The Ultimate Travel Guide for Beaufort, South Carolina

Southern hospitality is alive and well in South Carolina’s second-oldest city: Beaufort.

With its unique architecture, charming locals, and compact and walkable downtown, this darling Lowcountry gem calls to mind its cousins up and down the coast, Charleston and Savannah. But while those other lovely Southern belles have blossomed in unbridled popularity over the past decade or so, Beaufort quietly invites you to visit its less-crowded city at a more relaxed and delightfully unhurried pace.

Portions of this trip were hosted by Visit Beaufort, but as always, all opinions are my own.

That’s not to say things aren’t happening in Beaufort—our off-peak October visit found everything open and bustling, and no matter where we went we quickly made friends. You see, nearly everyone we encountered was ready to strike up a conversation: shop owners, fellow restaurant patrons, passersby on the sidewalk.

The sense of leisure and comfort in this waterfront city is almost intoxicating. You might consider scheduling as little as possible in Beaufort and letting the city set its own pace – but if you’re looking for a little more structure for your weekend away, I have you covered:

WHERE TO EAT + DRINK IN BEAUFORT

Blackstone’s Café

It’s safe to say that Blackstone’s Cafe is a bit of an institution in Beaufort, as it’s been open since 1991. It’s the perfect place to start your day in Beaufort, and really, what better way to start your day in the Lowcountry than with a delicious bowl of cajun shrimp and grits?

This spicy take on a Southern classic hit the spot, and I’ve heard good things about the corned beef hash (if you try it, be sure to leave a comment and let everyone know how it is!). The cost of our meal was offset by a voucher from our hotel, but breakfast was reasonably priced for the portion size. Just be sure to get there early, or there may be a wait!

→Blackstone's Café // 205 Scott St, Beaufort, SC 29902

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Rain -N- Bagels

Another breakfast voucher from the hotel brought us to Rain -N- Bagels, but chances are we’d likely have ended up here regardless. In theory, a bagel shop is a great place for grab-and-go, but this bagel shop was exceptionally busy on the morning of our visit. Give yourself ample time to order and expect a line on the weekends.

The menu is expansive, with lots of specials and seasonal items. I was tempted by the sandwiches but figured a bagel with housemade cream cheese was the way to go. This is a great spot for eating on a budget – a bagel and spread clocks in at under $4!

→Rain -N- Bagels // 221 Scott St, Beaufort, SC 29902

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Beedos

It’s a fact: Burgers taste better after a day at the beach. Beedos is located a short drive from Hunting Island State Park, and they serve ~~breakfast~~ brekkie and lunch. The menu is short and sweet, and Michael and I found that splitting a burger and fries was plenty of food for us (especially after picking up a few items from the dessert case).

Fresh and fast, it was no surprise that there were so many people in and out even at our late lunch hour. But my favorite thing about Beedos wasn’t the burger, fries, or sweets – it’s the fact that they serve people in need for free.

→Beedos // 1634 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920

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Blacksheep

[2024 Update: Blacksheep is currently taking a sabbatical and has returned in a new format as a walk-in only daytime cafe. Keep an eye on their website for additional updates]

As I was researching for this trip, one restaurant appeared in recommendations over and over again – and that was Blacksheep. This two-staff, pocket-sized restaurant serves an ever-changing seasonal menu priced at a reasonable $50 $60 per person. Cozy restaurant experiences are my absolute favorite: with just a few tables and a limited number of dishes, there’s little room for error.

But the very elements I love about these restaurants also make it particularly difficult to snag a reservation. Blacksheep’s reservations are booked up a month in advance and within minutes of going live. But all is not lost if you can’t book a reservation in time or if you’re taking a last-minute trip (*raises hand*): Blacksheep’s five-seat bar is first-come, first-served – you’ll know if there are open seats if the sheep light is off.

We managed to find two open seats on our first night in Beaufort, so we ordered a couple of dishes from the edited bar menu and chatted with Matt, the cook and owner. Had we wanted a full meal, it would have been easy to order and share one of everything – but the ultra-fresh fried oysters and rich meatball sandwich (talk about elevating a humble dish!) made for a perfect appetizer.

