Slow down and enjoy the simple things. Pack a blanket and a basket– if you’re staying at The Cuthbert House Inn, we will do that part for you– and enjoy a picnic at one of our favorite Lowcountry locations.
Where to Go: Downtown Parks
We are lucky to have an abundance of parks to choose from when picnicking in Beaufort, and several are located in the historic downtown Beaufort alone!
Chambers Waterfront Park– Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park is downtown’s most prominent and picturesque park, located along the water of the Beaufort River. From the lawn you can see the Woods Memorial Bridge and a few of the sea islands in the distance. We love the iconic swings, the paved ampitheater, the giant oaks, and the playground. A manicured option for the picnic novice!
Cannon Park– A lesser-known gem, just a few blocks from the Chambers Waterfront park is a little park at the foot of the Woods Memorial Bridge in downtown Beaufort. Its actual name is Stephen Elliott Park, but locals call it Cannon Park as it is home to historic cannons that were removed from a British warship in the Revolutionary War. The park has a few benches, providing an intimate spot to watch the Beaufort River. Located on Bay & Carteret Streets in Downtown Beaufort.
Where to Go: Beaufort Parks
Cypress Wetlands— The cypress trees, Spanish moss, and budding flowers are beautiful too. In addition to the birds and fauna, you will see alligators, turtles, and even a snake or two if you are lucky!
Crystal Lake Park: Crystal Lake Park can be found just across the bridge from Beaufort, on Lady’s Island. This 25-acre park winds through forested habitats, salt marsh and around Crystal Lake. Boardwalk leads over a saltwater wetland, to the beautiful 7-acre Crystal Lake. The park has many opportunities for visitors to learn about the Lowcountry’s natural resources. Walk the trail or visit the interpretative center. Be on the look-out for birds and other wildlife that live in this Lowcountry habitat.
Where to Go: Parks with Marinas and Docks
Pigeon Point– Just off of Boundary Street in Beaufort’s Uptown section, Pigeon Point Park is a public park that offers a great place for adults and kids alike to enjoy the outdoors. On warm days enjoy breezes and beautiful scenery, while the park’s many oak trees provide shelter from the sun. The park’s amenities include a large shaded playground area, picnic tables, open spaces and comfort facilities.
Whitehall Park: 10-acre Whitehall Park, where Beaufort County wants to build a passive park with a natural preserve, covered dock, bike path, picnic pavilion and overlook. Beaufort County Passive Parks Manager Stefanie Nagid said the park’s “main purpose is for conservation of the property and enjoyment of nature.” “It’s going to remain a place for people to come and have a quiet space to enjoy nature and to bird watch and enjoy the views and sunsets,” she said.
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Beaches
The 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 Beach: 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 and home to the only lighthouse in the state that is open to the public. You can set up your picnic at the foot of the lighthouse, on the beach, or at one of the many picnic tables and grills. With miles of sprawling nature trails and an undeveloped beach, it’s also a great place to find some seaside solitude.
Lands End Beach St. Helena: 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. It also comes with a sprinkle of history. 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. 1126 Lands End Road, St. Helena Island SC
We will pack for you!
Purchase our cute Cuthbert House Inn picnic tote (includes a cheese board, plates, forks, knives and a bottle opener) and we will fill it with bottles of water or wine and some goodies to enjoy wherever your wanderings take you. Remember, we also have bicycles, beach chairs and beach towels for our guests to use.
Call the Cuthbert House Inn today to book your package at (843) 521-1315
Lowcountry Picnics can make it special
If you aren’t interested in the planning, set up, and tear down that comes with a picnic date, let Lowcountry Picnics do the work for you! Perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and even proposals, they work with any theme. After reserving online, they set up your custom picnic with pillows, blankets, decor, and a whole lot more. They arrive at your chosen site early to get everything set up and they offer the details like fresh lemonade and a polaroid camera to capture the moment.You arrive at the designated area and time, and enjoy! Once your picnic is over, they take care of the cleanup!