Beaufort is part of the Treasured Coast, located on the Atlantic Coast near the eastern-most border between South Carolina and Georgia, some 40 miles north of Savannah, GA and about 70 miles south of Charleston, SC. It is part of the area referred to as the Lowcountry because it is flat and at or just above sea level. It is also within the Sea Island area, which consists of some 64 larger islands and more than 2000 smaller ones, along with a portion of the mainland.

Beaufort was named the Best Small Town in April 2005 by the Southern Living Readers' Choice Awards for the second consecutive year. It also was recognized by LIFE magazine's June 24, 2005 issue as the Most Romantic Town in the East. These same qualities have led Hollywood to the area to film such hits as Forrest Gum and The Prince of Tides.