Location
Region: Atlantic, ICW
Latitude: 37.0262° N
Longitude: -76.35141° W
Waterway Guide: Beaufort, SC
Destination: Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort (pronounced with a “U” sound as in Beautiful. Remember, “U” for soUth, “O” for nOrth), not to be confused with Beaufort, North Carolina, is a popular stop on the ICW. Beaufort, most commonly known for the Marine Corps Parris Island training center and Air Station Beaufort, is about 20 miles north of Hilton Head, South Carolina. Technically, Parris Island is in Port Royal, SC, but most people associate it with Beaufort.
Beaufort is along the Beaufort River, part of the Port Royal Sound Basin. The central part of Beaufort is between the McTeer Bridge on the South End and the Beaufort Memorial Swing Bridge in the North. Note to cruisers, the entire section of ICW between the bridges is a No Wake zone. The folks at the marinas and yacht clubs will let you know if you don’t go slow (and even if you do!) There is a sign on the Memorial Swing Bridge if you are headed south, but it’s missing on the McTeer Bridge if you are heading north.
At the north end of Beaufort, near the Swing Bridge, is the downtown section of Beaufort that offers a quaint downtown with lots of restaurants and shops.
There are three marina/anchorage areas in Beaufort, from South to North. The first is right after the McTeer Bridge at the Safe Harbor Port Royal Landing Marina. This area is about 3 miles from downtown. The second area is in downtown Beaufort, just before the Memorial Swing Bridge. The third is to the east of Beaufort, on the far side of the Swing Bridge, near the Lady’s Island Marina and just over a mile to downtown. When talking about Where to Eat, Shopping, and Where To Stay we will refer to these as South, Downtown, and Lady’s Island.
Where To Eat
South Beaufort
At the Port Royal Landing Marina, there is the Marker 244 Restaurant, which has a great bar and standard sandwiches, burgers, and seafood fare. Under a mile away on the main road to Beaufort, there are several options. Hardy’s and Burger King for fast food. Agave Mexican Grill for Mexican, a Japanese steakhouse, Yummy Habachi & Sushi, and a local favorite sandwich shop, Alvin Ord’s Sandwich Shop.
Downtown Beaufort
Downtown Beaufort has lots of dining options. Most are centered around Bay Street, the main downtown street. During our stay, we tried Panini’s On The Waterfront, an Italian restaurant that was quite good. Q on Bay, a great BBQ joint, and our favorite of the visit, Hearth Wood Fired Pizza. We also had Saltus River Grill suggested for a more upscale dining experience, Lost Local for tacos and seafood, and Breakwater Restaurant & Bar, a southern restaurant. All are local favorites. Other popular stops on Bay Street include Hemingway’s Bistro, Luther’s Rare & Well Done, and Plums. For Breakfast, there’s Lowcountry Cider & Superior Coffee Beaufort on Bay, and Blackstone’s Cafe and City Java & News, just a block up.
Lady’s Island
From Lady’s Island, you can access all of the Downtown Beaufort options with a 1-mile walk or bike ride across the swing bridge.
At the Lady’s Island Marina is Lady’s Island Dockside, a seafood & Southern-style restaurant with a nice bar and outdoor seating. Across the street from the marina is Mameem & Maudie Beaufort Cafe with breakfast, sandwiches, and ice cream. Also within walking distance is The Fillin’ Station, a bar and grill, Q’s Chicken Shack, touted as the best chicken in town, The Upper Crust pizza, and Huddle House, a popular Southern chain restaurant that also serves breakfast.
Just slightly farther on toward the Publix shopping plaza is a Dairy Queen, The Kitchen, a take-out only restaurant, Brody’s Bar & Grill, a local favorite, Waffle House, and Wendy’s.
Shopping Therapy
South Beaufort
There is not much shopping around the Port Royal Marina. There is a CVS drug store, a Walgreens drug store, Advanced Auto Parts, Ace Hardware, and for groceries a Piggly Wiggly all within about a half-mile of the Port Royal Marina.
You can also get to the Publix and Food Lion about 3 miles away on the other side of the McTeer Bridge.
