Palmetto Guidebook
Food scene
We get pizza from Ryan's every time we come into town. Best part is they are less than a half mile away! Feel free to stay awhile and play pool with family or friends.
Ryan's Famous Pizza & Subs
14 SC-128We get pizza from Ryan's every time we come into town. Best part is they are less than a half mile away! Feel free to stay awhile and play pool with family or friends.
Whether you're stopping by for lunch or dinner, Wren Bistro & Bar offers a laidback vibe right in the heart of the historic downtown core. Plenty of locally grown and sourced ingredients, as well as a great selection of microbrews and wines, make this a great place to stop no matter whether you're in the mood for a meal or to simply enjoy a drink.
If you visit at lunchtime, you'll have a choice of dishes like shellfish bisque, toasted pecan and cranberry chicken salad (my favorite!), Lowcountry cobb salad, crispy fish sandwich, or their Southern Tier 11 fried green tomato dish. Visiting a little later? Expect to see a variety of sharing plates like the wild mushroom flatbread, as well as mains like crispy flounder, Carolina shrimp n' grits, and Mahi & shrimp served with a crispy grit cake.
Wren is open Tuesday through Saturday and closed on Sunday and Monday. Lunch runs from 11 AM to 3 PM, the "In Between" from 3 PM to 5 PM, and dining hours are from 5 PM to 10 PM. If you have your heart set on a particular menu, make sure to time your arrival properly.
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Wren
210 Carteret StWhether you're stopping by for lunch or dinner, Wren Bistro & Bar offers a laidback vibe right in the heart of the historic downtown core. Plenty of locally grown and sourced ingredients, as well as a great selection of microbrews and wines, make this a great place to stop no matter whether you're in the mood for a meal or to simply enjoy a drink.
If you visit at lunchtime, you'll have a choice of dishes like shellfish bisque, toasted pecan and cranberry chicken salad (my favorite!), Lowcountry cobb salad, crispy fish sandwich, or their Southern Tier 11 fried green tomato dish. Visiting a little later? Expect to see a variety of sharing plates like the wild mushroom flatbread, as well as mains like crispy flounder, Carolina shrimp n' grits, and Mahi & shrimp served with a crispy grit cake.
Wren is open Tuesday through Saturday and closed on Sunday and Monday. Lunch runs from 11 AM to 3 PM, the "In Between" from 3 PM to 5 PM, and dining hours are from 5 PM to 10 PM. If you have your heart set on a particular menu, make sure to time your arrival properly.
PLUMS RESTAURANT
You'll find Plums Restaurant just a short walk from the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park on Bay Street in historic downtown Beaufort. Stop in to sample local seasonal goods from nearby farms and seafood suppliers, all served with creative Lowcountry flare.
Seafood lovers will be happy to see dishes like fresh on-the-half-shell oysters, fried oysters, and the fresh shrimp and oyster tower. Likewise, you'll spot Southern classics like a traditional Lowcountry boil, shrimp & grits, pan-seared crab cakes, and gumbo. And if seafood and Southern cuisine isn't to your tastes, Plums also has a healthy selection of burgers and salads.
No need to go the extra mile in planning your visit to Plums either. They're open every day of the week from 11 AM to 9 PM. Be sure to ask for a table outside and you'll enjoy a view of Waterfront Park with your relaxing lunch or dinner!
904 Bay St
904 Bay StreetPLUMS RESTAURANT
You'll find Plums Restaurant just a short walk from the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park on Bay Street in historic downtown Beaufort. Stop in to sample local seasonal goods from nearby farms and seafood suppliers, all served with creative Lowcountry flare.
Seafood lovers will be happy to see dishes like fresh on-the-half-shell oysters, fried oysters, and the fresh shrimp and oyster tower. Likewise, you'll spot Southern classics like a traditional Lowcountry boil, shrimp & grits, pan-seared crab cakes, and gumbo. And if seafood and Southern cuisine isn't to your tastes, Plums also has a healthy selection of burgers and salads.
No need to go the extra mile in planning your visit to Plums either. They're open every day of the week from 11 AM to 9 PM. Be sure to ask for a table outside and you'll enjoy a view of Waterfront Park with your relaxing lunch or dinner!
