805 Carteret Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
Art exhibits, theatrical events, concerts, and other performances, plus the Pat Conroy Literary Festival – there’s never a dull moment at the University of South Carolina Beaufort’s Center for the Arts!
16 Penn Center Circle
St Helena Island, SC 29920
Penn Center is one of the most significant African American historical and cultural sites in existence – it is the site of the former Penn School, one of America’s first schools for former slaves. The Penn Center has been an active site for over one hundred and fifty years, and still works towards historic preservation, education, and justice for the descendants of the previously enslaved Gullah Geechee people.
1700 Paris Avenue
Port Royal, SC 29935
These protected wetlands serve as a bird watcher’s paradise. A .6 mile boardwalk and paved trail combination circles the wetlands, providing the best views of the cypress swamp, along with a variety of wildlife. Herons, hawks, eagles, owls, falcons, geese, ducks, and other migratory waterfowl are all common sightings.
930 Bay Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
Narrated horse drawn carriage tours of historic downtown Beaufort depart every 40 minutes. Reservations are not required, but they are heavily encouraged, as carriages can fill up quickly, especially on the weekends.
On the national register of historic places, this cemetery was originally for Union solders who died during the occupation of Beaufort during the Civil War, although 117 Confederate soldiers were eventually also interred here. Of note, “The Great Santini,” Colonel Donald Conroy’s grave is here. Interpretative and educational signs and monuments are placed throughout the cemetery.
Burnt once during the Revolutionary War and once towards the end of the Civil War, the ruins of the Old Sheldon Church refuse to fall. Currently maintained and preserved by the St. Helena Church, the Old Sheldon Ruins are open to the public and will thrill any history buff.
12 John Galt Road
Beaufort, SC 29906
The museum contains one of the largest private collections of kazoos, and has free admission. 45-60 minute paid tours of the factory are offered, and they include a video presentation, demonstrations, a guided tour of the kazoo factory, and the unique opportunity to build a unique kazoo to take home as a souvenir at the end of the tour.
905 Boundary Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
SugarBelle is the kind of boutique larger cities would dream of having, with an artfully curated selection of women’s clothing, accessories, boots, and gifts.
901 Bay St
Beaufort, SC 29902
The Rhett family includes five generations of artists. Each wall and every corner of the art gallery is filled with carvings, paintings, and prints, all of which which were created with care by the Rhetts.
Only partially completed, but already enjoying popularity from Lowcountry residents, the Spanish Moss Trail is a welcome addition to active residents of the local communities. Whether you prefer to jog, bird watch, bike, or take the family dog for adventures, this recreational trail is designed to cater to you, with five miles of the new trail already in use by the public. When fully complete, it will travel through the towns of Port Royal, Beaufort, Burton, and Gray’s Hill, ending at the Whale Branch Pier.
111 Panama Street
Beaufort, SC 29905
Don’t miss the the Parris Island Museum, containing 10,000 square feet of the history and traditions of the Marine Corps. The museum also has an exhibit detailing the town of Port Royal’s particular military significance in various battles from the American Revolution to the Civil War. Admission is free, so there’s no reason not to bring the whole family.
2555 Sea Island Parkway
Hunting Island, SC 29920
Hunting Island is a barrier island that is not only South Carolina’s most popular state park, but also a sanctuary for wildlife, including loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, pelicans, and dolphins. The abundant wildlife sightings are just one reason to visit; the island also contains five miles of natural beach and thousands of acres of wilderness: marshes, forests, saltwater lagoons, and an ocean inlet are all accessible to visitors. Hunting Island is also home to a publicly accessible, historic 170-foot lighthouse.
909 Bay Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
Locally owned and operated, Monkey’s Uncle offers toys, puzzles, and games for all ages alongside baby gifts and children’s books. Classic and modern toys are available, as is expert shopping assistance.
Nearly 100,000 attend the Beaufort Airshow each year – it is free to the public, and shows the very best of Naval aviation. The Blue Angels make annual headlining appearances. A rotating selection of historic aircraft are on the ground each year as static displays for both photo and educational opportunities.
507 Sea Island Parkway
St Helena Island, SC 29920
Boutique shopping, barista-perfected coffees, and South Carolina sourced ciders are featured at Superior Coffee & Carolina Cider Co., just a short drive from Lady’s Island. Don’t miss out on the refreshing cider milkshakes!
351 Sea Island Road
Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
The Market is a truly local shop, proudly showcasing local farmers and producers—local produce, quality meats, and fresh seafood.
73 Sea Island Parkway
Beaufort, SC 29907
Lady’s Island Marina Store doesn’t sell fishing bait or tackle, but they do sell all kinds of works by local artists and grab-n-go meals. If you find yourself out on the Beaufort River, keep an eye out for their boat, which travels the river as a mobile store providing food, drinks, and even sunscreen to boaters.
1 Pinckney Boulevard
Beaufort, SC 29902
Naval Hospital Beaufort provides general medical, surgical and urgent care services to all active duty Navy and Marine Corps personnel, as well as retired military personnel and all military dependents residing in the Beaufort area.
821 Bay Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
Olive the Above stocks over fifty varieties of olive oils & balsamic vinegars imported from around the world alongside a selection of South Carolina specialty items such as ghost pepper whipped honey, Geechie Boy grits, and local pickled vegetables.
