Downtown remains open and ready to welcome visitors for a vibrant holiday season 

Beaufort, S.C. (November 7, 2025) — The City of Beaufort is taking proactive steps to support downtown commerce to mitigate possible financial impacts associated with the Bay and Charles Street intersection closure. The closure is in support of a critical storm drainage infrastructure project and is expected to begin on November 13 and last approximately five to six weeks. While this infrastructure work is underway, downtown Beaufort, to include all of Bay Street, will remain open and accessible throughout the project. The City is implementing several new initiatives to encourage residents and visitors to enjoy Beaufort’s vibrant downtown commercial district during the holiday season.  

Beginning Saturday, November 8, the Marina Parking Lot will open for free all-day public parking, two weeks earlier than the usual free parking period during the holidays. Traditionally, the City offers free parking downtown from Thanksgiving through the New Year, but this year, that timeline is being advanced to help offset the impacts of construction. 

“The holidays are always extra special here in the City of Beaufort and this year will be no exception,” said City Manager Scott Marshall. “Downtown is open for business, parking is convenient, and I think you will find a little more holiday spirit than normal in the air.”

In addition to early free parking, the City and its downtown partners are launching multiple access and parking incentives: 

• Free 2-Hour Parking through ParkMobile:
  Starting November 10, visitors can receive two hours of free parking when using the ParkMobile app. A new code will be shared each week available on the City of Beaufort’s social media pages, Main Street Beaufort’s channels, the City website, or by contacting Park Beaufort directly.
• Beaufort Magic Vouchers:
  A “Beaufort Magic” voucher will be printed in The Island News. Visitors can cut out the voucher and exchange it at Park Beaufort for a two-1-hour parking tokens.
• Downtown Business Tokens:
  The City’s Downtown Operations team will be distributing parking tokens to downtown merchants for customer use, as part of an upcoming parking partnership initiative that will be announced soon.
• Free Holiday Shuttle Service:
  Beginning Black Friday (November 29) and continuing Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., free shuttles will operate between all available downtown parking areas and Bay Street. The shuttle service will provide an easy, family-friendly way to get to shops, restaurants, and holiday events without the stress of finding a parking spot.
• Downtown Beaufort Dollars (Coming Soon):
  The City is also developing a “Downtown Beaufort Dollars” program, which will provide special discounts and incentives for shopping with participating local merchants. More details will be released soon.

The City emphasizes that this effort is about more than just mitigating construction impacts, it’s about supporting the heart of Beaufort during one of the most special times of the year. Downtown Beaufort is where residents and visitors gather to celebrate the holidays, enjoy local dining, shop for unique gifts, and experience the charm that makes our city so beloved. By expanding parking options, improving access, and partnering with local businesses, the City aims to ensure that Beaufort continues to thrive as a lively, walkable, and joyful destination throughout the holiday season and beyond. 

To stay up to date on parking initiatives, shuttle details, and upcoming holiday events, visit:
🌐 www.cityofbeaufort.org 
📲 Follow @CityofBeaufortSC and @MainStreetBeaufortSC on social media 

####