If you are a traveler deep down, the pandemic has undoubtedly caused some headache + great desire to travel – and we are right there with you. For those ready to travel, one of the safest ways to escape while on your way social distancing protocols it is a weekend travel to a nearby destination.
One of these destinations is Beaufort, SC, the second oldest city in SC (only about 1.5 hours by car). Beaufort was recently named one of “11 Best Small Cities in America” by Travel + Leisure and was elected “Best small town in the South” by Southern Living, and for good reason – the historic center is coastal, panoramic and easy to navigate, ft. small streets lined with oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. (Read: your Instagram aesthetic will thank you.) 📸
See these 13 socially distant activities in Beaufort to start planning your next trip:
Outdoor activities:
○ Cool off at Hunting Island State Park, one pristine sandy beach with Over 5 miles of deserted beaches, nature trails, access to the only public lighthouse in the state + more.
○ If having a picnic in the car is more of your “outdoor life” idea, Watch what are you playing on Highway 21 Drive-in Theater
○ Walk together Henry C. Chamber Waterfront Park – also known as Beaufort’s front porch – and enjoy the city beautiful seen while watching the boats sailing.
○ Ride your bike on Spanish moss trail, a 16 km green paved road that was once the Magnolia Rail Line, foot Lowcountry water + swamp views, coastal wildlife viewing + historic points of interest.
○ Drive to Sands Beach at the southern tip of Port Royal to catch the sunset, plus views of the river + estuaries. (If you go during the day, keep your eyes open for shark teeth.)
Dinner + shopping:
Downtown Beaufort has tons of single, locally owned Business for any type of buyer – in antique hunter to the sweet tooth. In addition, all Beaufort restaurants and businesses have chosen a location Promise of Safe Commitment during the pandemic.
Some of the best places to outdoor dining (With sea view):
○ Plum’s | Oyster bar serving breakfast + lunch daily
○ Saltus River Grill | Urban seafood steakhouse + bar
○ Panini is by the sea | Paninis, sandwiches, pasta and pizza baked in stone with a Mediterranean touch
○ Q on Bay | Smoked low temperature barbecue
Some other places for al fresco dining: Old Bull Tavern, Hearth wood oven pizza, and Breakwater Restaurant and Bar.
Sightseeing + history:
○ Stop at the Visitor Center + The Beaufort Arsenal Museum on your way to the city.
○ Sign up for one of many guided tour options in Beaufort. Learn about local ecology or history at a walking tour, stroll through the city in a golf cart rideor relax in the water in a kayak tour.
○ Take a tour of the Reconstruction era National monument.
Where to stay:
If you are stay for the weekend, rest your head on one of the Beaufort’s historic downtown accommodations, like:
○ The Beaufort Inn
○ Anchorage 1770
○ City Loft Hotel
○ Cuthbert House Inn
○ The Rhett House Inn
○ Best Western Sea Island Inn
Bonus: most hotels offer free bicycle access to help you explore the city. Ⓟ