Exploring the Historic District is an essential part of any visit to Beaufort and should not be missed as you are sure to be taken in by Beaufort’s charm and beauty.

The original settlement of Beaufort, the second oldest city in South Carolina, can be found in the downtown or historic district area. Beaufort was one of the only Southern towns chosen to be occupied by Union troops, rather than destroyed. It is also one of only a handful of U.S. towns that has had its entire downtown designated an historic district by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Beaufort’s Historic District is filled with mansions built by wealthy plantation owners before the Civil War and more than 50 historic structures have been identified here, including many private Homes that have been beautifully restored, with some of the oldest buildings dating back to the 1700s.

There are several ways to see the Historic District. A self-guided tour is easily made, as Beaufort’s downtown is relatively compact and pedestrian friendly; a guided-walking tour while listening to guides touch on the history of Beaufort as well as the stories of the past; relax and enjoy Beaufort in a horse-drawn carriage or bus tour; or take a river tour and view Beaufort’s riverfront Homes from the intracoastal waterway.

No matter your interest, seeing the historic district will give you the best appreciation of Beaufort’s history and charm.

Featured Communities

Islands of Beaufort: Burton
The Islands of Beaufort is a private community located along Battery Creek, just minutes from downtown Beaufort, South Carolina. Surrounded by Low Country greenery, marshes and water, it offers the ideal location for building the Southern-style home … More On This Community

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Jericho Woods: Mossy Oaks
Very centrally situated near the Hospital, shopping and restaurants, this small neighborhood of primarily villas, has been in demand for years. A meandering road makes a circle through the homes and makes for a very tranquil setting…. More On This Community

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Cat Island: Ladys Island
Cat Island is only minutes from downtown Historic Beaufort. Located on over 400 acres of natural habitat, Cat Island is a most perfect spot for real estate ownership. Owners enjoy gorgous barrier island vistas, ancient oaks and wildlife galore. For G… More On This Community

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Pt Royal: Pt Royal
The Town of Port Royal is situated between the Beaufort River and Battery Creek in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The Town is home to two military installations, Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island and Naval Hospital, Beaufort, as well as nei… More On This Community

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Cottage Farm: Mossy Oaks
Cottage Farm is a residential community situated within the city of Beaufort, South Carolina. Development first started in 1990. There are 116 total single-family residential lots in Cottage Farm, of which 101 are currently developed…. More On This Community

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Harbor Island: Harbor Island
Harbor Island, nestled between St. Helena and Hunting Islands is a private gated 1400 acre barrier island situated just outside the city of Beaufort, SC. The natural beauty of the island lies in its graceful sand dunes covered with sea oats and coast… More On This Community

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Fripp Island: Fripp Island
Fripp Island is a 6.546 sq mi (16.954 km²) island just off the coast of the U.S. state of South Carolina, located along the Atlantic Ocean about halfway between Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. The most seaward of the South Carolina … More On This Community

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Beaufort Historic District

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