Beaufort, South Carolina
Named the South’s Best Small Town by Southern Living Magazine in 2017, Beaufort is based on Port Royal Island, one of the Sea Islands of South Carolina’s low country region. It is the second-oldest city in the state behind Charleston. In the city’s 304-acre National Historic Landmark District, visitors can stroll down avenues lined in towering live oak trees and antebellum mansions, some that span more than half a block.
“Beaufort is unique in so many ways,” said Robb Wells, vice president of the tourism division at the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Our downtown sits right on the water, and visitors can access it all from their hotel or meeting venue.”
Though travelers could spend days admiring local architecture and historic landmarks in Beaufort, there are also many ways to explore the surrounding island scenery. Higher Ground Outfitters provides customizable kayak or paddle-boarding lessons for all ages and skill levels, and Beaufort Coastal Adventures offers several different inshore fishing trips, from shark expeditions to cobia hunts.
At the end of the day, groups can watch the sun set over the waves from Panini’s on the Water, an Italian restaurant that specializes in brick-oven pizza, gourmet pasta and homemade Italian desserts. Plum’s is another local favorite that serves traditional low country cuisine such as gumbo, cornmeal-crusted okra and fried oysters.
Charleston, South Carolina
One of America’s most historic port cities, Charleston, South Carolina, offers a rich combination of historic sites, culinary arts and waterfront culture. Founded during the 1600s by early English settlers, Charleston quickly evolved from a Colonial seaport to one of the most prosperous cities along the East Coast. Later in 1861, the city’s naval base of Fort Sumter witnessed the first shots of the Civil War between defending Federal forces and Confederate soldiers.
“The waterfront has always been a vibrant part of who Charleston is,” said Doug Warner, director of media relations at Explore Charleston. “It’s the reason it’s more cosmopolitan than many other communities of its size.”
Groups can learn more about this storied history by visiting Fort Sumter, which is accessible by boat from Charleston Harbor, or by taking a tour of the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. Coastal Expeditions offers a selection of adventure excursions along the coastal marshes and barrier islands, including guided kayak trips, paddleboat tours and a ferry ride to Bulls Island. Likewise, Charleston Outdoor Adventure leads group activities such as fossil-hunting tours, lighthouse tours and dolphin tours.
Tavern and Table, Fleet Landing Restaurant and Bar, and Charleston Harbor Fish House are just a few of the outstanding seafood venues in the city. Two regional staples worth checking out are the she-crab soup and the low country boil, a hearty dish with shrimp, sausage and corn.