Local Beaches
::Approximately 30 minutes away::
Hunting Island Beach is by far the most well-known and popular beach in Beaufort, South Carolina. Located inside the Hunting Island State Park, this beach boasts five miles of sandy, oasis-like shoreline. Due to its popularity with tourists and locals alike, this is the busiest beach in the area – the park sees about a million visitors through its gates every year!
If you're looking to take a dip in the water, Hunting Island Beach is the place to be. It's known for the best swimming in the area.
Of course, you're also likely to see local wildlife during your visit. Much like Hilton Head Island, loggerhead turtles frequent this area during the summer months for nesting season.
You'll also see a variety of shorebirds and seabirds during your beach time – it's a popular spot for them to feed, nest and rest during migration.
Hunting Island Beach keeps the same hours as the park. It's open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, with extended closing at 9 PM during daylight savings time. Your park admission fee covers access to the beach.
That said, if you're traveling with a group and planning on visiting more than a couple of times during your stay in Beaufort, you may want to consider an annual park pass instead.
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Hunting Island
::Approximately 30 minutes away::
Hunting Island Beach is by far the most well-known and popular beach in Beaufort, South Carolina. Located inside the Hunting Island State Park, this beach boasts five miles of sandy, oasis-like shoreline. Due to its popularity with tourists and locals alike, this is the busiest beach in the area – the park sees about a million visitors through its gates every year!
If you're looking to take a dip in the water, Hunting Island Beach is the place to be. It's known for the best swimming in the area.
Of course, you're also likely to see local wildlife during your visit. Much like Hilton Head Island, loggerhead turtles frequent this area during the summer months for nesting season.
You'll also see a variety of shorebirds and seabirds during your beach time – it's a popular spot for them to feed, nest and rest during migration.
Hunting Island Beach keeps the same hours as the park. It's open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, with extended closing at 9 PM during daylight savings time. Your park admission fee covers access to the beach.
That said, if you're traveling with a group and planning on visiting more than a couple of times during your stay in Beaufort, you may want to consider an annual park pass instead.
::Approximately 10 minutes away::
Looking for a beach that's close to downtown Beaufort? Look no further than The Sands. You'll find this free public beach (and its stellar river and estuary views) where Battery Creek meets the Beaufort River in Port Royal.
The Sands is a particularly great spot for soaking up the sun, taking a casual stroll along the shore, and hunting for shark's teeth. Just be sure to wear your shoes – there are sharp oyster shell clusters scattered along this beach.
Visiting for the view? Make sure to check out the four-story tall observation tower on the Henry Robinson Boardwalk. It's the best way to see the surrounding sights. The boardwalk is also a great spot for fishing.
Similar to Daytona Beach, The Sands is one of only a handful of U.S. beaches where you can drive your car out and park on the beach. Of course, be sure to check the tide schedule if you do. You wouldn't want to get stranded out there during high tide!
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The Sands
::Approximately 10 minutes away::
Looking for a beach that's close to downtown Beaufort? Look no further than The Sands. You'll find this free public beach (and its stellar river and estuary views) where Battery Creek meets the Beaufort River in Port Royal.
The Sands is a particularly great spot for soaking up the sun, taking a casual stroll along the shore, and hunting for shark's teeth. Just be sure to wear your shoes – there are sharp oyster shell clusters scattered along this beach.
Visiting for the view? Make sure to check out the four-story tall observation tower on the Henry Robinson Boardwalk. It's the best way to see the surrounding sights. The boardwalk is also a great spot for fishing.
Similar to Daytona Beach, The Sands is one of only a handful of U.S. beaches where you can drive your car out and park on the beach. Of course, be sure to check the tide schedule if you do. You wouldn't want to get stranded out there during high tide!
Parks
::Approximately 15 minutes away::
This is the park to visit if you're planning a day in downtown Beaufort. Open for over 40 years, this park was named after the local Beaufort mayor that spent a good amount of his career pushing for the construction of this public green space. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park now serves as both a local marina and free local spot to enjoy Beaufort waterfront views in the downtown core.
