Side Trip to Beaufort South Carolina

Any trip to the Hilton Head area should include a stop in Beaufort South Carolina, "The Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands". Beaufort sits on the Intracoastal Waterway thirty miles north of Hilton Head Island on Port Royal Island.

Beaufort SC is the second oldest city in South Carolina (Charleston being first) and is in the heart of the Sea Islands. Having an impressive harbor even the patients at Beaufort Naval Hospital can enjoy watching ships and tugs from the windows of their rooms.

Today this old seaport town combines modern living with a rich and historically important past. Some of the oldest buildings date back to the 1700s. I am always amazed by the different styles of architecture you can see throughout much of this area.

On my most recent visit to Beaufort my family and I enjoyed the horse and buggy ride. This is the best way to see much of the historic, downtown area. You can even arrange a longer ride and they will wait for you while you take personal tours of your favorite attractions.

Moviemakers have been lured to this Southern town with narrow streets, huge live oaks and 18th century homes. Beaufort SC has been the setting for several motion picture films like The Big Chill, The Prince of Tides and Forrest Gump.

Southern Living named this city the " Best Small Southern Town", American Style named it "Top 25 Small City Arts Destination", National Geographic named it "Top 50 Adventure Town” and Field and Stream named it "Top 20 Fishing Town". In my opinion Beaufort South Carolina is definitely worth a visit!