Explore Beaufort, SC

Area events include:

• South Carolina Restaurant Week – January
• The Beaufort Oyster Festival – January
• The Beaufort International Film Festival – February
• Bi-Annual Marine Corps Airshow – April
• The Gullah Festival – May
• Annual Garden Club Garden Tours – June
• The Beaufort Water Festival – July
• Beaufort Restaurant Week – September
• The Shrimp Festival – October
• Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens – October
• Homes for the Holidays Decorated Home Tours – November
• Celebration of the Christmas Holiday Season – December

The history of the Civil War has played an impressive role in our city’s survival and legacy. Travel back in time by taking a guided history walk through our National Historic District or a short horse and buggy tour. Visit Penn Center with its Gullah cultural history museum dedicated to the preservation of the Sea Island story, or a trip up Route 21 to the ruins of the Old Sheldon Church, whose massive brick columns still stand after being burned by the British in 1779, and then again being destroyed during the war in 1865.

Spend your afternoon exploring the shops and several art galleries along Bay Street. They begin just steps from our front door. Don’t miss the Rhett Gallery where four generations of family artists bring the South Carolina Lowcountry to life. Be sure to check out their extensive Civil War Room where many collector pieces are available for purchase.

Beaufort is one of 200 islands on the Intracoastal Waterway. Our geographic location is at the mouth of the Port Royal Sound – the source of our high salty tides that reach far inland, picturesque marshes and beaches. A trip across the islands to Hunting Island State Park, is a great day of sand, surf and long walks on the South Carolina shoreline. Across the street at The Downtown Marina, Coastal Expeditions South will take you on a dolphin and history cruise or a sunset cruise that feature a wonderful view of Beaufort from the water.

Golf courses and tennis courts are minutes away from the inn and open to the public.

• Olde Beaufort Golf Club
• Cat Island Club
• The Legends Golf Course
• Beaufort County Parks & Recreation (Tennis)

Parris Island is only six miles away and is the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot. Parris Island also features a museum and frequent graduation ceremonies when new recruits become Marines. Parris Island, its museum, a restaurant and the graduation ceremonies are open to the public.

Check out the Beaufort area nightlife along the waterfront with live music Thursday through Sunday at a number of restaurants and bars along the waterfront park. From the swing bridge to the Sea Islands at Carteret Street to the Downtown Marina, the park features a number of adult swings to relax and appreciate our ten-foot tidal changes and passing boats.

Beaufort is a filmmaker and author’s paradise – it’s historic charm shining through in these popular productions: The Big Chill, The Prince of Tides, White Squall, Forest Gump, GI Jane, Something to Talk About, Forces of Nature and Rules of Engagement. Best-selling author Pat Conroy’s books and characters come alive as you walk, or better yet ride a bike, through the legendary streets of The Water is Wide, Prince of Tides, The Great Santini and Beach Music.