Beaufort: History, Literature, and Waterfront Trails

The following places and topics bring these differences to life and give your planning a focus.

Beaufort’s history and historic sites

Beaufort’s original 304-acre city area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. Beaufort’s Historic District was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973. The dates refer to different designations: one for the original city area and one for the Historic District.

During the Civil War, downtown Beaufort, South Carolina, served as the U.S. military command center for operations along the southeastern coast. Another historical timeline can be traced at the Beaufort Arsenal: it was built in 1799, rebuilt in 1852, and renovated by the Works Progress Administration in 1934. The Beaufort History Museum is located in the Arsenal at 713 Craven Street. Thus, the museum and the building with its documented construction and renovation history are in the same place.

Visitor sites and their opening hours

The Reconstruction Era National Historical Park Visitor Center is located at 706 Craven Street and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Pat Conroy Literary Center celebrates Pat Conroy’s literary and educational legacy. It is open to the public Thursday through Sunday, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

When planning your day, the main difference between the opening hours is the days of the week: the Visitor Center is open daily, while the Literary Center is open Thursday through Sunday. Check the respective opening hours before your visit, as they may change. This lets you plan around the days when you want to focus on the two distinct topics: the Reconstruction Era and Pat Conroy’s literary work.

Beaufort National Cemetery

The grounds of Beaufort National Cemetery also tell a story through their layout: the burial plots are arranged in semicircles, and the roads radiate like the spokes of a wheel. Among the original burials were some of the first African American soldiers to serve in the United States Army.

Park rangers work with staff at Beaufort National Cemetery to share the history of the cemetery and of those buried there from the Civil War and Reconstruction Era. This place brings together two aspects: the distinctive layout of the grounds and the stories of the people buried there. Those interested in the history of the United States will find a specific historical connection here within the city.

Trails, salt marshes, and waterfront activities

The Spanish Moss Trail offers walkers and cyclists views of Battery Creek and extensive salt marshes. The 12-foot-wide paved trail runs from Beaufort to Port Royal. Its route may change as construction progresses, so check the current route in advance. The Downtown Beaufort Connector links the Spanish Moss Trail to Beaufort’s historic Bay Street.

For planning purposes, it helps to distinguish the trail connection from the landscape experiences: the Connector links the trail with Bay Street, while the views of Battery Creek and the salt marshes describe the trail’s character. Beaufort can also be explored from the water. The Beaufort River and the Intracoastal Waterway are suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. Kayak tours around Beaufort explore the coast, the river, and the surrounding salt marshes. In addition to the paved trail and its connection to historic Bay Street, outdoor activities also include paddling opportunities with varied landscapes to explore.

Discover more destinations: Bluffton, Saint Helena Island, Hilton Head Island, Port Royal, Okatie

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