Beaufort: Movie Locations & History Golf Cart Tour

Summary

Ride past film spots and old oaks in Beaufort’s storied streets

You’ll cruise Beaufort’s historic streets by golf cart with a local guide who knows every story—from antebellum homes to Forrest Gump filming spots. Taste chocolate from The Chocolate Tree and hear tales at Pat Conroy Literary Center. You’ll laugh, learn, and maybe feel something deeper as you pass landmarks that shaped both Hollywood and American history.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out from downtown Beaufort in this bright blue Yamaha golf cart—just me, my partner, and two others, with our guide already cracking jokes about Forrest Gump before we’d even left the curb. The air smelled salty-sweet, like marsh grass after rain. I kept craning my neck to catch glimpses of those huge oak trees dripping with Spanish moss—honestly, it’s hard not to stare. Our guide pointed out the John Mark Verdier House as we bumped along; apparently Lafayette himself gave a speech from that balcony. I never paid much attention in history class but hearing it here, right where it happened, hit different.

We zipped past St. Helena’s Anglican Church—the fourth building on the same spot since 1712—and our guide waved at an older woman sweeping her porch across the street. She waved back without missing a beat. There was something about seeing these antebellum homes up close that made them feel less like museum pieces and more like someone’s actual Tuesday morning. Then we swung by the Pat Conroy Literary Center (I’ve only read The Prince of Tides but now I want to read more), and our guide told us how Conroy used to walk these same streets—sometimes barefoot, apparently.

I didn’t expect so many movie references packed into one small town. We stopped outside what used to be the Gump Medical Center—yep, that one—and everyone did their best Tom Hanks impression (mine was pretty bad). The bridge Forrest ran across is just outside town; you can almost picture him jogging by if you squint through the humidity. Later at The Chocolate Tree shop, they handed out chocolate sand dollars—turns out those were in Forrest Gump too. I still think about that little taste; maybe it’s silly but it felt like a tiny piece of movie magic.

The last stretch took us past Beaufort National Cemetery and stories about The Great Santini filming here—our guide got quiet for a moment talking about Robert Smalls’ grave at Reconstruction Era Park. It was one of those pauses where you realize how much history is packed into these streets, way beyond just movies or pretty houses. We ended back near Craven Street with sunlight slanting through the live oaks—I could’ve sat there longer honestly, just letting it all sink in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Beaufort history and movie tour

• Ride 8 passenger Yamaha golf cart
• Listen to guide narrate 300 years history
• Drive past antebellum homes and plantations
• See sites where movie stars stayed
• Visit Gump Medical Center funded by Forrest
• Stop at Beaufort National Cemetery
• View bridge from Forrest Gump run
• Pass Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
• Pass Pat Conroy Literary Center
• Pass Center for the Arts movie locations
• See bookstore from Julia Roberts movie scene
• Pass St. Helena’s Anglican Church
• Pass John Mark Verdier House
• Stop for free chocolate sample at Chocolate Tree
• Pass National Park Service Reconstruction headquarters
• Pass Beaufort History Museum
• Pass shopping and restaurants
• Learn about Santa Elena Spanish capital history

Top questions

How long does the Beaufort movie & history tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour by golf cart.

What kind of vehicle is used for the tour?

The tour uses an 8-passenger Yamaha golf cart for transport.

Are there stops at movie filming locations in Beaufort?

Yes, you’ll stop or pass by sites from movies like Forrest Gump and The Great Santini.

Is pickup included for this Beaufort golf cart tour?

Pickup is included at the starting point downtown; hotel pickup is not specified.

Do I get to try local treats during the tour?

You’ll receive a free chocolate sand dollar sample from The Chocolate Tree after the tour.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

The tour allows children and offers specialized infant seats if needed.

Is this day trip suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels since you ride throughout.

What’s included

Your experience includes transport on an 8-passenger Yamaha golf cart with a friendly local guide narrating Beaufort’s history and movie highlights as you go. Afterward, enjoy a complimentary chocolate treat from The Chocolate Tree before exploring more of town on your own if you wish.