Beaufort County is as famous for its history and scenic wonders as it is for its reputation as a world-class resort destination.

Dating back to 1514 when Spanish explorers first discovered this idyllic coast, this county has played a major role in American history.

Step back in time to the quaint historic city of Beaufort, nestled on the banks of the Beaufort River/Intracoastal Waterway. Called the most aristocratic town of its size in America before the “War between the States”, this city by the sea still maintains an aura of Southern days gone by, with many of its magnificent antebellum homes still gracing shady live oak-lined streets with shimmering marsh views.

The coastline is a boater’s paradise with its intricate saltwater creeks and rivers that wind between the sea islands that make up this area. Some islands are still uninhabited and on many of the other more secluded ones, the native language of Gullah, a combination of English and African can still be heard. Still other islands have been transformed into exclusive and luxurious residential and resort communities such as Dataw, Fripp and Callawassie.

The largest sea island of them all is Hilton Head, known the world over as a first class resort destination. Here you can enjoy golf on 31 challenging world-class gold courses or volleying with some of the world’s best tennis pros. Perhaps relaxing on the miles and miles of soft white sandy beaches is more like it. Here you’ll find designer factory outlets and boutiques... not to mention wonderful restaurants and cafes in which to sample such delicious fresh seafood as shrimp, crabs and oysters.

Whether it’s relaxation you desire or an action packed holiday, Beaufort County has it all.

Just over the bridge from Hilton Head is a historic destination in its own right, Bluffton Township. Settled in 1852 as a summer resort for rice and cotton plantation owners, the town features antebellum homes, bed & breakfasts, churches, quaint shops and restaurants. Named for its perch atop a high bluff beside the May River, much of Bluffton was burned when Union gunships charged the area during the Civil War. Incorporated in 1852, Bluffton Historic Village is home to 10 antebellum homes and 19 post-Civil War buildings that are featured in a new walking tour guide from the Bluffton/Okatie Council of the Hilton Head Island Chamber of Commerce. Visitors can begin their walking tour at the Heyward House Historic Center, a museum furnished with period pieces, with exhibitions, educational programs and a research library all dedicated to Bluffton’s rich and interesting heritage.

For sun-related fun, why not try a quick excursion to historic Bluffton, Savannah or Charleston-all close enough to visit in an afternoon. You can also invigorate your group with an afternoon of beach olympics or a team-building ropes course. We can help you plan a memorable theme event that will delight everyone from meeting attendees to your CEO. And while attendees are in meetings, spouses can take a jaunt for the day with one of our resorts many spouse programs.

Historic Sites

Beaufort Arsenal Museum
713 Craven Street, (843)379-3331
Mon - Sat 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Wed. & Sun.-Closed
Built in 1795 and rebuilt in 1852. At one time housed the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery, the fifth oldest military unit in America. It now houses a collection of fossils, early American artifacts, Civil War relics and plantation handicrafts. Admission fee.

Hunting Island State Park
Located 17 miles from Beaufort. Lighthouse, cabins, camping, picnic shelters, lagoon fishing, boat ramp, nature programs, park store, gift shop, tackle shop. Admission fee.
(843)838-2011

John Mark Verdier House
801 Bay Street, (843)379-6335
Mon - Sat, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Circa 1800. Built in the Federal style by one of Beaufort's most successful merchants, it is an excellent example of a home as it would have been in the early 1800's. Admission fee.

Old Sheldon Church
Located at the junction of Highways 21 and 235, 1.7 miles north of the junction of Highways 21 and 17 near Gardens Corner. Sheldon Church has lain in ruins for over 120 years. Its gable roof, pediment, windows and interior have disappeared, but the classic simplicity of its design still remains. Burned by Prevost's British troops in 1779, it still serves as a religious center for special observances. Free admission.

Penn Center Inc.
Martin Luther King Drive,
St. Helena Island, (843)838-2432
Interesting specialty museum housing artifacts, farm tools and blacksmith tools from the Penn School days. (The Penn School was the first school for freed slaves in the U.S. and is today the only one on the National Register of the Department of the Interior). Admission fee.