Will post this again on this bd as opposed to US. Sorry if it's a repeat for you. Don't have time to see both Beauforts. Which would you recommend? NC fits better with our itinerary of OBX but would do a side trip if SC is better. Thanks.

Definitely the SC one--beautiful historic town. But if it is a side trip, just go to Wilmington, NC or Charleston, SC. By the way it is pronounced "Bow-fert" NC and "Bew-fert" SC.

I love both of them. Beaufort, SC has a charming historical district, some small shops and restaurants. Beaufort, NC is very near to deserted islands, a gorgeous beach, an excellent fort, has a charming historical district, some excellent restaurants and so so shopping. Like I said, I love them both. If I were on the OBX it would be Beaufort, NC for me. If I decided to head down the coast I would stop at Charleston and never move on.

I don't understand your question.

Are you specifically looking to see a Beaufort in the US southeastern coast? There are many cities I'd see before either Beaufort most specifically Charleston or Savannah.

What is your starting point? The Outer Banks are in no way convenient to South Carolina and at least an 8-10 hour drive to Beaufort, SC.

Sorry to be confusing and thanks for the replies. We are thinking of driving from FL to MA this time instead of flying so that we can drive our car, that we keep in FL, back down on a different rt. in the fall and see places that we haven't been on both trips. On the way up, we plan to stop in St. Augustine and then drive thru the OBX. Not familiar with the territory in between those stops, except that we have done Savannah and Charleston a couple of times and don't need to do it again. Have read a little about both Beauforts and don't know which one would be the best to see. Don't think we have time to do both. From the little I've read about them, they seem similar so am looking for advice on which is the most interesting. If it's a tie, we would do NC. We have no time table so don't mind side trips but, from the previous posts, am thinking that we may need motel reservations in OBX early June. We are a retired couple and don't need nightlife. Thanks for any suggestions.

If you stop at Beaufort NC, I'd budget a solid half-day (park and stroll) to see the Maritime Museum, stroll the waterfront and indulge in some seafood. There are other attractions in Atlantic Beach & Morehead City, if you have more time. The lodging options are not great- head to Atlantic Beach for oceanfront.

Beaufort SC's treasures are a little more spread out, and would most likely require a full day, and a few stops along Hwy 21 to appreciate. The downtown has the Beaufort Museum, shopping and some good dining. If you are interested in military history, the Parris Island museum is rated highly among military historians. Some of the best dining is located outside downtown, too. Also, the lodging options are much more unique- a number of interesting B&B's in old mansions.

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate your time.

Jaqueline, it has been many many years since I've done this but the OBX isn't a place to 'drive through'. It would take forever and while two hours of scenery is nice, 12 hours is drudgery.

In other words, the OBX are in no way on the way between Maine and Florida.

A lovely drive is AIA from Miami to Jacksonville then US Hwy 17 from Savannah to Myrtle Beach (take the new US 31 around Myrtle Beach) and take 17 to Southport, take the Ferry from Southport to Fort Fisher, then from Wilmington, take I-40 to I-95 and then take the Mid Atlantic Coast up as far as you can go.

Just a suggestion.

FORGET ALL THAT - CHARLESTON, SC!!!!

Beaufort, South Carolina WITHOUT a question. Charleston is a great town but it is still Beaufort, SC for me and my family.