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When you’re a fan of the film Forrest Gump, then you definately’ve in all probability already received a good suggestion of what Beaufort, South Carolina, appears like. It’s the place many of the film was filmed, and because it’s depicted within the film, it presents tons of rural Southern allure 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 moreover touring movie places.
Well-known for its attractive South Carolina coast and sea islands, antebellum mansions and nineteenth century structure, in addition to scrumptious seafood and beautiful 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 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 world the place lots of the Vietnam Battle scenes had 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 get pleasure from a fast stroll on the boardwalk that goes out over the marshlands to a small island and jetty widespread for households crabbing.
We selected to calm down on the North Seashore part slightly 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 in every of our favourite seashores on the East Coast and ideal for your loved ones getaway.
Usually, you’ll be able to climb the lighthouse, which is the one one in South Carolina open for climbing. Verify for present circumstances.
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 searching present, and we had been pleased to ship her photographs.
It has 3-miles of Atlantic seashore shoreline and plenty of unique seashore 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 well-liked the extra remoted Searching Island Seashore.
3. Discover Cypress Wetland Park
Positioned on Port Royal Island, Cypress Wetlands is a surprisingly beautiful Beaufort sights and the sort 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 considerable 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 probably the most however you may as well spot herons, hawks, eagles, owls, falcons, geese, geese, and different migratory waterfowl.
4. Take a look at The Previous Level Neighborhood
Probably the most 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 homeowners, as their island marshland houses turned too sizzling and buggy. Their summer season houses 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 Customer Heart so you’ll be able to be taught extra of the historical past and tales behind them.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the marshlands on the finish of among the laneways. Followers of the Huge Chill will love seeing the home from the film.
It was my favourite alongside the one above with the large 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’ll have wandered the streets of The Level by yourself, we suggest you additionally do the horse and buggy tour. It’s in all probability finest to do that carriage tour first for an excellent overview of Beaufort!
The commentary brings to life this space by sharing Beaufort’s distinctive historical past throughout the Civil Battle, 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 had been in a position to purchase their masters houses as they owed giant sums of taxes once they lastly returned. They didn’t pay them as they felt they’d not have houses to return to.
We additionally discovered extra concerning the individuals who as soon as lived within the houses, people who do now, these utilized in films and TV – reminiscent of Prince of Tides and the Huge 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 Remark 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 might simply mix this with a go to to Cypress Wetlands and Fish Camp.
There’s a small historic space on Port Royal the place it’s possible you’ll want to browse among the previous shops and historic houses. They’re fairly totally different to the Level’s mansions!
7. Search for Sharks Tooth at Sands Seashore
Do you want looking for a needle in a haystack? Properly you’ll love in search of Shark Tooth on Sands Seashore.
We visited because it was subsequent door to the boardwalk. We grew uninterested in it after 5 minutes. Your youngsters could like it. There have been a number of teams of individuals combing the seashore on the riverbank.
My query, “If that is one in every of widespread issues to do in Beaufort, and folks come right here day by day, and probably discover sharks enamel, 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 follow swimming at Searching Island Seashore with the dolphins as a substitute.
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 tips about issues to do from the locals. They typically know the place to search out one of the best 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 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 in every 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. Dine with sundown marina views at Dockside
Simply over the bridge from downtown Beaufort is the Dockside Restaurant on Woman’s Island.
You possibly can sit inside close to giant home windows or within the screened in porch to catch the views over Woman Island Marina and the waterways. There may be additionally exterior seating for drinks and corn-hole beneath 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 straightforward to amble the streets of Downtown Beaufort in between your day by day explorations.
Historic Bay Avenue 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 might be a enjoyable expertise to have in Beaufort when you cycled the path and loved the altering panorama.
We had been slightly underwhelmed, largely as a result of we had been anticipating a path coated with Spanish Moss. Apparently, the path takes you thru neighborhoods the place you’ll be able to 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 we suggest (based mostly on what we noticed) as the higher choice because it does take you to marshland views that are fairly.
So, discuss to extra locals and the customer heart peeps and see what you’ll be able to uncover as one of the best spot for you OR simply trip your bikes alongside all the manner.
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 Heart.
