Jace Lamonica
Beaufort’s charm lingers long after you leave. Timeless beauty fills its streets, where history, nature, and coastal scenery blend effortlessly. Every turn reveals something unforgettable. Here are ten things about Beaufort that make it easy to see why this Lowcountry gem stands out in South Carolina.
Magnificent Live Oaks
Beaufort’s streets wouldn’t look the same without these tall trees. Spanish moss cascading from their twisting branches creates a tunnel of greenery in neighborhoods and parks. Some of these trees have stood for centuries, watching over the town as it grew from a quiet coastal settlement to the gem it is today.
Hunting Island State Park
Winding trails, driftwood-covered shores, and a towering lighthouse make this state park feel like a world of its own. Miles of untouched beach stretch along the Atlantic, where pelicans glide over the waves and dolphins swim just offshore. The old lighthouse, standing since 1859, offers unbeatable panoramic views.
The Kazoo Museum
Few places celebrate the kazoo quite like this quirky spot in Beaufort. Colorful displays showcase everything from vintage models to whimsical designs. A behind-the-scenes look at manufacturing is even more fun, especially since guests leave with their own kazoo.
Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
History runs deep in Beaufort, and this park highlights one of its most pivotal eras. Camp Saxton’s oak trees once shaded a historic public reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. Several miles away, the Penn Center, originally a school for formerly enslaved people, preserves tales of resilience, leadership, and change.
Beaufort Historic District
Centuries-old homes line the streets with grand columns, wraparound porches, and stories to tell. Many historic structures that reflect the town’s deep roots remain beautifully preserved. Churches, mansions, and hidden alleyways make this district feel like an open-air museum, where every turn leads to another picture-perfect scene.
Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
Riverfront swings, shady picnic spots, and winding pathways make this park a serene escape. Old-fashioned street lamps lining the walkways further add to its charm. A steady breeze drifts in along the water, carrying the scent of salt air, while sailboats bob and dolphins occasionally surface near the docks.
John Mark Verdier House
This Federal-style home has stood in downtown Beaufort since 1804. Walking inside is like stepping into another century, with antique furniture, chandeliers, and intricate molding. The house once belonged to a successful merchant, but whispers of ghostly visitors have added another layer to its story.
The Point Neighborhood
Massive live oaks shade rows of elegant homes, some dating back to the 1700s. Wide porches overlook the river, where shrimp boats glide past at sunset. Hollywood took notice—several movies, including “The Big Chill,” filmed scenes right in this quiet, charming corner of town.
Cultural Festivals
Every summer, the Beaufort Water Festival brings boat races, concerts, and fireworks to the riverfront. Fall ushers in the Shrimp Festival, where the town gathers to celebrate its favorite crustacean. Art, film, and history festivals round out the year, filling the streets with live music, delicious food, and plenty of Southern hospitality.
Beaufort National Cemetery
This cemetery, established during the early 1860s, holds the stories of generations who served. Perfectly aligned white headstones stretch across the rolling green terrain. The scenery creates a peaceful, almost reverent atmosphere that makes visitors pause and reflect on the heritage beneath their feet.
