The Ultimate Weekend Travel Guide: Beaufort South Carolina | Eat, Stay, & Explore
I am still in awe of the beautiful Beaufort, South Carolina. This town has skyrocketed to the top of my list of favorite places to visit. As soon as we left, I was already planning my next trip back. Beaufort is a small and charming southern town with friendly people, endless sites to see, and they have some of the most delicious restaurants with Lowcountry staples. My pants could barely button back up when we left. The scenery in Beaufort is jaw-dropping, especially while riding bikes in the back neighborhoods, where the trees are covered in Spanish moss and the marsh peaks around the big homes with its neon glow. Beaufort isn’t as crowded as its surrounding towns, and that’s why we loved it. It’s nestled right between Charleston and Savannah, places we visit often. We ended each night outside, relaxing on the porch, reading our books, and sipping wine while listening to the cicadas and katydids call out from the trees.
I always love sharing my weekend getaway travels with you all. I snapped some photos (ok, a lot of photos) throughout our trip to help make you feel as if you were traveling with us. I hope you have Beaufort written on your travel list as soon as you finish reading this blog. I promise you’ll love it. There are many places we missed while visiting Beaufort, which is a great reason to come back. I hope the places we visited have given you some inspiration for your feature trip to Beaufort, South Carolina. And there is also a small giveaway at the end of the blog!
Beaufort, SC, is located on Port Royal Island. The historic downtown is filled with popular restaurants, coffee shops, and some huge mansions! The town overlooks the Beaufort River and the Woods Memorial Bridge.
The Rhett House Inn Bed and Breakfast
When you’re visiting towns in the south, staying in bed and breakfasts is the way to go. You won’t get the charm or small-town feel of staying outside the city in those chain hotels. It’s definitely worth the experience to stay cuddled up in a bed and breakfast. We like to feel like we’re at home while traveling. What makes the bed and breakfast even better is that they are usually within walking distance of everything.
Beaufort, South Carolina, has many bed and breakfast, and I can’t wait to come back and experience the others. Every time we visit Savannah, we always stay at a new bed and breakfast. It’s our travel tradition and the perfect excuse to always come back to a place we love. Sitting on the porch with the Spanish moss swaying back and forth in the sun’s shadows is something you’ll only get at a bed and breakfast.
We stayed at the Rhett House Inn bed and breakfast. On the first night, we stayed in the main house in a room that leads out to this ginormous porch. The second night, we stayed in their New Castle house, which was gorgeous, and I’ll share more photos towards the end of this post. The Rhett House Inn was such a cozy stay, which I always strive for on trips. The staff was lovely, and their location was just a block away from the downtown area.
Where to stay in Beaufort South Carolina | Bed and Breakfast Beaufort SC
The porch outside our bedroom window wrapped around the front of the house. A hammock filled the corner, and it’s where I fell asleep on the first night after too much red wine during Kyle’s birthday dinner. The house was tranquil, and it almost felt like we were the only ones there the entire time. The way the trees sat next to the house was something out of a painting. I kept having the urge to reach out and feel the Spanish moss to make sure it was all real. A fun fact about our room is that Gwyneth Paltrow and Barbra Streisand once stayed there. Many movies have been filmed in Beaufort, which is no surprise as it looks picture-perfect. Some of the celebrities that have stayed at the Rhet House Inn are Sandra Bullock, Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Blythe Danner, and many more. Something I love about bed and breakfasts is that they offer the most delicious breakfasts and evening hors d’oeuvres. Homemade sweet tea and lemonade are offered throughout the day, and there’s nothing better than a glass of sweet lemonade to cool you off after walking outside in the southern humidity. Wine and dessert are offered later in the evening, and it’s the perfect time to chat with strangers from all over the country. After settling in, we got ready for Kyle’s birthday dinner.
I heard dinner on the front porch at Anchorage 1770 is something you must experience, and oh boy, were they right.
Anchorage 1770 -The Ribaut Social Club
The Ribaut Social Club at Anchorage 1770 was a block from our bed and breakfast and the perfect way to start our weekend getaway. I made sure to make a reservation a week to ensure we had a spot outside on the porch. You won’t want to miss the sunset over the marsh while eating appetizers and sipping wine. The view is breathtaking; no photo or video could do it justice. It’s something you’ll have to experience with your own eyes.
