Pat Conroy's Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart: Literary Landmarks

Explore the real-life scenes behind beloved novels and film locations in Beaufort

A 90-minute guided golf cart tour of Beaufort tracing Pat Conroy's life and the film locations of his novels, with stops at his boyhood home, Beaufort National Cemetery and the Pat Conroy Literary Center. The tour begins at the Downtown Marina and includes a live English-speaking guide; children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Pat Conroy Beaufort golf cart tour

• Begin at 1006 Bay Street
• Visit Beaufort National Cemetery
• Option to end at Pat Conroy Literary Center

The Experience

The tour starts at 1006 Bay Street in front of the Beaufort Downtown Marina Ship's Store and moves through the town by golf cart. You'll pass the locations that shaped Conroy's most famous works—the settings from The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini as they appeared in the film adaptations, alongside the real places he lived and loved. A live guide narrates the route, connecting the writer's personal history to the landscape itself.

Beaufort National Cemetery is a key stop, where Conroy's father—the inspiration for the Great Santini character—is buried alongside his mother Peg. The cemetery is also where the "missing man fly-over" scene from The Great Santini was filmed, a moment that carries weight for anyone who has read the book or seen the film. The guide explains the connections as you move through the grounds.

At the end of the 90-minute route, you have the option to be dropped at the Pat Conroy Literary Center, which is open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4pm. If you want to step inside and spend more time with the collection, the tour timing gives you that choice without forcing it.

What’s included

• Golf cart transportation for the full 90-minute route.
• live English-speaking guide narrating Conroy's life and the film locations.
• stops at Pat Conroy's boyhood home, Beaufort National Cemetery and other key sites from his novels.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by Beaufort Tours LLC

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guide narrating the story live rather than reading plaques—you'll move by golf cart through film locations and Conroy's personal spots around town.

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Top questions

What does the tour actually cover in Beaufort?

The tour moves through Beaufort by golf cart, passing Pat Conroy's boyhood home, his favorite restaurant, and the real-world locations used in the film versions of The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini. Beaufort National Cemetery is a main stop, where Conroy's parents are buried and where the famous fly-over scene was filmed.

How long is the Pat Conroy tour and where does it start?

The tour runs 90 minutes and begins at 1006 Bay Street in front of the Beaufort Downtown Marina Ship's Store. At the end, you can choose to be dropped at the Pat Conroy Literary Center instead of returning to the starting point.

Can children go on this golf cart tour?

Children are welcome from age 4 and up. The tour moves at a slow pace by golf cart, so younger children can sit comfortably throughout the 90 minutes.

Is the guide's commentary in English?

Yes, the tour includes a live guide who speaks English and narrates the route, connecting Conroy's personal history to each location you pass.