This is an essential stop in Beaufort, so try to visit early in your trip in case it’s full, and be sure to follow their Instagram account for last-minute openings.

→Blacksheep // 1216 Boundary St, Beaufort, SC 29902

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Old Bull Tavern

Another local favorite that apparently books up well in advance is Old Bull Tavern (before I even had a chance to speak to someone on the phone, the recording informed me there were no reservations!). But seating at the bar is first-come, first-served, so be sure to poke your head in to add your name to the list. Even on a busy Friday night, we only had to wait twenty minutes or so for two seats to open up.

Inside the gastropub you’re likely to hear booming laughter from many of the tables as people reconnect over meals (or perhaps just met – it’s difficult to tell sometimes in Beaufort). As for the libations, Old Bull serves reasonably priced drinks (at least, in comparison to back home in Charlotte), and there is a wide variety of dishes on the menu for all palates: pizza, pasta, meat and fish dishes, lots of small plates – it’s “choose your own adventure” for dinner.

→Old Bull Tavern // 205 West St, Beaufort, SC 29902

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Ribaut Social Club at Anchorage 1770

The original Ribaut Social Club was established at the Anchorage in 1891 as a place for locals to let their hair down. Today’s iteration is a fine dining experience and gathering space in the historic inn. The cozy parlor and porch seating evoke a feeling of exclusivity, but the service is warm and inviting.

The menu is set and prepared by the executive chef, who focuses on choosing local and seasonal ingredients and preparing them expertly. The menu on the night of our visit featured several large-format meat courses; we could have easily shared an entree, but we did our very best to finish our extremely generous cuts of pork and steak.

With perfectly executed meals and a fantastic wine list, this would make a great special occasion restaurant. Prices are in line with other fine dining options in the area, but the quality of the ingredients makes this my top choice.

→Ribaut Social Club at Anchorage 1770 // 1103 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902

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Sandies at the Gullah Jazz Cafe

Sandies at the Gullah Jazz Cafe (temporarily closed) is fairly new to the Beaufort dining scene, and at least as of our visit, it is only open on Fridays and Sundays. If you happen to be in Beaufort on a Sunday, consider yourself lucky, because you’re in Beaufort on Soul Food Sunday.

The menu changes at the chef’s whims, but on that day I ate some of the best fried chicken I’ve had in a while. With an inkling portions would be generous, Michael and I decided to share a plate (our suspicions were correct!). Communal seating and a variety of board games encourage you to linger.

→Sandies at the Gullah Jazz Cafe (temporarily closed) // 711 Bladen St, Beaufort, SC 29902

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Lowcountry Cider Co. & Superior Coffee Beaufort

There are just a few coffee shops in downtown Beaufort, and Lowcountry Cider Co. & Superior Coffee Beaufort is one of them. This combination shop (cider, gourmet foods, pastries, ice cream, and coffee are all found under the same roof) offers a wide range of coffees, which was the reason for our visit. They use Counter Culture beans from Durham, and I was a little surprised to see they have the big city coffee prices to match…

→Lowcountry Cider Co. & Superior Coffee Beaufort // 102 West St, Beaufort, SC 29902

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Beloved Coffee Roasters

Beloved Coffee Roasters (now closed) actually isn’t in Beaufort, but you’re likely to pass it on the way to Hunting Island State Park! You’ll find it just a short drive over the bridge on Sea Island Parkway – a small journey for a freshly roasted cup of coffee. You’ll find friendly staff and a limited coffee menu, which means this stop is better suited for serious coffee drinkers. I regret not buying a bag of beans to take home, so be sure to buy an extra bag for me.