Penn Heart is the location of one of many nation’s first faculties for freed slaves and probably the most important African American historic and cultural establishments in existence at present.
13. Take a dolphin watching boat tour
When you’re ever brief wandering what to do in Beaufort SC, then discovering a boat tour is at all times a very good 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 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 Previous Sheldon Church
When you’re a historical past buff or photographer, you’ll love the ruins of this church sitting a gorgeous forest of draped timber and Revolutionary Battle graves.
It was burnt by British troops throughout the Revolutionary warfare, after which plundered by Union troops on the finish of the civil Battle 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 Battle 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 via the cemetery, mirror on their legacy and what these heroes died for.
17. Dine at Plums Restaurant
When you’re visiting Beaufort and undecided the place to eat, then Plums Restaurant is a must-visit.
Positioned on the riverfront, this charming restaurant presents a comfortable and welcoming environment, with indoor and outside seating. The menu options quite a lot of dishes impressed by Lowcountry delicacies utilizing contemporary, domestically sourced components.
You possibly can attempt native seafood, do-it-yourself soups, and grilled meat dishes.
Plums Restaurant is the right 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
When you’re taken with aviation historical past, then it’s possible you’ll 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 an important function in World Battle II, the Korean Battle, and the Gulf Battle.
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 beneath the Chocolate Tree
Sit beneath 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 positioned at 507 Carteret St, Beaufort. You could 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 right place for historical past buffs to be taught concerning 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 possibly can be taught concerning the Gullah folks, who’ve lived within the area for hundreds of years, in addition to discover the influence of the Civil Battle and Spanish American Battle on the world.
A quick 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 folks, the Native Individuals who lived in these lands. Life was considerable 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 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 unit
Right here’s a hidden gem in Beaufort that the guidebooks received’t let you know about! The Kazoobie Kazoo Manufacturing unit is an immersive museum the place you’ll be able to find out how kazoos are made by touring the manufacturing unit from begin to end.
Then you can also make your personal kazoo to maintain!
The museum itself can be enjoyable and quirky with plenty of 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 turn out 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, positioned 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 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’ll be able to keep relying upon your touring group!
There may be the principle pink inn, the historic Smith Wallace Mansion. It was in-built 1897 by William Sidney Smith as a summer season retreat for his household. Kids beneath 12 can not keep on this constructing!
The opposite lodging choices embrace attractive, restored cottages and houses and vary from Normal lodge/inn model rooms to these with residing areas and totally outfitted 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 Avenue – voted most charming road within the South by Southern Dwelling Journal!
The rooms had been a normal lodge room however superbly embellished and splendidly comfy, with an excellent lavatory and bathe.
The Beaufort Inn is one in every of our favourite lodging stays on the East Coast to this point. We had been impressed by the worth of this Beaufort lodging. This included the next facilities:
- Breakfast coupons every for 3 totally different eating places close by
- Complementary entrance passes to Searching Island State Park – among the best issues to do in Beaufort SC
- Pool passes to Cat Island Swimming pools
- Free bike rental
Watch our video evaluation of the Beaufort Inn under.
Is Beaufort, South Carolina Value Visiting?
Beaufort is wealthy in historical past and Gullah heritage, Southern Allure, 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 simply may even discover you’ll be able to’t go all the things you deliberate, which is why it’s an excellent vacation spot to go to as each time you go, there’s one thing new to do.
It was named the South’s finest small city by Southern Dwelling Journal in 2024, and we additionally added it as a worthy vacation spot to go to on our finest USA street journeys record!
We first visited with my dad and mom in 2010 when Kalyra was solely two and a half, and have been again many occasions since. 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 stunning).
What number of days do you must go to Beaufort?
There isn’t a finish to a unbelievable Beaufort trip, and you would simply keep right here for weeks – or perpetually – and take in its historical past and the serenity of its pure magnificence and gradual, candy Low-Nation residing.
However that’s in all probability not the way you journey.
We suggest at the least two nights/three days to get pleasure from all the highlights in Beaufort SC. Meaning when you left on a Friday afternoon and returned on Sunday afternoon, you would simply make Beaufort a weekend getaway.
Watch us discover Beaufort, SC
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