Beaufort’s best tours offer practical ways to explore this historic coastal gem. The city’s must-do experiences start with the Pat Conroy literary tour, which brings the author’s beloved stories to life through important local landmarks. Culture seekers will appreciate the authentic Gullah Heritage experience, featuring traditional music and crafts. I love how the Tipsy Tour combines local history with stops at the town’s best drinking spots – it’s sociable and informative. The golf cart film sites tour is especially good for movie buffs and those with limited mobility, while the comprehensive bus tour efficiently covers 500 years of local history. These are my favorite ways to experience Beaufort, and below you’ll find detailed information about our top picks.
Key Points
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The Pat Conroy’s Beaufort Tour offers an intimate 1-hour 15-minute exploration of the renowned author’s early homes, schools, and filming locations in Beaufort.
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The Gullah Heritage Tour provides a 3-hour immersive experience to learn about the Gullah-Geechee culture, including visits to significant historical sites.
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The Beaufort Tipsy Tour is a 2.5-hour tour that allows participants to sample local spirits and craft beers, with a wheelchair-accessible experience.
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The Local History and Film Sites Tour by Golf Cart is a 1-hour tour that showcases Beaufort’s local history and popular filming locations.
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The Historic City Tour by Bus offers a 75-minute rundown of Beaufort’s history since 1521, focusing on the National Historic Landmark District and Civil War Union Occupation.
Beaufort: Pat Conroys Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart
The Beaufort: Pat Conroy’s Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart offers visitors an engaging and immersive exploration of the historic city through the lens of acclaimed author Pat Conroy’s life and works.
The 1-hour 15-minute tour, led by a knowledgeable live guide, takes participants to sites from Conroy’s life, including his early homes, schools, and filming locations for his novels.
Guests can also visit the Conroy Center, which houses artifacts like Conroy’s writing desk and the handwritten prologue to “The Prince of Tides.”
With a group size limited to 10 and an affordable price, this tour is a must-do for fans of Conroy’s literary legacy.
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Beaufort: Gullah Heritage Tour
Immersive tours of Beaufort’s Gullah-Geechee heritage offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural tapestry of the region’s Sea Islands.
The 3-hour Beaufort: Gullah Heritage Tour, limited to just 10 participants, immerses guests in the history and traditions of this vibrant community.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour visits notable locations like Lady’s Island, St. Helena, and Hunting Island, including one of the country’s first schools for freed slaves.
Guests marvel at the ruins of island churches and learn the stories and songs integral to Gullah-Geechee culture.
Though not suitable for those with mobility issues, the tour provides an intimate, informative experience for just $1,289 per person.
Read our full review: Beaufort: Gullah Heritage Tour Review
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Beaufort Tipsy Tour
One popular tour option in Beaufort, South Carolina is the Beaufort Tipsy Tour, a 2.5-hour experience that allows visitors to sample a curated selection of local spirits and craft beers.
Priced at $659 per person, the tour includes seven spirit samples from RLB Distillery and one flagship beer from Shellring Ale Works.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and led by a live guide in English. Complimentary pick-up and drop-off from hotels in the Historic District are provided. Guests must be 21 or older to participate.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable, friendly guides and the informative, enjoyable nature of the experience.
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Beaufort: Local History and Film Sites Tour by Golf Cart
Visitors to Beaufort, South Carolina can embark on a captivating 1-hour golf cart tour that delves into the city’s rich local history and famous film locations.
The tour, available in English, costs from SEK 358 per person and is limited to 7 participants.
Highlights include exploring the historic district, discovering filming sites from movies like Forrest Gump, and seeing stunning live oaks and pre-Civil War houses.
With an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 60 reviews, the tour offers an enjoyable and informative experience.
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, while food, drinks, and tips aren’t included.
Read our full review: Beaufort: Local History and Film Sites Tour by Golf Cart Review
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Beaufort: Historic City Tour by Bus
Although located in the heart of the historic district, the Beaufort Historic City Tour by Bus provides visitors with a rundown of the city’s rich history dating back to 1521.
This 75-minute tour aboard a climate-controlled bus takes passengers through the National Historic Landmark District, highlighting the impact of the Civil War Union Occupation on local houses and residents.
Knowledgeable guides share insights into Beaufort’s past, including its role as a filming location for over 24 Hollywood movies.
The tour also offers views of antebellum houses and churches in the famous Old Point area and The Bluff.
With a 4.9/5 rating based on 182 reviews, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Beaufort.
Read our full review: Beaufort: Historic City Tour by Bus Review
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The Sum Up
Beaufort, South Carolina, offers a range of captivating tours that showcase its rich history, cultural heritage, and cinematic connections. From Gullah Heritage tours to golf cart explorations of film sites, visitors can enjoy the charming coastal town’s captivating narratives. Whether seeking a tipsy adventure or a comprehensive historical overview, Beaufort’s diverse tour options cater to various interests, providing an engaging and insightful exploration of this enchanting Southern destination.