Beaufort, South Carolina, is a town where the calendar and the camera both matter: the Water Festival in mid-July, Gullah celebrations in late spring, a shrimp festival in the fall, and streets that stood in for Hollywood films. The tours here are history, movie locations and ghost stories.
Related: Beaufort, South Carolina Travel Guide: Best Tours, Sights and How to Plan Your Trip
Top-Rated Beaufort County South Carolina Tours & Experiences
Beaufort History and Film Location Tour By Van
A van tour that visits film locations and historic sites around Beaufort. It suits groups who want to cover ground and hear stories from the movies. Ask whether the route includes stops outside the vehicle, and bring a camera.
History and Movie Tour of Beaufort By Van
A history-and-movie outing, also by van, that threads local stories with film trivia. It appeals to cinema fans and first-time visitors. Check the route, duration, and meeting point, and arrive 10 minutes early.
Historic Golf Cart Tour in Beaufort SC
A slower golf-cart ride through the historic district, with oak-lined streets, antebellum homes and waterfront views. Ideal for visitors who want to hop on without long walking. Check weather policy, since open carts offer little shelter.
As with most in-demand destinations, the best tours in Beaufort County South Carolina tend to sell out first, so booking a few days ahead is generally a good idea.
Browse more Beaufort County South Carolina tours on Viator →
Why These Beaufort Tours Stand Out
Beaufort sits on Port Royal Sound in the Lowcountry, with waterfront parks, live oaks, Spanish moss and a historic district of antebellum houses. Writer Pat Conroy used the town in several novels, and films such as Forrest Gump and The Prince of Tides used local scenes. The 6 priced tours gather 1,495 reviews between them.
Festivals and Seasons
Mid-July brings the Water Festival, with a parade and events along the waterfront, and a Gullah festival typically falls around Memorial Day weekend. A shrimp festival follows in the fall, when the heat finally breaks. Plan ahead for lodging on those weekends, because the town is small.
When to Go to Beaufort
Spring and fall are the most pleasant, with mild days for open-air golf-cart tours. Summer is hot and humid, so book morning slots. Winter is quiet and often mild, though a cold snap can make an open cart chilly.
What Beaufort Tours Cost
Pricing is close together here. The lowest, Beaufort Ghost Walking Tours, costs $27, and the highest, $48, is a Pat Conroy golf-cart tour. Most van and walking options sit near $38, so the decision is about format and subject: movies, ghosts or literature.
Where to Sleep in Beaufort
The historic district near Bay Street and Waterfront Park is the best base, with inns, restaurants and walking routes. Hunting Island State Park, with its lighthouse and beach, is a short drive east. Savannah is about an hour away, Charleston roughly an hour and a quarter.
Smart Ways to Book Beaufort Tours
Parking in the historic district is easiest on weekdays, and weekend festivals can close streets. Bring a hat and water in warm months. If you are interested in Gullah history, consider adding a visit to the Penn Center on nearby St. Helena Island. Golf carts and vans move at an easy pace, so these tours work well for older travelers or anyone who does not want to walk for two hours in the heat. Tell the guide if you want to linger at a particular film location.
Choosing Between the Top Beaufort Tours
The waterfront and Bay Street are easy to explore alone. A tour adds film lore, literary context and access to neighborhoods you might not wander into, and vehicles save steps on hot days.
Beaufort Tour FAQ
How much do Beaufort tours cost?
The 6 priced tours range from $27 to $48, with a median of $38. Ghost walks cost least, and the Pat Conroy golf cart tour costs the most.
Which Beaufort tour has the most reviews?
History and Movie Tour of Beaufort by Golf Cart leads in volume with 661 reviews at 4.9 stars. Historic Golf Cart Tour in Beaufort has 5 stars from 39 reviews, the best score among well-reviewed options.
Is Beaufort, South Carolina, worth a visit?
Yes, for its historic district, waterfront and film connections. It is a calm town that suits a half-day or a weekend.
How far is Beaufort from Savannah or Charleston?
Roughly an hour from Savannah and about an hour and a quarter from Charleston by car, which makes it a manageable day trip.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!