Beaufort South Carolina
Here is a good retirement travel idea for those looking for a weekend getaway in the SouthEast. In other words, spending a weekender in the Low Country of coastal South Carolina. The low country for us extends from Charleston, South Carolina, south along the coast to Savannah, Georgia. Therefore, Beaufort South Carolina is right in the middle on the coast of South Carolina.
Weekend Getaway
If you’re also looking for a place that exudes history, natural beauty, and southern hospitality look no further. Beaufort offers that rich balance of historical landmarks, picturesque streets, and stunning waterfront views.
Picturesque City
After settling into your Beaufort accommodations take a stroll through the Historic District streets with its moss-draped oak trees. Above all, you will be captivated by the City’s meticulously preserved antebellum homes. Most notably are the homes between Bay Street and North Street. One of the iconic landmarks in the area is The Arsenal, a Greek Revival-style building. This building once served as an armory. It now houses the Beaufort History Museum. Other famous homes include the Thomas Hepworth House, the Secession House and the Joseph Johnson house. You could spend your entire time visiting all of the restored historic homes in the center city, for there are better than thirty homes within the Historic District.
Just a couple of blocks away is the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. It is located along the banks of the Beaufort River. This scenic park offers panoramic views, beautifully landscaped grounds, and a picturesque marina.
When you visit Beaufort you should plan to take a guided carriage tour through the Historic District. Trained guides will captivate you with tales and fascinating insights into Beaufort’s history, architecture, and notable residents.
Penn Center
Also on your list should be a visit to the Penn Center on nearby St Helena Island. It is one of the first schools for freed slaves in the United States. This National Historic Landmark offers insightful exhibits and guided tours that delve into the significant contributions of African Americans in the area.
Where to Dine
Delicious seafood and traditional southern cooking can be enjoyed in the many restaurants of Beaufort. Try a local favorite like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, or fried green tomatoes. Our favorite restaurants include; the Breakwater Restaurant and Bar on Carteret Street, the Old Bull Tavern on West Street and the Saltus River Grill on Bay Street. You might also enjoyed a couple of hours at the Wren Wine Bar on Carteret Street. I know we did. These local restaurants source most of their ingredients from nearby farms, ensuring fresh, high-quality meals that celebrate the region’s culinary heritage. Where ever you dine save room for the best cream in the Low Country at Kilwin’s Ice Crean Shop on Bay Street.
Where to Stay
Beaufort offers a range of charming accommodations to suit every preference. We highly recommend staying at our favorite, The Rhett House Inn located at 1009 Craven Street. It is a restored antebellum home reminiscent of Rhett Butler’s Twelve Oaks Plantation.
Beaufort Incredible History
A visit to the Beaufort History Museum is also a must do. Here you learn about the city’s role in the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Reconstruction era. The museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that bring the past to life.
Santa Elena
Speaking of history we did not know of Beaufort’s role as the site of the first European capital in North America. It’s an intriguing story of a Spanish settlement, its interactions with the native tribes, and its eventual abandonment. Santa Elena was the Town’s name. Captain Pedro Menéndez de Avilés founded Santa Elena. He was the Spanish explorer and conquistador who also founded St Agustine, Florida.
Santa Elena served as the capital of Spanish Florida, encompassing an area stretching from present-day Florida to North Carolina. The Spanish presence in Santa Elena was aimed at controlling the valuable sea routes, establishing trade alliances with native tribes, and converting them to Christianity.
Santa Elena thrived as a bustling colonial capital, attracting settlers, soldiers, and merchants from Spain and other parts of Europe. The settlement boasted various facilities essential to a capital, including government buildings, a fort, a church, and residences for the officials and settlers. The town of Santa Elena was where Parris Island Marine Corp Recruit Base is now located.
Hunting Island State Park
After gaining a deeper understanding of Beaufort’s past, take a break at Hunting Island State Park, just a short drive away. This pristine barrier island boasts miles of untouched beaches, nature trails, and a historic lighthouse. Soak up the sun, go for a swim, or enjoy a scenic hike amidst the beautiful coastal ecosystem.
Return Trip
There is so much packed into this small southern city a second trip might be required. However, we must extend to you a cautionary tale. Do not expect to find any restaurants open on Sundays except for Kilwin’s Ice Cream Shop. We dined at Kilwin’s Ice Cream shop for dinner one Sunday evening after making the discovery that nothing else was open. Of course the Rhett House provided an exceptional breakfast that Sunday morning.
