Beaufort, South Carolina is a quaint town, overshadowed by nearby Savannah, Charleston and Hilton Head Island. Even though it’s a relatively “unknown” getaway, you’ll be amazed by the activities available for the entire family. It’s the place to enjoy the Southern hospitality of Charleston and Savannah without the crowds. While there are plenty of historical sites to visit in Beaufort, its prime location on the water provides year-round activities for sports enthusiasts, and family outings. We’ve found some of the best fun family activities in Beaufort, South Carolina.
1. Beaufort River Tour We joined Captain Dick on the Prince of Tides, aptly named for Pat Conroy’s book with the same title. Departing daily from the downtown Marina, this cruise offers a chance to see dolphins and other native wildlife and learn about the history of the area. The Prince of Tides is a small, intimate vessel, holding only 24 passengers. We took a private sunset cruise, but several options are available, including scheduled daily tours, evening cruises, and private tours and charters.
Captain Dick is a knowledgeable guide, pointing out native wildlife and spots where dolphins frolic, along with interesting tidbits about the area. Did you know that much of the movies Prince of Tides and Forest Gump were filmed in Beaufort? We had a chance to see the stately old houses used in the films from the river.
Viewing the sunset over the water was the perfect way to end the tour. We were able to bring our own snacks and beverages onto the boat, allowing a cozy, relaxing evening with friends. And, the best part? The lulling motion of the water rocked the baby to sleep! Tip: If you take an evening cruise in the fall, be sure to bring a jacket as the ride can become chilly.
2. The Kayak Farm When I learned we were taking a Kayak tour, I was not sure what to expect. I am a novice and didn’t want to have to be fished out of the water when I capsized. I didn’t have to worry because our guide, Eric Gibbons, turned out to be everything I could have wanted in an instructor. He patiently explained which kayak we should try, a more stable tandem, and explained how to use our oars, even giving us lessons before we left the shore.
Our tour was located in the calm waters of Fripp’s inlet and the day was perfect. Eric allowed us to take all the time we needed to paddle, all the while pointing out native species of fauna and wildlife. He also assured us we had no need to worry from sharks or alligators, a point I appreciated.
Eric is very knowledgeable about the local wildlife, having operated his business since 1999. He took us on a tour of the marshes and the oyster banks, and allowed us to “get up close and personal” with the pod of dolphins who live in the inlet. We were able to sit in our kayak and watch the dolphins frolic all around us. Eric offers both guided kayak tours and kayak rentals for all skill levels, including families with children. Tip: Bring sunscreen even if the trip is in the fall.
3. Shopping in Downtown Beaufort For those of us who enjoy shopping or just browsing, downtown Beaufort has a variety of quaint options. We started our day by visiting The Chocolate Tree . The chocolate in this shop was used in the movie Forest Gump when he exclaimed, “Life is like a box of chocolates.” While the box in the movie might have had a different name, it’s said Tom Hanks liked the sweets from The Chocolate Tree so well he dumped out the other chocolates and filled it with an assortment from this shop. I can understand why! I had a package of Malted Milk Balls from the store. I’m usually not a fan of malted milk balls, but these were so good I didn’t want to share! If you stop in the Visitors Center (located in the Old Arsenal on Craven Street), you can pick up a coupon in The Chocolate Tree’s brochure for a free chocolate shell. But don’t stop with your free piece, pick up some of their tasty morsels to take home. I’ll keep your secret if you don’t want to share them with anyone.
Want to find a bevy of decor ideas for your house? Stop by Scout Southern Market. Owner Ann Higgins moved to Beaufort from San Francisco and created a shop full of Southern Charm. She sources products made locally or in the South in an ever changing display of goodies. I was particularly impressed with the “Bless Your Heart” pillows since I say this on a regular basis. I think they’d be perfect in my family room.
But the highlight of her shop is the Sweet Tea Floats, which are quickly making a name for themselves in the area. Made with your choice of unsweetened or sweet tea and a sorbet of your choice, these drinks are a delightful treat. I’m not a tea drinker like the rest of my family, but I was curious. I tried the Sweet Tea Float made with peach sorbet and sweet tea. To my surprise, it was delicious; a perfect blend of flavors. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to enjoy much of it. Brittany quickly finished off her Tea Float and began eyeing mine. “Are you going to finish that?” she asked. Let’s just say she enjoyed a float and a half and still could have had more.
4. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park is the perfect spot to spend time with friends or family. This park offers a relaxing view of the marina from one of the many benches or swings overlooking the river and much more. There’s a playground for the children, walkways for strolling and access to nearby downtown shops and restaurants. Decorated with a variety of native shrubs, flowers and plants, the park is designed to reflect the town’s ties to the water.
