Beaufort: Historic City Tour by Bus

Beaufort, South Carolina boasts a fascinating history that dates back over 500 years. From the city’s role in the Civil War to its stunning antebellum architecture, there’s much to uncover on the Beaufort Historic City Tour by Bus. Knowledgeable guides transport visitors through the National Historic Landmark District, sharing insights into Beaufort’s cultural heritage and the impact of the Union occupation. Those seeking an immersive journey into the Lowcountry’s past won’t want to miss this highly-rated experience.

This experience made our article of Beaufort South Carolina’s 3 Best Historical Tours (With Prices & Reviews).

Key Points

• The historic city tour by bus explores the impact of the Civil War Union Occupation on Beaufort’s social and economic landscape.
• The tour highlights the stunningly preserved antebellum structures and architectural gems in the National Historic Landmark District.
• Knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary on Beaufort’s rich history, including the experiences of both Black and white populations.
• The tour includes visits to filming locations of over 24 Hollywood movies, offering an engaging and informative journey through Beaufort’s storied past.
• The climate-controlled bus ensures comfortable transportation for travelers, and the tour has a highly rated 4.9/5 from 185 reviews.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Beaufort’s Rich History

As one of the oldest cities in South Carolina, Beaufort boasts a rich history dating back to 1521.

The historic city tour by bus offers a fascinating glimpse into Beaufort’s past, exploring the impact of the Civil War Union Occupation on the town’s houses and residents.

Travelers will discover the architecture and stories behind historic townhouses and antebellum structures, gaining insights into the region’s cultural heritage.

From the National Historic Landmark District to the filming locations of over 24 Hollywood movies, the tour provides an engaging and informative journey through Beaufort’s storied past.

The Impact of Civil War Union Occupation

The Civil War Union Occupation had a profound impact on Beaufort and its residents. As Union troops arrived in 1861, they seized many of the town’s antebellum plantations and mansions, displacing wealthy white families.

The occupation transformed Beaufort’s social and economic landscape, as former slaves found refuge within Union lines and started new lives as free citizens.

Guided tours explore this complex history, exploring how the occupation shaped the town’s architecture and shaped the experiences of both its Black and white populations.

Visitors gain insights into Beaufort’s pivotal role during a tumultuous era of American history.

Architectural Gems of Beaufort

What architectural treasures await visitors on the Beaufort Historic City Tour?

Beaufort’s historic district showcases stunningly preserved antebellum structures, including:

• The John Mark Verdier House, a federal-style mansion built in 1804

• The Secession House, where local leaders met to discuss South Carolina’s secession from the Union

• The Old Jail, a Greek Revival-style building constructed in 1819

• The Beaufort Arsenal, a Greek Revival armory built in 1852

• The Means Row, a collection of 19th-century townhouses representing Beaufort’s commercial and residential past

These architectural gems provide a window into Beaufort’s rich history and the resilience of its historic buildings.

The Charming National Historic Landmark District

Beaufort’s National Historic Landmark District enchants visitors with its charming antebellum architecture and scenic waterfront setting.

The historic district features grand mansions, churches, and public buildings that showcase Greek Revival, Federal, and Italianate styles. Strolling through the Old Point neighborhood, guests can admire the elegant townhouses and imagine life during the antebellum era.

The scenic Beaufort River and live oak trees draped in Spanish moss provide a picturesque backdrop to this well-preserved historic area.

Highlights include the John Mark Verdier House, Beaufort Arsenal, and the Verdier Wharf. Visitors gain insight into Beaufort’s past and appreciate its enduring architectural legacy.

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Experiencing Beaufort’s Natural Beauty and Cultural Heritage

While exploring the National Historic Landmark District, visitors can also experience Beaufort’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The area offers a diverse array of experiences, including:

• Scenic drives along the marshes and islands of the Lowcountry

• Visits to historic plantations and antebellum homes

• Outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching

• Exploration of the region’s Gullah-Geechee culture and cuisine

• Discovering filming locations from popular movies set in the Lowcountry

These enriching experiences allow visitors to fully enjoy the charm and history of Beaufort and the surrounding Sea Islands.

