Beaufort Historic Site Visitor Center and Museum
Beaufort Historic Site Visitor Center and Museum
Beaufort Historic Site Visitor Center and Museum
4.5
About
North Carolina's third oldest town, Beaufort lies on the coast bordering the southern tip of the Outer Banks. Originally a fishing village and port of safety dating from the late 1600's, Beaufort has been visited by patriots, privateers, merchants, and skilled craftsmen who built Bahamian and West Indian style homes and public buildings. On the Beaufort Historic Site, you can take advantage of the six professionally restored buildings, tour the Old Burying Grounds, and take a tour aboard a vintage English Double Decker Bus. Beaufort, NC truly is where history meets the sea.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
154 reviews
Excellent
112
Very good
34
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
1
FinGin79
Charleston, SC161 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
I can’t say enough good about this experience. The staff is knowledgeable and dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Beaufort. I was able to have three interpreted excursions in one day at the combo rate of $24 and I highly recommend all of them. First, our group was guided through the historic burying ground. Our leader was insightful and informative. He was also a board member of the historical organization. The cemetery has many stories to relate and the brickwork on the graves is amazing. Next, I did the town tour on their 1967 London double decker bus. The narrator was great with his historical interpretations and entertaining in his delivery. The driver did a great job maneuvering that big vehicle around town too. My third tour was of the area around the historical site itself. The buildings are carefully maintained to tell their own stories but my two guides brought them to life. Finally, I bought a book on Beaufort history in the site’s store. I truly enjoyed learning about the charming and important history of Beaufort and feeling the pride of those who are so dedicated to sharing it.
Written October 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bewitched32
Amityville, NY215 contributions
May 2021
I loved the artwork in the small museum. The house itself was so interesting with the curved behind the wall staircase. The waved glass windows and wide molding takes you back in time. I did buy a local artists bird figure. So well done. The gift shop had some unique hand made dish towels that I couldn't resist. I appreciate local artisans.
Written May 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jmits1
Raleigh, NC434 contributions
Mar 2021
It was a cold, March day when we dropped in at the visitor center our second day in Beaufort. The two ladies there were so enthusiastic and friendly. They shared a good deal of information with us and we enjoyed the museum and art studio outback.
Written April 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gwen F
Vicksburg, MS1 contribution
Nov 2021 • Couples
Enjoyed our stop at the visitor center. We made a day trip over from Hilton Head and the helpful visitor center staff gave us recommendations about local attractions and restaurants. Do not miss the museum upstairs. The docent was excellent and educated us on Beaufort’s amazing history. Would love to come back and spend more time in Beaufort.
Written December 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChrisABeaune
Chapel Hill, NC409 contributions
Jun 2021
This is an outstanding visitor center: extremely knowledgeable staff and volunteers, maps, and souvenirs. The best thing is to take a historic tour on their double-decker bus, for orientation and interesting Beaufort history. Kudos to the team!
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bob J
Southport, NC951 contributions
Apr 2021
Small museum with some nice displays on the history of Beaufort. Also acts as a visitor center with info on local business. In addition, they have a cute gift shop with a variety of items. Well worth the stop.
Written April 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bamorgan87
Manchester, UK37 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
The guided walking tour of Beaufort's historic homes and commercial / civic buildings, is informative, fascinating and entertaining. The bus tour too is an absolute must. Both tours offer great value for money!.
Written June 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DezP13_1
Woodbridge, VA549 contributions
Sep 2015 • Solo
Being a girl that grew up in North Carolina for a significant part of my childhood, I knew Beaufort played a significant role in North Carolina history, but visiting the historic site really put the town of Beaufort in perspective! If you're a history buff, I'll tout this as a must see!
I arrived, and I was greeted by one of the historians dressed in period clothing. She was friendly, polite, and conversational and willing to answer my questions even before the tours started; I purchased the combination ticket, which was $15 for two tours rather than $10 per tour. (For children, the rates are significantly less--$6.00 for a combination ticket.) The first tour I did was a tour of the historic buildings. I toured two homes, the courthouse, the jail, and the apothecary. Nothing very exciting that I hadn't seen in any other historic home except for an early, 1800s version of the overhead projector. If you're someone who's seen many historic homes, don't fret! The stories you'll hear during the tour are quite interesting and of course, will likely be unlike many other stories you've heard touring historic or period homes. (Of note, many of the buildings do have stairs and will be inaccessible for handicap personnel in wheelchairs or those who have difficulty with stairs.) The double decker bus tour was also not unlike other tours you might have taken, but the narrator seemed to be very passionate and well-educated much like my previous tour guide. Be advised that the Civil War has influenced Beaufort's history, so if you're one who finds the Civil War to be objectionable, this tour may not be for you, as you'll hear stories about Confederate Soldiers and other Southern perspectives on the war. Important to note that this is NOT a Civil War tour, though, and that you'll also hear stories about many other things to include Blackbeard the Pirate and the Queen Anne's revenge, the story of a girl who was buried in rum, and "hurricane proof" houses. For those who are handicapped, I'm uncertain as to if the bus is able to accommodate wheelchairs, though I'd recommend that those with mobility issues be seated on the lower deck. For those choose to sit on the upper, open-air deck of the bus, look out for low-hanging tree branches.