We chatted with a couple who had been coming to Beaufort for the past twenty years and shared all the hidden gems with us. It pays off to chat with locals and frequent visitors to get the inside scoop on where to visit.
The menu changes seasonally, so what I ordered may not be on the menu when you visit. I do hope it is, though, because it was unbelievable. The chef shops around at local markets to make sure every ingredient is fresh and in season.
I started my meal with a delicious starter salad with farm-fresh vegetables and the blackened snapper for my entre. If licking the plate clean was socially acceptable, I would have done it. Each bite was even better than the first. There were so many flavors hidden all over the plate that I impatiently craved the next bite before finishing the first. I’m dreaming of that meal right now.
They brought out peanut butter tiramisu for Kyle’s birthday, which was incredibly sweet (no pun intended) of them.
Do yourself a favor, and make a reservation at The Ribaut Social Club at Anchorage 1770 for dinner. It’s incredibly romantic, and I believe your trip to Beaufort won’t be completed until you experience it.
Where to eat in Beaufort, South Carolina
City Java at City Loft Hotel
I’m an early riser, which means sleeping in consists of waking up at 6:30 am for me. The breakfast and coffee at the inn didn’t start until 9 am, but that’s when I’m usually dressed and ready to start my day, so I headed over to the City Java at City Loft Hotel to grab our coffee each morning. It’s a short walk, and there’s nothing prettier than walking the back streets lined with Spanish moss in the quiet morning before the sun rises.
When you walk into the coffee shop in the morning, prepare yourself for the aroma of fresh cinnamon muffins coming out of the oven and freshly brewed coffee. Kyle loved their iced caramel macchiatos, and I loved their Sumatra roast. I also picked up some fresh bananas, oats, and muffins to have with coffee out on the porch. The City Java definitely saved my coffee-less mornings! I don’t know what I would have done with my hours without it. I wonder if I’ll be like that my entire life, but if I don’t have my morning coffee as soon as I wake up, my day is usually doomed.
Riding Bikes around Beaufort
One of my favorite things to do while traveling is riding bikes. I think it’s the best way to explore and save your feet from unwanted blisters. Our bed and breakfast provided bikes for guests, which was such a nice touch. We biked around the area for several hours in awe of all the houses and waterfront views. We took a map of Beaufort and tried to stop at all the historical spots and read a bit about the area. I know they have tours for that, but it’s more fun to go at your own pace, and the satisfaction when you find a point on the map makes it worth it.
Low Country Produce
After riding around for several hours, we officially burned off the bottle of wine we shared and our dinner from the night before. That only meant it was time to fill back up with a delicious brunch!
The couple from the night before had told us about Low Country Produce and how it’s a Beaufort staple. I was so excited to check it out, especially with the appetite we worked up from biking around.
We parked our bikes outside and headed in to grab a table. The wait was a little long, but that’s expected on a Saturday morning. We could have sat outside without a wait, but we were craving the air conditioning.
The interior of this place was absolutely adorable, and it reminded me so much of my grandma’s home that it gave me nostalgia. If you remember my trip back home to Iowa, then you saw my grandma’s green kitchen and the exterior of her home, and I couldn’t help but compare the two. This spot was ginormous, and you can grab food to go or dine in. The dishes they used for their meals were such a nice signature touch.
First off, the coffee was wonderful. The flavor and boldness were to my liking, and I had way more than I needed. Kyle and I had split a side of eggs, potatoes, and the eggs benedict over grit cakes with a side of fresh fruit. This breakfast was mouthwatering…
This is another spot I beg of you to add to your Beaufort itinerary.
Lowcountry Produce for Breakfast Beaufort South Carolina
Never Moore Books
Right around the corner from Low Country Produce, there is a charming book store called Never More Books. Kyle and I have been going through books so fast lately, so it was the third bookstore we went into during our trip. This store was a lot of fun to explore, and it had such a funky and spooky decor vibe going on. We purchased a new book for the evening and then headed on our bicycles back to the bed and breakfast.
Hunting Island State Park & Light House
It was about a thirty-minute drive to Hunting Island State Park. If you’re looking for a fun activity or a beach day, this is your spot! It’s a small fee to get into the park, but our bed and breakfast offered complimentary passes (another benefit of staying at the inn)
As I mentioned above, if you’re visiting Beaufort and are craving a beach day, pack your coolers and beach bags and head to Hunting Island. It offers a private beach right next to the lighthouse, and there is a lot of parking. They have fishing areas, biking trails, walking trails, and more. My favorite part was the lighthouse, but also seeing the sea turtle nests. It makes my heart so happy when there are so many nests there.
