Founded in 1711, Beaufort, South Carolina is one of the oldest towns in the United States. Located on Port Royal Island, this city of 13,000 people has a rich history that has seen it serve as a major port for shipping and trading during the colonial era and later became an important military base during World War II.
Today, Beaufort stands tall as one of the oldest cities in America with a proud history that dates back more than 300 years ago. From its role as an important trading port during colonial times to its significant contributions during World War II and beyond—Beaufort remains one of South Carolina’s most storied cities filled with culture and history that make it an ideal destination for residents and tourists alike!
Let’s take a closer look at Beaufort’s storied past.
In 1711, Thomas Smith established the town of Beaufort on Port Royal Island. The island was originally home to Native American tribes, most notably the Yemassee tribe who were driven out when British colonists established a settlement there in 1663. Smith named the area after Henry Somerset—the Duke of Beaufort—and it quickly became an important port for trading and shipping. During this time period, Beaufort was home to many prominent merchants and plantation owners including Christopher Gadsden who later went on to become a famous Revolutionary War patriot.
Beaufort played an important role during both the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. In 1861, Confederate forces occupied Beaufort and used it as their main base of operations on Port Royal Island throughout much of the war before abandoning it in 1862 due to Union advances. After being liberated by Union forces in 1863, Beaufort played an integral part in Reconstruction efforts throughout South Carolina with newly freed African-Americans settling there and contributing to its growth and development.
In 1940, construction began on Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot which would eventually become one of the largest recruit training stations in the world responsible for training hundreds of thousands of Marines over its 75-year history. During World War II, Parris Island served as a major base for US forces operating in Europe while also providing employment opportunities for many residents who worked at the depot or nearby bases such as Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) – Beaufort which is still an active military base today.
Rich in history and beauty, Beaufort offers visitors a unique experience full of wonderful sights, culinary delights, and vibrant culture. If you’re looking for an unforgettable trip to Beaufort, then read on to learn about some of the best places to visit.
Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park is a picturesque park located on the waterfront in the heart of Beaufort, South Carolina. This 20-acre park offers visitors breathtaking views of the water and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Read on to learn more about what this park has to offer!
The park is split into two distinct areas—the north end and the south end—so there’s plenty of room to explore. On the north end, you’ll find a boardwalk, fishing pier, nature trails, picnic tables, shaded benches, and grills. Meanwhile, on the south end, you’ll find a playground, basketball court, volleyball court, skatepark, and amphitheater.
The park also features several sculpture gardens where visitors can admire works by local artists while taking in stunning views of Beaufort’s waterfront. In addition to all that it has to offer in terms of recreational activities and art appreciation, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park also hosts special events throughout the year such as concerts and festivals.
Directly next store to the park is the Safe Harbor Beaufort Marina with long and short-term boat dockage for 75-80 large boats. Wet slips, transient slips from 8 feet to 150 feet, charter boats, a fuel dock, and a ship’s store (with ice, water, cold drinks, beer/wine, snacks and boating supplies) this marina has all the creature comforts you will need for a day out on the water. There is even a mooring field beside the marina where boaters can moor their watercraft for long-term or weekend stay. If you are hungry, within a 1/10th of a mile resides 4 amazing eateries. Panini’s on the waterfront, Hemingway’s Bistro, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, and Plums. All great choices for those seeking a local bite to eat.
This museum serves to preserve and educate visitors on the history of Beaufort County and its surrounding areas.
The Beaufort History Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Beaufort County and offers visitors the opportunity to explore exhibits that cover everything from pre-colonial times to modern-day local culture. Visitors can also find artifacts from the Revolutionary War and Civil War eras, as well as explore interactive displays that bring these periods of history to life.
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum also puts on special events throughout the year, such as lectures, film screenings, and workshops. These events are designed to engage both adults and children in learning more about history through interactive activities such as art projects or reenactments. The museum also organizes field trips for school groups so that students can experience hands-on learning with historical artifacts from their own community.
