Activities and Tourism

Beaufort’s many rivers and the Atlantic Ocean offer abundant water activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming. Close by are Hunting Island State Park and the Hunting Island Lighthouse, popular sites for residents and tourists alike.

Beaufort also offers numerous festivals and cultural events. For example, there is the Annual Water Festival that celebrates the pristine beauty and charm of the Lowcountry. It lasts for 10 days and includes many activities of interest to all, including boat parades, street dancing, and concerts. The Shrimp Festival includes a 5K run and walk, as well as free entertainment to celebrate the shrimp industry. A favorite activity is tasting the local cuisine via the many samples offered.

Museums offer vivid pictures of Beaufort’s past. The Beaufort Arsenal Museum is located in what was once an actual arsenal, constructed during the period from 1795 to 1799. In 1852, the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery Company rebuilt on the original foundation to provide shelter for a garrison of 250 men. This unit originally was organized in April, 1775 and has participated in every war since the Revolution. Nearby is the Parris Island Museum, which offers a collection of memorabilia, art, and personal papers relative to the history of the Marines.