Beaufort waterfront is one of those places that immediately invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment. Romantic, colorful, and lively, the waterfront offers beautiful views, historic charm, and a relaxed Lowcountry atmosphere. It is hard to imagine that this picturesque area was once run down, with dilapidated docks, trash, and old tires.

The transformation began in the 1960s when Willie Scheper, Beaufort’s mayor, started an effort to revitalize the neglected waterfront. The park officially opened in 1979, and Mayor Henry C. Chambers continued expanding on that original vision. The waterfront park was eventually named in his honor. Additional renovations in 2001 and 2005 helped create the beautiful space visitors enjoy today.

The park quickly became a popular gathering place for locals and visitors. There is a playground with drinking water and bathrooms, a large marina, restaurants, ice cream and coffee shops, a waterfront walking path, and a stage. Plenty of benches and swings provide places to sit and enjoy the view. Near the playground, plaques share interesting details about the history of the waterfront and the surrounding area.

Beaufort itself has a long and fascinating history. The town was chartered by the British in 1711 and is the second-oldest city in South Carolina, after Charleston. It was named for Henry Somerset, the 2nd Duke of Beaufort.

One of my favorite features of Beaufort is the enormous live oak trees covered in Spanish moss. These magnificent trees line the roads leading toward the marina and create an unmistakable Lowcountry atmosphere. Along the streets, visitors can also spot beautiful historic homes, including antebellum houses that have been converted into charming bed-and-breakfast accommodations.

I particularly enjoyed walking beneath the moss-draped oaks and along the waterfront. During my March 2021 visit, the park was full of life. Tourists rode through town in a horse-drawn carriage while listening to their tour guide. Children happily enjoyed Italian ice, couples strolled hand in hand along the water, and teenagers tossed frisbees. Families gently swung on the waterfront swings while admiring the scenery.

There was something wonderful about simply watching people enjoy the park. Everyone seemed to have their own reason for being there, yet the waterfront brought them together in the same beautiful setting.

Beaufort is also known for its spectacular sunsets. The combination of calm water, boats in the marina, historic buildings, and moss-draped oaks creates a beautiful backdrop as the sun goes down.

I have returned to Beaufort on subsequent visits, and the waterfront continues to be one of my favorite places to explore. The original post has been updated with photographs from those later visits.

If you’re visiting South Carolina’s Lowcountry, I highly recommend spending some time in Beaufort. Walk the waterfront, explore the historic streets, admire the architecture, enjoy a meal or ice cream, and stay for sunset. Beaufort’s charm is best appreciated at a leisurely pace.

And if you happen to visit in mid-July, check the dates for Beaufort’s annual Water Festival, which brings even more energy and excitement to the waterfront.

If You Go

• Location: Downtown Beaufort, South Carolina.
• Park: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
• Highlights: Waterfront views, marina, walking path, playground, swings, historic homes, restaurants, and Lowcountry scenery.
• Facilities: Bathrooms and drinking water are available near the playground.
• History: Look for the historical plaques near the playground for information about the waterfront’s past.
• Best for: Scenic walks, photography, families, people-watching, history, and sunsets.
• Photography: Don’t miss the Spanish moss-draped live oaks, boats in the marina, historic homes, and sunset over the water.
• Nearby: Explore Beaufort’s historic downtown and residential streets lined with beautiful historic homes.
• Events: The annual Beaufort Water Festival takes place in July and includes activities throughout the waterfront area.
• Tip: Visit in the late afternoon so you can enjoy the waterfront, explore downtown, and stay for sunset.

Reference Beaufort Waterfront, the City of Beaufort, Annual Beaufort Water Festival

Beaufort waterfront Photos

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