Introduction to Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort, South Carolina, in Beaufort county, is 34 miles NE of Savannah, Georgia (center to center) and 156 miles N of Jacksonville, Florida.
Beaufort History
Before the white settlers arrived, the region was inhabited by small Native American tribes including the Yemasee, Coosaw, Coosawhatchie, Edisto, Ashepoo, Kiowa (Kiawah), Datha (Dataw), and Combahee tribes. The Spanish were the first Europeans to explore and establish a colony and Beaufort was chartered in 1711 as the second major settlement in South Carolina. It was named in honor of Henry Somerset, 2nd Duke of Beaufort.
Beaufort and Nearby Attractions
- Historic Beaufort Foundation
- Beaufort Arsenal Museum
- Hunting Island State Park
- John Mark Verdier House
- Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
- Edisto Island Serpentarium
Things To Do In Beaufort
Among popular attractions near Beaufort are the South Carolina Aquarium, Cypress Gardens, and Edisto Island Serpentarium. There are several museums located near Beaufort including Tybee Island Light Station, Davenport House Museum, Roundhouse Railroad Museum, and Telfair Museum of Art. A trip may be planned to places of historic interest, such as Fort McAllister State Historic Park, Fort Pulaski National Monument, Wormsloe State Historic Site, and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Recreational opportunities for activities like camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking are available at Lake Warren State Park, Hunting Island State Park, and Edisto Beach State Park.
Beaufort Transportation
Flights are available from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.
Beaufort Higher Education
University of South Carolina and Technical College of the Lowcountry are located in Beaufort. Other colleges nearby include Savannah State University and Armstrong Atlantic State University.