The museum has a large research library where visitors can explore books, maps, photographs, diaries, and other documents related to local history dating back centuries. It also houses an impressive collection of artifacts ranging from Native American pottery to old farming equipment used by early settlers in Beaufort County.
Located directly on the Core Creek Intercostal, this campground at Beaufort Waterway RV Park offers 50 sites with full hookups (water, electric, and sewer). There are also tent sites available, 6 cottage rental cabins, and even a houseboat for rent. All campsites have picnic tables and fire rings with plenty of space for parking. Pets are allowed in the campground but must be leashed at all times. The campground also features a dump station for RV waste disposal and a coin-operated laundry facility. This campground includes the Core Creek Marina with private boat ramp, free trailer parking, fishing pier with fish cleaning station, and so much more.
Crystal Lake is an ideal spot for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts looking for a peaceful paddle through serene waters. Paddleboats are available for rent from the onsite concessionaire during peak season (April-October). The lake offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing as well as great fishing opportunities year-round. For larger boats, there is a nearby public boat launch facility located just 1/4 mile away from the park entrance.
In addition to the campground area, Crystal Lake Park offers several picnic areas with grills and pavilions available on a first-come, first-serve basis. These areas are perfect for family gatherings or large groups looking to enjoy some outdoor fun! There are also several nature trails throughout the park where visitors can take in the beauty of South Carolina’s Lowcountry landscape.
If you are thinking about visiting Beaufort for some fishing, there are several things you need to know before you go. First, it is important to have the proper licenses and permits before heading out on the water. Depending on where you plan to fish and what type of fish you are looking to catch, the licenses required may vary. It’s also important to check with local authorities regarding any restrictions or regulations that may be in place.
Beaufort offers some of the best inshore and offshore fishing opportunities in South Carolina. There are plenty of saltwater species such as redfish, flounder, sea trout, tarpon, and cobia that can be caught from shore or by boat. Inshore fishing is especially popular because it allows anglers access to shallow waters where they can find plenty of smaller species such as croaker, spot fish, and pinfish. The creeks around Beaufort offer ideal habitats for these types of fish and can be accessed by kayak or boat.
For those who prefer offshore fishing trips, Beaufort offers plenty of opportunities for bottom-fishing and trolling for larger species such as grouper and snapper. Offshore trips usually require more equipment than inshore trips do but they can be very rewarding if done properly. Before heading out offshore it’s important to make sure that your boat is properly equipped with all necessary safety gear including life jackets and radios so that you can stay connected while out on the water.
The tide and weather conditions are two of the most important factors to consider when planning your next fishing trip. Low tides are best because they bring shrimp, baitfish, and other prey close enough to shore that you can easily access them with your rod. Weather-wise, bright days are often better than cloudy ones; it’s easier to spot prey on sunny days. In addition, windy days tend to drive fish closer to shore—which is great news for anglers!
The type of fish you hope to catch will also determine when is the best time for fishing in Beaufort. For example, redfish and trout prefer warm water temperatures so they’re more active during the summer months. On the other hand, speckled trout and flounder like cooler waters so they’re more likely to be caught during springtime or late winter/early spring. Additionally, certain species like black drum and sheepshead tend to be around year-round but migrate seasonally depending on temperature fluctuations. To ensure a successful catch, do your research ahead of time so you know what kind of fish will be available when you go out.
No matter what type of angler you are—a seasoned pro or just getting started—the key is doing your research beforehand so that you know exactly where to go and what type of bait or lure works best during different times throughout the year. With that said, keep in mind that tidal cycles and weather patterns can change daily so always plan ahead before heading out onto the water! With all this knowledge under your belt, now’s your chance to grab your tackle box and head down south for some unbeatable fishing in Beaufort!
Source:
https://365atlantatraveler.com/things-to-do-in-beaufort-sc/
https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/beaufort-day-trips/
https://www.travellens.co/best-things-to-do-in-beaufort-sc/
https://www.eatstayplaybeaufort.com/fall-fishing-in-beauforts-waters/