Beaufort is a town in the Golden Corner region of South Carolina.
Understand
Get in
By air
The closest airport to Beaufort is the Hilton Head Airport (HHH IATA), which is 14.3 miles south of Beaufort (keep in mind you can't go direct). However, the service is sparse. The Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport (SAV IATA) is 37.5 miles southwest of Beaufort. It has commercial service to all of the major airline hubs. Charleston International Airport (CHS IATA) is 49 miles northeast of Beaufort. It has more commercial service than Savannah and Hilton Head, but keep in mind how far it is.
By road
Interstate 95 passes right north of Beaufort. Beaufort can easily be accessed via the exits for U.S. Route 278 and U.S. Route 17 on I-95.
By train
The Yemassee Amtrak station is served twice a day-once by the nighttime Silver Meteor, which goes down to Miami and up to New York City, and once by the daytime Palmetto, which goes on the same basic route as the Silver Meteor, except it ends at Savannah.
Get around
- Greyhound Lines, 3659 Trask Pkwy. Visitors can travel to and from Beaufort, SC with Greyhound Lines
- Fidelis Coach LLC, 3009 Magnolia St, ☏ +1 843-986-0633. For Bus Charter and Rental.
See
Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF) has worked hard to preserve the fabulous architecture you will see, and offers lectures and events throughout the year.
- MCRD Parris Island. It is a military base located about 5 miles south of Beaufort. It is famous for being the place where most Marines are trained. Recruits graduate every Friday, with a Marine Day (a day to learn about the Marine Corps) on Wednesday and Family Day (a day for the families of the recruits to spend time with their recruits) on Thursday. Families are invited to each day, but keep in mind that it is a military base. Families of recruits will need their invitation, a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a proof of insurance to be able to enter. Families must also sign in at the Visitor's Center prior to the ceremony. In addition, there is a museum and a golf course, both of which civilians can come to invitation or not.
- Arsenal Visitor Center and Chamber of Commerce. The Arsenal is a 1700s building where the Chamber provides a big room full of info, brochures, and helpful Welcome Agents.
Do
- ARTworks. The arts council of Beaufort, Port Royal, and the Sea Islands This non-profit community arts center has a black box theater, resident artists working in their studios, and an Arts & Travel app guide to the area.
- Taste of Beaufort. This three day festival celebrates Beaufort's culinary treasures. Local restaurants showcase spectacular tasting menus along Beaufort's historic Bay Street. Additional events include an Earth Day celebration, wine tasting, contests, and so much more. Musical acts are showcased throughout the festival with a number of free concerts on festival stages and in other venues throughout downtown. The festival takes place in late April and is hosted by Main Street Beaufort, USA.
- Captain Dick’s River Tours. 24-passenger carriage-boat, Prince of Tides, which rides from the Downtown Marina of Beaufort passing through the historic Old Point neighborhood to Pleasant Point Plantation Tour guides provide information for the passengers about the homes, the ecology, and wildlife. Dolphins are usually seen during tour. Experience an hour and twenty minute tours for 18 dollars, kids under 12 for 12 dollars. Daily tours are available, either public or private.
Buy
Eat
- Magnolia Café, Bakery, and Garden Gift Gallery, 703 Congress St, ☏ +1 843-522-2064. The menu offers deli sandwiches made from the finest deli meat, daily homemade soups, crab cakes, and everything in between. Dine with a view of the scenic bay. It won “Best Bakery”, 2001 Reader’s Choice Award, The Beaufort Gazette’s Reader’s Choice Award, and featured on Carolina Morning News (1999).
- Emily’s Restaurant and Tapas Bar, 906 Port Republic St, ☏ +1 843-522-1866. Emily’s Restaurant offers over 20 variety of tapas, crab soup, and a different dessert every night. It is a small, quaint restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.
Drink
Sleep
- The Beaufort Inn. Southern hospitality at its finest. Located in the heart of the historic district. The inn offers activities, fine dining, and close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Since 1994, this landmark has been a gem of the city, earning many awards.
- Comfort Suites Beaufort, 131 Big John Road (Hwy 170 and New Hanover Park), ☏ +1 843 379-9400.
- City Loft Hotel. An upscale boutique hotel that offers 23 guest rooms.
- 1 Quality Inn At Town Center, 2001 Boundary St, ☏ +1 843 524-2144. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 12PM. Nestled among live oak trees draped with Spanish moss and offers beautiful marsh views.
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