What to See in Beaufort, South Carolina, United States: Free Audio Guide

Beaufort, South Carolina, is a historic Lowcountry city known for its preserved antebellum architecture, maritime heritage, and deep roots in the Civil Rights and Reconstruction eras. Surrounded by tidal marshes and rivers on Port Royal Island, it offers a relaxed atmosphere for exploring Southern history, local art, and coastal landscapes. Neywo provides a free audio guide for Beaufort, South Carolina with 25 narrated places, available in 11 languages.

What to see in Beaufort, South Carolina

Beaufort Historic District

The Beaufort Historic District preserves an exceptional collection of antebellum architecture showcasing Federal, neoclassical, and Greek Revival styles, with many historic structures built from tabby made of oyster shells, lime, and sand. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and declared a National Historic Landmark, the district was also the center of the Port Royal Experiment during the Reconstruction era.

Beaufort Arsenal Building

Built following the town’s chartering in 1711, the former Beaufort Arsenal Building now houses the Beaufort History Museum. It serves as an ideal starting point to explore the area’s past, from the American Revolution through the Civil War.

The Parish Church of Saint Helena

Established in 1712 as a colonial parish of the Church of England, the Parish Church of Saint Helena is one of the oldest churches in North America. Its colonial Georgian architecture, Federal-style west facade, and historic churchyard—the final resting place of early figures such as Colonel John Barnwell—make it a lasting fixture of the town.

John Mark Verdier House

Also known as the Lafayette Building, this grand Federal-style mansion was built in 1804 by French Huguenot merchant and plantation owner John Mark Verdier. Featuring two levels of white pillared columns and wide front porches, it is the town’s only house museum and served as a preferred residence for Union officers during the Civil War.

Tabernacle Baptist Church

Dating back to 1811, Tabernacle Baptist Church became a central hub for African American religious activities when Federal troops occupied Beaufort in 1861. Established as the city’s first Baptist church for African Americans in 1863, its cemetery is the final resting place of General Robert Smalls.

Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park is a scenic gathering place along the banks of the Beaufort River, offering sweeping views of the Intracoastal Waterway and nearby islands. Named after a former mayor dedicated to historic preservation, the park features paved walkways, picnic areas, children’s play spaces, and decorative fountains.

Beth Israel Congregation

Founded in the late 19th century by Jewish immigrants, the Beth Israel Congregation building dates to 1908 on Scott Street. It stands as one of the few wooden synagogues still in active use across the southeastern United States and one of the oldest operating synagogues in South Carolina.

The Kazoo Museum

Housed inside a working facility, The Kazoo Museum traces the history of the popular humming instrument and holds one of the largest collections of kazoos in the world. Visitors can view vintage instruments, rare recordings, and memorabilia.

Explore Beaufort with a self-guided walking tour

Discover Beaufort at your own pace with Neywo’s free audio guide. The app includes one walking tour—“Beaufort’s Antebellum Point: Freedom, Tabby and Haint Blue”—covering a 3.03 km route over 90 minutes with 11 narrated stops. There is no group and no schedule; each story plays automatically as you reach the place.

To continue planning your journey through the region, explore South Carolina, visit nearby Port Royal or Charleston, or discover more destinations across the United States.