History and Movie Tour of Beaufort by Golf Cart
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History and Movie Tour of Beaufort by Golf Cart

Active
(552 reviews)
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Learn about Beaufort's 300 years of rich history on this 1-hour tour. While riding in our new 8 passenger Yamaha golf cart, see beautiful antebellum homes and scenic views. Explore the town where famous movies were filmed, such as Forrest Gump, The Big Chill, and Great Santini on this exciting tour!

Available options

History and Movie Tour

What's included

Transport by 8 passenger Yamaha golf cart
Driver/guide

Detailed itinerary

1

Listen to your guide narrate the 300 years of history, from the exploration of the Spanish, the French, and the English, to the Civil War, and to the Hollywood movies filmed in the town. As you drive down the streets, go past gorgeous antebellum homes and plantations. Then, see sites where iconic stars stayed while filming movies.

Continue your tour by seeing The Gump Medical Center, which was funded by Forrest's profit from the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Go to The National Cemetery, where The Great Santini was buried, and the bridge Forrest Gump went over on his cross-country run. 

Enjoy the incredible history, Hollywood charm, and friendly atmosphere of Beaufort on this 1-hour tour by van.

2
Stop 2

Listen to your guide narrate the 300 years of history, from the exploration of the Spanish, the French, and the English, to the Civil War, and to the Hollywood movies filmed in the town. As you drive down the streets, go past gorgeous antebellum homes and plantations. Then, see sites where iconic stars stayed while filming movies.

Continue your tour by seeing The Gump Medical Center, which was funded by Forrest's profit from the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Go to The National Cemetery, where The Great Santini was buried, and the bridge Forrest Gump went over on his cross-country run. 

Enjoy the incredible history, Hollywood charm, and friendly atmosphere of Beaufort on this 1-hour tour by van.

3
Stop 3 Pass by

Buried in the graveyard of the Tabernacle Baptist Church with his first and second wives and one of his daughters. Robert Smalls was a slave born in Beaufort who made a daring escape with the steamship The Planter.

4
Stop 4 Pass by

We pass by the Center, telling lots of great Pat Conroy stories during the tour.

5

The Center for the Arts was used in two movies filmed here is Beaufort, Forrest Gump (the Gump Medical Center), and Something to Talk About (school of vetinerary medicine for Julia Roberts at the end of the movie).

6

Now a bookstore, this building was used in the scene where Julia Roberts confirmed by phone with her best friend that her husband, Dennis Quaid, was indeed sleeping with all of the women in her Savannah Women's Club.

7
Stop 7 Pass by

Built as a Church of England, started in 1712. Now the fourth building on the property, it is open for docent led tours after our tour is over.

8
Stop 8 Pass by

We pass by the John Mark Verdier House, built in 1804. French General Marquis de Lafayette gave his farewell to America speech from the top floor balcony here in 1825. Open to the public Monday to Saturday for tours after our tour is over.

9

The chocolate in the Russell Stover box of chocolates Forrest Gump had on the park bench in Savannah actually had Chocolate Tree chocolate inside. Stop by here for free chocolate Sand Dollar sample after the tour.

10

Now elevated to the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, the National Park Service downtown headquarters is pointed out during the tour. Enter inside after the tour to learn more about Reconstruction and why Beaufort was the ideal location for studying about the Reconstruction Era.

11
Stop 11 Pass by

The Beaufort History Museum is housed inside the Beaufort/Port Royal Convention Visitors Bureau on Craven Street.

12

We pass by and point out shopping and restaurants along the way.

13

Learn the history of the original capital of the Spanish colony of La Florida, right here in the Beaufort area. Santa Elena was the capital of La Florida for 21 years.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8
124 reviews
5★
107
4★
14
3★
1
2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor 4.9
428 reviews
5★
397
4★
16
3★
10
2★
3
1★
2

Important information

Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Maximum of 5 persons per vehicle.

Meeting point

In front of the Beaufort Downtown Marina Ship's Store.

Important notes

• Beaufort Tours LLC - Beaufort Downtown Marina Store
• Address:  1006 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC 29906

About Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a picturesque barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, renowned for its pristine beaches, lush golf courses, and abundant wildlife. It offers a perfect blend of relaxation, outdoor activities, and upscale amenities, making it a top destination for families, golfers, and nature enthusiasts.

Top Attractions

Coligny Beach Park

One of the most popular beaches on Hilton Head Island, known for its soft sand, clear waters, and family-friendly amenities.

Beach Half day Free

Sea Pines Resort

A luxurious resort offering golf courses, tennis courts, and access to Harbour Town, a charming marina and shopping district.

Resort Full day Expensive

Coastal Discovery Museum

A museum focused on the natural history and cultural heritage of the Lowcountry region.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate

Hilton Head Island Bike Trails

A network of bike trails that wind through the island's natural landscapes, offering scenic views and a great way to explore.

Outdoor Activity Half day Budget to Moderate

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

A wildlife refuge offering opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife photography.

Nature Half day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Shrimp and Grits

A classic Lowcountry dish featuring creamy grits topped with sautéed shrimp and a savory sauce.

Main Course Contains seafood and dairy.

She-Crab Soup

A rich and creamy soup made with blue crab meat and crab roe, flavored with sherry and butter.

Soup Contains seafood and dairy.

Fritters

Sweet or savory fried dough balls, often filled with fruit or seafood.

Appetizer Varies by filling.

Popular Activities

Kayaking Paddleboarding Zip-lining Beach lounging Spa treatments Golf Museum visits Historic tours

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Spring brings blooming flowers and mild temperatures, while fall offers warm weather and lower humidity.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Spanish
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hilton Head Island is generally safe with low crime rates. However, visitors should take standard precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Use reputable tour operators and taxi services
  • • Be cautious when using ATMs and credit cards

Getting there

By air
  • Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport • 35 miles
  • Hilton Head Airport • 5 miles
By bus

Savannah Greyhound Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus service is affordable and convenient for getting around, but schedules are limited.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Sea Pines Plantation Coligny Plaza Palmetto Dunes Harbour Town

Day trips

Savannah, Georgia
40 miles • Full day

A charming Southern city known for its historic district, beautiful architecture, and vibrant arts and culture scene.

Beaufort, South Carolina
30 miles • Half day to Full day

A historic coastal city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a charming downtown area.

Charleston, South Carolina
90 miles • Full day

A historic city known for its well-preserved architecture, rich history, and vibrant arts and culture scene.

Festivals

Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival • March Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival • May Hilton Head Island Blues & Jazz Festival • October

Pro tips

  • Visit during the shoulder seasons (March-May, September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  • Rent a bike to explore the island's numerous bike trails and scenic views.
  • Try local seafood dishes, such as shrimp and grits and she-crab soup.
  • Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Respect the environment and wildlife by following local guidelines and regulations.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 13-64
1
Childs
Age 4-12
0
Infants
Age 0-3
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 5
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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