You can make reservations to climb the lighthouse, but we’ll save that for next time!
Low Country Cider & Superior Coffee
On the drive back, you’ll drive by Low Country Cider & Superior Coffee. It’s a cute spot, so you may wonder if you should stop; take it from me, definitely stop! I needed an afternoon pick me up. When I’m traveling, I crave 3x the amount of coffee and sweet treats than when I’m home. Plus, I love trying things while traveling, so I don’t mind the extra cravings.
The little store was adorable. Along with the coffee shop, they had so many gifts, baked goods, and cute tables to sit at. Their baked goods case was filled with anything you could dream of.
I ordered an almond milk cappuccino, and Kyle had a turkey croissant sandwich with potato salad. I certainly helped him eat the potato salad (my fave), and we picked up a blueberry muffin for later in the evening.
Oh, boy, did that hit the spot, and it was enough to keep us satisfied until our pizza picnic.
New Castle Rhett House Bed and Breakfast
We moved our stuff into our second room for the night. This time, we were staying in the New Castle House at the Rhett Bed and Breakfast. The New Castle has its own kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, living room, and private screened porches. It would be the perfect spot to stay with your family or friends on a trip to Beaufort.
On our second night, we spent sunset until midnight outside, reading our books, drinking wine, and having the best time together. I feel I’ll be retiring to a town like this one day because I didn’t want to leave.
Picnic by the Marsh with Hearth Wood Fired Pizza
We found a quiet spot by the water to lay out a blanket and have dinner together during the sunset. I’ve come to love picnics this past year and will jump to the occasion whenever I get the chance. We picked up wood-fired pizza, a Caprese salad, and chicken wings from Hearth Wood Fired Pizza and Eatery, located in downtown Beaufort.
The weather was cool under the shade tree and breezy from the waterfront winds. I finished my glass of rosé with my Caprese salad while we watched the boats go by and even had a few duck friends stop over to say hello. They were disinterested as soon as we let them know that we couldn’t feed them pizza.
Southern Sweets Ice Cream & Sandwich Shop
An ice cream cone should accompany every picnic. We stepped into this funky and colorful ice cream parlor that resembled a diner and picked out an ice cream cone to share while walking the waterfront.
Mint chip and sprinkles for the win! 💜
There are many ice cream shops, chocolate chips, candy stores, and coffee places that we are going to try out next time. Two days isn’t enough in Beaufort. After our ice cream cone, we walked back to our bed and breakfast to relax outside on the porch.
Breakfast at Plums Restaurant
We were up bright and early on Sunday morning. We wanted to have breakfast, pack up, and head out to our next adventure. We headed to Bluffton later that day but had a few plans for the morning before taking off.
We stopped at Plums Restaurant for breakfast on Sunday morning. Not many things are open Sunday, but luckily, we found a delicious spot near the water. I had their avocado toast with balsamic, tomatoes, fresh fruit, and two over-medium eggs. Kyle ordered their breakfast tacos.
The food was really fresh and delicious!
Beaufort Kayak Tours
Even though Beaufort is charming and quaint, adventure does await. I highly recommend the Beaufort Kayak tours with Teri and Jim. We signed up for the Hunting Island Sandbar tour but can’t wait to come back and do the marsh tour with them as well. Not only is the kayaking fun and great activity, but you’ll learn so much about the islands and the history of Beaufort/Fripp Island along the way.
Jim and Teri were the best tour guides you could as for. Teri has some impressive kayaking skills and took the time to help anyone who needed assistance. Whether it’s your first time kayaking or 100th, you’ll for sure enjoy the ride out to the sandbar. There was even a three-year-old out on the kayak if that makes anyone feel less intimidated!
The BEST thing happened to us while we were out paddling. We encountered so many dolphins that you could practically hear my heart screaming with excitement. I love dolphins so much, and it was such an unexpected gift to have them come up to the kayaks to say hello.
After paddling out to the sandbar, they gave us a quick history lesson about Huntington Island and had us keep a lookout for some native creatures out on the sandbar. We spent a good half hour out there before heading back.
