The beauty of Brays Island lies in the iconic lowcountry surroundings, accessibility to outdoor sporting activities and serenity of the 5,500 acres, but just outside lies three of the South’s most charming cities. With Beaufort, Charleston, and Savannah all just a short drive away, Brays Island owners need not go far for the finest in arts, culture, shopping, and dining—as well as everyday necessities.
Just 30 minutes away, the town of Beaufort, SC has consistently been included by Southern Living in its annual ranking of South’s Best Small Towns and is a favorite destination for many of our owners. Full of local boutiques, picturesque views and waterfront dining, it’s a beautiful place to take a day trip by water or land. From the dock on the Pocotaligo River here at Brays, owners can boat straight to Beaufort for lunch at one of the numerous restaurants and enjoy stunning views along the way. You may even make a dolphin friend on your ride. Kick off your explorations from the gorgeous Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park that overlooks the bay.
EAT
Waterfront dining is what Beaufort is all about. Whether you decide to take a boat or drive to town, you can enjoy water views from favorite restaurants including local flavors for breakfast and lunch from Plums, Italian dishes from Panini’s On The Waterfront, or visit Breakwater for steak, seafood and cocktails. For special nights out, Saltus River Grill is a top choice and casual gastro pub, Old Bull Tavern is a frequent stop.
The newly built day-dock in downtown makes dining by boat a fun experience. If you decide to spend the night for a quick getaway, The Anchorage is a fantastic place to enjoy a cocktail or dinner. Many of our owners who visit Beaufort by boat will pick up to-go food from Fishcamp or pizza from Hearth Wood Fired Pizza and bring it back to the boat to enjoy.
SHOP
After lunch or dinner, a stroll through downtown’s Bay Street offers dozens of local boutiques, art galleries and shops to peruse. Scout Southern Market is a top favorite for eclectic home finds and you can’t miss their iconic Sweet Tea Bar, while Lulu Burgess is a go-to for unique gifting items. A shopping trip through Beaufort isn’t complete without stopping by Bay Street Outfitters for all your outdoor sporting accessories and clothing.
EXPLORE
Whether you prefer to leisurely explore downtown through the picturesque alleyways or plan an afternoon full of history and landmarks aboard a historic carriage ride or with a tour, there’s plenty to see. Capturing glimpses of movie scenes is quite common - Forrest Gump was filmed here along with many other iconic movies! In fact, each February, Beaufort hosts an international film festival.
Beach lovers can explore five miles of breathtaking beaches at nearby Hunting Island State Park and access the state’s only public lighthouse. Outdoor adventurers can kayak or paddleboard in the beautiful rivers, marshes and creeks. History buffs can explore nearby historic sites and museums including the Santa Elena History Center and the Beaufort Arsenal, home to the Beaufort Visitor Center and the Beaufort History Museum. Visit Penn Center to explore the Gullah culture and see military exhibits at Parris Island Museum.
While many owners frequent Beaufort individually, Brays Island also offers curated group visits to this historic town and others through its Owners Services team for a care-free and fun experience. After all, one of the most beautiful things about Brays Island is spending time with new friends.