The Beaufort Inn is a historic boutique hotel at 809 Port Republic Street in the antebellum district of Beaufort, South Carolina, the second-oldest city in the state. The property occupies an 1897 Victorian building and adjacent structures, offering 21 rooms and suites furnished in period style with four-poster beds, upholstered armchairs, and local artwork, while incorporating modern comforts including updated private bathrooms and climate control. A complimentary full breakfast is served each morning in the dining room. The inn's Port Republic Street location places guests two blocks from the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park and the Spanish Moss Trail, a 10-mile multi-use path along the Beaufort River. The concierge assists with kayaking tours of the ACE Basin—a 350,000-acre preserve encompassing one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the East Coast—plantation tours, and reservations at the city's seafood-focused restaurants. Beaufort's compact historic district is entirely walkable from the inn, with antebellum mansions, the Arsenal Museum, and the Verdier House all within a short stroll. The city has served as a filming location for numerous Hollywood productions, including Forrest Gump and The Big Chill, and the inn's staff share local filming history with interested guests. The Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and the nearby town of Port Royal add to the area's distinctive Lowcountry military and cultural character.
Room types
- Classic Room
- Historic Suite
- Carriage House Suite
Amenities
- free breakfast
- concierge
- garden
- parking
- wifi
Location
809 Port Republic Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
32.4316, -80.6703 View on map
Highlights
- Historic 1897 Victorian property in the heart of Beaufort's walkable antebellum district
- Complimentary full breakfast served daily in the dining room
- Two blocks from the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park and Spanish Moss Trail
- Concierge access to ACE Basin kayaking tours and Lowcountry plantation excursions
- Close to filming locations from Forrest Gump and other Hollywood productions set in Beaufort
Tips for visiting
- Walk the Spanish Moss Trail in the early morning before temperatures rise; the riverfront path is shaded and quiet.
- Book a kayaking tour of the ACE Basin directly through the inn's concierge rather than through a third-party aggregator for best pricing.
- The inn's parking is limited; arrive early if driving and confirm parking arrangements when booking.
- Downtown Beaufort's waterfront restaurants are busiest at dinner from Thursday through Saturday; make reservations in advance.
- The Beaufort Water Festival in late July is among South Carolina's largest outdoor events and causes rates to rise; book several months ahead.
When to visit
Spring (March–May) offers Beaufort's best weather for waterfront walks and kayaking. The Beaufort Water Festival in late July brings peak crowds. Fall visits (September–November) offer quieter conditions and warm enough temperatures for outdoor activity.
Accessibility
The Beaufort Inn's 1897 historic building has physical limitations for accessibility. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the inn directly before booking, as not all rooms are equally accessible. The ground-floor dining room is step-free.
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Frequently asked questions
Is The Beaufort Inn pet-friendly?
The Beaufort Inn does not permit pets in most rooms. Guests with service animals should contact the inn directly when booking to confirm accommodation.
How close is The Beaufort Inn to Parris Island?
Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot is approximately 10 miles southwest of the inn, a 15-minute drive via US-21. Family visitors attending graduations frequently stay at The Beaufort Inn.
Are the antebellum mansions near The Beaufort Inn open for tours?
Several of Beaufort's antebellum properties are private residences; the Verdier House on Bay Street is open for guided tours. The inn's concierge can direct guests to current public access options.
What is the ACE Basin and why is it significant?
The ACE Basin is a 350,000-acre estuarine preserve encompassing the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers. It is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the East Coast, home to bald eagles, alligators, shorebirds, and historic rice plantation ruins accessible by boat or kayak.