Tucked between tidal marshes and the Intracoastal Waterway, Beaufort moves at the kind of unhurried pace the Lowcountry is known for. Century-old oaks draped in Spanish moss frame an endlessly walkable historic district, where waterfront views and front-porch charm come standard. If your ideal weekend includes just-caught seafood, golden-hour strolls, and a little Southern storytelling, Beaufort, South Carolina, delivers.
Day 1: Historic Beaufort and the Waterfront
Morning
Start your weekend at Blackstone’s Café, a longtime local staple serving classic Southern breakfasts in an unpretentious, eclectic setting. Pull up a seat between nautical murals and collegiate flags representing schools from around the country. Fuel up with Cajun shrimp and grits, corned beef hash, brisket, or a loaded omelet. Arrive early to avoid a wait.
Head into the Beaufort Historic District, home to one of the country’s largest collections of antebellum homes. Follow oak-lined streets shaded by Spanish moss and admire Greek Revival and Federal-style facades. Look for display plaques with build dates and original owners, and snap your photo on the same streets where movies like Forrest Gump and The Big Chill filmed.
Make your way through the promenade at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park for panoramic views of the Beaufort River, where locals hang out. Watch sailboats and shrimp trawlers drift by from a water-facing rocking chair. Spot public art pieces like The Beaufort Shrimp Boat sculpture—a nod to Beaufort’s shrimping heritage.
Browse downtown Beaufort’s shops and galleries, where nearly every storefront is independently owned, and it’s easy to explore on foot. Stop by the Thibault Gallery to admire Lowcountry landscapes and coastal scenes, or check out contemporary Southern art and photography at Salt Gallery. Visit Nevermore Books for Southern lit and local authors, or shop at Beaufort Belle for stylish clothing, accessories, and gifts.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at Plums Restaurant, a Bay Street institution known for Lowcountry cuisine and waterfront views. Embrace the generous portions, laid-back vibes, and seafood-forward plates reflecting the region’s flavors—like clam chowder, crab cakes, and fish tacos.
For a more elevated midday meal, savor Southern-inspired dishes at Wren, a refined yet welcoming spot with exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and modern lighting. Dine like a local by ordering the fried green tomato sandwich or pecan-cranberry chicken salad. Pair your meal with a specialty cocktail infused with local herbs, like the Lowcountry Spritz.
Visit the Beaufort History Museum for a deep dive into local heritage, housed in a 1798 building once used as a weapons arsenal. Meander through exhibits on Native American history, colonial Beaufort, rice plantations, and the Civil War. Spot rare artifacts like Revolutionary War-era weapons, tools, and maps. Plan to spend around an hour here to soak it all in.
Take that history outdoors with a self-guided route past Beaufort’s historic homes. Grab a printed map from the visitor center, or let the building signage guide your way. Stop at notable homes like the John Mark Verdier House and Secession House, and don’t miss 18th-century churches like St. Helena’s Episcopal Church or the Baptist Church of Beaufort.
Evening
Savor fresh seafood and steaks at Saltus River Grill, an upscale-chic spot right on the water. Slide into a booth in the dimly-lit dining room, or ask for a patio table to get a front-row seat to some of the best sunset views in town. Dig into fan favorites like the caramelized sea scallops or skillet-browned crab cake. Craving raw seafood? Order off the raw bar or sushi menus for fresh oysters, sashimi, and a wide range of classic rolls.
Alternatively, head to Old Bull Tavern, a lively gastropub that blends European comfort food with Southern flair. Choose between wood-fired pizza, seasonal sandwiches, housemade pastas, and tavern-style entrees.
Join an evening walking tour centered around local history or haunts. For a history-first option, embark on a two-hour stroll with Beaufort Tours to learn all about the area’s architecture, Civil War stories, and film locations. If you prefer something eerier, go with Beaufort Ghost Walk for a 90-minute candlelit tour where your guide will share tales of haunted antebellum homes, apparitions near St. Helena’s Episcopal Church, and centuries-old spirits.
Not ready to call it quits? Grab a round at Lost Local, a popular cocktail bar in the heart of downtown Beaufort. Expect polished, coastal-inspired interiors and an atmosphere that stays lively without feeling rowdy. Order the Lowcountry Lemonade or Marshside Margarita and settle in for an unhurried nightcap.
Day 2: Nature, Sea Islands, and Gullah Geechee History
Morning
Kick off your day at Lowcountry Produce Market & Café, a bright and airy breakfast spot housed in what was once Beaufort’s City Hall. Order made-to-order glazed doughnuts or a hearty biscuit sandwich with drip coffee, then browse shelves of baked goods and artisan pantry items. Ask about their seasonal specials, since the menu changes based on what’s fresh. Afterward, enjoy a quiet morning bike ride through the historic district before the streets get busy.
Drive to Hunting Island State Park to immerse yourself in five miles of wild barrier island beauty. There’s a small entry fee, but it’s worth it. Set out along the pristine shoreline, search for shells at low tide, or watch pelicans and dolphins dive offshore. Climb the iconic lighthouse’s 167 steps for sweeping views of the Atlantic. Visiting between May and October? Keep an eye out for marked loggerhead turtle nests along the beach.
On the way back, stop at the Beaufort National Cemetery—it was founded during the Civil War, making it one of the oldest national cemeteries in the U.S. Follow brick pathways beneath a canopy of moss-draped trees and pause at sections honoring veterans from multiple wars. Look for early Civil War headstones clustered near the center of the grounds.
Afternoon
Enjoy lunch at Madison’s in nearby Port Royal, a hidden gem tucked beneath live oaks. Order tuna tartare, oysters on the half shell, or a fried seafood basket and enjoy outdoor seating shaded by Spanish moss. Book your table in advance; this spot draws locals and visitors alike.
If you’d rather stay in town, head to Hearth Wood Fired Pizza on Bay Street for a more casual option. Bite into Italian classics and crispy pizzas like the house fennel sausage, or keep it light with a caprese salad. Grab a street-side table if the weather’s nice for breezy views of downtown Beaufort.
Visit the Penn Center on St. Helena Island to learn about Gullah Geechee history and culture. Stroll the 50-acre campus that was once a school for formerly enslaved people. Step into Reconstruction-era exhibits filled with photographs, quilts, documents, and oral histories. Plan to spend at least 90 minutes here to see everything.
Alternatively, rent a kayak or boat to cruise down the Beaufort River. Navigate calm waters while looking for dolphins, herons, egrets, and fiddler crabs. Prefer a guided experience? Book a kayaking excursion for a naturalist-led tour through tidal creeks and salt marshes.
Evening
Settle in for dinner at Breakwater Restaurant & Bar, a longtime favorite known for refined Lowcountry cuisine and an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. Start with a creamy cup of she-crab soup, then order the fresh catch of the day or something heartier like lamb meatloaf. Reserve your table in advance—spots book up fast, especially on weekends and during peak season.
For easygoing vibes and waterfront views, opt instead for down-home cooking at Lady’s Island Dockside. Try the crab cakes or seafood pasta to see customers keep coming back, and don’t skip the cornbread or hush puppies. After dinner, swing by the Woods Memorial Bridge overlook for sweeping sunset views across Beaufort’s marshland.
Raise a glass at Hemingway’s Bistro, a cozy wine bar where European bistro-inspired design meets nautical accents. Sip a French 75 or a Classic Hemingway Daiquiri while live jazz or acoustic music plays in the background. For a livelier atmosphere, grab drinks at The Fillin’ Station—a former gas station turned dive bar with a waterfront deck, weekly karaoke, and an inviting crowd that makes everyone feel like a regular.
