at the top of your list of things to do in South Carolina.

Address: South Carolina 29902, United States

13. The Chocolate Tree

You have to see this building in Beaufort if you’re in South Carolina.

This popular spot in the area opened in 1980 by a beginner chocolatier.

Now, it’s a great place for people who love sweets.

It’s a full candy and chocolate plant like Willy Wonka’s.

For people who have never been to a chocolate factory, the smell that fills the whole building is amazing.

There are lots of sweet treats to choose from while you’re there, such as handmade chocolates, amazing toffees, pretty nonpareils, and more.

The factory has a retro feel and sells tasty treats. There are framed pictures of Lucille Bar and other show memorabilia throughout the building.

Don’t miss The Chocolate Tree if you’re in Beaufort. You can get a sweet treat or a box full to take home.

The Chocolate Tree is a great candy store and one of the sweetest things to do in Beaufort.

Address: 507 Carteret St, Beaufort, SC 29902, United States

14. Scout Southern Market

Visit Scout Southern Market if you don’t know what to look for when you go shopping.

This sweet southern gift shop is a great place to shop. It’s named after the famous author Scout Finch.

The shop is known for its unique selection of goods and is right in the middle of Beaufort’s city area.

There’s something for everyone, from gifts to unique foods to things for the home.

One great thing about this shop is that it sells handmade goods from local artists.

If buying makes you thirsty, you should get one of Scout Southern Market’s famous sweet tea floats. They are delicious.

The nut bars are also great for a quick snack.

Please go to Scout Southern Market when you’re in South Carolina. It is one of the cutest stores in the area.

Address: 709 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902, United States

15. Saltus River Grill

Since it opened in 2001, this great restaurant has become a landmark in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Serving delicious food in a fun atmosphere was the restaurant’s main goal.

Now it’s an urban fish grill with great food and a great atmosphere.

The diner is located in a beautiful coastal area and has stunning views of the water.

On top of the beautiful setting, the service is perfect.

Saltus River Grill boasts an artistic and delicious dining experience.

Small plates like fried oysters, chef specialties like grilled dorado, and sushi like a spicy tuna roll are some of the guests’ favorite things to order at the grill.

You can enjoy any of these tasty options with a drink from the bar’s excellent wine list.

This popular place in the area fills up quickly, so make a reservation ahead of time.

It’s one of the best places in town for couples on a date, and it’s well worth the money

Address: 802 Bay St STE C, Beaufort, SC 29902, United States

16. The Beaufort Inn

The Beaufort Inn is a cute hotel in the downtown area of Beaufort. It’s one of the best places to go on vacation in the area.

The inn has been welcoming guests for more than 100 years, which is pretty amazing. And there’s a good reason for that: it’s in a group of historic buildings called cottages that add to its cuteness.

In its long past, the inn has had famous guests like Jimmy Buffett, Julia Roberts, and a few U.S. politicians.

The rooms at the inn are very nice and have great features like waterfall showers, wet bars, soaking tubs, and more.

Each room has a private porch or patio and is decorated in a colonial style that adds to the historic feel of the building.

For your stay in South Carolina, The Beaufort Inn is a great choice because it has private gardens, a cute gift shop, bike rentals, and fire pits, among other things.

Address: 809 Port Republic St, Beaufort, SC 29902, United States

17. Cuthbert House Inn

This popular hotel has lovely views of the coast and is right next to Harbor River.

The hotel was built in 1790 as a summer vacation spot for the Cuthbert family. They had to leave their home because Union soldiers were threatening them.

The house was almost destroyed many times before it was fixed up and made into what it is today, which is why it is a National Historic Landmark.

You won’t be sorry if you decide to stay at Cuthbert House Inn.

You can pick from a number of lovely, comfortable rooms at the hotel.

There is a garden room with a view of a formal courtyard, a Victoria Room with bright Victorian decor, and a Hideaway room that mixes modern style with 18th-century charm.

There are butler services, luxury robes, and a free gourmet breakfast at the hotel, among other things.

The Cuthbert House Inn is in a great spot—it’s only two blocks from the center of Beaufort.

Address: 1203 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902, United States

18. Beaufort National Cemetery

You should plan a trip to Beaufort National Cemetery if you want to do something interesting that the whole family can enjoy.

The graveyard is on Port Royal Island and covers almost 35 acres. Veterans Affairs is in charge of it.

It’s a busy graveyard because tens of thousands of veterans are buried there.

In the cemetery’s past, it got its national name during the Civil War. Since then, it has been a place to honor the sacrifices of veterans and their families.

The graveyard has a lot of history, and you should go see it whether your ancestors are buried there or not.

During your stay, you can enjoy the peaceful grounds by walking around the well-kept gardens.

You can remember the dead by leaving fresh flowers and enjoy these amazing historic sites.

You should visit Beaufort National Cemetery, which is one of the city’s many interesting sights.