The open air amphitheater is the site of seasonal movie nights, concerts and festivals, including the annual Taste of Beaufort. If you are visiting in December, you might be able to spend the evening at the park watching the annual Christmas Boat Parade as the boats slowly sail down the river.
Have you visited Beaufort, South Carolina? What was your favorite attraction?
I have never visited Beaufort. We don’t live that far away. My family would enjoy all the water activities.
Those old homes are so gorgeous! I would love to visit South Carolina!!
I have never been to South Carolina before but this looks like a great place. I would love to check it out.
It is such a beautiful place to visit, especially for someone like me because it looks warm and it is freezing here.
Kayak Farm sounds like fun, but it really does look like you’d have to be looking out for gators. Goo thing that you don’t!
The Chocolate Tree makes me want to get in my car and leave right now. Looks like you had a fun time. I would love to visit someday.
People living in SC are so lucky to have so many beautiful places to go to. I wish I lived closer so I could enjoy all these too. Thanks for sharing. Beaufort is lovely!
We have been to SC so many times but I didn’t even know about Beaufort. This would be a great place to visit.
I’ve been to several places in South Carolina, but never Beaufort. I’ve also never had a Sweet Tea Float but it looks delicious.
It looks really gorgeous there! I would love to go for a visit, and am glad to see there is tons of stuff to do especially for families!
Look at all those goodies! I would love to go there.
Your trip looks like so much fun! I would love to take my family there one day!
Wow, there’s a lot of things to do and see down there. This is the kind of place my family loves to visit.
I have never been to Beaufort before. It looks beautiful though. I would love to go on a river tour.
What a picturesque family destination! Love your pictures and most definitely think I will be adding this to our must travel list! What a waterfront!
These look like some super awesome ideas of things to do in Beaufort, SC! I would love to take the family here and do some of these activities with them, your photos are amazing!
I have always wanted to try a Kayak. A Kayak tour would be a great way to see some wildlife.
This looks like a lovely destination!
Your pictures look wonderful.
Beaufort is such a beautiful place! I’ve been there once and I can’t wait to go back!
What a great and nice place to visit. Hoping one day I can visit Beaufort with my friends and enjoy the activities there.
I find that Beaufort is such a lovely place to visit with my family and friends. We can do so many activities.
I have extended family in South Carolina, but have never made it out there. I’d love to see Beaufort in person. Looks like a lovely setting.
A sweet tea float?! Yes please! Beaufort looks like a great place to have some family fun.
I love vising Beaufort South Carolina, its like you get the Charleston feel without having the traffic of Charleston.
This looks like a great place to visit! My husband lived in SC for a few years when he was younger – I’ll ask if he knows this area.
I think it would be fun to see The Kayak Farm. I have actually never been in a kayak! It’s on my bucket list!
There is so much to see and do in South Carolina. My kids would love it here. I would love to take the family here on a vacation.
This is lovely, and not a bad drive for me. I’ve not spent nearly the time in this part of South Carolina.
Beaufort is just one of the many reasons I love living in the South Carolina Lowcountry. There is so much history and so many fun activities.
These look like some really great experiences. I may need to add this to my travel bucket list.
I am going to need to add this to my travel bucket list. I love to travel and if the place looks interesting I will go over and over again. This looks like a place I definitely need to check out.
I have never been to North Carolina but it looks like a great place to take the family for some fun.
Wow, it sure looks like you had a great trip. Beaufort looks like a beautiful place. I would love to check out the waterfront there.
Oh wow what an amazing looking place to visit – I love the look of the sweet tea floats, I really want to try one now. x
I have never been to South Carolina before, but it looks awesome. I would love to go and check out all the sights and things to do.
I am embarrassed to say that i live in SC but have never been to Beaufort. I need to make a day trip out there, even if just to visit The Chocolate Tree! Seriously, that sweet tea with peach sorbet sounds heavenly!
this is on my list of places to visit!! I’d love to try the kayak tour!
I have heard of coke float but never sweet tea float, I’m intrigued. Beaufort has been on our list for a while after seeing it on TV. Pinned this and making plans. It looks like just the kind of place we enjoy visiting.
We’ve taken several trips to the States, and Beaufort is now next on my list. It’s so beautiful there!
It’s really gorgeous there. I would love to take the family there. It’s 100% beautiful, from the scenery to the architecture.
Beaufort is such a beautiful place. I would love to explore all the great natural beauty and historical sites with my family.