Tucked along the scenic waterways of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, Beaufort is a charming coastal town that feels like a well-kept secret. Just a short drive from both Savannah, GA (about an hour) and Charleston, SC (just under two hours), Beaufort makes the perfect weekend escape if you’re craving Southern hospitality, natural beauty, and small-town charm without the crowds.

The Beaufort Inn

I really had no idea what to expect when I was planning our stay in Beaufort, South Carolina to celebrate my step-son becoming a US Marine and his graduation from Boot Camp at Parris Island. I chose my hotel based on my partnership with friends at the Indie Experience Collective (a collection of boutique and local hotels across the U.S.)

The Beaufort Inn has welcomed guests for more than a century, offering unique experiences with every stay — from rooms with a view to spacious suites and fully equipped cottages — and provides a charming lowcountry base in the Historic Downtown. Beaufort, South Carolina surprised me with its blend of elegance, history, and natural beauty with relaxed coastal charm. It set the perfect tone for a relaxing stay, plus you can walk to almost everything from the Inn, so you can just leave the car alone in the nearby lot.

Beaufort

Downtown Beaufort is a National Historic Landmark. The entire downtown area features antebellum homes, Federal and Greek Revival architecture, live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and beautifully preserved streets. 

Beaufort’s downtown is wonderfully walkable and full of character. We wandered into galleries, antique shops, and boutiques along Bay Street, each one offering something unique. One of our favorite finds was the locally owned bookstore, Nevermore Books with its quirky nod to Edgar Allan Poe and its wonderful collection of rare and unusual finds. We had a lovely time chatting with owner Lorrie Anderson about her charming town and some of the upcoming festivals and events to entice us back again!

Beaufort’s food scene is rooted in Lowcountry cuisine, with a strong emphasis on local seafood, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors. We had one of our favorite meals of all-time at at Old Bull Tavern. The menu is seasonal / market-based, with a focus on high-quality, local or regionally sourced ingredients for a blend of European & American comfort foods with a twist — creative, but not overly fussy. We had a pizza (marvelous) cooked right in front of us at the wood-fired oven, the braised lamb shank was fall-of-the-bone/melt-in-your-mouth delicious and we topped off the meal with the highly recommended butterscotch pudding! (Not something I would typically order…but so glad I listened to our waitress!)

We also stopped at Bottles Off Bay for a wine and cheese picnic on our hotel room balcony; Hemingway’s for after-dinner drinks in a local hole-in-the-wall; and lunch on the water at Plum’s. All experiences were memorable and exceptional.

For Nature Lovers

Located on Port Royal Island, part of the Sea Islands, Beaufort has nature around every corner. Places like Hunting Island State Park are nearby (a beach + lighthouse + trails), with an entrance included in your stay at the Beaufort Inn. Also kayak/tour options in the rivers and creeks. The Spanish Moss Trail is great for walking, biking, seeing marsh views. It’s small (but vibrant), walkable in many parts, shaded, beautiful sunsets, riverfront views. Ideal for unwinding but still doing interesting things. Then, not quite nature, but definitely a unique offering is the Beaufort Biplane Tours by owner and retired Marine, Michael Rainey, which I will be sure to partake in on my next visit…and there will be a next visit!

What makes Beaufort special isn’t just its beauty (though it’s undeniably stunning). It’s the pace, the warmth of the locals, the preservation of history, and the feeling that you’ve stepped into a gentler, quieter version of life. Whether you’re coming from Savannah or Charleston, or elsewhere, a weekend in Beaufort offers a refreshing change of scenery without sacrificing any of the charm.

I would be happy to craft your next trip to this Lowcountry gem and maybe even add-in the extension to Charleston and Savannah while you’re at it! Contact me and we will start planning!