Historic Islands Tour or Boat Tour:
Soak up Beaufort, SC’s local history with an expert walking tour guide. Stroll the streets and hear the stories of the forefathers of our fair city and the homes they built. Hear about the pirates that plundered off our waters and came ashore to cause mischief. You never know, there may even be a ghost story or two included.
Spend the afternoon boating in the pristine water surrounding beautiful Beaufort on a river tour. View marshes and sea islands of the ACE Basin. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture images of the area along with it’s abundant wildlife.
At the Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center You Can:
- Experience dynamic exhibits and the rich variety of life found in the Port Royal Sound Area.
- See what a 10 foot tiger shark looks like!
- Discover our amazing local marine life in a 3,000 gallon aquarium and the educational touch tanks.
- Enjoy the water by boat, kayak, canoe and more.
- Connect to the stories and rich history that make the Sound so unique.
- 310 Okatie Highway
- (843) 645-7774
Visit the Historic Penn Center:
As stated in their official website, Penn Center is, “Tucked in the heart of the South Carolina Sea Islands between glimmering marshes and deep water, nestled beneath the silvery moss draped limbs of massive live oaks…” The Penn Center is the site of one of the country’s first schools for freed slaves. The historic campus of Penn Center sits on 50 acres in the heart of Gullah culture on St. Helena Island, off the coast of Beaufort. Located off Land’s End Rd. at 16 Penn Center Circle West, St. Helena Island.
Chapel of Ease:
Chapels of ease were built during the Colonial Period as houses of worship for plantation owners and their families. One such structure is located on St. Helena’s Island. The Sea Island rice plantations were located too far from the churches of Beaufort. The Chapel of Ease was constructed here of tabby walls between 1742 and 1747. A forest fire destroyed most of it in 1886. All that remains today are tabby walls and a cemetery. Today the Chapel of Ease remains as a peaceful and tranquil reminder of Sea Island life. Located on Land’s End Rd., St Helena Island.
Ft. Fremont:
Fort Fremont is located on St Helena Island in Beaufort County. Constructed in 1899, its purpose was to defend Port Royal Sound as a modern coastal defense system. Earthen bulwarks are in place to protect the harbor side of the fort, which accommodated many disappearing guns and a rapid fire battery. It has recently been purchased by Beaufort County to be preserved as a historic site and public park. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hunting Island Day at the Beach:
Spend the day relaxing in the sun as the tides rise and fall. Watch fiddler crabs and sea gulls forage in the surf. Relax and enjoy the day in one of South Carolina’s most beautiful state beaches. Bath houses are located at each beach access area including restrooms and outdoor showers. Bring your picnic onto the beach or grill out in one of the many picnic areas located adjacent to the beaches. Grills and picnic tables are available.
The Visitor’s Center is located inside the park gate. Inside visitors will find information on the park and educational programs that are available.
Lighthouse Climb:
Constructed in 1859, the historic Hunting Island Lighthouse is the only lighthouse in the state that is open to the public. The 167 step climb offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding marshes and maritime forest. Admission is from 10 am – 4:45 pm daily March – October, and until 3:45 pm November – February.
Extending across the lush marsh tidal flats, the Hunting Island Marshwalk extends across to a small hummock that provides a magnificent platform for viewing area nature and wildlife. The boardwalk can be found on Hwy 21 on the west side of the park. Bring your camera and capture images of ever-present shore birds.
Kayak tour of Beaufort Waterways:
Spend the day enjoying nature at its finest on the pristine waterways around Beaufort. Nature and history tours by kayak leave daily from downtown Beaufort, Hunting Island and the ACE Basin. No experience is necessary.
Picnic:
Spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic lunch along the bank of the river.
Horseback Riding on the Beach:
Enjoy the beauty of the Lowcountry with a horse back ride! Trails wander throughout a 60 acre farm, down roads and paths past beautiful old live oak trees and island palms. Trails take visitors on the edge of the marshlands with its wide expanse full of wild life. Other trails venture onto the beach.
Gullah Heritage Tour:
Gullah is a rich, cultural heritage linking West Africa and America. The Gullah culture is most reticent in those who live along the sea islands. There is no better way to discover the traditions of the island’s rich African-American culture of “Gullah” than with on-site recollections and stories rich in cultural history.
