Bluffton Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Bluffton, located in the picturesque Lowcountry region of South Carolina, is a charming town that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and Southern hospitality. Nestled along the banks of the May River, this coastal community is known for its quaint streets lined with historic homes, vibrant art scene, and mouthwatering culinary delights.

One of the highlights of Bluffton is its rich history. Take a stroll down Calhoun Street, where you'll be transported back in time with its well-preserved antebellum homes and buildings. Stop by the Heyward House Historic Center, a beautifully restored farmhouse that offers a glimpse into the town's past. Learn about the area's Gullah culture, a unique African-American community that has preserved its traditions and language for generations.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of outdoor activities Bluffton has to offer. Explore the scenic beauty of the May River by kayaking or paddleboarding, or embark on a boat tour to witness the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. For a more leisurely experience, visit the beautiful Bluffton Oyster Factory Park, where you can relax under the shade of ancient oak trees while enjoying panoramic river views.

Art lovers will find themselves in paradise in Bluffton. The town is known for its thriving art community, with numerous galleries showcasing the works of local artists. Take a stroll through the historic district and admire the colorful murals adorning the walls, or visit the renowned Maye River Gallery, where you can browse a wide selection of paintings, sculptures, and pottery.

No visit to Bluffton would be complete without indulging in its delectable cuisine. The town is a culinary gem, offering a wide range of dining options to suit every palate. From fresh seafood caught right off the coast to traditional Lowcountry dishes like shrimp and grits, Bluffton's restaurants are sure to satisfy even the most discerning foodie.

Alternative names: Settled: 1728Founded: 1852 (172 years ago)Population: 16.7 thous.Area: 53.7 mi²Elevation: 16 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 32°14'34"N, 80°51'36"W

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South CarolinaUnited States

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Bluffton Top Attractions

Bluffton Attractions - What to See and Explore

Bluffton offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Heyward House, Church of the Cross, Seven Oaks, Rose Hill Mansion. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historical place • Museum • History museum
Heyward House
The Heyward House, is located in Bluffton, South Carolina. It was built in 1841 in the early Carolina Farmhouse style brought to North America by planters from the West Indies. The north parlor and the bedroom above, were the first parts of the house built by John J.
Church
Church of the Cross
The Church of the Cross is a historic church on Calhoun Street in Bluffton, South Carolina. It was built in 1857 and added to the National Register in 1975.
Historical and heritage tours • Tours • Church
Seven Oaks
Seven Oaks is located in Bluffton, South Carolina. It was built in 1850. This is a two-story house with double verandas on the south and east sides and two exterior chimneys.