Filming Locations in the Beaufort Area

The Beaufort area has served as the backdrop for over 24 Hollywood films, showcasing its historic architecture, scenic landscapes, and charming Southern ambiance. From the antebellum mansions to the picturesque waterfront, the city’s cinematic potential has been recognized by major productions. Familiar movie titles like "The Big Chill," "Forrest Gump," and "The Great Santini" were all filmed in Beaufort, highlighting its timeless allure. The following table outlines some of the most notable films shot in the area:

| Film | Year | Notable Filming Locations |

| — | — | — |

| "The Prince of Tides" | 1991 | The Secession House, Fripp Island |

| "Forrest Gump" | 1994 | Beaufort River, Hunting Island |

| "The Big Chill" | 1983 | Tidalholm Historic Home |

| "The Great Santini" | 1979 | Various Beaufort neighborhoods |

| "GI Jane" | 1997 | Naval Hospital Beaufort, Saint Helena Island |

Highlights of the Guided Bus Tour

Beyond its cinematic fame, the Beaufort Historic City Tour by bus offers visitors an immersive journey through the city’s storied past. Knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, bringing to life the impact of the Civil War Union occupation and the architectural gems of historic townhouses and antebellum structures.

Passengers explore the National Historic Landmark District, including the Old Point area and The Bluff, marveling at the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Beaufort and the surrounding Sea Islands. The fully-narrated, climate-controlled tour delivers high-quality service, with travelers praising the experience for its engaging historical lessons and friendly customer service.

• Discover the city’s history dating back to 1521

• Learn about the impact of the Civil War on local residents

• Visit the National Historic Landmark District

• Experience the natural beauty of Beaufort and the Sea Islands

• Enjoy insightful commentary from knowledgeable guides

Traveler Testimonials and Tour Ratings

Travelers consistently praise the Beaufort Historic City Tour for its engaging historical insights and friendly, knowledgeable guides. One guest remarked, "Our guide brought the city’s past to life with captivating stories." Another reviewer noted, "The tour exceeded our expectations – a great value for the price." Travelers also highlight the comfortable bus transportation and the guide’s ability to customize the experience based on guests’ interests. The tour boasts an impressive 4.9/5 rating from 185 reviews, underscoring its popularity among visitors to Beaufort.

| Tour Rating Metrics | Score |

| — | — |

| Overall Rating | 4.9/5 |

| Guide Quality | Excellent |

| Transportation | Comfortable |

| Value | Great |

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Parking Available at the Meeting Point?

The tour information does not explicitly mention parking availability at the meeting point. However, it’s common for historic districts to have limited parking, so visitors may need to utilize nearby public parking options.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The company encourages visitors to enjoy refreshments during the 75-minute narrated bus ride through Beaufort’s historic streets and neighborhoods.

How Many Stops Are Included in the Bus Tour?

The bus tour includes several stops, though the exact number is not specified. The tour provides a rundown of Beaufort’s historic landmarks, architecture, and filming locations over the course of the 75-minute experience.

Is the Tour Guide Available for Private Questions After the Tour?

The tour guides are available for private questions after the bus tour. Travelers can engage with the knowledgeable guides to delve deeper into the historical and cultural insights they provided during the fully-narrated experience.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour if Needed?

The tour duration is fixed at 75 minutes, but there’s no mention of the possibility to extend it. Travelers should plan accordingly, as the tour schedule may not allow for additional time beyond the set duration.

The Sum Up

The Beaufort Historic City Tour by Bus offers an immersive experience that allows travelers to explore the city’s captivating past. From the impact of the Civil War Union Occupation to the stunning antebellum architecture, the guided tour provides an engaging and informative journey through Beaufort’s rich history and cultural heritage. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, this highly-rated tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to explore one of South Carolina’s oldest and most charming cities.

You can check availability for your dates here: