Explore Beaufort

Beaufort, is a charming coastal town offering a plethora of activities for visitors of all interests. With its rich history, you can explore the antebellum architecture on a guided walking tour or visit the Beaufort History Museum to delve deeper into the area's past. Nature enthusiasts can venture to the Hunting Island State Park, known for its pristine beaches, nature trails, and iconic lighthouse. Embarking on a scenic boat tour or kayaking through the scenic marshlands is a great way to appreciate the region's breathtaking beauty. For art enthusiasts, the Beaufort Arts Council and the Art League of Hilton Head Island host regular exhibitions, showcasing local talents. Additionally, food lovers will relish the vibrant culinary scene, featuring outstanding restaurants serving fresh seafood and Southern cuisine, while boutique shops and art galleries offer delightful shopping experiences. Beaufort truly has something for everyone, blending history, natural beauty, arts, and cuisine seamlessly to create an unforgettable visit.

Beaufort has earned its reputation as one of South Carolina’s most creative small cities — and it’s easy to see why. The Lowcountry’s moss-draped landscapes, Gullah/Geechee heritage, and storied history have long inspired painters, sculptors, photographers, and jewelers who call this region home. Stroll along Bay Street and you’ll find a remarkable concentration of galleries, from the beloved Thibault Gallery, showcasing 11 local artists in a range of mediums, to the Rhett Gallery, known for its extraordinary collection of antique maps and natural history pieces. At Atelier on Bay, visitors can step inside 14 working artist studios, watch creators at work, and purchase original pieces directly. The USCB Center for the Arts anchors the performing side of the scene with theatre, music, and events rooted in local culture. Don’t miss the seasonal Downtown Art Walk, when gallery doors open after hours for a festive evening of art, food, and live music through the historic district.

Pat Conroy (1945–2016) — No writer is more synonymous with Beaufort than Pat Conroy. After graduating from The Citadel, Conroy moved to Beaufort to work as a high school English teacher, living in a house at 403 Hancock Street in The Point neighborhood.  The Lowcountry became the beating heart of his work — the salt marshes, the tidal rivers, and the complicated families of the South run through The Great Santini, The Prince of Tides, and The Water Is Wide like a current. Conroy once wrote of Beaufort: “I’ve come home to the place I was always writing about… She was proud to have me call her my hometown.” He returned to Beaufort in 2012 and lived there until his death in 2016. His legacy lives on at the Pat Conroy Literary Center on Bay Street, which hosts author events, writing retreats, and an annual literary festival in his honor.

Conrad Aiken (1889–1973) — Born and raised in Savannah but deeply connected to the broader Lowcountry like Beaufort, SC. Aiken won the 1930 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry and is considered one of the great American literary voices of the 20th century. His psychologically driven, musically rich works were shaped by the landscapes and shadows of the coastal South.

Mary Kay Andrews — A popular bestselling author of beach reads and Southern mysteries, Andrews set several of her beloved novels — including Savannah Blues and Savannah Breeze — in the Lowcountry region, drawing on the coastal charm and quirky characters that make this corner of the South so irresistible to readers and writers alike.