24 Hours in Beaufort, SC: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary for a Lowcountry Getaway
If you’re planning a weekend in Beaufort SC and wondering where to stay, where to eat, and the best things to do in downtown Beaufort, this 24-hour Beaufort itinerary will help you plan the perfect Lowcountry getaway.
As a born-and-raised Carolina girl who knows her way around the state, this is exactly how I would spend 24 hours in historic Beaufort, South Carolina — slowly, intentionally, and soaking in every bit of waterfront charm.
Whether you're visiting for a romantic weekend, a girls’ trip, or a quick coastal reset, Beaufort SC offers walkable streets, historic homes, waterfront views, and some of the best restaurants in the Lowcountry.
Where to Stay in Beaufort, South Carolina
Check Into the Rhett House Inn in Downtown Beaufort
If you’re looking for where to stay in Beaufort SC, the historic Rhett House Inn is one of the most charming options in downtown Beaufort.
Located just steps from Bay Street and the Beaufort waterfront, this Southern inn features:
Classic Lowcountry architecture
Rocking chairs on wide front porches
Complimentary evening charcuterie
A relaxed, intimate atmosphere
After settling into your room, enjoy the evening porch scene as the Spanish moss sways overhead. It’s the perfect way to begin a weekend in Beaufort, South Carolina.
Friday Night: Dinner in Downtown Beaufort
Old Bull Tavern on Bay Street
When it comes to the best restaurants in Beaufort SC, Old Bull Tavern consistently tops the list.
Located just off Bay Street in downtown Beaufort, this cozy, European-inspired tavern is known for:
A seasonal, chef-driven menu
Thoughtful local market partnerships
Warm, welcoming service
After dinner, take a slow walk along the Beaufort waterfront park under the evening lights before heading back to your inn. Downtown Beaufort at night is quiet, romantic, and deeply Southern.
Saturday Morning: Historic Beaufort Walking Tour
One of the best things to do in Beaufort SC is simply walk.
Start your morning with breakfast on the porch at the Rhett House Inn, then head toward The Point neighborhood — one of the most beautiful and historic areas in Beaufort, South Carolina.
Here you’ll find:
Waterfront mansions with sweeping porches
Live oaks draped in Spanish moss
Historic homes dating back to the 1700s
Film locations from movies like The Big Chill
If you’re looking for a free and unforgettable activity, this historic Beaufort walking tour through The Point offers stunning views and timeless Lowcountry architecture.
A Literary Stop: Pat Conroy Literary Center
Beaufort SC is known for its deep literary roots.
Stop by the Pat Conroy Literary Center in downtown Beaufort to explore the life and legacy of one of the South’s most beloved authors.
For book lovers and Southern history enthusiasts, this is one of the most meaningful cultural attractions in Beaufort, South Carolina.
Best Lunch in Downtown Beaufort, SC
Before heading home, enjoy lunch at one of these top-rated downtown Beaufort restaurants:
Plums Restaurant
A waterfront staple serving shrimp and grits, sandwiches, and classic Lowcountry dishes.
Lowcountry Produce Market & Café
Fresh soups, salads, and locally sourced ingredients in a charming historic building.
Blackstone’s Café
A longtime Beaufort favorite known for tomato pie and casual Southern fare.
Panini’s on the Waterfront
Water views paired with sandwiches, seafood, and relaxed outdoor seating.
Q on Bay
Lowcountry barbecue and waterfront dining in the heart of downtown Beaufort.
All of these Beaufort SC lunch spots are walkable from Bay Street and ideal for wrapping up your 24-hour Beaufort itinerary.
Why Beaufort, South Carolina Is the Perfect Weekend Getaway?
If you’re looking for a charming coastal town in South Carolina that offers:
Walkable historic streets
Waterfront views
Incredible dining
Literary history
Relaxed Lowcountry atmosphere
Beaufort SC delivers.
It’s one of the most romantic and scenic weekend destinations in South Carolina — and it’s easy to explore in just 24 hours.
Save this Beaufort travel guide for your next Lowcountry getaway, and come ready to slow down.
Rock on a porch.
Walk under the moss.
Savor downtown Beaufort.
And remember why we love living in the South.
