2026 Beaufort County Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

America has Charleston and Savannah. But on the coast of South Carolina lies a town that has preserved the Old South like nowhere else. Beaufort is a small settlement of antebellum mansions, oak-lined streets draped in Spanish moss, and a waterfront that opens onto the Intracoastal Waterway. Forrest Gump ran through here. The Big Chill was filmed here. Here is how to explore this hidden American gem and save money with Trip.com. 1. Bay Street at Dawn: Mansions and Silence Beaufort's Bay Street faces the water, lined with antebellum mansions that have stood for over two centuries. By 10 AM, the day-trippers arrive from Hilton Head. Come at 6 AM instead. The light is soft. The mansions glow. You will walk along the waterfront with only the sound of birds and the distant lap of water. It feels like stepping into a Southern novel. Pro Tip: Download the Trip.com offline map for Beaufort. It shows you the quietest routes through the historic district and the hidden viewpoints. The best photos are from the waterfront park at sunrise, when the mansions reflect in the water. 2. The Antebellum Mansions: A Walk Through History Beaufort is famous for its antebellum mansions, built by wealthy planters in the 18th and 19th centuries. The most beautiful are on Bay Street and The Point. The houses are private, but you can admire them from the street. Walk slowly. The details are everywhere — columns, verandas, and live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Money Hack: The mansions are best seen from the street. Skip the expensive guided tours. Walk through the historic district and admire them for free. Check Trip.com for a "Beaufort Historic Walk" that includes the mansions and their stories. 3. The Spanish Moss Trail: A Green Escape The Spanish Moss Trail follows an old railroad bed through the Lowcountry, passing marshes, forests, and quiet waterways. The trail is flat and easy, perfect for walking or cycling. The scenery is beautiful. Come in the morning. The light is soft, and the trail is quiet. Budget Advice: The trail is free. Skip the expensive bike rentals. Walk or bring your own bike. Check Trip.com for a "Beaufort Nature Guide" that shows you the best sections of the trail and the quietest times to visit. 4. Food That Tastes Like the Lowcountry Lowcountry food is rich and seafood-heavy. Try Shrimp and Grits — creamy grits topped with sautéed shrimp. Order She-Crab Soup — a creamy soup made with crab roe. And do not miss Frogmore Stew — a Lowcountry boil with shrimp, sausage, and corn. Where to Eat: Skip the expensive restaurants on Bay Street. Walk into the side streets and find Café Beaufort or Restoran Lowcountry, where locals eat. The food is fresh, and the prices are fair. Check Trip.com for set menu deals — some places include a free dessert when you book through the app. Where to Stay? Book on Trip.com a guesthouse in the historic district. Look for something on Bay Street or near The Point. You will sleep in an antebellum room with a four-poster bed, a view of the water, and the scent of magnolia. The evenings are quiet, and the stars are bright. Conclusion: Beaufort is not a place you rush through. It is a place you breathe in. It is a town of mansions and moss, of water and Southern grace. It is a place where the past is preserved in every building. America is a country of many stories, and Beaufort is its Southern soul. Come and walk Bay Street at dawn. The water is waiting. #trip_com #USA #Beaufort #beauforttravel #USAHiddenGems #SouthCarolina #Antebellum #BudgetTravel #AmericasGuide #travelusa #Lowcountry #SpanishMoss#SouthernCharm #HistoricTown #trip_com

It’s a resort and natural reserve, authentic and unpretentious. The closest thing to paradise I’ve encountered, with a team excelling in both service and maintenance, and meticulously detailed facilities. A world full of surprises. The highlight of the stay was the human touch, from the host Aryan to everyone working behind the scenes in complementary services and experiences. They left us with an unforgettable impression.

#winterescape winter water escape in Beaufort County at Paradise Pier on Lady’s Island. No matter the time of year this is a perfect place to toss out a line for fishing and blue crabbing. The long T shaped pier boasts beautiful scenes wish shark fishing and sightings of dolphins in the after moon across the way at Russ Point right outside of Fripp Island. You won’t regret a trip to this place even in winter.

Ready to kick off the new year in style? Beaufort County’s Bluff Villa Homes at Dataw Island are serving serious vacay goals! Located at 2003 Bluff Villas Road, this spot is all about laid-back luxury, outdoor cultural landscapes, and that tropical, “I-never-wanna-leave” vibe. These villas are pure magic – tucked away in a lush rainforest setting and just minutes from gorgeous beaches. The flexible spaces are designed for SLOW living (yup, capital SLOW), so you can actually chill, gather with your crew, or vibe solo by the pool. 🏊♂️🌳 The cherry on top? You get a dedicated butler, a private chef who whips up everything your taste buds dream of, and smooth transfers that make travel totally stress-free. Daily comforts? All sorted. From the instant you walk in, it feels just like home – only way more boujee. Whether you plan on exploring the green outdoors, soaking up the sunset at the pool, or hanging out in total luxury, Dataw Island’s Bluff Villa Homes are ready to deliver a dreamy retreat. Pro travel tip: Book your stay through trip.com for easy peasy reservations and hot deals!