Beaufort, South Carolina, stands out as a charming coastal town with an authentic Southern feel. Its well-preserved historic district, cinematic connections, and vibrant cultural heritage make it a perfect place for engaging tours.
We especially like the Beaufort: Historic City Tour by Bus, which offers a 75-minute deep dive into the city’s past, and the Gullah Heritage Tour for a meaningful look at the Sea Islands’ unique culture.
Each tour provides a different window into Beaufort’s story, whether you’re interested in history, film, or local legends.
If you’re trying to decide what to do during your visit, this list will show you a range of options—from quick golf cart rides that cover film sites to longer, more immersive cultural tours. Whether you have a few hours or a day, Beaufort’s tours promise authentic experiences that uncover its past and present.
Quick Overview
This list features a variety of tours that showcase Beaufort’s charm and history. You’ll find historic city tours, film site excursions, Gullah heritage explorations, spirits tastings, and ghost walks.
All these experiences offer different ways to engage with the town, with some focusing on its Civil War history, others on Hollywood fame, and some on local culture and spirits. Click the links to read more about each tour.
1. Beaufort: Historic City Tour by Bus
Rating: 4.9/5 (216 reviews)
Price: $37 per person
Duration: 75 minutes
This guided bus tour is perfect for getting an overview of Beaufort’s historic district in a short amount of time. It covers South Carolina’s second-oldest city, with stops at preserved townhouses, and provides stories dating back to 1521. The guide shares insights into Beaufort’s role during the Civil War and reveals how the city transformed during Union occupation.
What makes this tour stand out is its ability to make history accessible and engaging for all travelers. The 75-minute journey whisks you through iconic streets while revealing stories about the houses and people that shaped Beaufort.
Plus, if you’re a film fan, you’ll enjoy seeing the sites where over 24 Hollywood movies were shot, including classics and modern blockbusters. The tour earns high praise for its knowledgeable guides and well-paced storytelling.
Bottom Line: A great introduction for first-timers, offering a compact yet comprehensive look at Beaufort’s historic and cinematic highlights. It’s ideal if you’re limited on time but don’t want to miss the essentials.
2. Beaufort: Local History and Film Sites Tour by golf cart
Rating: 4.9/5 (89 reviews)
Price: $38 per person
Duration: 1 hour
If you want a quick, fun way to see some of Beaufort’s most famous film locations and historic streets, this golf cart tour is a top pick.
It’s a lively, 1-hour ride through the charming Historic District, where you’ll see stunning live oaks draped with Spanish moss and beautiful pre-Civil War homes. The guide points out spots from movies like Forrest Gump and The Great Santini, making it a favorite among film buffs.
What makes this tour unique is its intimate, open-air format, allowing for close-up views and photo opportunities. It’s perfect for those who want to pack a lot of sights into a short time and enjoy a relaxed, personal experience. Reviewers especially appreciate the friendly guides and the opportunity to see key filming locations that bring Beaufort’s cinematic history to life.
Bottom Line: An engaging, efficient way to explore Beaufort’s film fame and historic architecture—great for anyone wanting a taste of both in a short time.
3. Beaufort: Pat Conroy’s Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart
Rating: 5/5 (20 reviews)
Price: $48 per person
Duration: 1.5 hours
For fans of Pat Conroy, this tour offers a personalized glimpse into the life of the beloved author. A 1-hour 15-minute golf cart ride takes you past early homes, schools, and locations from Conroy’s novels. You’ll see the famous “Great Santini” house and other sites that inspired his stories, with commentary about his childhood and career.
What makes this experience special is its focus on Pat Conroy’s connection to Beaufort. The tour includes a visit to the Conroy Center, where you’ll find artifacts from his life and work. Guides share intimate details about his upbringing, making it feel like a personal conversation. The tour’s small size and dedicated focus provide an in-depth appreciation for Conroy’s enduring legacy.
Reviewers praise the tour as “rich in stories and personal insights”, making it perfect for literature lovers or those interested in Southern writers. Its relaxed pace suits those who want a deeper connection to Beaufort’s literary scene.
Bottom Line: A must-do for Pat Conroy fans and anyone wanting to explore Beaufort through the lens of a local legend.
