Bluffton Area | Day Trips

Bluffton Day Trips

Option 1 – Historic Walking Tour

 

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

alt1. Heyward House Historic Center

(843-757-6293, 70 Boundary St, open M-F 10-4, Sat 11-2)
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

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2. Walking Tour

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

alt3. Lunch at a downtown local restaurant (See Visitors – Dining – Bluffton)

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 Okatie Hwy, open daylight hours
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.
TRAILMAP 

2. Victoria Bluff
Sawmill Rd, open daylight hours
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.
TRAILMAP

3. Pinckney Island Wildlife Management Area
Hwy 278, between Bluffton & Hilton Head Island
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.
TRAILMAP

TOURING_PINCKNEY_ISLAND

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2. Lunch at a local restaurant or picnic (See Visitors – Dining – Bluffton)

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

Option 3 – Dolphin Watching Cruise or Kayaking Adventurealt

(See Visitors – Tours – Bluffton), Spend the day on the
beautiful May River viewing local wildlife and our
ever-popular dolphins.

Option 4 – Bike Trails

(Call 843-757-6293 for map of trails.)

Load up the bikes and head over to the Buckwalter Parkway. alt
Bicycle paths wind throughout wooded areas and
along the parkway. Bring along a picnic lunch and enjoy nature and fresh air.

Option 5 – Art Galleriesalt

1. Stroll the ten unique art galleries of Calhoun St and surrounding area
www.oldtownbluffton.com
(Also see Visitors – Shopping – Bluffton)

alt2. Lunch at a local restaurant (See Visitors – Dining – Bluffton)

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.

alt3. On Thursdays during spring and summer months, drift through the Bluffton Farmer’s Market on Calhoun St from 2-6 pm. Local produce, jams, honey, baked goods, prepared foods and many other surprises await you at this street party.

 

 

Bluffton Area | Dining

Bluffton Area | Dining

Coffee Houses / Café

Corner Perk
1297 May River Road | (843) 816-5674

Downtown Deli Sandwich Shop & Café
1223 May River Road | (843) 815-5005

Island Bagel
17 Sherington Drive | (843) 815-5300

Juice Hive, The
14 Johnston Way | (843) 757-2899

Lowcountry Fresh Market & Café
303 Bleecker Street | (843) 815-2780

Sippin’ Cow
36 Promenade Street | (843) 757-5051

Starbucks
1060 Fording Island Road | (843) 815-9299

Dining

Agave
15 Captains Cove | (843) 757-8226

Akomeya Asian Bistro
16 Kitties Landing Road | (843) 757-6699

Alvin Ord’s of Bluffton
1230A May River Road | (843) 757-1300

Bluffton BBQ
111 State of Mind Way | (843) 757-7427

Bluffton Family Seafood House
27 Mellichamp Drive | (843) 757-0380

Bluffton Pizza Company
4376 Bluffton Parkway #202 | (843) 836-3355

Bluffton Room, The
15 Promenade Street | (843) 757-3525

Bricco Risorante Italiano
27 Dr. Mellicahmp Drive #105 | (843) 707-1419

British Open Pub
1 Sheridan Park Drive | (843) 815-6736

Buffalo Wild Wings
21 Bluffton Road, Suite 103 | (843) 757-9404

Buffalos
477 Mount Pelia Road | (843) 706-5455

Burnt Church Distillery
120 Bluffton Road | (843) 872-0158

Cahills Market
1055 May River Road | (843) 757-2921

Calhoun Street Tavern
6 Promenade Street #1201 | (843) 757-4334

Captain Woody’s
17 State of Mind Street | (843) 757-6222

Chicken Salad Chick
20 Discovery Drive | (843) 258-1780

Chin Dynasty – Bluffton
108 Buckwalter Parkway | (843) 757-7998

Choo Choo BBQ
129 Burnt Church Road | (843) 815-7675

Chow Daddy’s
15 Towne Drive | (843) 757-2469

Cottage Café, The
38 Calhoun Street | (843) 757-0508

Crudo
14 Promenade Street, Unit 306 | (843) 815-3220

Farm
1301 May River Road | (843) 707-2041

Five Guys
1019 Fording Island Road | (843) 757-4667

Fore & Aft
477 Mount Pelia Road | (855) 264-8705

Frankie Bones
26 Discovery Drive | (843) 757-3423

Giuseppi’s Pizza & Pasta House
25 Bluffton Road | (843) 815-9200

Honey Baked Ham Co., The
1060 Fording Island Road, Unit C | (843) 815-7388

Hook & Reel
1009 Fording Island Road | (843) 815-3888

IHOP
11 Towne Drive | (843) 757-9155

Jersey Mike’s Subs
1019 Fording Island Road, Suite 105-G | (843) 815-2536

Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ
872 Fording Island Road | (843) 706-9741

