Bed and Breakfast Beaufort SC

History

This region was first visited by Europeans in 1520 when Spanish explorers arrived. Over the years many flags flew over Beaufort as the Spanish, French and British were all laying their claim to the Americas. By the early 1700s, it was decidedly in the hands of the English who established a seaport town in the location and named it Beaufort Town after the Duke of Beaufort. The town was designed after the earlier town of Charleston, so travelers with a keen eye may notice some similarities. The town had close ties to England but many grew disenchanted and joined the Revolutionary efforts. Later, a group of Beaufort citizens known as Lowcountry Federalists played a key role in the development of the United States Constitution. The slave trade transformed area farming in this part of South Carolina. Farmers farmed huge fields of cotton, indigo and rice, leading to a prosperous time for plantation owners. These planters built huge summer homes in town, many of which still stand today. The Civil War also touched Beaufort deeply as it was a contested southern seaport and was captured early in the war by the Federal Government. Visitors to Beaufort can see many vestiges of it’s Civil War, colonial and Native American histories.

Activities

Beaufort offers a range of fun activities for any type of traveler. Many of the best sights are located right in the heart of Beaufort’s historic district. Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island which is one of South Carolina’s Sea Islands, a string of barrier islands off the coast. It offers easy access to other island communities, including Cat Island, Parris Island and Hilton Head. Beaufort is also the jumping-off point for visiting Hunting Island State Park. The state park features the historic Hunting Island lighthouse which you can climb to the top. There’s also a nature center where you can see alligators, a nice beach where it’s common to find shark’s teeth, and wonderful sunsets along the Marsh Boardwalk. Beaufort is paradise for art lovers. Along Bay Street, you can see some of the best locally made art in the south. Check out Beaufort River Glass, the Beaufort Art Association Gallery and the Rhett Gallery all along Bay street in the heart of Beaufort. Waterfront Park is a popular riverfront park which offers a nice green space right along the Beaufort River. Some say it’s one of the most beautiful parks in the state. There’s plenty of space for enjoying the outdoors, fishing, and boating.

Natural Features

Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island, one of a string of tidal and barrier islands known as the Sea Islands. There are more than 100 such islands sprinkled down the coast of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The city sits in the heart of South Carolina’s Low Country and features a sub-tropical climate. The island is surrounded by the Broad River and CooSaw River, while Beaufort sits right on the Beaufort River which winds through the island. The city is in a prime location for enjoying the various waterways and islands in the area, including the beaches along the Atlantic coast.

Things to do

You’ll never have a shortage of fun things to do when visiting Beaufort and the surrounding Port Royal Island. The nationally-recognized Historic District is teeming with interesting sights and sounds along every turn. There are a number of historic Victorian and federal-style homes in the heart of Beaufort. Bay street offers visitors dining and shopping options as well as art galleries and the very popular Waterfront Park. A bit further out of town you can visit Parris Island, Cat Island and Hunting Island State Park. The state park has plenty of outdoor opportunities for those who enjoy fishing, camping and nature. You’ll also find some of the best sunsets in South Carolina here.

Weather

Beaufort, South Carolina enjoys a sub-tropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. July and August are the hottest months and will be too warm for travelers who don’t like the heat as highs top out in the 90s. In the winter, the weather typically doesn’t reach freezing temperatures, with winter lows in the upper 30s. The area almost never sees snow. October, April and May are the nicest months weatherwise where temperatures are in the range of lower 70s to mid 80s. From June to November hurricanes are possible, with the peak time for hurricane activity falling in the months of August and September.

Food and Drink

The Lowcountry region of South Carolina where Beaufort is located has developed its own variety of cuisine. Lowcountry cooking is similar to Southern cooking but it has its own distinct features including a heavy reliance on a diverse range of seafood, and an influence from African cultures. Therefore, it is somewhat similar to the types of food found in Cajun and Creole cooking. Dishes that should be tried in the lowcountry include soups such as Cooter (turtle) soup, She-crab Soup and Gumbo. Lowcountry Boil is a popular meal in Beaufort and may be known as a Beaufort Stew, a Beaufort boil or Frogmore Stew. The meal most often features shrimp but can use other types of seafood often accompanied with sausage, corn on the cob and other vegetables, liberally seasoned.

Bed and Breakfast Beaufort SC FAQ

Why Stay at a Bed & Breakfast in Beaufort SC?

There are many reasons that visitors should consider staying in a Bed and breakfast in Beaufort SC. For those looking for a romantic getaway, Beaufortbed and breakfasts offer an unparalleled experience. You’ll be awed from check-in to check-out with the friendliness of your hosts who know the area well and can help you plan your visit, including trips off of Port Royal to Hunting Island State Park and other nearby areas. Many of the best bed and breakfasts in Beaufort are located right in the heart of Beaufort. Therefore, you’ll be in a prime location for reaching the attractions of the historic district, the restaurants and galleries along Bay Street, and Waterfront Park. You’ll stay in a historic home with a charming interior that’s quite unlike anything you can find in other types of vacation rentals.

What type of amenities can I expect when booking a Bed and Breakfast Beaufort SC?

Bed and breakfasts in Beaufort, SC offer many amenities that make them desirable vacation rentals. You can expect that your bed and breakfast will have Wifi, making it easy to access technology during your getaway. Guest Rooms will have air conditioning and other amenities such as en-suite bathrooms and luxury toiletries. Some have jacuzzi tubs in the rooms. Many bed and breakfasts in Beaufort offer bike rentals and beach chairs to borrow for the beach. Bed and breakfasts in Beaufort are known for serving delicious southern breakfasts. You’ll enjoy a full breakfast in the dining room each morning. Many will even bring breakfast to your room if you prefer.

How can I get around Beaufort SC?

The closest airport to Beaufort is Hilton Head Airport on HIlton Head Island which is about 35 miles away. Other airports within a reasonable driving distance include Savannah, Georgia and CharlestonSouth Carolina. Private jets can fly to Beaufort County Airport. Greyhound buses also travel to and from Beaufort. Visitors arriving by car will find Beaufort conveniently located near the major north-south thoroughfares of I-95 and US 17. Once you arrive in Beaufort, there is little public transportation to speak of. Historic Beaufort is quite walkable and nearly all of the town’s interesting sights are located within the National Historic District in downtown. However, having a car will make getting to and from Beaufort easier and will help you get to any places you want to visit outside of town.

What Are the Different Types of B&Bs in Beaufort SC?

Beaufort, SC has a number of delightful bed and breakfasts that will suite virtually any type of traveler. Located in the heart of Beaufort, the Beaufort Innoffers true Southern hospitality right in the historic district. You’ll appreciate fine dining, activities and a location near the Atlantic Ocean. The inn has been in business since 1994 and has a long reputation as one of the most romantic bed and breakfasts in Beaufort, SC. Special romance packages are available for sweethearts who want to add champagne and chocolate to their guest room. The Beaufort Inn has pet friendly rooms available so it’s perfect for visitors who are looking for a pet friendlybed and breakfast in Beaufort, SC. At the Rhett House Inn, you can stay in an authentic plantation house where you’ll experience everything that makes Beaufort so special: history, romance and relaxation. The 1820 home is located in the historic district, a short walk from the waterfront, shops and restaurants. They offer a pet friendly room, charging stations for Tesla and electric cars, and bikes for borrowing. Cuthbert House Inn is an upscale bed and breakfast occupying an antebellum mansion just opposite the Harbor River. The BnB serves a delicious Southern-style breakfast each morning and offers amenities such as loaner bikes, a lounge with a piano and garden-view verandas.