Wren Bistro & Bar Market
We were starving by the time we made it back to Beaufort. Before making the 45-minute drive to Bluffton, we decided to stop at Wren Bistro and Bar Market for lunch. I ordered the chicken salad with fresh fruit, and WOW, did that hit the spot. The chicken salad was so good, and I think I’ll try to replicate that recipe for lunch this afternoon.
I know we missed so many spots like the Magnolia Bakery (update, I went there!), Herban Market and Cafe, The Beaufort Inn (update, I stayed there!), The Chocolate Tree, Common Ground (update, I went there!), and so much more. If you’ve ever been to Beaufort and you have recommendations, leave them in the comments so I can make sure to stop the next time I’m there, which will hopefully be soon!
We were so sad to leave Beaufort, but I know what to look forward to when returning.
I hope this Beaufort travel guide can inspire you to explore Beaufort soon! & if you do, make sure to tag me in your photos! As soon as the world goes back to normal, I think it would be fun to host girls’ trips/retreats with readers in small towns in the south. I want so many of you to experience this magical place! It may be something I can look into♥️
Questions for you!
- Have you ever been to Beaufort, SC?
- What is your favorite activity to do on small-town weekend getaways?
- Bed and breakfast or Hotel?
Breeanna says
I’ve been crazy busy preparing for the upcoming semester and am just now getting around to checking out the new site — looks great! Unfortunately, I have never been to South Carolina, but it’s on my list, and I absolutely love little towns like this. Gorgeous photos. I think my favorite activity is to just explore. My husband and I especially like finding cemeteries and forest preserves on our getaways. There’s always something new and unique to see. I’ve never been to a bed-and-breakfast, but it seems so charming that I’d love to. What a wonderful trip you had!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Breeanna! ♥️
Thanks so much for the kind words about the new site! I hope your semester prep is coming along smoothly.
I hope you visit SC soon. There are so many cool and spooky cemeteries in the southern towns!
Hope you have a great weekend!
Jennifer Gusmer says
1. We LOVE Beaufort and even considered it for our wedding. The Anchorage 1770 elopement package was very tempting as a covid backup!
2. We love to get out and explore the area and get drinks/appetizers somewhere. Definitely check out Old Bull Tavern next time you visit Beaufort!
3. Bed and Breakfast all the way! We have stayed at the Beaufort Inn and have Rhett House Inn and Anchorage 1770 on our list!
Thank you for sharing your trip!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jennifer!
That’s too funny, Kyle and I considered the same! It’s such a charming spot!
I saw that Old Bull Tavern was a must and we will definitely try that next time!
Anchorage 1770 is on our list too! I can’t wait to stay there.
Ciera says
I’e never been to Beaufort, but now it’s definitely on the list! I love checking out local used bookstores, so Never More really caught my eye. And I will always choose a Bed & Breakfast if I can, they’re so much cozier than a hotel! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Ciera!
Oh, you’d love that book store! It was adorable 😊
I have to agree with you on the bed and breakfast! 💜 so cozy!
Kyla says
Your trip looks and sounds like it was absolutely incredible!
*I have only driven through Beaufort, SC and it looked adorable! I would love to stay a few days/nights and take in the local beauty.
*I love doing some shopping at local boutiques and checking out local restaurants/etc – even just walking around to admire the history & architecture.
*I have only experienced hotels. I bet a bed and breakfast would be intimate and romantic!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Kyla!
At least you drove through! I hope you get to stay a few nights there next time ♥️ & when you do, you must stay at a bed and breakfast!
Shopping local is my favorite as well.
Jennifer Rotz says
Hi! If you’re looking for new spots to check out next time, here’s some ideas!
Hunting Island – I know you went there, but if you park near south beach and walk down a mile or so, you can get to part of the beach where they haven’t removed all the trees and it’s pretty cool!
Cypress Wetlands Trail – This is a small little trail in Port Royal, but it’s a bird sanctuary and has a couple alligators as well! There’s a cute little coffee shop nearby called Corner Perk and a little breakfast spot too.
Fishcamp on 11th Street – A good spot for seafood and it’s right on the water.
The Sands – It’s a boat launch on port royal but has a little stretch of beach you can go to and find sharks teeth! We usually find between 2-30 each time we go!
Old Bull – Restaurant downtown in Beaufort. Great food and awesome cocktails! A favorite dinner/drink spot but book ahead!