Historical place
Rose Hill Mansion
Rose Hill Plantation House is an historic Carpenter Gothic house located on US 278 in Bluffton, Beaufort County, South Carolina. It was begun in 1858 for Dr.
Flea market • Farmer's market • Shopping
The Store
The Store, is located in Bluffton, South Carolina. It was built in 1904. The Store sits on a large tract of land which is thought to have been the property of Mrs. John Hais Hardee, née Harriet Saussy. She was listed as the "Head of Household" and a "Planter" in both the 1850 and 1860 Census.
32°14'15"N • 80°51'57"W
Four Corners Art Gallery and Framing
Art gallery • Shopping • Museum
32°13'52"N • 80°51'47"W
Squire Pope Carriage House
The Squire Pope Carriage House, is a historic site located in Bluffton, South Carolina built in 1850. This two-story frame structure is located at the back of a deep lot overlooking the May River.
32°13'53"N • 80°51'51"W
Huger-Gordon House
The Huger-Gordon House, is located in Bluffton, South Carolina. It was built in 1795. This is the only antebellum house located on the bluff overlooking the May River that survived the Burning of Bluffton on June 4, 1863.
32°14'7"N • 80°51'46"W
D. Hasell Heyward House
The D. Hasell Heyward House, is located in Bluffton, South Carolina. It was built in 1914. This cottage was built by Nathan Crosby in 1914 for Daniel Hasell Heyward, Sr. and his wife Hattie Mae Mulligan.
32°13'59"N • 80°51'48"W
Fripp-Lowden House
The Fripp-Lowden House is located in Bluffton, South Carolina. It was built in 1909. This Lowcountry cottage was built in 1909 for Alfred Fripp and his wife Sallie Williams. It is a one-story frame building of pine with a porch across the facade.
32°14'6"N • 80°51'45"W
Carson Cottage
Carson Cottage, built in 1890, is an historic building in Bluffton, South Carolina. The first owner of Carson Cottage was J.J. Carson, a soldier in the Confederate Army who distinguished himself at the Battle of Chancellorsville during the American Civil War.
32°14'9"N • 80°51'45"W
Planters Mercantile
The Planters Mercantile, is located in Bluffton, South Carolina. It was built in 1890. Unlike most 19th century commercial buildings on Calhoun St. the Mercantile is built with two full stories; the ground floor store has very high ceilings, tall windows and entry doors.
32°13'55"N • 80°51'48"W
Allen-Lockwood House
The Allen-Lockwood House is located in Bluffton, South Carolina. It was built in 1850. This cottage was built by William Gaston Allen on the northwest corner of Calhoun and Water Streets for his wife Susan Virginia Bolan and their six children.
32°14'13"N • 80°51'42"W
Cordray House
The Cordray House, is located in Bluffton, South Carolina. It was built in 1910. In the 1860 Census for St. Luke's Parish, one Isaac H. Martin, mason and a free black man, his wife Pauline H. Martin and their children, Philip, Mary E. Isiah and John H were listed.
32°14'9"N • 80°51'45"W
Patz Brothers House
The Patz Brothers House, is located in Bluffton, South Carolina. It was built in 1892. The history of these houses and the Planters Mercantile are woven together. The Patz brothers, Moses and Abram, came from the northeast around 1890.
Neighbourhood
Bluffton Historic District
The Bluffton Historic District, located in the town of Bluffton, South Carolina, is important due to its position as the commercial hub of southern Beaufort County from 1880–1930.

Day trips

Bluffton – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Bluffton, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Fort Pulaski National Monument (Tybee Island), Grayson Stadium (Savannah), Fort James Jackson (Savannah).

15 milesS
Civil War landmark with trails and tours
Fort Pulaski National Monument, Tybee Island
Fort Pulaski National Monument stands as a testament to the transformative power of technology in warfare and the rich history of the United States. Located near Tybee Island in Chatham County, Georgia, this national monument was named after the Revolutionary War hero...
19 milesSW
Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue, Sport
Grayson Stadium, Savannah
Grayson Stadium stands as a historic landmark in the heart of Savannah, Georgia. This classic ballpark, known for its intimate and nostalgic atmosphere, has been a cornerstone of the city's sports culture since its opening in 1926.
15 milesSW
Museum, History museum, Military museum
Fort James Jackson, Savannah
Nestled on the banks of the Savannah River, Fort James Jackson stands as a silent sentinel to Georgia's storied past. This historic fortification, now a museum in Chatham County, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the military history of Savannah and the United...
18 milesSW
Park
Lafayette Square, Savannah
Lafayette Square is one of the 22 squares of Savannah, Georgia, United States. It is located in the fourth row of the city's five rows of squares, on Abercorn Street and East Macon Street, and was laid out in 1837. It is south of Colonial Park Cemetery, west of Troup Square, north of Calhoun Square and east of Madison Square.
24 milesW
History museum, Military museum, Museum
National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Pooler
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is a non-profit organization with a museum facility located in Pooler, Georgia, in the western suburbs of Savannah.

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Best Time To Visit Bluffton

Learn when is the best time to travel to Bluffton weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May, September and November.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in November. Most of it rains in August.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Bluffton?

The top attractions to visit in Bluffton are:

What is the best time to visit Bluffton?

June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May, September and November. The highest air temperature is in June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February and December.