Take the Exit: What To Do and See in Beaufort, South Carolina

As you drive the highways on your journeys, vanlifers see all kinds of signs that point you to some amazing places. I just had to “take the exit” when driving in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. I wanted to see the charming town of Beaufort, South Carolina and all of the history that it holds.

A few miles off of Highway 95, between Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, lies a quaint town full of southern charm. Founded in 1711, this historical town has a storied past connected to the Civil War. The second oldest town in the state feels like you have entered a bygone era. It has stunning antebellum architecture and Spanish moss-draped trees, and its downtown is a National Historic Landmark District.

As I took the exit, I grabbed a glass of sweet tea and began my exploration of historic Beaufort, South Carolina. Join me to see what to do and see in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Where Should You Start?

Beaufort History Museum and Visitors Center

First, I recommend stopping at the Beaufort History Museum and Visitors Center located in a massive, yellow Arsenal building. Here, you will find all kinds of information on Beaufort and the surrounding area in the Visitors Center.

Next, walk upstairs to the History Museum and be transported back in time. Multiple exhibits explain the progression of Beaufort over the years. These include the Civil War, the Gullah-Geechee culture (descendants of enslaved Africans in the Lowcountry), and even its place in the movies. Now, you should be ready to explore the area.

Sink Yourself Into the History of Beaufort

The Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

Since you are at the Visitors Center, I suggest walking across the street to one of our country’s newer National Historical Parks. This unusual park was established in 2017 and includes multiple locations in the area.

The time period called Reconstruction Era was a time after the American Civil War when attempts were made to remedy the inequities of slavery for newly freed African Americans. Each location has some connection to this era and is worth stopping at.

Begin at the National Park Headquarters, which is housed in the Old Beaufort Firehouse. Speak with a Park Ranger to learn more about this period in time, or take a walking tour with them. Passing through the Beaufort National Landmark Historic District, you’ll view historic homes and churches. You’ll also learn about important people in the community, including Robert Smalls, who had a long political career and fought for the education of freed slaves.

Next take the Exit to Nearby Port Royal, SC

Take the exit to nearby Port Royal, SC, to view the remains of Fort Frederick, where you will hear the story of Camp Saxton. In 1862, it was home to an infantry of formerly enslaved African Americans who trained there. Also, stop at nearby Pinckney-Porter’s Chapel Natural Heritage Park to see their exhibits on Camp Saxton.

Finally, head to The Penn Center National Historic Landmark District

Drive over the bridge from Beaufort to the Island of St. Helena and head to the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District. This expansive site includes a number of buildings that were important during the Reconstruction Era, including one of the first schools for formerly enslaved people.

• First, stop at Darrah Hall, which is the park’s base of operations and includes a number of exhibits.
• Next, visit the Brick Baptist Church, which became a haven for the liberated enslaved people.
• Finally, tour the York W. Bailey Museum to be immersed in the story of the Penn school and the people who attended it.

Want More History?

Beaufort National Cemetery

One of the very first National Cemeteries was established in Beaufort by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Visit this humbling place set among stunning live oak trees and gorgeous magnolias and learn about those interred here. There are over 9,000 Civil War soldiers, including 3,607 unknown Union soldiers and 101 known Confederate soldiers, buried in this sacred place.

Fort Fremont Preserve and History Center

I drove back to St. Helena Island and explored the ruins of Fort Fremont. It was built in 1899 to protect the Port Royal Naval Station and the southeastern coast during the Spanish-American War. The 170-acre area nestled among the maritime forest has an isolated and eerie feeling today. Plan on visiting the history center to learn more about the area.

Antebellum Life and the Movies

The Historic Point Neighborhood

Some of the most beautiful homes in the South are found in The Point neighborhood of Beaufort. I was stunned by the architecture of these structures, many of which were built by local plantation owners as summer retreats. During the Civil War, some of the homes were occupied by Union forces and used as hospitals and officer’s quarters. Look for the blue porch ceilings, believed to keep spirits away.

The Point Neighborhood and Beaufort has also been home to a number of popular movies. You’ll find the house from The Prince of Tides, the Woods Memorial Bridge in Forrest Gump, and scenes from The Big Chill. If you are a movie buff, you’ll have fun discovering that there were many more movies filmed here.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

I found the Henry C. Chambers waterfront park and downtown a great place to spend an afternoon. Situated next to the Beaufort River, there is a lovely boardwalk to stroll or enjoy sitting on one of the hanging swings. I also watched many families and their kids play in the large grassy area between the boardwalk and the shops. With lots of fun stores to get souvenirs, clothes, and even coastal decor, you’ll never get bored. Hungry? There are a ton of options, from casual to fine dining and, of course, seafood.

Find History and Nature at this Beautiful Park

Hunting Island State Park and Lighthouse

I recommend taking the 30-minute drive from Beaufort out to the Atlantic coast and visiting Hunting Island State Park. There are so many things to do here, that everyone from the history buff to the nature enthusiast will have a great time.

First, explore the thousands of acres of maritime forest and marshlands. Have fun birdwatching and even geocaching in the park while hiking the trails. On the water, you can swim, fish, or even take an ocean tour with a local company. Finally, visit the Hunting Island Lighthouse. Although closed to climbing for repairs being done, you can speak with docents to learn the interesting history behind the lighthouse.

To experience great southern hospitality and learn incredible American history, just take the exit to Beaufort, South Carolina. As a vanlifer, you will find a large variety of RV Life recommended places to stay. Once you go to Beaufort, let me know what your favorite places are. I’d love to add them to my travel list.