Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

Perhaps the most-visited real estate in Beaufort, the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park draws locals and visitors alike to its riverfront swings, shady palmetto trees, landscaped play areas and walking paths.

The Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park is the area’s most prominent and popular park. Located in downtown Beaufort along the waters of the Beaufort River, this vibrant, multi-acre park provides a breathtaking view of the Beaufort River, the Woods Memorial Bridge, the western tip of Lady’s Island, the eastern side of Port Royal Island and the northern tip of Parris Island.

On any given day, youngsters pull crabs from the rising tides of the Beaufort River, fishermen hook dinner for the night and shrimpers use centuries-old techniques to throw castnets to catch the tasty crustacean.

From a riverfront swing, you can see Parris Island, boot camp to all Marine recruits from East of the Mississippi, and home of one of the nation’s first Spanish settlements at Santa Helena. In the distance, the Beaufort River empties into Port Royal Sound, one of the East Coast’s most productive estuaries.

Shade trees swaying in the sea breeze provide a relaxing atmosphere. Other amenities include a variety of flowers, shrubs and plants, a stage for performances, a pavilion for displays, and a grassed amphitheater for picnicking, Frisbee or simple relaxing. One of the most popular features are the riverside swings, providing a simple opportunity to enjoy gentle sea breezes as a variety of water activities (fishing, boating, etc.) contribute to the relaxing atmosphere.
The park created public open space in an area where docks used to provide river access for downtown Beaufort merchants. Over the years, the docks became somewhat decrepit and, with newer and more efficient methods of delivery, the area was ripe for redevelopment. Henry C. Chambers, then mayor of Beaufort, worked with federal officials to gain financing to create the park with a series of seawalls and infill.
Today the Waterfront Park is home to many of Beaufort’s best-known festivals, including the Gullah Festival (Memorial Day week), Water Festival (a weeklong event in mid-July), and Shrimp Festival (early fall).
The park is only steps away from dozens of restaurants, shops, art galleries, churches and historic homes, and the Downtown Marina is located at the western tip of the park. There is a playground and restrooms in the park. Vehicle parking is available in several nearby lots or on the streets, and the park is handicapped accessible.
For More information contact Michael Mark of Team Beaufort.