I can safely say I did not think I would fall in love with Beaufort the way I did. Don’t get me wrong, I could not wait to see this sweet Southern town, but it was even better than I had expected.
Over the years of Ilir living in South Carolina, many people had recommended a trip to the growing but quaint inner Coastal town, and I’m so glad we finally went. It was the most perfect place for relaxing and unwinding. The locals could not have been sweeter and our time there was so serene and calming. It was the perfect end to our Carolina Trip. Charlotte, Greenville and Charleston were a bit faster pace with packed schedules, so Beaufort was the perfect way to unwind before heading back to the Windy City.
We spent two and half days in Beaufort and it felt like the perfect amount. We saw a lot, but still left wanting more – which I personally feel like is the best way to do a vacation. Today I can’t wait to take you through our trip to Beaufort.
Where to Stay in Beaufort
The Anchorage 1770Β
I cannot say enough amazing things about our stay at Anchorage 1770. I could do this trip a million times over and I’d never want to stay anywhere else. Anchorage was a real-life fairytale. With a long history grounded in Beaufort culture, the home has so much character that makes you feel like you are on set of a Nicholas Sparks movie. The owners of Anchorage, Frank and Amy Lesesne, purchased the historic inn and transformed the home into the beautiful space it is today. Keeping the character and history in tact but adding a modern, luxurious touch, they made this inn truly perfection for anyone looking for a relaxing trip. Each room is designed slightly differently, adding to the character of the inn. We loved our stay in 404 and fell for our patio and the stunning views of the harbor. Anchorage is actually the only inn in Beaufort that has a waterfront view!Β
Every last detail is so well thought-out, from a 7 pm turn-down service with homemade cookies to the most lovely bedding that makes you want to curl up forever.Β
Not only was the inn stunning and so comforting, but the cuisine offerings are incredible. We ate breakfast each morning in the dining room and can honestly say the grits were the best we’ve ever had. One night, we also had dinner at Anchorage’s very own restaurant, The Ribaut Social Club (more below!) and it was fantastic.
I truly could have spent weeks here. Our stay was so perfect and I cannot wait to find our back back one day!Β
Best Restaurants In BEAUFORT
Saltus River GrillΒ
Our first night in Beaufort we went to Saltus for dinner and had such a great experience! When researching restaurants to go to, Saltus was definitely highly recommended, and it did not disappoint! Saltus calls itself an “urban seafood” restaurant, which I think so perfectly describes it! Ilir and I tried several dishes and split them all. We started with sushi which was so fresh and delicious! For entrees, we got the shrimp & grits and the chicken & dumplings and both were phenomenal.Β
The Ribaut Social Club
Located in Anchorage 1770, our meal at Ribaut was absolutely fantastic! Chef Byron is so, so talented and I cannot rave about all of our dishes more! We had the most lovely dinner our on the front patio, overlooking the water while the sun set, and Chef certainly took care of us! I could not recommend heading here more, even if you aren’t staying at the Inn (but… you should).Β
Lowcountry Market Produce + Cafe
I had read before coming out to Beaufort that Lowcounty was an Instagrammer’s heaven, and it truly is! The space is so cute and our lunch here was fantastic! If you’re looking for a simple and delicious lunch, you must make your way here, and get your camera ready!Β
Plums
Another highly recommended stop, we came to Plums just before heading out to the airport. Both of our meals were fantastic and I definitely recommend Plums to anyone coming through.Β
WHAT TO DO In BeaufortΒ
Explore Downtown + the Waterfront ParkΒ Β
The town of Beaufort truly stole my heart. We had so much fun slowing down and just soaking everything in. Our time here was so opposite of normal lives and like I said before, felt like we stepped on set of a movie. During the day, we loved exploring downtown. Beaufort has such a beautiful waterfront park where we sat on the swings and just enjoyed listening to the water.Β
Explore Shops DowntownΒ
After walking around the waterfront park, we stopped into a few stores downtown. I had heard about Scout Southern Market prior to our trip and loved stopped by this cute Southern shop. They have a lemonade bar in the back which was amazing and I wish I could have bought every home decor item in the store!Β
Rent Bikes + Explore the Historic Streets
My absolute favorite activity of our trip was exploring the beautiful homes on the historic streets of Beaufort. Anchorage has bikes you can use, but you can also rent bikes from other stores downtown. Wind through the beautiful weeping willow-canopied streets and bring your camera – you won’t regret it.Β
Get Out on the WaterΒ
We headed out on the waves twice during our trip. The first time, we learned so much about Beaufort on Captain Dick’s River Tour and also saw so many dolphins! It was incredible! Later that day, we headed out again on the boat with the Lesesne’s and enjoyed a lovely evening that left me dreaming of what life would be like doing that every day.
While you’re here, definitely get out on the water and see Beaufort from another angle – it is stunning!
Other ActivitiesΒ
We were only in Beaufort for a couple days, so we didn’t get around to everything, but here are a couple other activities that would have made our list if we stayed longer:Β
- KayakingΒ
- Horse carriage tourΒ
- Sunset sailΒ
- Explore Huntington Island BeachΒ
- Take a historic tour
We truly had the most incredible time in Beaufort and I cannot recommend a trip here enough. If you’re planning your trip, I definitely recommend reaching out to the Beaufort Visitor’s CenterΒ –Β they are so incredibly kind and helpful and can guide you in making your most perfect trip.Β
Thanks so much for reading! XO