At any rate, after you've enjoyed your tours, be sure to stop by gift shop and browse around! They have some antiques and replicas for sale, some collectible coins, boutique-style toiletries, and things for the kids. They also have cold water for sale, though no other refreshments, and there is a public restroom available for use.
Overall, I enjoyed my visit to the Beaufort Historic Site. The staff was friendly, charismatic, and knowledgeable. If you're looking for a way to enjoy some fair weather or just learn about the town of Beaufort, drop in and take a tour! I'm sure you'll enjoy it just as much as I did.
I arrived, and I was greeted by one of the historians dressed in period clothing. She was friendly, polite, and conversational and willing to answer my questions even before the tours started; I purchased the combination ticket, which was $15 for two tours rather than $10 per tour. (For children, the rates are significantly less--$6.00 for a combination ticket.) The first tour I did was a tour of the historic buildings. I toured two homes, the courthouse, the jail, and the apothecary. Nothing very exciting that I hadn't seen in any other historic home except for an early, 1800s version of the overhead projector. If you're someone who's seen many historic homes, don't fret! The stories you'll hear during the tour are quite interesting and of course, will likely be unlike many other stories you've heard touring historic or period homes. (Of note, many of the buildings do have stairs and will be inaccessible for handicap personnel in wheelchairs or those who have difficulty with stairs.) The double decker bus tour was also not unlike other tours you might have taken, but the narrator seemed to be very passionate and well-educated much like my previous tour guide. Be advised that the Civil War has influenced Beaufort's history, so if you're one who finds the Civil War to be objectionable, this tour may not be for you, as you'll hear stories about Confederate Soldiers and other Southern perspectives on the war. Important to note that this is NOT a Civil War tour, though, and that you'll also hear stories about many other things to include Blackbeard the Pirate and the Queen Anne's revenge, the story of a girl who was buried in rum, and "hurricane proof" houses. For those who are handicapped, I'm uncertain as to if the bus is able to accommodate wheelchairs, though I'd recommend that those with mobility issues be seated on the lower deck. For those choose to sit on the upper, open-air deck of the bus, look out for low-hanging tree branches.
At any rate, after you've enjoyed your tours, be sure to stop by gift shop and browse around! They have some antiques and replicas for sale, some collectible coins, boutique-style toiletries, and things for the kids. They also have cold water for sale, though no other refreshments, and there is a public restroom available for use.
Overall, I enjoyed my visit to the Beaufort Historic Site. The staff was friendly, charismatic, and knowledgeable. If you're looking for a way to enjoy some fair weather or just learn about the town of Beaufort, drop in and take a tour! I'm sure you'll enjoy it just as much as I did.
Written September 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sailorman1814
Beaufort, NC57 contributions
Jun 2014 • Solo
As a volunteer bus driver for the Beaufort Historic Site's double-decker bus tours of Beaufort, I'm afraid many visitors to Beaufort are missing out on one of the best ways to get an introduction to this historic town which was recently voted one of America's Coolest Small Towns and Best Yachting Site in America. Our tour bus is a 1968 English double-decker that has had its roof removed to improve the tour experience. Frankly, just riding on one of these old buses is a super cool experience, even if you aren't in London. Add to this the fact that you are riding around a truly historic coastal village that is full of history and crammed with charming houses and sites. Once greeted on board by our conductor, you are both informed and entertained by our narrator as she/he describes the sites along the way and tells you some of the history of our special town. Beaufort is a unique and special place that is packed with stories from her past and our narrators want to share these with you..... Look at the old houses, explore the narrow streets, view the wild horses on the barrier islands, and feel the coastal breezes as you ride along. I enjoy it every time I drive, so I know you will too............
Written June 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Daryl W
5 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
If you love history or want to know the origins of Beaufort, NC’s third oldest town, this is a must visit.
You’ll see authentic, restored, old buildings with artifacts, carefully decorated to reproduce the early days of this coastal town, when it was a fishing, boatbuilding and whaling centers.
Well-informed guides and docents have fascinating information to share. Ask questions!
You’ll see authentic, restored, old buildings with artifacts, carefully decorated to reproduce the early days of this coastal town, when it was a fishing, boatbuilding and whaling centers.
Well-informed guides and docents have fascinating information to share. Ask questions!
Written June 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beaufort Historic Site Visitor Center and Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Beaufort Historic Site Visitor Center and Museum
- Hotels near Beaufort Historic Site Visitor Center and Museum:
- (0.11 mi) Inn on Turner
- (0.15 mi) Pecan Tree Inn
- (0.07 mi) Langdon House Bed and Breakfast
- (0.09 mi) The Cedars Inn & Restaurant
- (0.15 mi) Inlet Inn
- Restaurants near Beaufort Historic Site Visitor Center and Museum:
- (0.03 mi) Turner Street Market
- (0.04 mi) Aqua Restaurant
- (0.07 mi) Clawson's 1905 Restaurant
- (0.09 mi) Finz Grill & Bar
- (0.13 mi) Beaufort Grocery CO