Katie O’ Donald’s
1008 Fording Island Road | (843) 815-5555

Kobe Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar
30 Plantation Business Park, Suite 208 | (843) 757-6688

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
25 Bluffton Road, Suite 613 | (843) 815-4540

Local Pie
15 State of Mind Street | (843) 837-7437

May River Grill
1263A May River Road | (843) 757-5755

Mi Tierra Authentic Mexican Restaurant
27 Mellichamp Drive, Unit 101 | (843) 757-7200

Moe’s Southwest Grill
3 Malphrus Road | (843) 837-8722

Mulberry Street Trattoria
1476 Fording Island Road | (843) 837-2426

Nectar Farm Kitchen
207 Bluffton Road | (843) 706-2337

New York City Pizza Bar/Restaurant
103 Buckwalter Place Boulevard, Unit 108 | (843) 837-4800

New York City Pizza Bar/Restaurant
107 Towne Drive | (843) 757-9500

Octagon Bar & Gathering Place
477 Mount Pelia Road | (843) 836-6210

Okan
71 Calhoun Street | (843) 949-3002

Olive & Fig Mediterranean Kitchen
1533 Fording Island Road #326 | (843) 707-1934

One Host Mama’s
104 Buckwalter Parkway, Suite 1A | (843) 815-6262

Panda Chinese Restaurant
22 Towne Drive | (843) 815-6790

Pearl Kitchen & Bar, The
55 Calhoun Street | (843) 757-5511

Pour Richards Fun Food and Wine
4376 Bluffton Parkway | (843) 757-1999

Red Stripes
8 Pin Oak Street | (843) 757-8111

Restaurant at Old South Golf Links
50 Buckingham Plantation Drive | (843) 837-2023

River House
477 Mount Pelia Road | (843) 706-6542

Sake House
1017 Fording Island Road, Suite 105 | (843) 706-9222

Southern Barrel Brewing Company
375 Buckwalter Place Boulevard | (843) 834-2337

Squat ‘N’ Gobble
1231 May River Road | (843) 757-4242

Tio’s Latin American Kitchen Restaurant
7 Venture Drive #106 | (843) 757-8467

Truffles Café
91 Towne Drive | (843) 815-5551

Upper Crust
30 William Pop Drive, Suite 105 | (843) 705-5520

Spirits

Bee-Town Mead & Cider
1230B May River Road | (843) 707-4303

Burnt Church Distillery
120 Bluffton Road | (843) 872-0158

Lot 9 Brewing Company
258 Red Cedar Street #14 | (843) 757-5689

Southern Barrel Brewing Company
375 Buckwalter Place Boulevard | (843) 834-2337

Wine Time Bluffton
6 Promenade Street, Unit 1003 | (843) 619-3579

Sweets

Chill N
65 Towne Drive, Suite 65 | (843) 706-2244

Kilwins
1414 Fording Island Road | (843) 837-9777

Melt
477 Mount Pelia Road | (843) 706-6630

Bluffton Area | Tours

Bluffton Area | Tours

Bluffton Golf Cart Tours
110 Calhoun Street | (843) 227-8615

Hilton Head Dolphin Tours
Alljoy Public Dock – 265 Alljoy Road | (843) 321-8075

Hilton Head Dolphin Tours
Bluffton Oyster Boat Landing – Harbor River | (843) 321-8075

Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center
70 Boundary Street | (843) 757-6293

