This affordable town on SC Island is the best place to escape the spring crowds

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

They certainly deserve Travel Off Path’s approval. Some of our team of experts take annual trips to recharge along SC’s calm coasts and the cluster of charming towns bordering Charleston.

Dig deeper, folks To go (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) have real-time data to back up our claims, revealing a little-known island dreamscape, perfect for relaxing in a crowd-free environment with plenty to do, see and of course enjoy tasty Southern staples.

Perhaps best of all, a vacation here won’t cost a lot of money, as it’s one of the state’s most affordable coastal destinations, behind Myrtle Beach. But we all know this is a rowdy spring break hotspot, whether it’s bratty toddlers running around or college students having one too many.

Instead, we reveal little known Beaufort as an idyllic place to use your spring PTO without any hassle.

Go back in time in the legendary center of Beaufort

When you visit an island, you usually look at the beach from the beginning. Here in Beaufort it’s more unique.

Many tourists start in the wonderfully worn downtown, including our lovebirds, editor-in-chief Tyler and his wife, press manager Liz, who have sung Beaufort’s praises.

Although Charleston is SC’s oldest destination, Beaufort is actually second in line, founded in 1711.

The bygone past has been immaculately preserved with old-fashioned inns, nostalgic facades and centuries-old oak-lined streets, especially fun to explore in the spring sunshine.

There are picturesque parks overlooking the bay, one Castle from the 19th century off the beaten path, historic landmarks with odes to American heroes and plenty of simple eateries to choose from.

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

How affordable is Beaufort?

Not to take 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 put a dent in your bank account.

According to Going, it probably won’t even cost you $200 to book a round-trip ticket. However, their details are a bit confusing because you have to cross state lines.

They claim that the average return price for a holiday in Beaufort is $158 via Savannah. That’s right: You’ll double-dip the states for the best deal, but who wouldn’t want to catch a Savannah Bananas game before taking a quick road trip north?

Plus, Going calls Beaufort one of America’s best spring breaks for couples. That’s why they say to budget $130 – $200 per day for couples.

Anyway, we realize that Tinder hasn’t worked for everyone. Sometimes the best trips are for you and yourself, and I say that sincerely as I just returned 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 generally considered affordable these days.

However, if your budget allows for a splurge, our aforementioned lovebirds raved about their stay in the timeless Cuthbert Housewhere you can enjoy river views from a classic south-facing veranda.

Is Beaufort a beach destination?

You don’t have to be an ‘island boy’, just make it to enjoy the delights of Beaufort. That said, when we hear ‘island’ it naturally comes with the expectation that paradisiacal beaches are within reach.

Well, we have a problem. Going and Travel Off Path have different opinions, so we let you decide where you can sit back and relax by the sea.

The hypes are rising Hunting Island State Park as the best place for scenic coastlines. But we like to think we have the upper hand.

Our team has vacationed in both Beaufort and nearby Fripp Island, meaning Beaufort in itself makes for a wonderful beach vacation or at least a springboard to some of South Carolina’s best-kept secrets.

Beaufort doesn’t necessarily have its own beach, but some of SC’s least crowded beaches can be found nearby, such as Harbor Island.

Wherever you are, know that crowds are virtually non-existent in the spring compared to Charleston, as travelers become too mesmerized by the European cityscape to venture elsewhere.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.