→Beloved Coffee Roasters (now closed) // 872 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920

WHAT TO SEE + DO IN BEAUFORT

Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

This riverfront park is the perfect first stop during your trip to Beaufort. It offers great views of the bay (we spotted a dolphin, and I can’t imagine the feeling of delight ever getting old!) and so many places to sit and relax. A bench swing is the perfect place to park yourself for the morning and people-watch. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park is also a favorite location for events in the city, so be sure to see what’s on the calendar!

→Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park // Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902

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Historic Beaufort Sites

Beaufort is steeped in history, and a lone weekend only offers visitors to scratch the surface.

Three notable sites near each other (and downtown) include:

The home of Robert Smalls, a formerly enslaved man whose fascinating life story includes commandeering himself and others to freedom, becoming a war hero, purchasing the very home of the person who had enslaved him, and serving in the House of Representatives
The stunning First African Baptist Church, which was founded in 1863 and still holds services today
Tidalholm, a historic summer retreat home that is now best known for serving as the setting for The Big Chill.

→Robert Smalls House // 511 Prince St, Beaufort, SC 29902
→First African Baptist Church // 601 New St, Beaufort, SC 29902
→Tidalholm // 1 Laurens St, Beaufort, SC 29902

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Hunting Island State Park

Our protected landscapes grow more threatened by the year, so I suggest taking every opportunity you can to visit these untouched sites. Hunting Island State Park boasts five miles of protected, pristine beaches and is popular with both tourists and locals alike.

Our late October visit meant there was no chance of us taking a swim, but we were well-occupied for several hours even without dipping a toe in. There are miles of trails at the park, but we opted for the Lagoon Trail to visit a recommended destination: Boneyard Beach. A flat 1.4-mile trail through jungle-like brush led us to this eerie graveyard of felled trees – which made for a particularly surreal scene on a grey day.

After the return hike, a drive to the North Beach reveals a more typical Atlantic beach. This is also the location of the Hunting Island lighthouse, where visitors can typically make a reservation to climb to the top (note: it is closed for repairs as of late 2022).

If it looks familiar, it’s probably because you’ve watched Outer Banks, which was filmed up and down the South Carolina coast. You’ll find a picnic area and restrooms here as well – and camping is also available nearby. But no matter the length of your visit, be sure to pack sunscreen and bug spray – we sorely regretted not bringing the latter!

→Hunting Island State Park // 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920

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Penn Center

The Penn Center is a must-visit for visitors to the area, particularly those interested in the region’s history. Originally formed in 1862 as a school for formerly enslaved people on the island, the Penn School continued to educate the community for several more generations through the late 1940s. Walking around the grounds is free, but a museum visit is necessary to understand the center’s history and impact on the community.

The Penn Center Museum is packed with artifacts and information from the school and on the local Gullah Geechee culture in general, so you’ll want to budget several hours for a comprehensive visit (note: photography is not allowed and the self-guided admission price is now $15).

Following your museum visit, check out the former school buildings and the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park operated by the National Park Service.

→Penn Center // 16 Penn Center Cir E, St Helena Island, SC 29920

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Old Sheldon Church Ruins

The Old Sheldon Church Ruins are not in Beaufort proper but are a must-stop on your way in or out of the city. This historical site suffered at the hands of men twice over the years; it was burned once during the Revolutionary War, and after rebuilding, a second time during the Civil War.

Today’s visitors find a peaceful site, a good reminder that sometimes beauty can come from destruction – although the presence of a protective fence also tells us we as a society haven’t completely forsaken our destructive ways.

→Old Sheldon Church Ruins // Old Sheldon Church Rd, Yemassee, SC 29945

WHERE TO SHOP IN BEAUFORT

Amidst the Alders

Shopping at Amidst the Alders felt a little bit like shopping in my dreams. The downtown boutique carries antiques, unique gifts, and apothecary items, as well as a range of handmade, deadstock, vintage, and secondhand clothing. The shop opened in Beaufort in March of 2020, and you can probably guess what happened next: they were forced to close. I’m so glad they managed to make it through, and I’m excited for you to have the chance to visit.