Address: 1601 Boundary St, Beaufort, SC 29902, United States

19. Fort Fremont

The area around Fort Fremont was once a military fort during the Spanish-American War. It is now a historical, educational, and nature preserve.

The site is on the shores of the beautiful Port Royal Sound, which makes the setting as beautiful as the history.

The fort is on a huge 170 acres and was built to protect the southeast coast during the war.

The fort stopped being used in 1912, ending one of the most important events in Beaufort.

Since 1946, many of the fort’s buildings have been fixed up and made public.

You can get a free app that will lead you on a walking tour of Fort Fremont if you want to go there.

A diorama of old fort buildings, old guns, and the beautiful beach preserve are some of the things you’ll see.

It’s always a good time to visit the fort, whether it’s today, this weekend, or during the week. It’s open Monday through Sunday.

Tours are always free, and if you’d rather not go on your own, you can schedule a walk with a docent ahead of time.

Address: 1124 State Rd S-7-45 Lands End Road, St. Helena Island, SC 29920, United States

20. Beaufort History Museum

The Beaufort History Museum is full of interesting local history. There are many other great historic things to do in South Carolina.

This museum uses documents and other artifacts to tell the story of how the town came to be and its long past.

Furthermore, the museum gives people a chance to travel through time and actually feel the town’s rich past.

This small town in South Carolina has a lot to teach you. Docents will lead you through more than 450 years of history.

Not only does the museum have a huge collection of historical items, it is also housed in an old building.

The Arsenal was built in 1798 and was home to the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

As its name says, the building used to hold weapons during wartime.

This is a great way to learn about Beaufort’s past. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday.

Address: 713 Craven St, Beaufort, SC 29902, United States

21. Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center

There are lots of things to do in Beaufort. The Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center is one of them.

There are people who work at the center to protect Port Royal Sound.

In particular, the center cares about the cultural and natural integrity of the waterways in the area.

The center has been around since 1970 and was built to study the climate.

Since then, a water task group has been set up to improve the county’s waterways, and Friends of the Rivers has been formed to protect both water and land.

When it opened to the public in 2014, the center had in-person, on-demand educational events that were both fun and educational.

For those who want a guided walk of the center, you can make one ahead of time.

The walks will be mostly about studying water and how it affects the ecosystem in the area.

A Recycled Art Contest, a STEAM event, and a Sound Vision program are just a few of the many fun and educational things that happen at the center.

The center is interesting and educational for people of all ages.

Address: 310 Okatie Hwy, Okatie, SC 29909, United States

22. Cypress Wetlands

Cypress Wetlands is a great place to go if you want to do something outside.

It is a magical natural haven for animals, plants, and beaches. It is a beautiful place with amazing sights, sounds, and smells.

Many people love to watch animals in this protected area because it is a natural home for birds and other animals.

The cool thing about Cypress Wetlands is that they have a naturalist on staff who can lead walks.

You can take a free walk of the park and learn about its plants, animals, and birds that live there.

Green herons, wood storks, snowy egrets, and the yellow-crowned night heron are just a few of the beautiful birds you might see in the park.

There is also an interactive game center in the park that makes it even more fun for kids.

Address: 1700 Paris Ave, Port Royal, SC 29935, United States

23. The Legends Golf Course

From now until Sunday, there is only one great place to play golf in Beaufort.

There are a few golf fields in and around town, but the Legends Golf Course is the best.

It’s called a famous course for a reason.

Heathland, Parkland, and Moorland are the three different grounds that are there.

The names of each course come from the way it is laid out.

Heathland is modeled after the British Isles, Parkland is meant to blend in with its natural settings, and Moorland’s natural growth and hazards are like those on the famous PGA West Course.

In these places, you can do more than just play golf.

It’s a day spent among beautiful nature scenery and immaculate landscaping.

The Legends Golf Course has rooms on-site for stay-and-play packages and is the site of many events every year.

Along with a great hotel, a pro shop, a golf school, and a pub, the course is full of great features.

The Legends Golf Course is the best place to play golf in South Carolina.

Address: Belleau Wood Rd, Beaufort, SC 29902, United States

24. Plums Restaurant

You should plan to visit this spot in the Lowcountry.

Plums is a great place in town that has been open since 1986.

People from all over the world love Plums because it serves delicious food in a fun environment.

Many people who work at this restaurant are very proud of the fact that all of their dishes are made with vegetables that come from nearby farms and fishing boats.

Plums is in a great spot in the middle of downtown Beaufort, and the food is delicious.

When it comes to food, Plums likes the Lowcountry gumbo, the smoked gouda mac-and-cheese, the curry chicken salad sandwich, and the classic shrimp-n-grits.

Plums also has a full-service bar with a great wine list and ice-cold beers.

Plums has seats inside and outside, and live music is played every night of the week.

Some of the reasons you should go to Plums Restaurant are the fresh ingredients, tasty menu items, tasty drinks, great setting, and fun entertainment schedule.

