Beaufort

Beaufort is a city on Port Royal Island, one of the Sea Islands off the coast of South Carolina. It is well-known for its antebellum houses, particularly those in the downtown historic district. The John Mark Verdier House Museum, an early-1800s Federal-style mansion with period furniture and exhibits on local history, is one famous example. The Beaufort River and the Woods Memorial Bridge are seen from Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

Beaufort is a historical tourist site. The Home Water Festival, a two-week festival in the middle of July, and the Shrimp Festival, which celebrates the local and traditional industry, take place the first weekend in October. Beaufort, South Carolina's lovely oak tree-lined alleys and Civil War-era homes offer a glimpse into the town's antebellum days. Sign up for a walking or horse-drawn carriage tour to take in the sights, then visit the Beaufort History Museum to discover more about the town's history. You should also visit Penn Center to learn more about the Gullah Geechee people that live in the vicinity. After you've had your fill of history, travel to the Beaufort River to kayak or paddleboard, or to the Cypress Wetlands for a couple of hours of bird-watching.

Location: South Carolina, United States

Best time to visit: April and October

Price: $2,173 for a solo traveler, $3,903 for a couple, and $7,316 for a family of 4 for one week

Ranking: #10 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas

Website: www.cityofbeaufort.org