Plan the Perfect Family Vacation

From kid-friendly museums to scenic parks and beaches, here’s how to make the most out of the family trip. Beaufort and surrounding area is a family vacation classic for a reason. We share our favorite indoor and outdoor attractions to visit in and around Beaufort!

When it’s hard enough to get everyone in the family to agree on what to eat for dinner, is it possible to have a vacation that you’ll all enjoy? Yes, absolutely! There’s a ton of family-friendly things to do in Beaufort and the Lowcountry with mini-adventures that will entertain the kids and keep the grownups happy, too. That way you can spend more time making memories and posing for photos in our many scenic and fun spots and less time trying to convince the kids (or yourself) to stop pouting.

Kids of all ages, (especially the young ones), are always welcome at the Port Royal Sound Maritime Museum, an a Kazoo Factory and Museum where they can play and explore to their hearts’ content. If the weather’s accommodating, hit the beach, climb to the top of our light house at Hunting Island State Park, tour our beautiful historic town and Antebellum landmarks, our fabulous waterfront park and playground. Go dolphin watching with Captain Dicks’ River Tours, take in historical or ghost tours… with Beaufort Tours or The Spirit of Old Beaufort Tours, you may choose to Walk a Tour or ride in an air-conditioned van, reserve a horse–drawn buggy tour for the family with Southurn Rose Buggy Tours or Sea Island Carriage Company. Visit the popular Sands Beach and Boardwalk in Historic Port Royal and climb to the top of its Waterfront Observation Tower over-looking Parris Island Marine Corps Depot!

Older kids will love kayaking, paddle boarding, crabbing and fishing. Even something as simple as a family picnic can be an easy-going and fun way to spend the day. Pick up some home-made sandwiches from Magnolia Café Bakery, Lowcountry Produce & Café, The Dog House or The Blue Dog Café and head over to scenic Hunting Island State Park where you can roll out a blanket, toss a Frisbee and take advantage of our A+ beach on the Atlantic Ocean.

Any day is a good day for ice cream! Treat yourself with a visit to Southern Sweets Ice Cream Parlor & Sandwiches which is consistently a top visitor pick for the BEST of old-fashioned favorites.

Taste why their ice cream is voted tops in South Carolina. You can work off some calories on the Lowcountry’s Spanish Moss Rails to Trail where you can walk, run, bike or fish for miles of nature-inspired beauty!

Golfers! Play a round of golf at Sanctuary Golf Club or Lady’s Island Country Club for some challenging fun.

For a great Day Trip, take a 1 hour drive up to the quaint town of Walterboro, visit the #1 Christmas Shop in S.C.– The Old Bank Christmas Shop, Gifts, Bakery & Deli; do some Antiquing at the Golden Daffodil; or take a stroll through the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary. There’s also an artisans’ center and several museums to explore.

Adults may want to visit Yemassee on another day, just a 30 minute drive. A MUST visit is The Lucky Duck Distillery owned by America’s youngest, licensed distiller. What you will taste and learn is truly fascinating. Don’t miss seeing Harold’s Country Club, a local favorite Bar & Grill in a vintage gas station! Want history? … stop in at the Historic Civil War Frampton Plantation House (and Visitors’ Center) and take the Old Sheldon Road back to Beaufort to visit the Old Sheldon Church ruins…a very spiritual place.