Hilton Head Island, Beaufort & Bluffton
Located alongSouth Carolina’s coast and bordered by theAtlantic Ocean, lie three vacation destinations well-worth the trip. Hilton Head’s beaches and world-class golf, Beaufort’s historic landmarks and shopping, Daufuskie Island’s rich African American history, & Bluffton’s eclectic arts community and old town charm are all included in South Carolina’s Treasured Coast.

Famous for its miles of sandy beaches, world class golf courses, historical charm and delectable food, this Treasured Coast holds even more for those interested in the African American and Gullah culture and history.

Explore the areas of South Carolina’s coast to begin your travel experience. Begin planning your trip at Beaufort’s Visitor Center, find out what’s on stage at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head Island, discover historic tours of Daufuskie Island, or learn about Old Town Bluffton.

By its very definition, heritage is a deeply personal, powerful force within a community. It is a link to those who have come before. A legacy to preserve and promote. A movement with a life of its own that infuses life into every corner of society.

The heritage of South Carolina’s TreasuredCoastcan be found in the buildings. Buildings such as the Penn Center that brought hope to those who needed it most, or Heyward House in Bluffton that was one of the few antebellum structures to escape being burned during a Union troop attack in 1863. Or in the way the Gullah people, descendants of African slaves, have kept, and continue to keep alive, a culture that traces back to a different time and continent.

Welcome, or as “Gullah” natives of the Lowcountry would say, “We fa welcome oonah to de Lowcountry”. This simple Gullah greeting begins your journey to the rich African American history ofSouth Carolina’sTreasuredCoast– Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island andDaufuskieIsland. Famous for its miles of sandy beaches, world class golf courses, historical charm and delectable food, this Treasured Coast holds even more for those interested in the African American and Gullah culture and history. The influences of these cultures are reflected throughout the Lowcountry. The historic landmarks – tabby ruins built and used by slaves, cemeteries, churches and markers – give a glimpse of the past. Today’s celebrations of culture, art, food and stories keep alive many aspects of this rich heritage. Gullah crafters still weave the popular sweetgrass baskets and make fishing nets. History lovers and families return here year after year in search of theirSeaIslandroots, spending time with their elders and amidst extensive collections of genealogy records at local libraries. Tours take visitors into some of the areas most hidden and diverse neighborhoods, allowing them to see and experience the lifestyle that’s part of the treasure of the Lowcountry. The summer time is the perfect backdrop to host a family reunion, itineraries can include boat rides, historical tours, cultural entertainment, cook outs, beach outings and more.