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For those who’re a fan of the film Forrest Gump, you then’ve in all probability already seen plenty of Beaufort, South Carolina, which was the place the film was largely filmed.
Well-known for its attractive South Carolina coast and sea islands, antebellum mansions and nineteenth century structure, in addition to scrumptious seafood and gorgeous seashores, you’ll discover there are a lot of issues to do in Beaufort SC.
Beaufort is an beautiful and serene small historic metropolis immersed in a forest of historic stay oaks and surrounded by marshlands, islands, waterways, and the Atlantic Ocean.
To not point out it’s South Carolina’s second-oldest metropolis.
For those who’re wandering what to do in Beaufort, you then’ve come to the proper place, as under I’ve listed among the prime points of interest within the metropolis.
Is Beaufort, South Carolina Price Visiting?
Beaufort is wealthy in historical past and Gullah heritage, Southern Allure, pure magnificence, and scrumptious native seafood, so sure, it’s value visiting.
It was named the South’s finest small city by Southern Residing Journal and is situated about midway between Charleston and Savannah alongside the protected Intracoastal Waterway and South Carolina’s Atlantic Coast.
We first visited with my dad and mom in 2010 when Kalyra was solely two and a half. We nonetheless discuss that street 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 lovely.
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 depart.
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 will’t change historical past, however we are able to study it and acknowledge those that lived as a part of this land as its custodians and the way they suffered.
Beaufort is included in our best USA road trips checklist!
What number of days do it’s essential to go to Beaufort?
There isn’t any finish to a incredible Beaufort trip. You may keep right here for weeks and take in its historical past and the serenity of its pure magnificence and gradual, candy Low-Nation dwelling!
However that’s in all probability not the way you journey!
We advocate at the least two nights/three days to take pleasure in all the finest the issues to do in Beaufort SC. Which means when you left on a Friday afternoon and returned on Sunday afternoon, you could possibly simply make Beaufort a weekend getaway.
Issues to Do in Beaufort SC
There are such a lot of historic, cultural, and out of doors journey experiences in Beaufort. You’ll by no means be bored. Plan your journey nicely as you might not be capable of do every little thing. Avoid wasting in your return.
We’ve included what we did in Beaufort on our quick getaway. We expect it’s a incredible “Better of Beaufort’ expertise that may converse to the sweetness and variety of this space.
1. Chill Out At Looking Island State Park
Welcome to an unspoiled forest of palmettos and pines main you right down to the ocean. The drive into the park in direction of the seashore will transport you to a different time one other place.
This, (and Fripp Island) is the realm the place most of the Vietnam Warfare 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 a little bit sizzling for mountain climbing after 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 fashionable for households crabbing.
We selected to chill out on the North Seaside part just below the well-known Looking Island Lighthouse. We had limitless area to take a seat safely and comfortably and a pod of dolphins selected to swim about 100 meters away from us.
Looking Island Seaside rapidly grew to become certainly one of our favourite seashores on the East Coast and excellent for your loved ones getaway.
Usually, you possibly can climb the lighthouse, which is the one one in South Carolina open for climbing. Examine for present situations.
There are additionally campsites and rental cabins on this space.
2. Go to Fripp Island
Fripp Island is essentially the most westward of South Carolina’s barrier islands and is subsequent door to Looking Island.
We visited as my Mum at present loves the Fripp Island home looking present. We have been comfortable to ship her photographs.
It has 3-miles of Atlantic seashore shoreline and plenty of unique seashore entrance properties 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 well-liked the extra remoted Looking Island Seaside.
3. Discover Cypress Wetland Park
Situated on Port Royal island, Cypress Wetlands is a surprisingly gorgeous Beaufort points of interest 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 various fowl life.
I don’t suppose I’ve ever seen so many birds in a single space. The prolific snowy white egrets stand out essentially the most however you may as well spot herons, hawks, eagles, owls, falcons, geese, geese, and different migratory waterfowl.
It’s additionally one of many free issues to do in Beaufort SC!
4. Examine Out The Outdated Level Neighborhood
One of the lovely Southern neighborhoods I’ve seen is The Level neighborhood, simply to the east of downtown Beaufort.
It was the residential summer time enclave of the rich plantation homeowners, as their island marshland properties grew to become too sizzling and buggy.
Their summer time properties caught the breezes off the river.
Reside 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 visitor center so you possibly can study extra of the historical past and tales behind them.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the marshlands on the finish of among the lane-ways.
Followers of the Massive Chill will love seeing the home from the film.
It was my favourite alongside the one above with the large stay 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)
Despite the fact that you could have wandered the streets of The Level by yourself, we advocate you additionally do the horse and buggy tour. It’s one of the vital fashionable Beaufort SC issues to do.
It’s in all probability finest to do that carriage tour first for an ideal overview of Beaufort!
The commentary brings to life this space by sharing Beaufort’s distinctive historical past through the Civil Warfare, because it was one of many solely cities not burned by Sherman’s advancing military.
After the locals all fled their antebellum mansions in concern, 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 properties as they owed giant sums of taxes once they lastly returned. They didn’t pay them as they felt they’d not have properties to return to.
We realized this inspiring story and plenty of extra on this tour.
We additionally realized extra in regards to the individuals who as soon as lived within the properties, people who do now, these utilized in films and TV – similar to Prince of Tides and the Massive Chill – and distinctive options just like the Stairs to Nowhere which might be stated by locals to be very haunted.
6. Go to Port Royal Sound Boardwalk and Statement Tower
A straightforward Beaufort factor to do is 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 among the previous shops and historic properties. They’re fairly completely different to the Level’s mansions!
