Downtown Beaufort, SC

Southern Living Magazine recently named Beaufort, SC as the No. 1 Best Small Town in the South. This waterfront town is halfway between Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia and offers breathtaking views, a great dining and shopping scene all with a historic and charming backdrop. This coastal city features a rich heritage and culture and is truly a history-lover’s dream. Whether you enjoy the outdoors, shopping, fine dining, or anything else, it’s sure to be found in this charming town.

Photo by anoldent / CC BY

Fodor’s Travel recently named Beaufort one of America’s Best Small Towns, for the savory eats, historic lodging and many of its other cultural offerings. 

Photo by The Digitel Beaufort / CC BY

Once you get to Bay Street, the main street in downtown Beaufort, you’ll find more than ten art galleries, boutique shops featuring premier clothing, jewelry and other finds from local artisans. Although it’s known as a small town, there is a multitude of dining establishments that will rival any city, featuring all types of local fare. 

For locally sourced seafood, head to Saltus River Grill, and enhance your experience by watching the sunset over the water from their patio. Another local favorite for dinner is Old Bull Tavern, a friendly neighborhood Gastropub featuring an ever-changing market-based menu of European comfort food, innovative cocktails, and select craft beers and wines in bottle and on tap.

Photo by David Burn / CC BY

While you are in Beaufort, you just may stumble upon some sites that seem vaguely familiar. Movies such as G.I. Jane, Forrest Gump, and The Prince of Tides are just a few films that have used Beaufort and the surrounding areas as backdrops for their production.

Just 10 minutes from Beaufort is Dataw Island, a private residential community that offers a highly rated golf course with marsh front and waterfront homes, all found in the picturesque low-country.