Address: 904 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902, United States

25. Fripp Island

There are many things to see on Fripp Island, which is a small barrier island.

Fripp Island is a quiet place to get away with 3,000 acres of beautiful beaches. It is on the beautiful Atlantic coast.

People love to go there to see birds, other animals, treasure hunt, and take in the beautiful views of the ocean.

Fripp Island is a great place to fish for many kinds of fish, including bass, flounder, and blue crabs.

There are a lot of things to do on this small island.

Fripp Island is a great place for people who love being outside to play golf, tennis, swim, and go on hikes.

The coast has a huge number of places that serve American, Southern, and seafood food. Many of them have live music and other forms of entertainment.

When you visit Fripp Island, you can enjoy a lot of fun things to do, including lots of outdoor activities and the stunning natural beauty of the island.

Address: Fripp Island, SC, United States

26. Beaufort Lands End Paddling

Beaufort Lands End Paddling teaches people how to use standup paddleboards and kayaks, which is one of the best ways to spend time on the water.

These guys can put together an exciting tour that you’ll love, no matter how much you know about boats or how quickly you need to learn.

The water lets you see all the most beautiful parts of town. There are four types of tours to choose from.

To begin, the Beaufort tour takes you on a ride through the water next to the downtown area at high tide.

You can see loggerhead turtle nests and hunt for sand dollars on the Hunting Island tour, which goes through the lake, the sand bar, and the southern beach area.

While on the tour, you will fish for trout, whiting, and redfish from a boat.

The last part of the tour is a look around Hunting Island at sunset.

Each of these tours gives you unique Beaufort experiences that are great for hiking, watching nature, exploring, and taking pictures.

Address: Beaufort, SC, United States

27. Spanish Moss Trail

In Beaufort, South Carolina, the Spanish Moss Trail is a great way to see the sights.

The trail was built in 2011 on the same land as the Magnolia Line Railroad, which is no longer in use.

Fourteen miles of beautiful paths make up the trail, which anyone can use for fun.

The trail system goes all the way between Beaufort and Port Royal, which is a nearby town.

It’s great for all kinds of activities because the whole trail is paved, so you can run, walk, ride a bike, and more.

You can walk on the path every day from dusk until dawn, so any time is fine.

The Spanish Moss Trail is easy to get to and has lots of great features.

You can park in six lots along the walk, and pets on leashes are welcome. There are also two bathrooms.

You can see water and marshes from the walk, and you might even see wildlife along the coast.

Lastly, the trail has trestles put at random places that can be used for fishing.

You have to walk along the Spanish Moss trail; it’s one of the top 10 things to do in Beaufort.

Address: Beaufort, SC, United States

28. Hunting Island State Park

One of the most beautiful places in the US is Hunting Island State Park.

The park has the old Hunting Island Lighthouse, which is really cool to see up close.

Renovations are going on right now, but once they’re done, you’ll be able to climb the 167 stairs to the top.

You can also enjoy the beach in the park and look for pretty rocks and other cool things.

There is a nature center there where you can safely get close to alligators.

The epic marsh path in the park is a great place to watch the sun rise or set over South Carolina.

A boat leaves from the park and will take you to St. Phillips Island, which is another fun place to visit.

You can also stay the night at Hunting Island State Park, which has both walk-in tent spots and tent camping.

Hiking tracks in the park range in length from.2 miles to 2 miles and are very well organized.

Address: 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, United States

29. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

One of the most beautiful places in Beaufort is this park by the water.

There is a marina in the park, which is a great spot to watch boats come and go and to see a beautiful morning.

You have to go to this park if you like seeing water.

There are cute seats along the path, which are great for reading the news and drinking coffee.

The park also has a playground with a pirate theme and picnic tables where you can eat your lunch.

The park has almost 7 acres, so you have plenty of room for a fast walk. It opened in 1979.

The beautiful landscaping, which includes live oaks and palmettos, makes the park’s view even better.

The park also has public bathrooms, fishing docks, a dog-friendly atmosphere, and plenty of parking.

You should check out Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park because it is one of the best free things to do in town.

Address: Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902, United States

30. Highway 21 Drive-In

You don’t need to look any further for interesting places to visit.

Since 1978, people in Beaufort have gone to the Highway 21 Drive-In.

Even though it got new screens, lights, and a sound system as late as 2022, it still has that old-fashioned, nostalgic feel to it.

This is a great place for a family fun night and a chance to show your kids a place of entertainment from the past.

There are three screens at the Highway 21 Drive-In, and new movies are shown three times a night.

The food stand at the drive-in is great. It serves snacks like popcorn and nachos as well as meals like hot dogs and cheeseburgers.

Once you’ve parked, you can watch the movie in your car, or you can bring blankets and chairs and watch from the field.

Every other week, the drive-in has a “double feature” night where you can see two movies for the price of one.

Address: 55 Parker Dr, Beaufort, SC 29906, United States