7. Search for Sharks Tooth at Sands Seaside
Do you want looking for a needle in a haystack? Nicely you’ll love searching for Shark Tooth on Sands Seaside.
We visited because it was subsequent door to the boardwalk. We grew bored with it after 5 minutes. Your youngsters could adore it. There have been a number of teams of individuals combing the seashore on the riverbank.
My query, “If that is certainly one of fashionable issues to do in Beaufort, and folks come right here each day, and probably 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 Vineyard. Maybe the subsequent model of it.
I’ll keep on with swimming at Looking Island Seaside with the dolphins as a substitute.
8. Sundown Seafood at Fishcamp on eleventh
Sundown dinner at Fishcamp on 11th on Port Royal Island was our greatest native’s tip.
We get so a lot of our recommendations on issues to do from the locals. They usually know the place to seek out the most effective sunsets and how one can pair that with a scrumptious meal!
Fish Camp checked off all of the bins. 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 recent 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 epic-ness of a sundown.
It was certainly one of my favourite recollections and experiences of our time in Beaufort. To see the uncooked and fierce facet of Mom Nature could be very humbling.
9. Catch The Sundown & Eat Seafood 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 may be additionally exterior seating for drinks and corn-hole underneath the timber.
Chow down on crab, shrimp, mussels, and regionally 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 each day explorations.
Historic Bay Avenue is full of 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 bicycle owner, joggers, and walkers.
I can see how it could be a enjoyable expertise to have in Beaufort when you cycled the path and loved the altering panorama.
We have been a little bit underwhelmed, largely as a result of we have been anticipating a path lined with Spanish Moss. Apparently, the path takes you thru neighborhoods the place you possibly can expertise this.
We additionally received 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 advocate (based mostly on what we noticed) could be the higher possibility because it does take you to marshland views that are fairly.
So, speak to extra locals and the customer heart peeps and see what you possibly can uncover as the most effective spot for you OR simply experience your bikes alongside the whole approach.
12. Discover the Gullah tradition and meals
The Gullah are a bunch 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 Heart.
Penn Heart is the positioning of one of many nation’s first faculties for freed slaves and one of the vital vital African American historic and cultural establishments in existence at this time.
13. Take a Dolphin Watching Boat Tour
For those who’re ever quick wandering what to do in Beaufort SC, then discovering a boat tour is at all times a superb place to begin.
Not solely is it stress-free, however you additionally get to see among the areas native wildlife.
14. Take a kayak tour of the river
Take a kayak out onto the realm’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
For those who’re a historical past buff or photographer, you’ll love the ruins of this church sitting a good looking forest of draped timber and Revolutionary Warfare graves.
It was burnt by British troops through the Revolutionary battle, after which plundered by Union troops on the finish of the civil Warfare after it was rebuilt in 1826.
16. Examine Out Beaufort Nationwide Cemetery
That is one of the oldest United States Nationwide Cemeteries. The cemetery dates again to the Civil Warfare period and options meticulously maintained grounds, monuments, and memorials, honoring the sacrifices and repair of America’s navy heroes.
The cemetery is without doubt one of the few within the South that was particularly established for Union troopers and sailors.
As you wander by the cemetery, mirror on their legacy and what these heroes died for.
17. Dine at Plums Restaurant
For those who’re visiting Beaufort and undecided the place to eat, then Plums Restaurant is a must-visit.
Situated on the riverfront, this charming restaurant presents a comfy and welcoming ambiance, with indoor and out of doors seating.
The menu options quite a lot of dishes impressed by Lowcountry delicacies utilizing recent, regionally sourced incredients.
You may attempt native seafood, do-it-yourself 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 & The Marine Corps Air Station
For those who’re fascinated by 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 Warfare II, the Korean Warfare, and the Gulf Warfare.
Guests to Parris Island can tour the Parris Island Museum, which is a battle 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 Below 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 have to queue as much as get a photograph on this iconic filming location.
20. Step Again In Time at Beaufort Historical past Museum
The Beaufort History Museum is the proper place for historical past buffs to study in regards to the wealthy historical past and tradition of the Lowcountry.
The museum options interactive displays, historic artifacts, and informative shows that showcase the realm’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 affect of the Civil Warfare and Spanish American Warfare on the realm.
21. Keep at The Beaufort Inn
As a result of Beaufort is an enthralling historic Southern metropolis, your lodging can change into a part of the vacation spot highlights.
We wished our lodging to be distinctive to the Beaufort expertise, so we stayed at The Beaufort Inn, situated a block away from the principle road and river, and the previous Level neighborhood. And it’s solely a brief drive to all different Beaufort points of interest.
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 possibly can keep relying upon your touring group!
There may be the principle pink inn, the historic Smith Wallace Mansion. It was inbuilt 1897 by William Sidney Smith as a summer time retreat for his household. Youngsters underneath 12 can not keep on this constructing!
The opposite lodging choices embody attractive restored cottages and houses and vary from Normal lodge/inn model rooms to these with dwelling areas and totally outfitted kitchens.
We had a two-double bed room in one of many Palmetto Courtyard Queen Rooms.
It was lovely on the surface and we had our personal rocking chairs on the porch and sitting space out entrance with views of the quiet and charming Craven Avenue – voted most charming road within the South by Southern Residing Journal!
The rooms have been a normal lodge room however superbly embellished and splendidly snug, with an ideal toilet and bathe.
The Beaufort Inn is certainly one of our favourite lodging stays on the East Coast up to now. 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 Looking Island State Park – among the best issues to do in Beaufort SC
- Pool passes to Cat Island Swimming pools
- Free bike rental
Video Assessment of the Beaufort Inn
Closing Ideas on Issues to Do in Beaufort
Beaufort, SC VIDEO
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