Location: Beaufort
Top Things to do in Beaufort
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Beaufort, South Carolina (SC)
With a pristine coastline, a rich antebellum history and a charming, historic downtown, Beaufort is more than one of the most enriching getaways in South Carolina. Here travelers discover a unique destination where stunning views of rivers, marshes and moss-hung oaks couple with authentic Lowcountry cuisine and a relaxing rhythm of life to create an experience that stays with them long after they leave.
Restaurants in Beaufort
1. The Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By ephyfe - Wilmington, United States
This neighborhood is really wonderful if you like the southern antebellum architecture. You have classic stately mansions, smaller brightly painted homes, big live oaks with Spanish moss, cicadae and cabbage palms. This is where Hollywood comes to film when they need southern mansions. It’s really a great area to drive through. I wouldn’t even mind walking through but I’d worry people might say something if I’m walking around in front of their house. There didn’t appear to be many people driving around looking at the homes. I was out there driving around and taking pictures (see my pics of some of the homes). This is just one area where there are beautiful old homes. On the other side of Bay Street is another area that seems to have even bigger homes. Buy a good book and a map before you go to find all the antebellum houses.
2. Beaufort National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By bmbaird62 - Beaufort, United States
As national Cemeteries go, this one is very small. There are graves sites going back many years. A chance to stroll and honor those who served and some who made that ultimate sacrifice.
3. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,101 reviews
Reviewed By Phoinix15 - Tampa, United States
What a great place to walk, take a picnic and enjoy the swings and sunset. Lots of people just having a nice time and relaxing. I was impressed how clean and neat the entire walk was. Sunsets to die for, kids were playing and parents pushing strollers. Just a peaceful beautiful place. Beaufort you should be proud.
4. Monkey's Uncle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Monkey's Uncle is a locally owned and operated store offering toys, books and events for children in Historic Downtown Beaufort, SC. We pride ourselves on carrying a wide variety of toys, games & books - everything from those that are trending and popular today, as well as those that will take parents and grandparents back to childhood and still delight today's children. Looking for a special gift? Come see us or call the store and we will be happy to help you pick out a gift. It can be wrapped and waiting for you, or we can ship it directly from the store to the recipient. Still not sure? A Monkey's Uncle Gift Card is always sure to please! Did we mention adults love our products as much as the children? Come check out our fun products and games that delight all ages!
5. Saint Peter's Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Photochic1 - Beaufort, United States
When this "new" Catholic Church was built several years ago I photographed the first wedding in it. The church and the priest and the interesting singing was fun.
6. Thibault Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By toniroger - Carlsbad, United States
I love the eclectic collections in this cozy gallery so much that we wound up buying a Large Legacy Ship piece by Eric Thibault, one of the artists and co-owner (with his lovely wife, Mary) of the gallery. (Happy Early Birthday to me!!) I have my eye on some lovely turtles that Mary Thibault painted - and I see that their art is also available online to fully enjoy! I liked the way the art was set up - just a soothing and inspiring environment that’s so hard to say goodbye to. Plenty of open space to enjoy the art. I also like the presentation of the young artist Anthony Johnson whose work is unique - a priceless piece that had me staring and reflecting for quite some time! I can’t wait to see more of his work. They are open from 10-6 Monday through Saturday, practice safe social distancing / hygiene for Covid-19 and are the most welcoming people in South Carolina- which that’s saying a lot because most everyone is welcoming. Walking into their gallery was like being invited into their homes. :) can’t wait to visit with them again!
7. Pat Conroy Literary Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 276 reviews
The Pat Conroy Literary Center educates and inspires a community of readers, writers, and teachers in and beyond our home in the South Carolina lowcountry. In honor of our namesake, one of America's best-loved writers and truth-tellers, the Conroy Center continues Pat Conroy's courageous and generous-hearted legacy as a teacher, mentor, advocate, and friend to storytellers of every kind. The nonprofit Conroy Center is South Carolina's first affiliate of the American Writers Museum and second American Library Association United for Libraries Literary Landmark. Voted as Favorite Local Museum in the 2019 Eat Stay Play Beaufort "Best of Beaufort" Awards, the Conroy Center is also winner of the 2019 Civitas Award for Tourism Leadership, presented by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Reviewed By 762elisa - Myrtle Beach, United States
I thoroughly enjoyed the virtual tour of the Center today! It was very interesting to learn new things about Pat Conroy and how the Center continues Pat Conroy’s legacy of love of reading, writing, and teaching which he wanted to pass on to others. Jonathan Haupt was delightful! I can’t wait to make the trip to see the Center in person.
8. Bay Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 478 reviews
Reviewed By Snyderlink7645
If you are staying in Beaufort, make sure you take the time to drive diwn Bay Street! There are beautiful historic homes dating back to the 1800's. In the quaint little town, there are many interesting shops with a great variety of items. You can take a horse drawn tour through the area. Right now the homes are decorated for the holidays! Great little town close to Marine training depot.
9. St. Helena's Anglican Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
Reviewed By MGordonCharlotte_NC - Charlotte, United States
We attended the Children’s Pageant on Christmas Eve.....the children presented a contemporary “Story of Christmas “ pageant....clearly advertised as a no rehearsal” event. The children were amazing as was the music. Following the Parish House event we went to the main church for a 30 minute musical program. At 7:30 we returned to the church for a Christmas Eve service celebration. The Bishop was there and celebrated with six priests and a full adult and junior choir. The music was fabulous and the service inspiring.
10. The Chocolate Tree
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Reviewed By elandja - Apex, United States
We usually find the place for chocolate wherever we go as a special treat. Learned about this after taking a tour that mentioned this was the place Tom Hanks selected the chocolate for his "life is a box of chocolates" scene in Forest Gump. The guide and Tom were right -- so very good -- so many choices -- so worth the visit-- event walking in the rain.
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