Scout Southern Market – A cute little shop downtown with a sweet surprise. They have a sweet tea bar in the back of the store with sweet tea floats! I love getting one with peach sorbet!
Urban Brew – This is an awesome new coffee shop. The same owners own A cute shop called Urban Nest.
Okay I’ll stop now! Lol I just love Beaufort so much. We’re moving there in 5 days!! Eek!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much for all of these recommendations! I am FOR SURE checking them out on our next trip.
Laura J. says
Awesome! I combined your recommendations together for our trip next weekend! Thank you both so much! So excited to see this beautiful place!
Jenny says
Never been to Beaufort but been to Savannah and Charleston
Favorite small town weekend activity is exploring the local antique markets, old bookstores or quirky museums!
We prefer hotels because i like drinking my coffee at 5 or 6 am when I’m up and eating breakfast with my husband. At the bed and breakfast is sometimes awkward to be the guest and feel like you’ll wake the house up walking around or you have to talk to others at meals when you’d rather have a quiet breakfast with loads of coffee sometimes. Plus we’ve had a couple really bad breakfasts. With that said we’ve stayed in some beautiful centrally located homes and the ones you post down south have enchanting courtyards and porches… if they offer lots of privacy even at meals and coffee I’m in!
Taralynn McNitt says
Sounds like my type of activity! 😊
Yes, totally get that! There have been a few B&B where I feel a bit awkward or loud lol but we try to read the reviews to make sure we’re staying in ones with more of a soundproof feel lol
Heather says
Love the new look on the website! We’ve been to South Carolina once, for a weekend trip/wedding so unfortunately we have not been to Beaufort. Exploring in general without an agenda is what we prefer to do during trips. We have only stayed in hotels or AirB&Bs the last 3 years, I’m always worried about disturbing people with our little daredevil 3 year old 🤣 Question for you, what type of information are you searching to find these little charming towns?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Heather!
Hope you make it to Beaufort soon.
Haha that is funny but as a frequent B&B guest, kids never bother me! 😉
These towns are only a few hours near me so they’ve been talked about a lot and many people from Charlotte travel there which is why I’ve heard of them!
Stacie says
1. No, would love to go!
2. I love walking around with a paper map and checking out shops discovered along the way. And trying new coffee spots!
3. Depends on the type of vacation! But usually BnB for the charm and hospitality!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Stacie!
We did that with our paper map and bikes! 😊 You can spot us as a tourist! lol
Yes, that is true! I think if I was in Miami or NYC, I’d definitely go with the hotel! Location is key 🔑
Casey says
Nope I have never been to Beaufort, SC but would love to visit! Your pics are awesome as usual. Small town weekend getaways = doing some research before I go for sure and then checking out local shops, restos and activities. Meeting locals is so much fun and learning about history as well. Depending on where I am will determine bed and breakfast or hotel.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Casey! ♥️
Maureen says
Hi Taralynn,
1. No, but Beaufort is definitely on my list now!
2. I love taking walks to explore and finding new quiet places for coffee. =)
3. Bed and breakfast!!
Thanks for the travel inspiration!
Taralynn McNitt says
You must go! ♥️
oh and those coffee shop finds are always the best!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Looks like you had a great time, Taralynn! Thanks for the fun recap! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks for stopping by, Charmaine!
Alaina says
I’ve never been to that
Location but would love to go.. my husband and I love exploring by foof in new places and prefer hotels to be honest.
Taralynn McNitt says
♥️ Hope you get the chance to visit there!
Chassidy Anaaky says
Hi Taralynn! I absolutely love your new website !
1. My mom is actually from Beaufort,South Carolina so I went there every summer growing up 🙂
2. My favorite activity to do in a small town get away is to visit the local shops and restaurants .
3. Bed and breakfast all the way ! So homey and charming 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much, Chassidy!
How fun! I bet that was a blast and something to look forward to each summer.
Ahhh yes, so charming! ♥️
Chelsea says
Where is the top you wore at the picnic from? So cute!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Chelsea! Thank you 😊 It’s from Old Navy!
Emily says
1. I haven’t been to Beaufort, SC or SC at all but wow! Your pictures and blog are definitely making me want to visit ASAP!
2. For a small town weekend getaway I would love to find somewhere cozy to eat! Great views are also a plus! Probably one of the best places I’ve eaten was in Sedona, AZ with a view of the amazing red rocks!
