Bluffton Day Trips

Option 1 – Historic Walking Tour

Read our Blog Post about spending a day in Old Town Bluffton HERE.

1. Heyward House Museum

70 Boundary Street | (843) 757-6293
The Heyward House was built in 1840 as a summer home by a local plantation owner. Heyward House is only one of eight antebellum homes remaining in the area. It is located on the May River in what is now Bluffton’s Historic District. A slave cabin and the summer kitchen also remain on the property. Today the house remains virtually the same as it did when it was built over 170 years ago

2. Walking Tour

Use your Walking Tour Guide, from the Heyward House Museum, to meander the downtown streets of Old Town Bluffton. There are many churches, homes and businesses that are historically significant to this town.
Historic Bluffton Walking Tour Map

3. Lunch at a downtown local restaurant

Bluffton has many fine lunch choices. Some are within walking distance of the tour. Others are just a short drive away.

Option 2 – Hiking & Biking 

1. New Linear Trail

3809-3835 Okatie Highway | (843) 706-4500
The trail runs for 3.4 miles and ends at the banks of the New River.
The grass trail is generally flat. The route passes through some spectacular scenery with hardwood forest and swampland where wildlife abounds. Turkeys, deer, and waterfowl are some of the more common inhabitants of the area. Long-abandoned rice fields are often visible. Parking for the New River Linear Trail is accessible via a driveway off of S.C. Route 46.
Trail Map 

2. Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area

Sawmill Creek Road, Bluffton | (843) 546-8119
Closed to hikers during hunting season (October through December)
Explore 4 miles of easy walking, crisscrossing trails, and firebreaks as you discover the botanical wonders of this preserve. You should plan to wear protective clothing and insect repellent. Since the preserve is primarily managed for hunting, the preserve is closed to hikers from October to December.
Trail Map

3. Pinckney Island Wildlife Management Area

Off Hwy. 278, between the bridges to Hilton Head Island | (843) 784-2468
This 4,053-acre national refuge consists of salt marsh and tidal creeks, forests, grasslands, and freshwater ponds. In combination, these habitats support a diversity of wildlife species. All trips begin and end at the parking area half a mile from the refuge entrance. Guided tours are available through the Coastal Discovery Museum, (843) 689-6767.
Trail Map

2. Lunch at a local restaurant or picnic 

There are many delicious restaurant choices conveniently located on Hwy 278.

Option 3 – Dolphin Watching Cruise or Kayaking Adventure

Bluffton Area Tours

Spend the day on the beautiful May River viewing local wildlife and our ever-popular dolphins.

Option 4 – Bike Trails

(Stop by the Heyward House Museum for a current Bike Trail map.)

Load up the bikes and head out to paths that wind throughout wooded areas and along parkways. Bring along a picnic lunch and enjoy nature and fresh air.

Option 5 – Art Galleries

1. Bluffton Area Art Galleries

Stroll through the unique art galleries of Calhoun Street and the surrounding area

2. Lunch at a local restaurant 

If sweet tea and a sandwich on the porch sound appealing to you, head over to Calhoun Street for a lunch you won’t soon forget.

3. Local Farmers Market

68 Boundary Street | (843) 415-2447
On Thursdays during spring and summer months, drift through the Bluffton Farmer’s Market on Calhoun Street. Local produce, jams, honey, baked goods, prepared foods, and many other surprises await you at this street party.