The Best Beaufort SC Hotels

Looking for the best Beaufort SC Hotels? This lovely little harbor town located on Port Royal Island boasts exquisitely preserved antebellum architecture and a downtown designated in its entirety as an historic district. Here, you will find some of the south’s most unique and gorgeous Bed and Breakfasts, restaurants, and hotels and the setting of many famous movies such as Forrest Gump, The Big Chill, The Great Santini and The Prince of Tides. Beautiful beaches and tons of outdoor adventures to choose from round out a visit to this amazing place. Also, just across Highway 21 is St. Helena, home of the Penn Center, one of the nation’s first schools for formerly enslaved individuals, and an important center of Gullah-Geechee culture. With everything you could wish for in one amazing place, you don’t want to miss Beaufort!

Beaufort SC Weather – When to Visit

The high season runs June through August and holidays year-round being the busiest and most costly. Mid-April, during the annual RBC Heritage Golf Tournament, is when rates tend to be highest. Thanks to the moderate year-round temperatures, tourists are always present. Spring and August are the ideal times to visit Beaufort SC.

You will want to plan ahead. The prime locations can be booked six months to a year in advance, so you’ll want to make your reservations well in advance. Villa-rental companies often offer snowbird rates for monthly stays during the winter season. Parking is always free at the major hotels, with larger hotels having valet service.

Best Beaufort SC Beaches

Sands Beach

The Sands Beach in Port Royal is a favorite of the locals and also a sweet spot that more and more visitors are finding every year. A perfect spot to find sharks teeth along the beach, visitors to The Sands can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, fishing, wildlife watching, long walks on the boardwalk and more.

.

.

Hunting Island State Beach & Park

A natural, pristine barrier island with no commercial build up, Hunting Island State Park is the single most-visited state park in all of South Carolina. People flock to the park and beach from all over to play in its sand, go camping, see wildlife and just relax and have family fun.

.

.

Lands End Beach

If you love an out of the way spot where you won’t see too many other people, try Lands End Beach on St. Helena Island. Lands End is Fort Fremont‘s beach and it lies right in front of the historic fort. It’s off the beaten path and, especially at low tide, offers a fantastic spot to relax, enjoy nature, go fishing, catch some sun or play in the water.

Best Beaufort Area Tours & Activities

Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

Learn about the marine life populating the waters off the coast of Hilton Head Island on this dolphin watching cruise. Up your chances of spotting dolphins and other marine animals with the help of your professional guide, who will also provide information about the ecosystem as you go. Learn more about the Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise Here

Beaufort’s #1 Horse & Carriage History Tour

Enjoy South Carolina’s second oldest city from our beautiful RED horse drawn-carriages. Our certificated guides will tell you all about Beaufort’s amazing History, from the Civil War to “Forrest Gump” running around town! Our tours last approximately 50-55 minutes and stroll through the HEART of Historic Beaufort S.C. You’ll see breath taking Antebellum homes, Historic Churches, movie sites and MUCH more! Learn more about the Horse & Carriage History Tour here.

Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise

Enjoy sunset views and scan the water for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins on this dolphin-watching cruise off the coast of South Carolina. The frequency of dolphin sightings makes this cruise ideal for those hoping to catch photos of the majestic sea creatures. Plus, throughout the cruise, you can learn about dolphins and your surroundings from an on-board naturalist. Learn more about the Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise here.

Hilton Head Pirate Ship Adventure Sail aboard the Black Dagger

Embark on a nautical adventure aboard the Black Dagger pirate ship, which transforms kids into little pirates for a treasure hunt on the waters of Hilton Head. The crew provides kids with pirate costumes and pirate lessons before setting sail in search of treasure. This family-friendly cruise has a choice of several departures in the morning and afternoon, making it easy to fit into your schedule. Learn more about the Hilton Head Pirate Ship Adventure here.

Beaufort City Tour

Over 24 Hollywood films have been shot in the historic town of Beaufort, South Carolina. Explore Beaufort without the hassle of navigating on a tour of the area’s highlights, from scenic film locations to historic homes. Your small group size ensures the full attention of your guide, who navigates for you and provides little–known stories about Beaufort’s past. Morning and afternoon departure times are available for your convenience. Learn more about the Beaufort City Tour here.

Best Beaufort SC Restaurants

Lady’s Island Dockside $11 – 30

Waterfront restaurant with great views of the Woods Memorial Bridge and downtown. Southern influenced menu with outdoor patio. Dozens of menu items including fresh seafood, steaks, poultry, pastas and more – every guest, even the non-seafood lover, is sure to find something to satisfy their palate. Telephone: 843-379-3288 Web: Lady’s Island Dockside

Breakwater Restaurant & Bar $11 – 30

Younger, lighter and fresher fare where Breakwater cuisine incorporates culinary influences from around the world. The bar at Breakwater offers a lively venue for locals and visitors alike. The fun, friendly atmosphere combined with warm Southern hospitality is a Breakwater signature. Telephone: 843-379-0042 Web: Breakwater Restaurant & Bar

Griffin Market Over $30

Small, intimate restaurant with understated elegance. Superior Northern Italian fare with outstanding wine pairings. Griffin Market brings relaxed elegance and a taste of Italy’s Piedmont region to the lowcountry of South Carolina. Telephone: 843-524-0240 Web: Griffin Market

Q on Bay $11 – 30

Family-style, barbecue restaurant with beautiful views overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Classic space with old time ceilings. Q is a local favorite, known for gut-busting creative barbecue, ice cold brewed beers, and friendly staff with that hospitable southern charm! Telephone: 843-524-7771 Web: Q on Bay

Foolish Frog $11 – 30

Rustic, casual, family-friendly restaurant with spectacular marsh views. Fresh seafood and local produce. A quick ten minutes over the Woods Memorial Bridge from downtown Beaufort. Telephone: 843-838-9300 Web: Foolish Frog

Best Beaufort SC Bars

Rosie O’Gradys

They have 55 bottled beers from around the country and proudly offer 7 Draft Beers. In addition, they offer a full Liquor Bar. Telephone: 843-379-7676 Web: Rosie O’Gradys

Hemingway’s Bistro

Local watering hole in the basement of a historic building. They are open every day of the year! Telephone: 843-521-4480 Web: Hemingway’s Bistro

The Fillin’ Station

Beaufort’s Five Star Dive Bar! Where Friendly People Meet to Share The Best View and The Coldest Beers and Best Food around. Telephone: 843-522-0230 Web: The Fillin’ Station

Brody’s Bar & Grill

They are the premier family restaurant where you can have fun on any given night! Stop by today and try one of their amazing fresh/never frozen menu items! Telephone: 843-524-2500 Web: Brody’s Bar & Grill

Cry Babies Tavern

A hole in the wall dive bar where the locals entertain you for free! Telephone: 843-524-5508 Web: Cry Babies Tavern

Best Beaufort SC Hotels