Beaufort was name South Carolina's Prettiest Town as part of Architectural Digest's "The Prettiest Town in Every U.S. State" article. "This town in coastal South Carolina—on Port Royal Island—is the second-oldest in the state, with historical buildings and walking tours documenting its 500 years of history."

"There’s not just one thing that makes the South so beautiful. It’s the... beaches that belong in a screensaver, fields of wildflowers that stretch to the horizon, ...and marshes that look like a movie set. Whether you’re a lake person or a beach person, prefer the mountains or wide-open plains, the South is full of small towns, filled with charm, nestled among such enchanting scenery. "

"Achievement in the writing and implementation of form-based zoning codes. Sometimes invisible to the average person, zoning plays an important role in shaping the way our communities grow and change over time. Form-based codes can be a powerful way for cities to reform their zoning, incorporating smart growth principles to foster mixed-use, walkable communities that preserve their unique look and feel."

"Whatever you imagine southern charm to be, Beaufort has it – Antebellum architecture, moss-laden oak trees, parks, Civil War-era homes…Explore the nearby Hunting Island State Park, its maritime forest, the only publicly accessible lighthouse in the state, and the white-tipped waves of the Atlantic."

Down in South Carolina’s Lowcountry is Beaufort, an alluring waterside town hidden away on Port Royal Island in the heart of what the locals call the “Sea Islands.” The town, which is pronounced as if saying “beautiful,” has all of the trimmings of the big city—culture, history, stellar cuisine—while remaining quaint, quiet, and ever-so charming. Trees kiss over the many bike paths, park benches overlook the water views, and Spanish moss dangles above the walking paths that crisscross throughout the town.

Petite Beaufort has the appeal of a much larger city (restaurants, festivals and art galleries) without giving up its small-town, Low Country charms (bike lanes, walking paths and romantic park benches overlooking the water).

Life centers around water at this historic city, with everything from sea kayaking and sailing in the Atlantic, to paddling on inland rivers and marshes. It almost seems a little bit like Charleston. You’ve got a thriving foodie scene with all that great seafood. It’s not quite as touristy, but it has all the great stuff you can expect from a coastal town.

Chock-full of historic sites, a vibrant arts culture, outdoor activities, and a bustling dining scene, this little Lowcountry town simply oozes with charm.