Day Trip From Hilton Head to Beaufort, SC
Visitors to (or island residents of) Hilton Head who are searching for the perfect day trip away from the island keep finding Beaufort, SC on the top of their list! Friends and families continue to make the easy 35 mile scenic drive from Hilton Head over to Beaufort for some BIG fun in a charming small coastal town.
Although Hilton Head Island has its own share of unique shopping and dining, there is something irreplaceable and quite different about historic, nostalgic Downtown Beaufort, South Carolina. Come see for yourself!
Follow the below list of suggested activities for the perfect mix of shopping, history, and exploring!
Indulge in Unique Lowcountry Cuisine
The Lowcountry is widely known for its seafood cuisine, but do you know why? Back in the day, refrigeration was limited, so residents often incorporated seafood into the majority of their meals to avoid letting it spoil. With that said, no need to spoil your appetite. We highly recommend starting your trip with a bite to eat to fuel up your Beaufort adventure. The downtown area has a variety of options to satisfy any craving. Panini’s on the Waterfront hits the spot as one of Beaufort’s best restaurants.
Enjoy views of the Broad River from Panini’s on the Waterfront’s River Deck.
Beaufort River Glass, Beaufort, South Carolina
Tighten Up Your Shopping Shoes
Visiting Beaufort would not be complete without taking a serious stroll through the various shops downtown. You’ll find an abundant amount of stores and galleries to fulfill your window shopping fantasies. Of course, we’d prefer you step inside for a closer look. :)
Beaufort’s local artists welcome you to browse their collections alongside jewelry shops, old-fashioned candy stores, and more. Stop by Beaufort River Glass for unique handmade glass items, or Scout’s Southern Market for Southern home accent pieces. Don’t forget to stop by Southern Sweets to get a boost of sugar for your afternoon activities!
Galleries Galore
Beaufort, South Carolina was rated as one of the top ten small art towns in the United States! From Gullah art to historic antique maps, Downtown Beaufort is sure to please! Indulge in the artistic nature of Downtown Beaufort by visiting Thibault Gallery among other fine galleries and explore the unique pieces created by local artists.
Thibault Gallery | 815 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC
Cuthbert House Bed & Breakfast
Dive into history
Museum lovers find Beaufort to be a small but historic city, full of American and Southern history. Visit the Verdier House Museum to see the two-hundred-year old home that has served multiple functions throughout the centuries, such as the main building of a sea island plantation and as headquarters for the army during 1861-1865. Other tourists choose to explore the Parris Island Museum for an afternoon to learn about military history and original manuscripts and relics that have been a part of Beaufort’s history.