Visit the Sleepy Southern Town Where ‘Forrest Gump’ Was Filmed
There’s a whole lotta southern charm around here.
Like a great book that you just can’t put down, some small towns are filled with quirky characters and so much personality that their stories have a tendency to jump off the page. And there’s perhaps no town whose stories and larger-than-life characters are begging to be told than Beaufort, South Carolina.
Once upon a time, Beaufort was the home of a former slave turned American war hero and politician Robert Smalls, who became the first Black captain of a Union war vessel during the Civil War. Harriet Tubman lived in Beaufort and led the Combahee River Raid, a military operation that saw hundreds of enslaved people rescued. As the birthplace of legendary boxer Joe Frazier and home to Pat Conroy, the beloved author of literary masterpieces The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini, Beaufort has also made its silver screen debut in films from Forrest Gump and The Big Chill.
Sandwiched between Savannah and Charleston in the South, Beaufort is the second oldest city in South Carolina. Officially founded in 1711, it has retained so much of its original character and charm that it’s since earned the nickname “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands.” It’s a small town with a lot of stories to tell, and from the moment you set foot here, you know you’ve landed someplace special.
Drive Time:
45 minutes from Savannah, Georgia
1 hour and 20 minutes from Charleston, South Carolina
4 hours and 30 minutes from Atlanta, Georgia
If you don’t do anything else: Walk around and soak up some history
Head downtown and waste an afternoon wandering past the stately manor homes lining Bay Street. Be sure to stop into some of the local art galleries, restaurants, and shops and get your soda and ice cream fix at Southern Sweets Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop before you mosey on over to one of the swing benches in Waterfront Park. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and enjoy the view of the Woods Memorial Bridge which you might recognize from the penultimate running scene in Forrest Gump. If you want to dig into the local history, there are a few tour operators to choose from including an excellent Historic Golf Cart Tour and Pat Conroy’s Beaufort By Gold Cart Tour. Conheads should head to the Pat Conroy Literary Center downtown which hosts writers and events and serves as a touching tribute to Beaufort’s very own literary legend.
Fill Your Days:
Water sports in Beaufort
Beaufort’s boating community is second to none, and one of the best ways to experience this Lowcountry locale is by getting out on the water. Fun for groups and families looking to do something truly special, LowCo Tiki is not only Beaufort’s only tiki boat tour, it’s hands down the best way to experience a slice of the Lowcountry lifestyle. It’s also BYOB, so don’t forget to bring plenty of drinks and snacks. Beaufort Kayak Tours are a great way to get up close and personal with the local wildlife.
If you’re rather stay on solid ground, take a stroll around the Cypress Wetlands and see dozens of alligator and snowy egrets and herons all coexisting within the rookery, and treat yourself to a lavender and honey latte and a shrimp and grits skillet at Corner Perk before you go.
Beaches in Beaufort
South Carolina’s most popular state park, Hunting Island State Beach offers five miles of white sand, a historic lighthouse, and plenty of opportunity to hunt for shark teeth that have a tendency to wash ashore here. Make your way to South Beach otherwise known as “the boneyard” where you’ll find palmetto and pine trees buried beneath the sand creating one of the most tragically beautiful settings you’ve ever seen. On your way to or from Hunting Island, Beedos Burgers serves the best-fried chicken sandos and soft serve in town.
Eat, Drink, and Sleep:
Bars and restaurants in Beaufort
For a small town, Beaufort packs in some seriously great eats. Downtown Bay Street is not only one of the most charming downtowns you ever did see, but it’s chock full of excellent eateries starting with brunch at Lowcountry Produce. Herban Market is just a hop skip and jump away, and from freshly baked pastries and excellent vegan options to an out-of-this-world avocado brownie, it’s a great spot to sit outside and and visit for a while. Sea Sea’s Honey Hole is a relative newcomer in town. This bait and tackle shop in Port Royal serves up the best breakfast burritos and, on occasion tacos and smash burgers. Lowcountry Cider Co. & Superior Coffee now has a location in downtown Beaufort. It’s a great spot to grab a coffee and pick up some cute Southern souvenirs.
Come dinnertime, Old Bull Tavern is beloved by Beaufortonians (this local writer included). Serving up the best painkiller in all the land, you can always count on OBT to serve stellar vibes, amazing wood-fired pizzas, and the best-braised chicken and andouille sausage over rice in town. Don’t leave without ordering the butterscotch pudding for dessert. Over on Lady’s Island, Locals Raw Bar opened last year and is the place to get your sushi, fresh fish, and a perfect okonomiyaki.
Over in Port Royal, Shellring is Beaufort’s go-to brewery. In addition to seriously great beer and a rotating menu of delicious food from their on-site food truck, it has some killer views and a lineup of live music and entertainment that ranges from trivia nights and goat yoga. For some slightly more elevated fare, head directly next door to Fishcamp on 11th Street which serves up all the marsh views, Lowcountry boil fixen’s, and live music in the bar on the weekends. If you’re looking for some live music and a solid dive, you’ll find it at The Fillin’ Station. Post up with a bucket of beer on the back porch overlooking the marsh and enjoy the views.
Where to stay in Beaufort
A historic waterfront mansion in downtown Beaufort, Anchorage 1770 is dripping in southern charm at every turn. You’ll find four-poster beds and swoon-worthy porches inside this gorgeous grand dame. Not to mention a romantic restaurant on the ground floor called Ribaut Social Club. On breezy nights, do as the locals do and enjoy a glass of wine or sweet tea on the front porch and watch the swaying moss and boats in the bay pass you by.
Circa 1785 is a brand-new self-service boutique hotel in downtown Beaufort. Featuring five sumptuous suites, a serve-yourself “mission bar” on the second-floor piazza, and freshly brewed coffee every morning, nothing will make you feel like more of a local than a stay at Circa.