This Affordable SC Island Town Is The Best Place To Escape Spring Crowds

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Is there anywhere more peaceful in the States than South Carolina’s Lowcountry hideaways?

They certainly earn Travel Off Path’s stamp of approval. Some of our team of experts make annual trips to recharge along SC’s calm shores and cluster of charming towns on the outskirts of Charleston.

Digging deeper, folks at Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) have real-time data to back up our claims, revealing a little-known island dreamscape perfect for unwinding in a crowd-free setting with plenty to do, see, and of course, indulge in tasty southern staples.

Perhaps best of all is that vacationing here won’t break the bank as it’s one of the state’s most affordable coastal destinations behind Myrtle Beach — but we all know that’s a rowdy spring break hotspot, whether it’s bratty toddlers running around or college kids having one too many.

Instead, we’re revealing little-known Beaufort as an idyllic spot to make use of your spring PTO without the shenanigans.

Step Back In Time In Beaufort’s Storied Downtown

Usually, when you visit an island, you’re eyeing the beach from the get-go. Here in Beaufort, it’s more unique.

Many tourists start in the delightfully timeworn downtown, including our resident lovebirds, Editor-in-Chief Tyler and his wife, Press Manager Liz, who have been singing Beaufort’s praises.

While Charleston is SC’s oldest destination, Beaufort is actually second in line, established in 1711.

Its bygone past has been immaculately preserved with old-timey inns, nostalgic facades, and centuries-old oak-lined streets, especially nice to explore in the springtime sun.

There are scenic parks with bayside views, an 1800s castle off the beaten path, historical landmarks with odes to American heroes, and numerous down-home eats to choose from.

But our crew recommends a romantic horse carriage ride to see the sights, including haunting tales and insightful history lessons you wouldn’t hear otherwise.

How Affordable Is Beaufort?

Not to bring you back to some of your worst high school memories in math class,, but it’s time to crunch some numbers.

Charleston isn’t exactly a cheap destination, but nearby Beaufort certainly won’t dent your bank account.

According to Going, it likely won’t even cost you $200 to book a round-trip ticket. However, their data is a bit confusing, as you’ll need to cross state lines.

They claim the average round-trip airfare for a Beaufort vacation is $158 via Savannah. That’s right — you’ll be double-dipping states for the best deal, but who wouldn’t want to catch a Savannah Bananas game before a quick road trip north?

Furthermore, Going names Beaufort as one of America’s top spring getaways for couples. As such, they say to budget for $130 – $200 per day for couples.

But hey, we realize Tinder hasn’t worked out for everyone. Sometimes the best trips are for you and yourself, and I say that sincerely as I just got back from Peru on an epic solo adventure.

While Beaufort doesn’t come close to the $40 per night I spent, you can find numerous stays in the low $100s, which is by and large seen as affordable in this day and age.

However, if your budget allows for a splurge, our aforementioned lovebirds have raved about their stay at the timeless Cuthbert House, where you can enjoy riverfront views from a classic Southern veranda.

Is Beaufort A Beach Destination?

You don’t have to be an ‘island boy just tryna make it’ to enjoy the delights of Beaufort. That said, when we hear “island” it obviously comes with expectations that paradise beaches are within close reach.

Well, we have a problem. Going and Travel Off Path have differing opinions, so we’ll let you decide where to kick back and relax seaside.

Going hypes up Hunting Island State Park as the top spot for scenic shores. But we’d like to think we have the upper hand.

Our team has vacationed in both Beaufort and nearby Fripp Island, meaning Beaufort, on its own, makes for a beautiful beach getaway or at the very least a springboard to some of South Carolina’s best-kept secrets.

Beaufort does not have its own beach per se, but some of SC’s least crowded beaches are found close-by, such as Harbor Island.

No matter where you find yourself, know that springtime crowds are practically nonexistent compared to Charleston, as travelers become too mesmerized by the city’s European cityscape to venture elsewhere.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.