May River Excursions
81 Calhoun Street | (843) 304-2878

Bluffton Area | Shopping

Bluffton Area | Shopping

Bluffton Candles
54 Bridge Street, Suite 101 | (843) 304-3989

Bluffton General Store
12 Church Street | (843) 837-4675

Coastal Exchange
1230 May River Road | (843) 815-4669

The Complete Home
41B Calhoun Street | (843) 815-2729

Eggs ‘n’ Tricities
5 Lawton Street | (843) 757-3446

Farmers Market of Bluffton
68 Boundary Street | (843) 415-2447

Garden Gate Nursery
2 State of Mind Way | (843) 757-4040

GiGi’s Boutique
40 Calhoun Street | (843) 815-4450

God’s Goods Thrift Store
15 Centre Drive A | (843) 757-2024

Grind Coffee Roasters
1 Sherington Drive, Suite J | (843) 368-3348

The Haven Boutique
6 State Of Mind Street | (843) 707-9198

High Tide Beads
52 Calhoun Street | (843) 757-4367

Heaven’s Treasure
4371 Bluffton Parkway, Suite 102 | (843) 707-7373

J.McLaughlin
5 Promenade Street | (843) 547-0343

J. Parker Boutique
69 Calhoun Street | (843) 706-2601

The Kneady Cat Books & Gifts
108 Buckwalter Parkway #2D | (843) 540-0973

La Petite Gallerie
56 Calhoun Street | (843) 304-2319

Maggie & Me
6 Bruin Road | (843) 707-9083

Markel’s Card & Gift Shop
1008 Fording Island Road, Suite P | (843) 815-9500

Marsh on the May
43 Boundary Street | (843) 816-8482

Mermaid of Hilton Head
1414 Fording Island Road E180 | (843) 271-6790

Monkee’s of Bluffton
14 Promenade Street, Suite 301 | (843) 707-4597

Moonlit Lullaby
55 Bridge Street | (843) 837-6666

Olive the Above
85 Towne Drive | (843) 757-2013

Palmetto Moon
1460 Fording Island Road #270 | (843) 837-1116

Palmetto Running Company
30 Plantation Park Drive, #202 | (843) 815-1718

Preston Pottery Studio
10 Church Street | (843) 757-3084

Pluff Mudd Art
27 Calhoun Street | (843) 757-5590

Red Piano Art Gallery
40 Calhoun Street | (843) 842-4433

Salty Dog T-Shirt Shop
1414 Fording Island Road | (843) 837-5511

Society of Bluffton Artists Gallery
6 Church Street | (843) 757-6586

Spartina 449 – Flagship Store
32 Calhoun Street | (843) 815-9000

The Store
56 Calhoun Street | (843) 757-3855

The Storybook Shoppe
1414 Fording Island Road, Suite A190 | (843) 929-1002

The Spirited Hand
1127 Fording Island Road, Suite 103 | (843) 757-7300

Tanger Outlets
1414 Fording Island Rd | (843) 837-5410

Tulips Thrift Store
57 Sheridan Park Circle, Suites A & B | (843) 949-3029

Vintage Market
28 Kitties Landing Road | (843) 757-9010

Bluffton Area | Real Estate

Bluffton Area | Real Estate

Alliance Group Realty
45 Calhoun Street | (843) 785-5200

Belfair
200 Belfair Oaks Boulevard | (843) 757-0701

Berkeley Hall
366 Good Hope Road | (843) 815-8494

Brokers Real Estate
10 Burr Way | (843) 837-6080

Caldwell Banker
16 Palmetto Way | (843) 705-2000

Carolina Realty of the Lowcountry
167 Bluffton Road, Unit C | (843) 757-6012

Charter One Realty | Belfair Office
2 Belfair Oaks | (843) 757-7710

Charter One Realty | Berkeley Hall Office
1024 Berkeley Hall Boulevard | (843) 815-8400

Charter One Realty | Promenade Office
1 Promenade Street | (844) 526-0002

Charter One Realty | Sun City Office
10 William Pope Dr. | (843) 705-2830

Coast Bluffton Brokered by eXp Realty
65 Lawrence Street | (843) 757-3010

Colleton River Club
60 Colleton River Drive | (843) 836-4400

Daniel Ravenel | Sotheby’s International Realty
49 Boundary Street | (843) 836-3900

Del Webb Communities
138 Kings Creek Drive | (877) 785-8319

ERA Real Estate
14 Church Street, Suite 102 | (843) 815-6800

Hampton Lake
7 Hampton Lake Drive | (843) 310-6339

Hilton Head 360
2C Anolyn Court | (843) 785-7272

Homesfinder Realty Group
103 Okatie Center Boulevard North, Suite 102 | (877) 229-4107