3. I don’t think that I’ve stayed at a bed and breakfast!!! I’m so sad about that fact right now! Closest would have been a cabin in the woods! But I would much prefer a bed and breakfast over a basic hotel chain!
Thanks for your post! So much light and adventure <3
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Emily!
Hope you add it to your travel list, and there are so many bed and breakfasts for you to stay in!
Sedona is on my list! Kyle and I keep talking about going and it was where we were planning a trip before the pandemic so hopefully, I can make it there one day!
Alissa says
I’ll admit that seeing your post on IG several weeks ago inspired us to add on a few days in Beaufort to our Low Country itinerary – and we’re here now! We’ve been wanting to come down here, but never made it until now. THANK YOU for all of the tips 🙂
I can vouch for Anchorage 1770 – we’re staying here and our room is amazing, but the service has really made it special. When we husband went to the kitchen to ask for tea for me (always have to have hot tea before bed, what can I say), they brought him fresh mint for me! Dinner was incredible at Ribaut Social Club as well.
We normally stay in AirBnBs, actually, and my favorite small-town activity is definitely walking around neighborhoods and checking out the homes!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Alissa!
That is so cool and I’m SO HAPPY you added Beaufort to your list. I’m so jealous you’re there now! I hope you have the best time! ♥️
I’m so happy your experience at Anchorage has been amazing and I know exactly what kind of service you’re talking about! They went above and beyond.
Have fun and come back and let me know what else you did while you were there! xo
Rita says
Never been to North Carolina but look forward to it when we move to the east coast later next year.
I love to explore every corner of every street (shops, bakeries,..) whenever new place we visit.
Nothing cozier and more personable than a bed and breakfast.
Love your sight. A very refreshing perspective.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much, Rita! ♥️
Annette says
I’ve never been to South Carolina, but when I visit a small town I love to checkout the cuisine, historic sites, museums, and antique shops.
Taralynn McNitt says
The best ways to spend a trip!
Marie says
Hi Taralynn!
Wow what a beautiful trip. I’ve been wanting to travel around since moving to SC but I didn’t even know where to start. I haven’t been, but Beaufort is definitely top on my list now! My husband and I love going to state parks and of course checking out local restaurants. I don’t mind hotels but it’s not comparison to a beautiful bed and breakfast!
Have a good week!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Marie!
I have to agree with you on that 💜 Nothing compares!
Definitely give Beaufort a shot, and they have an awesome state park there!
Savannah says
My husband and I love weekend getaways. I introduced him to staying at bed and breakfasts and now he is always disappointed when we have to stay in a regular hotel !
I’ve never been to Beaufort or actually to any of South Carolina but have always wanted to go !
Taralynn McNitt says
Haha that is kind of how I feel now!! I just love the Charm of a B&B!
Oh, I hope you go there one day! ♥️ Your husband won’t be disappointed by the bed and breakfasts there!
Miranda says
I have never been here before, but it sounds like the perfect escape! I am going down a Pinterest deep-dive on Beaufort now! I always love strolling through the historic districts in small towns and going to little shops/bakeries and seeing the local favorites! B&B’s are always so much more fun and relaxing to stay at when you are able to. I love the pictures that you put in all of your posts, they always make everything look so appealing. What kind of camera/lens do you use?
Lori says
I love Beaufort! I live 2 hours from there in Columbia. My new husband and I were supposed to get married there this past May at The Anchorage 1770 Inn. Unfortunately, we had to change plans due to the pandemic, but we plan to visit soon! In a town like Beaufort, how could you not stay at a B&B?!
Taralynn McNitt says
Sorry to hear about your cancellation. I’m happy you get to spend time in Beaufort!
Madeline says
Have you ever been to Beaufort, SC? No, unfortunately, I’ve never been to SC!
What is your favorite activity to do in small-town weekend getaways? Honestly just relaxing. Savoring my morning coffee instead of gulping it down at my desk, taking an afternoon nap before dinner (I never nap at home!), and just being with my husband.
Bed and breakfast or Hotel? Never stayed at a B&B but you’re making it sound very appealing! We always just stay at hotels because of points. We’ll have to try a B&B!
Taralynn McNitt says
Ohhh you have to stay at a bed and breakfast! So relaxing.
Jenna Rall says
I’ve never been but now I’m adding to the list of places that I want to go!
I like eating or drinking things that are tailored to that specific city!