→Amidst the Alders // 223 Scott St, Beaufort, SC 29902

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Bathe

The “Free Smells” neon sign at Bathe in Beaufort is almost unnecessary – you’ll likely smell this local soap shop before you see it! Bathe takes cleanliness seriously, not just by offering a range of soaps, fizzes, and lotions, but by ensuring the products they create and sell are made with natural ingredients. Any of these Beaufort-made products would make a great souvenir (or gift!).

→Bathe // 210 Scott St, Beaufort, SC 29902

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M Interiors

It’s fitting to me that an interiors store would occupy a prime piece of real estate: M Interiors is located right in the heart of Bay Street. Even if you’re not currently searching for design elements for your home, this shop makes a fun stop thanks to its international flair. And of course, the rows and rows of Estelle Colored Glass to drool over…

→M Interiors // 813 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902

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Olive the Above

Longtime readers will know I love a cheeky pun, so I was already a bit biased when entering Olive the Above. But it turns out this specialty food store is objectively good. Shoppers can taste their way around the world through over fifty olive oils and vinegars, but I admit I could only handle the richness of a few. Bottles come in several sizes to fit your cooking style and budget, and the shop also carries a wide range of other gourmet food items like jams and spices.

→Olive the Above // 821 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902

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The Tabby Shore Gift Boutique

In a world where a destination’s souvenirs are frequently made halfway across the globe, The Tabby Shore Gift Boutique (now closed) stands out. This Lowcountry shop chooses to source and promote local and handmade items, and will even create a gift basket full of goodies from the area based on the recipient’s likes and interests. They also carry a selection of items online, so you can continue shopping local to Beaufort long after you’ve returned home.

→The Tabby Shore Gift Boutique // now closed

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SugarBelle

SugarBelle on Bay Street carries a variety of on-trend boutique apparel and a really fun selection of boots. While shopping at SugarBelle, I discovered Riddle, a unique line of pheromone and fragrance oils (reviewed here). Who knows what you’ll stumble upon as well?

→SugarBelle // 818 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902

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Serendipity Beaufort

Sure, Serendipity Beaufort carries a large selection of women’s clothing and accessories, but they also carry a surprising number of goods for the home. If I were local to Beaufort, I would likely make this one of my first stops for quirky and unique gifts.

→Serendipity Beaufort // 707 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902

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The Chocolate Tree

You might not realize it, but you’ve probably seen chocolates from The Chocolate Tree before – the Beaufort chocolate shop provided the box of chocolates in Forrest Gump. The shop is a dream to visit, with cases and boxes filled with delightful molded chocolate shapes, truffles, bonbons, and more. Pick up a few extra pieces for the road, so you can have one last taste of Beaufort.

→The Chocolate Tree // 507 Carteret St, Beaufort, SC 29902

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McBride Studios

I always think of North Carolina as being a major hub for potters, but there are so many wonderful ceramicists in South Carolina, too! McBride Studios is home to locally-made ceramics and beautiful pieces of woodworking, right next door to Beloved Coffee Roasters (now closed) in Frogmor. It’s definitely worth a stop!

→McBride Studios // now at 1398 Kings Hwy, Yemassee, SC 29945

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Coastal Knitting

Knitters will know the pull of a LYS (that’s Local Yarn Store) – and Beaufort’s Coastal Knitting (now closed) is indeed captivating. They carry a wide range of great yarn brands like Madelinetosh and Malabrigo, as well as an assortment of tools and patterns. Janice, the owner, helped me pick out the perfect project for this year’s Secret Santa gift exchange. The experience of shopping in a LYS is always more pleasant than the big box stores.

→Coastal Knitting // now closed

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Good Aura

It’s no secret I love shopping sustainably as much as possible, so I knew a visit to Good Aura (now closed) was in order as soon as I spotted it. This shop on West Street carries a range of ethical brands I recognized and a few that were new to me. Rather than the typical white/grey/beige/black palette, this shop is filled with color. If you’ve been wanting to shop better but haven’t found anything that speaks to your heart, you may just find it here.

