Beaufort, SC Shrimp Festival & Forrest Gump

Duration: 5 Days | Meals Included: 4 Breakfasts, 1 Lunches, 2 Dinners

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Beaufort Shrimp Festival

Celebrate the flavors of the Lowcountry at the annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival, held at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park along the Intracoastal Waterway in Beaufort. Savor some of the freshest shrimp you’ll ever taste, prepared in a variety of creative dishes by the region’s top restaurants and chefs. Spend time enjoying the lively festival atmosphere, with time to purchase lunch on your own, browse the Arts and Crafts Market, and take in beautiful waterfront views.

 

Cypress Wetlands

A beautiful wildlife trail where you will see alligators, nesting seabirds and other local flora and fauna in their natural habitat.

 

Forrest Gump Impersonator Performance

Paul Dengler, a Forrest Gump impersonator, will entertain you this evening with an incredible performance.

 

Beaufort, SC & Lucy Creek Guided Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy a guided Forrest Gump Tour around the Beaufort area with "Forrest" telling you stories along the way! You will see multiple sites that are seen in several scenes of the iconic film. A few sites you will see are the football field where Forrest mows, and the bridge where he crosses the Mississippi River. Head to Lucy Creek where you can see Bubba Gump Fish Co, Bubba Mama's house, and the dock where Lt. Dan was when Forrest jumped off the boat.This fun and nostalgic tour brings the story of Forrest Gump to life in the very places it was filmed.

 

Beaufort, SC

Enjoy free time in charming downtown Beaufort, South Carolina. Stroll along historic Bay Street, browse unique shops and bakeries, and take in the scenic waterfront marina just steps away. Beaufort is one of the few towns in the United States whose entire downtown has been designated a historic district by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. You’ll also have time to enjoy lunch on your own at one of the area’s many local restaurants and cafés.

 

Beaufort Horse & Carriage Tour

Learn about Beaufort's history and charm on a fully narrated horse-drawn carriage tour of the historic downtown area. Ride through the historic Point neighborhood and see the Antebellum homes that have been the backdrop for many movies, such as The Big Chill, The Great Santini, Forces of Nature, Prince of Tides, etc., and learn about Beaufort’s early history and the beginning of Reconstruction.

 

Shrimp Boatdock Tour

Begin your day at Gay’s Seafood Market and Shrimp Docks on Saint Helena Island, where you’ll meet a direct descendant of John H. Gay Sr., whose family has been in the shrimping business since 1948. Get a behind-the-scenes look at this working dock as you learn how shrimp are caught, sorted, and prepared for market. You’ll even see original receipts from shrimp purchased by Paramount Pictures during filming, adding a unique and memorable connection to the area’s rich coastal heritage.

 

Hunting Island Dolphin Cruise

Visit the Coastal Expeditions Saint Helena Campus for a scenic Dolphin Eco Cruise along the Harbor River and surrounding estuary. As you glide through these coastal waters, watch for playful dolphins and a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, pelicans, herons, ibises, and even blue crabs. Along the way, your expert guide will share insights into the region’s unique ecology, explaining how the islands and waterways were formed and what makes this habitat so rich and diverse. You’ll also learn about Beaufort’s shrimping heritage and the role it has played in shaping the area’s coastal culture.

 

Lowcountry Boil

Savor a true taste of the South with a classic Lowcountry Boil at Coastal Expeditions in Beaufort. Set in a relaxed waterfront setting, this beloved regional meal brings together fresh local shrimp, sausage, corn on the cob, and potatoes, all seasoned to perfection and served in traditional Lowcountry style. As you enjoy this hearty, flavorful feast, take in the coastal surroundings and laid-back atmosphere that make Beaufort so special. It’s more than just a meal, it’s a cultural experience that captures the spirit and hospitality of the Lowcountry.

 

MacDonald Marketplace

Enjoy free time to explore MacDonald Marketplace, a charming and historic general store on Saint Helena Island. Housed in one of the area’s oldest buildings dating back to the 1800s, this beautifully restored space offers a unique glimpse into Lowcountry life. Browse a thoughtfully curated collection of local artwork, coastal décor, antiques, specialty foods, and wine, all showcasing the region’s rich culture and creativity. Whether you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind gift or simply soaking in the atmosphere, it’s a delightful stop that blends history, charm, and local flavor.

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on day two will be included at a local restaurant

Menu TBA

 

Dinner on day three will be included at a local restaurant

Menu TBA

 

Lunch on day four will be included a Low Country Boil at Coastal Expedition

Menu TBA

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know

• The Beaufort Shrimp Festival: This is an outdoor event along the Intracoastal Waterway in Beaufort, SC and requires walking.

• Cypress Wetlands: There is a half mile trail around the Wetlands that are a combination of boardwalks, paved trails, and connecting streets.

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

• Baggage handling at hotels is included.

 

Accessibility

• Hunting Island Dolphin Cruise: there will be a ramp that's steepness will change with the tide. High tide is the most gradual transition, low tide is the steepest transition. There is a step up to the boat from the dock. Assistance is provided for those with mobility issues.

• Carriage Tour: Boarding the carriage involves climbing a small set of stairs that are rolled to the side of the carriage. 

• Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Day 1 & 4: Country Inn Fayetteville I-95 NC (Fayetteville, NC)

The hotel features a seasonal outdoor pool and fitness room. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, hairdryer, and iron/board.

 

Day 2 & 3: Home2 Suites by Hilton Beaufort (Beaufort, SC)

The hotel features an outdoor pool and fitness room. Guest rooms include a coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, hairdryer, and iron/board.