◆ Outdoor & Nature

  • Hunting Island State Park - One of South Carolina’s most popular state parks, featuring five miles of pristine beaches, maritime forests, nature trails, and a historic lighthouse

  • Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park - A beloved riverside park in downtown Beaufort, perfect for picnics, festivals, boat watching, and sunset views from iconic bench swings

  • Cypress Wetlands - A peaceful boardwalk through protected wetlands and bird rookeries

  • Kayaking and boat tours through salt marsh creeks, estuaries, and barrier islands departing from Beaufort and the surrounding area.

  • Spanish Moss Trail, a scenic multi-use trail ideal for walking, running, and cycling

◆ History, Culture & Museums

  • Beaufort History Museum, chronicling the Lowcountry’s past from early settlement to modern times

  • Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, a nationally significant site interpreting post–Civil War history

  • Robert Smalls House and John Mark Verdier House, offering insight into Beaufort’s architectural and cultural heritage

  • Guided historic walking tours highlighting antebellum homes, Gullah Geechee culture, and Civil War landmarks

◆ Downtown Beaufort

  • Just six miles east of Dataw, Beaufort is a charming, walkable Lowcountry town known for:

    • Waterfront dining, cafés, and acclaimed local restaurants

    • Art galleries, boutiques, and historic streets shaded by live oaks

    • Carriage rides, boat charters, and scenic riverfront strolls

◆ Day Trips

  • Nearby Hilton Head Island & Parris Island (home to Marine Corp Recruit Depot)

  • Savannah (1hr 15min), and Charleston (1hr 45min) are very accessible and are loaded with history, southern charm and a variety of restaurants

Off the Island