Things To Do
in Bluffton
Bluffton is a charming Lowcountry town perched along the May River in South Carolina. It blends a historic riverfront vibe with modern dining, galleries, and boutique shops. The town showcases moss-draped live oaks, brick-paved streets, and scenic waterfront views.
Bluffton offers easy access to nearby Hilton Head and Beaufort, making it a relaxed hub for culture, cuisine, and outdoor adventures.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin the day with a Southern-style breakfast at Local Market, where fresh biscuit sandwiches set the tone for exploration. Wander along Calhoun Street, admiring its preserved Victorian-era architecture. Pause to photograph the charming town square draped in Spanish moss.
Grab a gourmet picnic from Native Oyster and head to the Old Town Bluffton Oyster Factory to learn about the town’s 19th-century maritime history. Browse local galleries and boutiques showcasing Lowcountry art and crafts. Stop by the Heyward House Museum for a guided tour of one of Bluffton’s oldest residences.
Dine at a waterfront restaurant overlooking the May River, sampling local shrimp and grits. Catch the sunset from the adjacent park as the sky reflects off the water. Afterwards, enjoy live music at a nearby bar or café featuring regional musicians.
Start with a latte and pastry at a cozy café before heading to the Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival Gallery. Explore rotating exhibits featuring Lowcountry painters and sculptors. Chat with local artists about their inspirations and techniques.
Take a self-guided mural tour through Old Town, pausing to photograph vibrant street art. Visit The Art League of Hilton Head’s Bluffton satellite for a hands-on workshop in watercolor or pottery. Sample artisanal chocolates and confections at a boutique sweet shop.
Attend an intimate theater performance or live concert at the Historic Heyward House courtyard. Sip on a craft cocktail under twinkling bistro lights. Wind down with gelato from a nearby dessert parlor.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $150-250 |
| 🚗Gas per gallon | $3-4 |
| 🛍️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-60 |
| 💡Utilities (monthly) | $100-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming historic town with waterfront views
- Close to Hilton Head and Beaufort with great dining and markets
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Hot, humid summers and hurricane season
Places to Visit in Bluffton
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic 19th-century church with Gothic Revival elements and a tranquil cemetery, offering timeless silhouette shots along the riverbanks.
Cobbled streets, brick facades, and the Bell Tower provide classic Lowcountry textures and color for street photography.
Golden-hour marshes and marina views with boats and tidal channels ideal for wide landscape and lifestyle photography.
Vibrant storefronts, murals, and seasonal events offering colorful urban scenes.
Waterfront boardwalk with marsh grasses and occasional wildlife, perfect for sunset shots.
Food in Bluffton
Bluffton Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Creamy stone-ground grits topped with Cajun- or pan-seared shrimp, often finished with bacon or sausage for extra richness.
Must-Try!
Creamy soup featuring crab meat and crab roe; a coastal staple found at many seafood spots.
One-pot boil of shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage seasoned with Old Bay or regional spices.
Similar to a Lowcountry boil, combining shrimp, crab, corn, and potatoes without a strong broth.
Seasoned rice and black-eyed peas, often enjoyed as a comforting staple with greens and cornbread.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market featuring local produce, seafood, baked goods, and prepared foods in the Old Town area.
Regional market with fresh seafood, farm products, and street-style snacks during market weekends.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Friendly hellos and brief conversations are common; small-town manners and curbside politeness are appreciated.
Be punctual for reservations; planning ahead for dining and events is helpful in peak seasons.
Keep distance from wildlife and avoid disturbing marsh habitats; be mindful of private property along waterways.
Safety
Tipping in Bluffton
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard is 15-20% at restaurants; $1-2 per drink at bars; tip hotel staff and taxi/rideshares as appropriate.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments common; carry some cash for markets and small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Moderate temperatures and blooming gardens; great for outdoor markets, strolls, and photography with softer light.
Hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms; hydrate, plan early-morning or late-evening activities, and enjoy coastal breezes by the river.
Milder days and clearer skies; ideal for walking tours, outdoor dining, and fall festivals.
Generally mild with occasional cool spells; golf and coastal exploration are still pleasant on sunny days.
Bluffton at Night
Hiking in Bluffton
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Wooded trails and boardwalks with opportunities for wildlife viewing and marsh photography.
Coastal marsh trails suitable for birdwatching and scenic overlooks.
Short nature trails that highlight regional ecosystems and local history.
Airports
How to reach Bluffton by plane.
Small regional airport with limited domestic flights; convenient for quick trips to the area.
Major regional hub about 25-40 miles from Bluffton; broad flight options and services.
Larger international airport about 100 miles from Bluffton; wide range of domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Family-friendly neighborhoods with good schools and community events.
A popular destination for retirees due to laid-back lifestyle, golf, and coastal scenery.
Growth in service, construction, and tourism sectors; a developing local scene for dining and culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely available across Bluffton and nearby Hilton Head; acclaimed courses and scenic layouts.
Water-based activities on the May River and coastal creeks, with charters and rentals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bluffton.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many spots offer veggie mains, salads, and sides; look for vegetable plates, seasonal vegetables, and grain bowls. When ordering, specify no butter or cream in sauces if avoiding dairy; ask for olive oil or vinaigrette as a dressing.