Today, tourists and locals alike can enjoy the 7 acres of picturesque, dog-friendly park in a number of ways. The walking paths offer a great opportunity to take in the live oaks and palmettos, younger visitors enjoy the waterfront playground, and there's plenty of room to enjoy a laid back picnic in the park.
Amenities include plenty of benches to lounge on while taking in views of the harbor, safe drinking water, and restrooms. You can also rent kayaks for a Beaufort kayak tour at the marina. Park access is completely free (there are pay stations for parking).
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Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
Bay Street::Approximately 15 minutes away::
This is the park to visit if you're planning a day in downtown Beaufort. Open for over 40 years, this park was named after the local Beaufort mayor that spent a good amount of his career pushing for the construction of this public green space. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park now serves as both a local marina and free local spot to enjoy Beaufort waterfront views in the downtown core.
Today, tourists and locals alike can enjoy the 7 acres of picturesque, dog-friendly park in a number of ways. The walking paths offer a great opportunity to take in the live oaks and palmettos, younger visitors enjoy the waterfront playground, and there's plenty of room to enjoy a laid back picnic in the park.
Amenities include plenty of benches to lounge on while taking in views of the harbor, safe drinking water, and restrooms. You can also rent kayaks for a Beaufort kayak tour at the marina. Park access is completely free (there are pay stations for parking).
Shell Point Park is only 1.4 miles away. It has 1 tennis court, 2 pickleball courts, a soccer field, playground, and paved walking path.
Shell Point Park
381 Broad River DrShell Point Park is only 1.4 miles away. It has 1 tennis court, 2 pickleball courts, a soccer field, playground, and paved walking path.
Historic
The best place to get an overview of Beaufort's rich 450-year history is the Beaufort History Museum. It covers the founding of the city and surrounding area through its role in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and Reconstruction.
This is also a good first stop as guests can pick up maps and information on other attractions at the attached visitor center.
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Beaufort History Museum
713 Craven StThe best place to get an overview of Beaufort's rich 450-year history is the Beaufort History Museum. It covers the founding of the city and surrounding area through its role in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and Reconstruction.
This is also a good first stop as guests can pick up maps and information on other attractions at the attached visitor center.
Things To Do
For those nostalgic for the experience of watching a movie on the big screen from the comfort of one’s car, look no further than ‘s Highway 21 Drive-In. This outdoor theater opened in 1978 and operated with great success over the following decades. As other drive-in movie theaters closed by the late 1980s due to the increasing number of indoor multiplexes as well as the development of such properties, the Highway 21 Drive-In remained popular.
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Highway 21 Drive-In Theater
55 Parker DrFor those nostalgic for the experience of watching a movie on the big screen from the comfort of one’s car, look no further than ‘s Highway 21 Drive-In. This outdoor theater opened in 1978 and operated with great success over the following decades. As other drive-in movie theaters closed by the late 1980s due to the increasing number of indoor multiplexes as well as the development of such properties, the Highway 21 Drive-In remained popular.
This is an awesome trail with over 10 miles of paved 12-feet wide paths and six parking trailheads to choose from. It's a fun and accessible way to experience the Lowcountry wilderness.
Open to pedestrians and non-motorized transportation, this would be a great place to stop if you're traveling with your bike, if you're an avid runner, or to take your canine friend on a leashed walk. And as far as trailside amenities go, you'll find a couple of restrooms on-site.
If you're looking for beautiful marsh and coastal views – not to mention the local wildlife – then you'll certainly find it on this trail. You can visit the Spanish Moss Trail daily between dawn and dusk for free.
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Spanish Moss Trail
Spanish Moss TrailThis is an awesome trail with over 10 miles of paved 12-feet wide paths and six parking trailheads to choose from. It's a fun and accessible way to experience the Lowcountry wilderness.
Open to pedestrians and non-motorized transportation, this would be a great place to stop if you're traveling with your bike, if you're an avid runner, or to take your canine friend on a leashed walk. And as far as trailside amenities go, you'll find a couple of restrooms on-site.
If you're looking for beautiful marsh and coastal views – not to mention the local wildlife – then you'll certainly find it on this trail. You can visit the Spanish Moss Trail daily between dawn and dusk for free.