Beaufort, South Carolina, offers more than just scenic views and charming streets; it’s a city packed with stories, film history, and local culture. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historic district, walking through haunted streets, or learning about the Gullah-Geechee heritage, Beaufort has a tour that fits your interests. Many visitors especially enjoy the beachfront scenery combined with the stories behind the houses and the film sites, like those from Forrest Gump. For a quick taste of the area’s history, the Beaufort: Historic City Tour by Bus offers a rundown in just 75 minutes. If you prefer something more relaxed and intimate, try the Beaufort: Local History and Film Sites Tour by golf cart. And for those interested in the darker side of Beaufort, the Haints and Haunts of the Sea Islands ghost walk provides a spine-tingling experience. We’ll break down these options to help you pick the right tour for your trip.
Quick Overview
In this list, you’ll find a range of guided city tours—from bus rides and golf cart adventures to specialized heritage and ghost tours. The tours vary from 75-minute city highlights to full 3-hour immersive experiences, suited for different interests and schedules. You can explore historic sites, see film filming locations, learn about Gullah-Geechee culture, indulge in local spirits, or get spooked with a ghost walk. Each tour offers a unique way to experience Beaufort’s character, with options for history buffs, movie lovers, and those interested in ghost stories. Now, let’s look at each one in detail.
1. Beaufort: Historic City Tour by Bus
If you want an efficient overview of Beaufort, this 75-minute bus tour is hard to beat. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from over 200 reviews, it’s a popular choice for first-timers. The tour covers the National Historic Landmark District, where you’ll see well-preserved townhouses and hear their stories. The guide shares details about Beaufort’s founding in 1521, making it clear that this city’s history is layered and fascinating.
What makes this tour stand out is the mix of historic insights and pop culture. You’ll visit sites associated with over 24 Hollywood movies, including The Big Chill and The Great Santini, which filmed scenes in Beaufort and surrounding areas. The guide’s storytelling skills are often praised, with visitors mentioning how engaging and informative they found the experience. At $37 per person, it’s an excellent value for a thorough overview in a short time. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time who want a broad sense of Beaufort’s past and its connection to Hollywood.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history and film buffs who want a quick but comprehensive introduction to Beaufort’s main sights and stories.
2. Beaufort: Local History and Film Sites Tour by golf cart
For just about an hour, the Local History and Film Sites Tour by golf cart provides a charming way to see Beaufort’s most photogenic streets. With a stellar 4.9-star rating from 89 reviews, this tour is celebrated for its relaxed pace and intimate feel. Riding through the Historic District, you’ll get up close to stunning live oaks draped with Spanish moss and pre-Civil War houses that give Beaufort its distinctive look.
This tour emphasizes film locations from classics like Forrest Gump and The Great Santini, making it a hit with movie fans. The golf cart allows you to access narrower streets and learn fascinating tidbits from the guide about Beaufort’s cinematic history. At $38 per person, it’s slightly more than the bus tour but offers a more personal experience. The shorter duration makes it perfect if you’re tight on time but still want a meaningful glimpse into the city’s architecture and film fame.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a relaxed, personalized tour that combines historic charm with movie magic.
3. Beaufort: Pat Conroy’s Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart
Fans of Pat Conroy’s novels will appreciate this Pat Conroy’s Beaufort Tour, rated 5 out of 5 from 20 reviews. It’s a 1.5-hour tour that takes you through sites that shaped the life and works of the beloved author. You’ll see his childhood home, school, and visit the Conroy Center where artifacts from his life are on display.
This tour is unique because it offers a personal connection to Pat Conroy’s writing and life in Beaufort. Guides share stories about his childhood and how the city inspired books like The Great Santini and Prince of Tides. The tour’s focus on literary history makes it perfect for readers and Conroy fans. At $48, it’s slightly pricier but provides a deeper insight into the town’s influence on one of America’s great storytellers. The personal stories and intimate look at Conroy’s life make this a memorable experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for literary enthusiasts and those interested in Pat Conroy’s connection to Beaufort.
