As the second-oldest city in South Carolina, Beaufort is a great choice for a Lowcountry getaway—even though its 68 islands are submerged during the daily high tide. One of the best things to do in Beaufort when you don’t have a set itinerary is walking through the historic downtown area, and the Old Point and Old Commons neighborhoods. The centuries-old trees, 18th- and 19th-century buildings, and converted museums are within walking distance of one another, offering an opportunity to experience Beaufort's history and culture on a whim.
Beaufort is in Lowcountry in South Carolina, so it retains a Southern coastal climate that gets hot and humid in the summer. Spring is a great time to visit, especially for the food during the Taste of Beaufort and Original Gullah Festival. Marines usually graduate from nearby Parris Island on Fridays, so hotels and restaurants may be busier on the weekends.
One draw of Beaufort is that most attractions and restaurants are likely within walking distance of your downtown hotel. Downtown alone has over 500 parking spaces, so many visitors choose to rent or drive a private car. The Palmetto Breeze bus has three routes that run through Beaufort, though they’re better for regional trips rather than transport around Beaufort’s downtown area.
Even though the antebellum houses and well-preserved historic buildings are significant draws for visiting Beaufort, most visitors don’t realize that only a few of these properties are museums. Many are privately owned and only open to the public during fall and spring. It’s a good idea to book accommodation that’s in a converted historic home, like the Rhett House Inn, and buy tickets in advance to museums such as the George Elliot House and John Mark Verdier House.
