Everyone deserves a little R&R from time to time. Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice safety and health to enjoy a little getaway. Come to Beaufort and enjoy a socially distanced vacation complete with peaceful walks, tasty picnics, and luxurious accommodations.
Go Birding
South Carolina’s Lowcountry is a collection of quaint seaside towns with expansive swaths of untouched land in between, making it a perfect destination for birders. Between the ACE Basin Wildlife Refuge in Edisto and the Savannah Wildlife Refuge halfway to Savannah, GA you have over 40,000 acres of protected wilderness to explore. On top of those areas, you’ll find hiking trails weaving through the Lowcountry from sandy bluffs to gorgeous wetlands and everything in between. The possibilities are endless and you can easily find a hidden gem with no one else around, just you and the birds. Become a Beaufort birding expert with our Complete Birding Guide to Beaufort, SC.
Drive-In Theater
Hop back in time and drive on over to the Highway 21 Drive-In Theater. This fun date night spot is on it’s way to becoming the most popular evening activity in Beaufort! Just like the good old times, this outdoor theater allows you to drive your vehicle in or bring a blanket and some lawn chairs (you can borrow some from our inn) and watch a movie under the stars. Films rotate between new releases and old classics. Watch your all-time favorites like Jurassic Park, Grease, Dirty Dancing, and more the way they were meant to be seen.
Kayak the Isles
Go where the land ends and the water begins with Beaufort Land’s End Paddling. Nothing is as refreshing as exploring the seemingly endless shoreline and secret coves all around the town. You can rent a single or double kayak, or test your balance with a stand-up paddleboard. If you’re unsure of where to go or how to get there, take a tour with one of their experienced guides. Choose between the sandy beaches of Hunting Island or the forested inlets of the Beaufort River, or opt for a sunset tour of either! You can embark on a great tour on the water and maintain a safe distance the entire time.
Enjoy a Romantic Picnic
While several Beaufort restaurants are working to integrate social distancing protocols into their dine-in restaurant, with weather like this you should enjoy your dinner with a view! Visit your favorite restaurant and place a takeout order, then head to one of the several scenic spots around town. The Sands Boardwalk in Port Royal is a close-by beach that is calm and has great views. Other options include Cypress Wetlands in Port Royal, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort, and the front porch of Cuthbert House. If you want a no-stress picnic, enjoy the Picnic Time Experience from the Cuthbert House Inn which comes fully loaded with all sorts of seasonal goodies for a delicious evening treat.
Visit St. Phillips Island
If you really want to get away from it all, then head to the remote St. Phillips Island. This new addition to the South Carolina Parks system used to be owned by CNN founder Ted Turner and has barely been touched by humans in the last hundred years. You’ll find no footsteps on the beach, no building complexes or resorts, and almost no trace of any other humans. You can visit this park for a day with the help of Coastal Expeditions’ ferries that depart from Hunting Island State Park. The boats are currently running at 50% capacity to ensure social distancing and ask that passengers wear a mask, but as soon as you set foot on St. Phillips Island, it will just be you, the birds, and the beach.
Walk Around Beaufort’s Historic Neighborhoods
New England has quaint brick towns, Colorado has alpine villages, but nothing quite compares to Beaufort’s colorful and unique antebellum mansions. Just strolling around the town you’ll find these picturesque estates everywhere and no two are exactly alike. You could just wander around and let the streets guide you through the town or you could enjoy a Walking Tour of Beaufort’s Most Beautiful Antebellum Mansions.
Stay At Cuthbert House Inn
While it seems like everything is changing, there are two things you can always count on: a comfortable bed and a delicious breakfast at the Cuthbert House Inn. Our historic antebellum mansion in the heart of Beaufort has stood tall through generations, withstanding hurricanes, the Civil War, and a close call with destruction in the 1960s. We’ve adapted our accommodations to ensure maximum comfort and relaxation without sacrificing safety. Each room is cleaned and sanitized with EPA’s COVID-19 CDC-approved products along with all common areas. Our breakfast is just as tasty and energizing as ever, but our dining room is a little more spaced out allowing you to enjoy your meal and maintain social distancing.
Treat yourself to a little piece of paradise right here in Beaufort, South Carolina. Between kayaking the isles, birding the rich biodiverse forests, and enjoying all of your favorite local cuisines on a romantic picnic you’ll feel refreshed in no time. Stay at the Cuthbert House Inn during your socially distanced getaway and stay healthy, safe, and relaxed.
