The wedding is actually on Dataw Island, but Dataw is a little known island off of the city of Beaufort, so it seemed to make more sense to tell you about Beaufort. Even though we have not spent a ton of time in the town, it quickly grew on us.
Beaufort is a quaint, laid-back southern coastal city whose average temperature in June is 77 degrees, and we think you will really enjoy your time there.
See a map of Beaufort, Dataw Island, and some other important locales.
While you are in town, we suggest that you take the opportunity to experience some of the local flavor. Here are some suggestions:
Tours:
SouthurnRose Buggy Tours (843) 524-2900
Take one of our relaxing carriage tours, let our professional tour guides and the clippity-clop of our horses take you back to a simpler time.
Carolina Buggy Tours (843) 525-1300
901 Port Republic Street, Downtown Beaufort. Tours of the Historic downtown leave every 40 minutes and are 45 minutes long, for a cost of $18 per person.
The Spirit of Old Beaufort (Walking Tour) (843) 525-0459
Come, join “The Spirit of Old Beaufort” for an experience of Beaufort’s charm that you will never forget. Your hosts, clad in period dress, will stimulate your imagination to transport you to another age, apart from the noise and rush of today’s world.
Beaufort Kayak Tours (843) 525-0810
They provide fully guided tours in easy to enter, stable kayaks in the waters surrounding historic Beaufort.
Parks & Museums:
Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
This park is located downtown and overlooks the water. Its a place to walk, sit or swing. There is Plum's homemade ice cream, several restaurants, shops & galleries.
Beaufort Arsenal Museum (843) 525-7077
The Museum houses many relics of nature, war and early industry and is one of the facilities owned by the Beaufort Historic Foundation.
Parris Island Museum (843) 228-2951
The island offers a FREE museum that focuses on the history of Parris Island from prehistoric times till the present.
Hunting Island State Park & Lighthouse (843) 838-2011
Only 15 minutes from Beaufort is the Hunting Island State Park, which is a secluded barrier island with a lighthouse. Check out the beach and climb the 19th century lighthouse.
Places to Eat:
Emily's Restaurant and Tapas Bar
906 Port Republic Street - 843-522-1866
A Kupper family favorite. This tapas bar/restaurant is a lively place that serves some of the most unique food in town. (smoker friendly)
Plums Waterfront Restaurant
904 1/2 Bay Street - 843-525-1946
This restaurant overlooks the water and is decorated with folk art. They have a changing menu that
offers regional favorites. They are open for lunch and dinner and we have heard that the bar is open until 2 AM.
Luther's Rare & Well Done
910 Bay Street - 843-521-1888
Luther’s has a late-night menu and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. The atmosphere is casual and the porch has a great view of the water. They are an American grille serving steaks, ribs, & chops.
Restaurant Bateaux
27 Whitehall Landing - 843-379-0777
Restaurant Bateaux is located on the peninsula of Lady's Island and overlooks historic downtown
Beaufort and the scenic river.
Saltus River Grill
802 Bay Street - 843-379-3474
Saltus offers contemporary seafood grill that combines the atmosphere of a hip Manhattan restaurant
combined with South Carolina historic southern charm.
Blackstone's Cafe
205 Scott Street - 843-524-4330
A popular breakfast/brunch locale. In addition to the typical breakfast items, you can order crab
cakes, salmon omelets or shrimp and grits. One of the few places open on a Sunday morning. Get there
before the church crowd if you do not want to wait a while for a table.
Magnolia Bakery Cafe & Ice Cream
703 Congress St. - 843-524-1961
Selected as the “Best Bakery” in Beaufort in the 2001 Reader’s Choice Award.
The Shrimp Shack
1929 Sea Island Parkway - St. Helena Island - 843-838-2962
Right before the bridge to Hunting Island is the Shrimp Shack. If you go, order the menu favorit, which is a shrimp burger and enjoy it on the screened in porch, which overlooks the marsh.
Barbara Jean's
47 Ferry Road - 843-524-2400
Barbara Jean's features Southern Homestyle Cooking, with a heavy emphasis on Seafood. Try the crab cakes, which is their specialty.
***If you are walking around the downtown area and pass a restaurant called Panini's Cafe, keep on walking and PASS. We have heard nothing but negative comments about this place.***
Golf:
The Legends at Parris Island
843-228-2240
This golf course on the famous Parris Island is open to the public and is located on a peninsula intersected by two rivers. You should try and call at least a day ahead to get tee times. It is rated among the top 10 military courses in the world.
South Carolina National
843-524-0300
This incredible golf course is located on Cat Island, a 432-acre barrier island two miles southeast of Beaufort.