→Good Aura // now closed

WHERE TO STAY IN BEAUFORT

The Beaufort Inn

When looking for a place to stay in downtown Beaufort, look no further than The Beaufort Inn. I hope I haven’t worn out my use of the word charming yet, because there really is no better word to describe this historic inn. With fifteen different accommodation locations within the district, there’s bound to be the perfect room, suite, flat, or cottage for your stay.

And perhaps my favorite part of our stay at The Beaufort Inn was the sheer number of amenities: free bike rentals, breakfast, a day pass to Hunting Island State Park, ample outdoor common areas, and more. In fact, I enjoyed our time here so much that I wrote an entire blog post about it. You can read my review of The Beaufort Inn here.

→The Beaufort Inn // 809 Port Republic St, Beaufort, SC 29902

WITH MORE TIME IN BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA

While there never seems to be enough time in any destination, the gloriously quiet pace of life in Beaufort is enough to make you want to call out of work for a few days just for the excuse to linger longer (I can see why so many choose to relocate here!). More time means more activities, such as taking one of the city’s many tours (pick your preferred method: walking, golf cart, buggy, or boat), discovering Beaufort’s museums and galleries, and (fingers crossed) getting to visit the lighthouse on Hunting Island once it reopens.

This extra time also means you’ll have time for more meals, and I’ve already added a few to my list for my next visit: Hearth Wood Fired Pizza, Herban Market and Cafe, Lost Local, Shrimp Shack, Lowcountry Produce Market & Café, and a full meal at Blacksheep (if you make it to any of these before I do, please let me know how you liked it in the comments!). And of course, burning time and calories between meals at retail shops like Lowcountry Stitch is in order.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: BEAUFORT

Beaufort’s Lowcountry setting, mild climate, and walkable downtown draw comparisons to Charleston and Savannah, but without the rowdy nightlife and high prices. It’s an ideal destination for families and couples alike, with enough to do to keep visitors occupied at every moment if they desire, or the perfect place to escape and enjoy spending time doing absolutely nothing. Beaufort is easily reachable by car from destinations in the Southeast, bearing in mind that nearby coastal destinations are further than they appear at first glance thanks to the area’s numerous inlets (for example, Hilton Head Island is just 15 miles away as the crow flies – but the drive time is about 45 minutes). Visitors catching a flight will likely land in Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, just under an hour away.

Once arriving in Beaufort, you can mostly ditch the car, however, as the downtown core is incredibly walkable. If your accommodations do not provide parking, you’ll likely need to pay for parking downtown (except on Sundays). Head here to view the current parking information. While I recommend staying downtown, it’s important to know that grocery shopping options within walking distance are limited, and you’ll want to stop for essentials on your drive in.

This visit occurred at the end of October and included blissfully cool weather, but I’ve lived in the Southeast all my life and am very familiar with Lowcountry summers. Sure, the mercury rises just like everywhere else, but the humidity is a different beast (the breeze off the water thankfully helps!). If you’re visiting from May through August, make sure to plan some indoor activities during the hottest part of the day and pack bug spray for the evenings.

I’ll leave you with my top tip for visiting Beaufort: plan a little extra time for everything. Locals are keen to strike up a conversation, and you never know what stories you’ll hear! Make sure you leave enough time at each place to listen until the end – it’ll be worth it, promise.

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A huge thank you to the team at Visit Beaufort for hosting our stay and providing recommendations for our visit! Be sure to check out their website for all the latest news, visitor information, and additional itineraries.

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One Comment on “A Lowcountry Gem: The Ultimate Travel Guide for Beaufort, South Carolina”

Carolina Erickson says:

November 5, 2023 at 8:48 pm

Very thorough excellent information I am so glad I landed in your website. I will visit Beaufort for the first time and will stay there for 5 days and celebrate my birthday…I like to wake up in a new beautiful place the morning of my birthday and I am sure Beaufort will be a magical place to celebrate! I am very thankful for such great number of tips and information and details about this place!

A Lowcountry Gem: The Ultimate Travel Guide for Beaufort, South Carolina