I want to say bed and breakfast, but I’ve never stayed at one. So I’ll need to do so soon!
Taralynn McNitt says
I hope you get to go there soon!!
Nadya says
Fingers crossed I win that granola…yum!
I am most definitely a bed and breakfast type of gal (as long as the bathrooms are private):)
Taralynn McNitt says
Haha yes, private bathrooms are a MUST!!
harriet says
wow what a beautiful place!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’d love it!
Jessie says
I hope I didnt miss the giveaway , what a great trip
1. I have never been here but now I want to I love small towns
2. I love to try new coffee shops and restaurants
3. B & B for sure
Stephany Porter says
Have you ever been to Beaufort, SC? Not yet, but I definitely want to go now!
What is your favorite activity to do in small-town weekend getaways? Trying local food and seeing the sights
Bed and breakfast or Hotel? I’ve never stayed at a B & B, but I’d love to
Alisha says
Wow I love your floral lavender dress!! I’ve been looking for more dresses like that, where did you get it?
Trista Gambill says
1. We just made the trip from Savannah to Hilton Head on our visit to Savannah, GA. We saw signs for Beaufort but I don’t believe we went through it. Gorgeous area and loved seeing the marshes.
2. My favorite thing to do while traveling is exploring the local restaurants!
3. B&B ❤️
Ashley R says
Hi! Love the pictures and information about Beaufort. We are heading there next week!
Wondering where you guys had the picnic at? Looks beautiful!
Suze Fuller says
Hi, my daughter and I live in Columbia SC and are going to Beaufort for Mothers Day weekend next week, my choice! Since we’ve never been this article was perfect timing. We’re staying in the Beaufort Inn, always try to find a B&B instead of a hotel!
Wondering how your trip to Bluffton was
Betsy says
Hi Taralynn,
I just came across your post, and thank you for the information! We normally go to Savannah but are looking for a new small, Southern town to visit and Beaufort, SC looks perfect for us. Towards the end of your post you noted some updates as far as places you had stayed, but offered no other information on those places. Can you provide additional information? We’re looking to book a trip for next month and could use extra recommendations! I count myself lucky if we make it to the East coast every other year, so I have to make the most of each visit – it’s a long haul from California!
Thanks again!
Taralynn says
Hi, Betsy!
Here is the link to part two of this trip which has photos and details of where i stayed the next time I visited! I hope this helps. Beaufort is MY FAVORITE place.
https://simplytaralynn.com/2020/10/21/staying-at-the-beaufort-inn-bed-breakfast-24-hour-trip/
Adeline says
What gorgeous photography!
Brooke Sanders says
Hi TaraLynn!
I lived in Beaufort for 4 years and it was the most magical place I’ve ever experienced. I would move there again in a heartbeat!
Some other favorites and to answer your questions.
Take a long walk down Paris Avenue to the watchtower at Henry Robinson Boardwalk in Port Royal. I walked here from my apartment multiple times a week and never tired of it. Port Royal Elementary is on the historic register. I worked there! Maynard’s Donuts and Ice Cream is right across the street and is delicious. The views from the watchtower and boardwalk are gorgeous and sometimes you’ll see dolphins and porpoises pop out of the water!
Other great views are behind the Technical College of the Lowcountry and right off Bay Street. I could stare out to the water for days.
Best food? Chargrilled Oysters at Madison’s. Hands down my favorite seafood restaurant in Beaufort. Try a Sweet Tea Float at Scout’s Southern Market! Sorbet and sweet tea together are so refreshing!
Carriage tours downtown are my favorite. I was a frequent rider! If you ever go during October, make sure you take a Ghost Tour! Interactive and fun for everyone!
If you have another day to spend in the Lowcountry, I recommend a day trip to Hilton Head or Old Town Bluffton and go bike riding there! Also the Spanish Moss Trail in Beaufort has some good trails to access as well.
So glad you loved Beaufort!
Natalie says
Omg. First, this post is everything I needed. Second, I neeed to know where I can buy that picnic basket!? It’s the perfect size and I love the spot for the wine!
Taralynn says
Hi, Natalie!!
I found it at an antique store, but I know Etsy sells some nice ones!!
BUBBA says
We loved Beaufort so much we are moving there. Next time you visit please check out Habersham. It is a neighborhood about 10 minutes out of town. It feels like a movie set. So very pretty. Dataw island is also an amazing place!