4. Beaufort: Gullah Heritage Tour
Deepen your understanding of Gullah-Geechee culture with this Heritage Tour, rated 4.7 out of 5 from 24 reviews. Over three hours, you’ll explore island ruins, including historic church sites, and learn about the songs, stories, and traditions that define this distinct African-American culture. The tour also visits one of the first schools for freed slaves, providing a powerful historical perspective.
What separates this experience is its focus on cultural preservation. Guides share lively stories about Gullah traditions and their ongoing influence today. It’s an immersive, meaningful tour that offers a window into a culture that’s shaped Beaufort for generations. The price of $52 offers a serious look at heritage and history beyond the usual. This tour is best suited for those who want an authentic cultural experience and are willing to spend a little more time exploring local traditions.
Bottom Line: Ideal for culturally curious travelers eager to learn about Gullah-Geechee history and traditions.
5. Beaufort Tipsy Tour
If you enjoy local spirits and a lively atmosphere, the Tipsy Tour offers a fun, relaxed way to sample Beaufort’s drinking scene. Rated 4.7 from 3 reviews, this 2.5-hour tour takes you from downtown to RLB Distillery and Shellring Ale Works, tasting 7 spirits and 1 flagship beer along the way.
What makes this tour different is its focus on local distilleries and craft breweries, offering a taste of Beaufort’s culinary scene. The guide provides stories about the spirits’ origins and local brewing traditions. For $59, you get a generous sampling and a chance to learn about the beverage culture in a laid-back environment. This tour is perfect for adult travelers who want to combine history with a bit of fun. The main consideration is that it’s a spirit-focused experience, so not suited for those needing non-alcoholic options.
Bottom Line: Great for those who enjoy craft spirits and want an informal way to learn about Beaufort’s liquor scene.
6. Beaufort: Haints and Haunts of the Sea Islands
For a mysterious and spooky look at Beaufort, this Haints and Haunts Ghost Tour explores the dark stories behind the city’s haunted houses and cemeteries. While reviews are not available, its 2-hour walking format promises an engaging, macabre journey through the city streets.
Highlights include The Castle, an iconic haunted house, and the St. Helena Anglican Church graveyard, where ghost stories are part of local lore. It’s a guided walk that combines local history with ghostly tales—ideal for thrill-seekers or anyone interested in the spooky side of Beaufort. The fair price of $21 makes it an accessible, entertaining option. Keep in mind, this tour involves walking and some potentially spooky stories, so it’s best suited for comfortable, adventurous travelers.
Bottom Line: Perfect for fans of ghost stories and those interested in the chilling tales of Beaufort’s past.
$21 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and schedule. If you’re short on time but want a solid overview, the Bus Tour or Golf Cart Tour offer quick but comprehensive experiences. For history lovers or literary fans, the Pat Conroy tour gives a personalized look at local storytelling. Those eager to explore cultural roots should consider the Gullah Heritage Tour, while spirits enthusiasts will enjoy the Tipsy Tour. Finally, if you’re intrigued by ghost stories, the Haunts Tour adds a spooky twist.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, and consider your walking or driving preferences. For a deeper dive into beach and island stories, some tours may combine with other experiences, so check their details for the best fit.
Final Thoughts
Beaufort offers a variety of tour experiences that highlight its history, culture, film fame, and even ghostly legends. For a quick overview with a focus on historic sites and film locations, the Bus and Golf Cart Tours are great options. If you’re passionate about literature or heritage, the Pat Conroy and Gullah tours provide meaningful insights. And for a fun, spirited evening, the Tipsy Tour is perfect; for spooky stories, the ghost walk adds some fun fright.
No matter your interest, booking early is wise—these tours fill up fast, especially in peak months. Pick the experience that best fits your style, and you’ll leave Beaufort with memorable stories to tell.