Once the home of one of the nation's first schools for freed slaves, the Penn Center has a small museum that covers Gullah culture and traces the history of Penn School. Two sites on the property became part of the National Reconstruction Era Site in 2017: Darrah Hall, the school building, and Brick Baptist Church, which was originally constructed by slaves who were not allowed to worship inside. Freed slaves took control of it in 1861.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Henry C Chambers Waterfront Park

6.34 MILES

Overlooking the bay, this iconic downtown anchor is flanked by dining options, shops and art galleries. Many of Beaufort’s festivals and events are held…

2. Pat Conroy Literary Center

6.35 MILES

Until his death in 2016, South Carolina's literary great Pat Conroy called Beaufort home. The city inspired some of his most famous works, including The…

3. Sandbar

6.47 MILES

At low tide on a warm day, Beaufort's sandbar is the place to drink and be drunk. It's only about a mile south of the Henry C Chambers Waterfront Park and…

4. Parris Island Museum

6.72 MILES

This fascinating museum covering Marine Corps history contains antique uniforms and weaponry, but is most engaging for its exhibits chronicling the…

5. Hunting Island State Park

7.85 MILES

Lush and inviting Hunting Island State Park impresses visitors with acres of spooky maritime forest, tidal lagoons and a bone-white beach littered with…

6. Coastal Discovery Museum

15.61 MILES

A Smithsonian Affiliate, this museum is well worth a trip for its exhibits highlighting the island's rich Gullah history, natural wonders and other…

7. Heyward House Museum & Welcome Center

19.82 MILES

The Bluffton Historical Preservation Society has meticulously preserved this circa-1841 Carolina-farmhouse-style home, converting it into a welcome center…

8. ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge

20.48 MILES

Formerly occupied by large rice plantations, this area fell out of use after the Civil War and was bought up by sportsmen who turned it into a hunting…