Beaufort

It’s a quaint town on the Intracoastal Waterway sharing Port Royal Island with the smaller town of Port Royal. Boutique shopping, more than a dozen art galleries and unparalleled lowcountry dining are worth a visit, especially during one of the frequent festivals in its Waterfront Park.

The entire downtown is designated a historic district along with 90 historic sites, including cemeteries, bed and breakfast inns, private homes, churches and other buildings which also are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Beaufort entered its golden era about 1800, when Sea Island cotton debuted, and many of Beaufort’s loveliest mansions were built by the wealthy owners of cotton, indigo, and rice plantations.Historic sites of French, Colonial, Spanish-American, and Revolutionary origins include forts, churches and architecture from many cultures and eras.

A horse-drawn carriage tour or walking tour with expert guide is a quick look at the history which pre-dates Hilton Head and differs in the display of architecture and lifestyle.

The town celebrated its tricentennial in 2011.