A photo tour of Beaufort: history, art and incredible outdoors

Chartered in 1711, Beaufort is South Carolina’s second oldest town after Charleston and its best kept travel secret…not for long!
Here are some things worth shouting about this historic yet vibrant little town recently dubbed “the Newport of the South”:
Top 50 Waterfront Adventure Towns in the nation
The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America
The Kaleidoscope [...]

Unforgetable fun at Hunting Island State Park beach: climb the Lighthouse, spot loggerhead turtles, catch a crab or hike along the lagoon (photo essay)

Planning for a family vacation or just a weekend getaway at the beach? Then look no further than Hunting Island State Park. There are affordable camping sites and cabins on the premises (although these go very quickly better to call 3-4 months ahead of time to secure a spot) and you’re about 20 minutes from [...]

Free and fun things to do and great places to see with kids in Beaufort

There is plenty of fun and free things do with your kids while visiting historic and picturesque Beaufort.
Playgrounds
For starter there are 2 playgrounds one on the Waterfront Park and one off of Pigeon Landing (located left off Boundary Street and opposite waterfront area). This playground opened just 2 years ago, has brand new facilities [...]

Things to see on St. Helena island near Beaufort: Penn Center and Chapel of Ease (possible the Land’s End ghost!)

Penn Center, an African-American cultural center and a National Historic Landmark, was built in 1862 as the first school in the South for the education of freed slaves. Along with the Bailey museum it is a testimony of the Gullah People’s rich culture and history. The permanent exhibit showcases some of the oldest photographs of [...]

New life springs from ashes at Old Sheldon Church near Beaufort (historical and free things to do)

The Old Sheldon Church Ruins and Graveyard are about half an hour drive from both Beaufort and Interstate I-95. The centuries old church is a South Carolina truly inspirational historic site attraction the whole family should enjoy.
Here lay the remains of Prince William’s Parish, better known as Sheldon Church (named after Bull’s family ancestral [...]

Historic Port Royal, a free must see Beaufort attraction on your way to Hilton Head

When in Beaufort, or on your way to golf-paradise Hilton Head, make sure to stop by historic Port Royal. Port Royal was the first settlement in the New World predating Jamestown by 45 years and St. Augustine by 3 years. It is adjacent to the deepest natural harbor on the Atlantic Coast, the Port Royal [...]

Hunting Island Lighthouse (Beaufort things to do and see)

The Hunting Island Lighthouse is South Carolina’s only publicly accessible historic lighthouse. At 132 feet high it rewards those brave enough to climb its 167 steps breathtaking views of the Hunting Island State Park, the sweeping Lowcountry marshland and the Atlantic Ocean.

Interesting Facts
1. The first lighthouse was constructed of brick and was completed in 1859 [...]

Samurai crab dances on Hunting Island marshes (Beaufort attractions and free things to do)

The Hunting Island gorgeous marshes are crawling with these little warrior Samurai look alike crabs. They do seem to “dance” all day the long foraging for food in the black rich mud. The well developed weapon arm is used for digging and to fend off predators and the right small arm is used for eating.
You [...]