Beaufort’s streets are lined with striking heritage mansions, many of which have been carefully restored and now house attractive galleries, lovely cafés or characterful small hotels. Take the time to amble or cycle past moss-clad buildings on your way to a lively coffee spot or to an eatery specialising in hearty Southern fare. Hotspots for culture-minded visitors include the Pat Conroy Literary Center, named for the legendary South Carolina writer who once lived in Beaufort, and the Santa Elena History Centre, which recounts the stories of the region’s French and Spanish settlers. There are some excellent child-friendly exhibits, too. The four recently-appointed Reconstruction Era National Monuments in Beaufort County are well worth visiting, and there are some fantastic historic walking tours on offer.