Keller Williams
36 William Pope Drive, Suite 203 | (330) 348-3169

Kiser & Associates, Inc. Real Estate
1256 May River Road | (843) 681-6000

Palmetto Bluff
19 Village Park Square | (843) 258-5029

Peirce Group Brokered by eXp Realty
5728 Guilford Place, Suite 100 | (843) 481-2225

Realty One Group Lowcountry
12 Promenade Street | (843) 290-0911

Southern Lifestyle Properties
1253 C May River Road | (843) 683-6636

Weichert Realtors, Coastal Properties | Bluffton
1250 May River Road | (843) 815-9191

Weichert Realtors, Coastal Properties | Sun City/Okatie
16 William Pope Drive, Sutie 101 | (843) 705-3351

Bluffton Area | Golf Courses

Bluffton | Okatie – Golf Courses

Bluffton

Crescent Pointe Golf Club
1 Crescent Pointe Drive | (843) 706-2600

Eagle’s Pointe Golf Club
1 Eagle’s Pointe Drive | (843) 757-5900

Hampton Hall Golf Course
170 Hampton Hall Boulevard | (843) 815-8730

Hilton Head National
60 Hilton Head National Drive | (843) 842-5900

Island West Golf Club
40 Island West Drive | (843) 689-6660

May River Golf Club at Palmetto Bluff
476 Mount Pelia Road | (843) 706-6580

Old South Golf Links
50 Buckingham Plantation Drive | (843) 785-5353

Pinecrest Golf Club
1 Pinecrest Way | (843) 757-8960

Rose Hill Golf Club
4 Clubhouse Drive | (843) 757-9030

1 Cres Point Dr, Bluffton, SC 29910 1 Eagle Pointe Dr, Bluffton, SC 29909 170 Hampton Hall Blvd, Bluffton, SC 29910 60 Hilton Head National Dr, Bluffton, SC 29910 40 Island W Dr, Bluffton, SC 29910 50 Buckingham Plantation Dr, Bluffton, SC 29910 350 Mt Pelia Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910 1 Pinecrest Way, Bluffton, SC 29910 4 Clubhouse Dr, Bluffton, SC 29910

Sun City Courses

Argent Lakes
1291 Sergeant William Jasper Boulevard North, Hardeeville | (843) 645-0507

Hidden Cypress
671 Cypress Hills Drive, Bluffton | (843) 705-4999

Okatie Creek
60 Sun City Lane, Bluffton |(843) 705-4653

1291 Sergeant William Jasper Blvd, Okatie, SC 29909 672 Cypress Hills Dr, Bluffton, SC 29909 60 Sun City Club Ln, Bluffton, SC 29909

Bluffton Area | Accommodations

Bluffton Area | Accommodations

Bed & Breakfast and Inns

May River Manor
155 Old Miller Road, Bluffton | (843) 757-6777

Old Town Bluffton Inn
1321 May River Road, Bluffton | (843) 707-4045

Camping

Hilton Head National RV Resort
36 Hilton Head National Drive, Bluffton | (843) 707-4800

Stoney Crest Plantation Campground
419 River Road, Bluffton | (843) 757-3249

Hotels and Motels

Candlewood Suites
5 Young Clyde Court, Bluffton | (843) 705-9600

Comfort Suites Hilton Head Island Area
23 Towne Drive, Bluffton | (843) 277-9165

Hampton Inn & Suites Bluffton-Sun City
29 William Pope Drive, Okatie | (843) 705-9000

Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Head
1575 Fording Island Road, Hilton Head Island | (843) 837-8111

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bluffton/Hilton Head
35 Bluffton Road, Bluffton | (843) 757-2002

Okatie Hilton Head Hotel
105 Okatie Center Boulevard, Okatie | (843) 705-2300

Vacation and Property Rentals

Hilton Head 360
2C Anolyn Court, Bluffton | (843) 785-7272

Montage Palmetto Bluff
477 Mount Pelia Road, Bluffton | (843) 706-6500

Bluffton Area | Sights to See

Bluffton Area | Sights to See

factorypark

Bluffton Oyster Factory Park
63 Wharf Street, Old Town Bluffton | (843)757-4010
Located on the May River in Old Town Bluffton, the park celebrates the oldest continuous operating oyster shucking facility in South Carolina. Opened in the early 1900’s, the 4.5 acre site on the pristine May River was purchased by the Beaufort County Open Land Trust and has evolved into a community park. The Garvin-Garvey Freedman’s Cottage sits on the bluff overlooking the river.

