About Beaufort, South Carolina
On Port Royal Island, in the heart of the Sea Islands and South Carolina Lowcountry, lies Beaufort, SC. Long admired for its scenic locations and its historic character, Beaufort is one of only a handful of towns in the United States that has had its entire downtown designated a historic district by National Trust for Historic Preservation.
To help travelers better navigate this charming city, Visit Beaufort offers great insight into what makes this place so special and provides several recommendations for things to do, places to stay, and other amenities. Find out more about Beaufort, South Carolina so you can plan your visit.
History of Beaufort
Referred to as the Queen of the South Carolina Sea Islands, Beaufort is a city rich in history. It was established by the Spanish in 1514 and later colonized by the British in 1711. It is the second oldest city in South Carolina behind Charleston. Beaufort enjoyed great prosperity in the eighteenth century when indigo and rice plantations thrived. Sea Island cotton also brought tremendous wealth to the area before the American Civil War.
Filled with mansions built by wealthy plantation owners before the Civil War, Beaufort was one of the only Southern towns chosen to be occupied by Union troops, rather than destroyed. More than 50 historic structures have been identified in Beaufort, including many lovely private homes that have been beautifully restored and are now available to view via professionally guided walking, bus, or horse-drawn carriage tours.
Interesting Facts About Beaufort, SC
Beaufort takes pride in over 500 years of history and natural beauty. With many stories to tell, we have compiled a list of unique facts to help guests become more familiar with the area:
- The Beaufort County Geographic Information Systems Department notes that the city is comprised of 68 inhabitable islands and at high tide; the area is as much water as it is land.
- Beaufort is home to the most visited State Park in all of South Carolina. Hunting Island welcomes visitors to enjoy its beautiful beaches, maritime forest trails, popular campgrounds, and vast wildlife.
- Beaufort National Cemetery is the final burial site for veterans of every American conflict. Created in 1861, visitors can pay their respects to fallen soldiers who fought in the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War.
- Hollywood has often recognized Beaufort for its Southern charm and beauty as it has been the filming location for more than 16 motion pictures, including Forrest Gump, The Prince of Tides, The Great Santini, The Jungle Book, GI Jane, Something to Talk About, Stars Fell on Alabama, and many more.
- Home to one of the most amazing spectacles, Beaufort is the birthplace of thousands of baby loggerhead sea turtles. These adorable critters are born every year along Beaufort’s beaches, allowing guests to view this miracle of life firsthand.
- Old forts and historic buildings are common in Beaufort as it boast the largest number of tabby structures in the U.S., with some dating back to the early 1700s.
Attractions in Beaufort
There is no shortage of things to do in Beaufort, making it an ideal destination for a variety of vacationgoers. Visit Beaufort can help you fill out your itinerary by offering ideas based on your interests. For history buffs, special spring and fall events enable locals and visitors to tour several private homes and gardens.
Foodies have their selection of fine dining and other Beaufort, SC, restaurants. The moderate Beaufort, SC weather allows for enjoyable outdoor meals and/or park enjoyment almost year-round. Beaufort’s downtown area features several art galleries and museums for cultural enrichment, as well as antique stores and modern boutiques for shopping and finding the perfect souvenir to bring home.
Get the Most Out of Your Trip with Visit Beaufort, Port Royal & Sea Islands
Guests looking to take in all that Beaufort, SC, has to offer should turn to Visit Beaufort. We are happy to assist you with travel planning to help make your trip more memorable. To learn more about Beaufort and receive recommendations on lodging, accommodations, the other aspects of planning the perfect trip, contact us today.
