Location: Bluffton
Top Things to do in Bluffton
10 Things to Do in Bluffton That You Shouldn't Miss
Bluffton is a Lowcountry town in Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. It is primarily located around U.S. Route 278, between Hilton Head Island and Interstate 95. The town's original one square mile area, now known as Old Town, is situated on a bluff along the May River. The population was counted by the 2010 census at 12,893. Bluffton is the fastest growing municipality in South Carolina with a population over 2,500, growing 882.7% between the 2000 and 2010 census. Bluffton is the fifth largest municipality in South Carolina by land area. The town is a primary city within the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area. Bluffton is known for its eclectic Old Town district and natural views of the May River. It has been called "the last true coastal village of the South."
Restaurants in Bluffton
1. The Church of the Cross
Overall Ratings
5 based on 327 reviews
Reviewed By KLE2013 - Centreville, Virginia
Where Calhoun Street ends at the May River, the historic Church of the Cross consecrated in 1857 is located on a picturesque grassy bluff. The sense of peace and tranquillity on the church property is wonderful. The gothic cruciform structure designed by the architect E.B. White has palmetto topped mullioned windows with lattice shutters. The rose colored glass in the windows was imported from England. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic of Historic Places in 1975.
2. Rose Hill Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
The historic Rose Hill Mansion, known as the most beautiful plantation house in the Low Country, has long held a treasured place in Southern history. Originally built in the late 1850s by planter and physician, Dr. John Kirk and his wife Caroline, the plantation was a wedding present from Caroline's father, James Kirk. Work was halted by the Civil War, and while occupied through the years, the interior was not completed until 1946, when new owners John and Betsy Gould Sturgeon finished it in grand style. In 1980, the Welton family purchased the land and the house was later listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1987, a fire devastated the house & it sat in a state of ruin until purchased and restored by The Middleton White Foundation. After a decade long restoration, the home is now shared with the public each day, via guided history tours.
Reviewed By 815robins - Macon, United States
The outside of the house is breathtaking with the massive trees flowing Spanish moss. Normally I would not tell someone to go to the bathrooms but they are both so neat and unusual. The tour is so much historical information. The current owners are beyond kind to let you come into their home. Robin came down after the tour and talked among us. She was a delight.
3. Old Town Bluffton
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 600 reviews
Reviewed By KLE2013 - Centreville, Virginia
Old town Bluffton is a one square mile area along Calhoun Street. The town of Bluffton was first settled in 1728, founded in 1852 and incurred major destruction during the Civil War. Eight antibellum houses and two churches survive from before the Civil War. The town has done a good job of blending the old with new construction to create a pleasant, unified atmosphere. With unique galleries, a mix of dining options and charming tree lining streets Bluffton is a place to spend a pleasant day.
4. Tanger Outlets Hilton Head
Overall Ratings
4 based on 364 reviews
Find great savings on merchandise from your favorite designer and name-brands direct from the manufacturer at stores like: Nike, Off 5th, Polo Ralph Lauren, Gap, Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch, Chico's, Reebok, Coach, Columbia, J.Jill, Theory, Talbots and many more. Before you travel, check out the Tanger Outlet website to find the latest Coupons & Sales Offers for Tanger Outlets in Hilton Head. Or, when you arrive at the outlets, make your first stop Shopper Services to learn about the benefits of joining TangerClub (Tanger Club information is also available online). In Shopper Services you can purchase a coupon book full of great savings or if you are already a TangerClub member pick up a coupon book for free! Think Outlets, Think Tanger.
Reviewed By SavantIII_11 - Centerville, Ohio
Swaroski Crystal is always a Highlight Following a brisk morning Beach walk at Marriott’s SurfWatch, we are off to nearby Tanger. Swaroski Crystal is our objective as we visit Tanger One. An alert young clerk informs us that a Swaroski Crystal Artist will soon be...MoreHi Savantiii_11, thank you so much for your positive comments about Tanger Outlets and specifically Swarovski! We hope you enjoy the rest of your visit on Hilton Head and come see us again soon!
5. Heyward House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Make this your first stop when visiting historic Bluffton, South Carolina. Whether you'd like to tour the house-museum, have questions about local history, need maps of the area, or just want to know where to have lunch while you're in town-- we would love to see you! The Heyward House was constructed circa 1841, and is one of only eight antebellum homes remaining in the Lowcountry coastal town of Bluffton, South Carolina. In 1998, the home was purchased by the Bluffton Historical Preservation Society and opened to the public for tours, field trips, and events. In addition to being a beautifully preserved house-museum, the Heyward House also acts as the official town Welcome Center, providing maps, information, menus, and more to visitors and residents. Because of its well-preserved condition, the Heyward House is now an Official Project of the Save America's Treasures Program, a public-private partnership between the White House Millennium Council and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.The home is open to the public for tours Monday - Friday: 10-5 and Saturday 10-4. Group tours and guided walking tours of the historic district are available with advanced reservations.
Reviewed By Kay C - New York City, New York
We recently visited Heyward House with our 6 yr old. We did the self-guided, app driven tour, and were pleasantly surprised! It was easy to use, full of historical information, and fun for our daughter to navigate! We had a leisurely stroll around Old Town...MoreWe're so glad you enjoyed our virtual walking tour and your time in Old Town Bluffton. Hope to see y'all again soon!
6. Bluffton SC Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
This is a Thursday only event that hosts anything from local farmers selling fresh, produce, fruits, honey, baked goods as well as local restaurants selling samples from their store offerings. The setting is Old Town Bluffton with multiple old turn of the century homes from the historical society. It is a wonderful afternoon outing held from2pm to 7pm throught the summer season and only on Thursday's.
Reviewed By debdoestravel - Muskoka Lakes, Canada
Went on a very cool drizzly day...but so love the vendors and their unique foods. We go every year and enjoy the Great Food Co-op salsas, fresh pecans and vegetables, cookies, and so much more. Missed Seventh Heaven Spices but will go again next week before we go home to Canada.
Wish they had nicer restrooms....we left to find a warm place to eat and go the bathroom..
7. Palmeto Oaks Sculpture Garden
Overall Ratings
5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By A TripAdvisor Member - Westfield, New Jersey
After looking for a botanical garden on Hilton Head, we found this botanical sculpture garden on a residential lane in Bluffton Sc. Greeted by the sculptor, Stephen Kishel, we toured with him around this magical garden filled with his colorful modern metal sculptures and mobiles! Unexpected and very unique! Go and enjoy this unique experience.
8. Southern Barrel Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By sunl0vr22 - Bluffton, South Carolina
The Turkey panini had a really delicious aioli sauce on it. The sweet potato fries were really good and piping hot.
9. Maye River Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Doris D - Bluffton, South Carolina
Great to see the various artists from this locale and enjoy the displays. Always view the water colors and scenes from the lowcountry.Thank you so much for visiting our gallery! We look forward to your return visit. Our Artists change much of their Art every two months so you're sure to find something new!
10. May River Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Paula B
What a great show and great way to spend a Friday. We got hooked when we saw Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and this was such a fun surprise. Frake family cast was dead on!! We will see you at the next opening night.
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