All of the Sea Islands in the Low Country are worth a day trip from Beaufort. Highlights of these islands include:

St Helena Island – the Penn Center Historic District is a highlight of this island; the Penn School was first opened after the Civil War with the goal to educated recently freed slaves after the Civil War. The Retreat House, once used as a training center for prospective Peace Corps volunteers, has now been re-purposed, with the goal to “preserve the Sea Island ’s history, culture, and environment.” Permanent exhibits at the Center’s York W Bailey Museum feature historical documents and artifacts from the Penn School and the Sea Islands in general.

Hunting Island State Park – this subtropical park began as hunting grounds for Native Americans and then European settlers during the Colonial period. Once at the park, definitely take the stairs to the top of the Hunting Island Lighthouse, where you will be rewarded by excellent views of the ocean and surrounding terrain. 

Hilton Head – this island is a major destination in its own right. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, you may consider just day-tripping it here, and staying at one of the less populous locations (such as Beaufort), offering you the best of both worlds. Highlights of Hilton Head include a gajillion (literally) golf courses and tennis courts. If wildlife is more your thing that lying on the beach, you’ll want to head to the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, the salt marshes of which are an excellent spot for bird watchers and nature lovers alike.