4. Beaufort: Gullah Heritage Tour
Rating: 4.7/5 (24 reviews)
Price: $52 per person
Duration: 3 hours
This immersive three-hour tour explores the Gullah-Geechee culture, a vital part of South Carolina’s Sea Islands. You’ll visit ruins of old island churches and learn the stories behind the songs, language, and traditions that have been preserved for generations. The tour also includes a visit to one of the earliest schools for freed slaves, making it a meaningful journey into African-American history.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour offers authentic cultural insights, often accompanied by demonstrations of Gullah language and music. It’s a hands-on experience that connects visitors with the community’s roots, making it more than just a sightseeing trip. Reviewers value the depth of storytelling and the chance to see historical sites that are otherwise off-limits.
Bottom Line: An enriching and respectful journey into the Gullah-Geechee heritage, ideal for those interested in African-American history and culture.
5. Beaufort Tipsy Tour
Rating: 4.7/5 (3 reviews)
Price: $59 per person
Duration: 2.5 hours
If you enjoy history and spirits, this combination tour pairs drinks with local stories. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll visit some of Beaufort’s best drinking spots, sampling 7 spirits from RLB Distillery and a flagship beer from Shellring Ale Works. The tour takes you from downtown to Port Royal, offering a laid-back way to explore Beaufort’s nightlife.
What sets this apart is the mix of tasting and storytelling, making it both fun and educational. The guide shares tales of Beaufort’s past, intertwined with the alcohol samples. It’s suitable for those who want a relaxed, social experience with a local flavor—perfect for adult travelers looking to combine history with a bit of leisure.
Reviewers appreciate the “informative and relaxed” vibe and the chance to taste local spirits in a friendly environment. It’s a good choice for those who like a casual, spirited way to discover the town’s character.
Bottom Line: A lively, tasty tour for lovers of spirits and storytelling, combining Beaufort’s drinking culture with its fascinating history.
6. Beaufort: Haints and Haunts of the Sea Islands
Rating: /5 (reviews not available)
Price: $21 per person
Duration: 2 hours
For those intrigued by ghost stories and haunted history, this 2-hour walking ghost tour explores Beaufort’s spooky past. You’ll visit the iconic house “The Castle” and St. Helena Anglican Church and graveyard, hearing tales of local spirits, cursed houses, and unexplainable sightings.
The tour offers a macabre look at Beaufort’s darker side, blending history with legend. The guided walk is a good way to see the city’s streets at night and get a sense of the stories that have haunted residents for generations. While reviews are limited, the tour appeals to fans of supernatural tales and history enthusiasts alike.
Bottom Line: An entertaining, spine-tingling way to experience Beaufort’s eerie stories, especially suited for night owls and lovers of local lore.
How to Choose
Picking the right tour in Beaufort depends on your interests, budget, and available time. If you’re short on time but want a solid overview, the Beaufort: Historic City Tour by Bus offers a quick, informative introduction. For film fans, the Local History and Film Sites Tour provides a fun, visual journey through Hollywood history.
Culture lovers and literature fans should consider the Pat Conroy Tour, which dives into the life of South Carolina’s most famous author. Those interested in deeper cultural stories will appreciate the Gullah Heritage Tour, which offers a meaningful exploration of African-American traditions.
For a lighter, social experience, the Tipsy Tour combines spirits tasting with history, while the Haints and Haunts provides a spooky, nighttime adventure for brave souls.
Practical tips: Book early for popular tours, especially in peak season. Consider your interests—whether they’re history, culture, or just having fun with drinks—and choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Beaufort offers a diverse range of tours that cater to different interests—whether it’s uncovering Civil War secrets, walking through Hollywood film sites, exploring Gullah traditions, or enjoying spirits and ghost stories.
For first-timers, the historic city tour provides a solid overview, while literary fans will love the Pat Conroy experience. Those seeking deeper cultural insights should consider the Gullah Heritage Tour.
No matter which you pick, booking early ensures you won’t miss out. Each tour reveals a different side of Beaufort—so pick what excites you most and enjoy your time in this historic coastal town.