Downtown Beaufort
In downtown, there are lots of interesting shops, boutiques, and galleries. Like the restaurants, most are located along Bay Street in the Historic Downtown Area. A couple that we found especially interesting was the Old Bay Marketplace, a collection of shops and eateries that includes LuLu Burgess – a unique gift shop, McIntosh Book Shoppe, OG Fresh – a juice bar and restaurant, and Southern Sweets Ice Cream. Also worth checking out are the Monkey’s Uncle toy shop, Bay Street Outfitters, a fishing store, Lowcountry Jerky, a gift shop with a large selection of jerky, and The Beaufort Candy Shoppe!
For provisioning, your best bet is to cross the Swing Bridge to Lady’s Island to the Publix, Harris Teeter, and Food Lion, which are about 2 miles from downtown. (see below)
Lady’s Island
As with restaurants, downtown Beaufort is less than a mile across the bridge. On Lady’s Island, there are also a few interesting shops. Lady’s Island Marina Store has several shops, a salon, sail repair, and more. Higher Ground – an outdoor sports store, Collectors Antique Mall – a great place for browsing, and Bill’s Liquors & Fine Wine to restock your bar.
About a half mile from the marina are two large plazas with several grocery options, including Publix, Harris Teeter, and Food Lion. You will also find several banks, Walgreens Pharmacy, and a UPS Store.
Getting Around On Shore
There is pubic bus service around the Beaufort area provided by Palmetto Breeze Transit. Uber and Lyft operate in the area, but availability may be limited at times.
Downtown Beaufort is very walkable as it is all in a compact area. Traveling between Downtown and Lady’s Island over the Woods Memorial Swing Bridge is also walkable or bikeable. There is a good sidewalk across the bridge and along the Sea Island Parkway.
Keeping Entertained
- Beaufort Tours – There are several tours of historic Beaufort available, both by golf cart and horse-drawn carriage. Two of the tour companies are right in downtown near the Beaufort marina.
- If you fancy Ghost Tours, the Beaufort Ghost Tour may be for you!
- The Historic District surrounds the downtown area, and it is very walkable.
- Beaufort’s History Museum features many excellent displays and is conveniently located just a short walk from downtown. Their hours are a bit hit or miss as they rely on volunteers, so be sure to call ahead.
Getting There
Beaufort is on the main ICW Route. From the South, it is 20 miles north of Hilton Head Island. From the North, Beaufort is about 65 miles south of Charleston, SC. The Port Royal Inlet gives excellent access if you are offshore and want to tuck in to get out of the weather or visit Beaufort!
Marinas and Anchorages
- Safeharbor Port Royal Landing – Is on the South End of Beaufort. A nice facility with Diesel, Gas, and Pumpout. This marina can be a bit bouncy if the winds are from the south. There is a restaurant on site with groceries about 1/2 a mile away. Phone: (843) 524-4422
- Beaufort South Anchorage – There is a popular anchorage just north of Safeharbor Port Royal Landing on the west side of the ICW Channel, and another just north of that on the East side of the ICW Channel. Again, if the winds are from the south, this anchorage can get a bit sporty!
- Safeharbor Beaufort – is located right in downtown Beaufort next to the Swing Bridge and offers the best access to all that Beaufort has to offer. Offering Diesel, Gas, and pumpout with some repairs available. This location is much more protected from south winds; however, be aware of strong currents around and through the marina. The dock staff will advise you on what to watch out for. There are lots of restaurant options within easy walking distance. Phone: (843) 524-4422
- Beaufort Anchorage – There is a mooring field run by Safeharbor Beaufort Marina, as well as an anchorage just to the south of the marina. Fairly well protected and with easy access to downtown. Safeharbor operates a dinghy dock, or you can use the Beaufort East Day Dock.
- Beaufort East Day Dock – is located just north of Safeharbor. It is a 140 ft face dock with no power or water available. There is a 3-hour limit, and no dockage is allowed between 1 am and 6 am, so it’s not appropriate for overnight. However, if you want to dock and visit downtown or have dinner, then move to one of the anchorages, it’s a great option.
- Factory Creek Anchorage – is just off the east side of the ICW, after the Swing Bridge, Northbound. It is very well protected. You can access either Beaufort or Lady’s Island by dinghy.
- Lady’s Island Marina – is probably the best-protected marina in Beaufort. It does not have fuel, but it does offer pumpout. There is a restaurant on site, and easy access to more options is available, just a short walk away. Additionally, three grocery stores are located less than a mile away. Phone: (843) 522-0430
Where To Find Out More
Have you been to Beaufort, SC? What is your favorite spot?
Share it in the comments below! 
Have you been to Beaufort? What is your favorite place?
Let us know in the comments below!
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