shellart

Bluffton Shell Art Trail
Throughout Old Town Bluffton | (888)587-4593, ext. 2
The Shell Art Trail is a new cultural art exhibit. 21 unique fiberglass oyster sculptures have been placed throughout Old Town Bluffton. Each oyster is a true work of art, painted by a local artist. Download a digital map or print out your own Shell Art Trail Passbook and get ready to follow the trail to the most spectacularly decorated sculptures you’ve ever seen. A special plaque on each will provide you with a unique “oyster fact” in answer to questions in your Passbook.  Match questions and answers to increase your knowledge as you travel the Trail.
Bluffton’s Shell Art Trail Blog Post

oldtownbluffton

Calhoun Street Art District
Calhoun Street, Bluffton | (843)757-6293
Collection of art galleries clustered along Calhoun Street, in the center of Old Town Bluffton.

ccamechurch

Campbell Chapel AME Church
23 Boundary Street, Bluffton | (843)757-3652
The Campbell Chapel AME Church is the oldest surviving church within the historic district of Bluffton. Constructed in 1853 by the Bluffton Methodist Episcopal Church, the property changed hands in 1874 when it was purchased by freedmen. The church is believed to have been built by slaves.
Campbell Chapel AME Blog Post.

bluffton-church-of-the-cross

Church of the Cross Episcopal
110 Calhoun Street, Bluffton | (843)757-2661
This Gothic structure was built in 1857. Inside visitors will find soft pink plaster walls and exposed pine timbers, along with a walnut alter. In 1863 Federal troops burned much of the area but left this church untouched.
Church of the Cross Blog Post

ggfc

Garvin-Garvey House
63 Wharf Street, Bluffton | (843) 757-6293
This 1870 Freedman’s Cottage is a great example of the late 19th century Carolina Lowcountry architecture. It was constructed by Cyrus Garvin during the Reconstruction era. Guided tours are available and last approximately 30 minutes.
Garvin Garvey Freedman’s Cottage Blog Post

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The Heyward House
70 Boundary Street, Bluffton | (843)757-6293
Built-in 1841 as a summer cottage for a Lowcountry planter, the Heyward House is Southern Beaufort County’s only house museum and Bluffton’s official welcome center. It offers free information on things to see and do Also available are docent-guided tours of the site.
Heyward House Blog Post.

piw

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge 
Off Hwy. 278, between the bridges to Hilton Head Island | (843) 784-2468
This 4,053 acres refuge preserves salt marsh and maritime habitat. Historical marker commemorating Major General Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. It offers ideal opportunities for hiking, bicycling, photography, and wildlife observation.
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge Blog Post

bluffton garden

Pritchard Pocket Park
End of Pritchard Street, Bluffton | (843)706-4500
A living example of Bluffton’s River Overlay Protection District, this planted buffer provides visitors the opportunity to see how vegetated buffers along waterways protect water quality and enhance property aesthetics.

soba

Society of Bluffton Artists
6 Church Street, Bluffton | (843)757-6586
A co-op gallery of Bluffton artists and craftspeople, the Guild is located in the historic Planters Mercantile building. Featuring original paintings in various media and styles, hand-made pottery, jewelry, turned wood pieces, baskets and more.

vbhp

Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area
Sawmill Creek Road, Bluffton | (843)546-8119
The 977 acre Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve provides an escape from the crowds. The preserve contains an example of the pine-saw palmetto flatwoods community, which is rare in South Carolina. As the name suggests, the pine-saw palmetto community is dominated by longleaf and slash pine in the overstory and saw palmetto in the understory. The other community type located on the preserve is the mainland maritime forest. This community occurs adjacent to the saltwater creeks and is dominated by live oak, cabbage palm, and slash pine. The preserve provides an excellent area for birdwatching, particularly in the spring. Pine, yellow-throated, and yellow rumped warblers, white-eyed vireos, summer tanagers and flycatchers can be seen in a short time. White-tailed deer, fox and gray squirrels can also be observed.

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