16 Best Things to Do in Bluffton, SC: Old Town & Oysters

Bluffton likes to call itself “a state of mind,” and on Calhoun Street under the live oaks, you start to see what they mean. This little river town sits just over the bridge from Hilton Head, but it couldn’t feel more different. You’ll find galleries in old cottages, a Gothic church looking over the water, and oysters that came out of the May River that morning. Most Hilton Head visitors give it a couple of hours. Give it longer.

May River Road lined with trees in Bluffton, South Carolina — May River Road in Bluffton. Photo: Townofbluffton via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

The best things to do in Bluffton, South Carolina are walking Old Town’s Calhoun Street, visiting the Church of the Cross, touring the Heyward House, watching the river from Oyster Factory Park, eating local oysters, browsing the galleries, and getting out on the May River by boat or kayak.

Old Town is compact, so wear comfortable shoes and go slowly. And if you can, come on a market day, when the whole town turns out.

1. Wander Old Town and Calhoun Street

An old cottage in Bluffton's Old Town — An old cottage in Bluffton’s Old Town. Photo: P. Hughes via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Old Town is a few blocks of 19th-century cottages, live oaks and small shops, and it’s why you came. Calhoun Street is the main walk, running right down to the river. You won’t find big-name attractions here. The fun is in poking around and talking to the people who run these places.

2. Visit the Church of the Cross

The wooden Gothic Church of the Cross on a bluff above the May River in Bluffton — The Church of the Cross. Photo: P. Hughes via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Standing on a bluff above the May River, this beautiful wooden Gothic church dates to the 1850s and survived the Union burning of Bluffton in 1863. Few settings in the Lowcountry are lovelier, so you’ll see people taking photos. The congregation is still active, so be respectful, and make sure it’s open before you go in.

3. Tour the Heyward House

The Heyward House Museum in Bluffton. Photo: P. Hughes via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Start at the Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center, at 71 Calhoun Street. This antebellum home doubles as the town’s visitor center, with staff who can give you a map and ideas. The tour explains the town’s history, including the difficult parts. Ask about walking tours as well.

4. Learn About the Burning of Bluffton

The Church of the Cross, which survived the Burning of Bluffton. Photo: Fritzmann2002 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

During the Civil War in 1863, Union forces burned much of the town. Bluffton had been known as a center of secessionist sentiment, and only a small number of its old buildings survived. So each one you see today matters, and knowing this changes how you walk down Calhoun Street.

5. Sit by the River at Oyster Factory Park

The dock at the end of Calhoun Street on the May River in Bluffton — The Calhoun Street dock on the May River. Photo: Townofbluffton via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Down at the water, Oyster Factory Park has views of the May River, a small dock and benches. The town’s working history meets its everyday life here, and sunset is wonderful. Bring a coffee or a takeout lunch, and watch the tide and the boats go by.

6. Eat May River Oysters

Steamed oysters on the half shell — Illustrative photo: steamed oysters on the half shell. Photo: Jud McCranie via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Oysters go way back in Bluffton, and the Bluffton Oyster Company is one of the last places of its kind in the state, where they’re still shucked by hand. Oyster season runs through the cooler months, so ask what’s fresh when you visit. You won’t get them like this anywhere else.

7. Get on the May River

People gathered at the water's edge for a cleanup of the May River in Bluffton — Locals work to keep the May River clean. Photo: Townofbluffton via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

The May is a beautiful tidal river, and locals are fiercely protective of it. May River Excursions, based on Calhoun Street, is one option for dolphin watching and fishing trips. Whatever boat you choose, go around sunset if you can, when the marsh turns gold and everything goes quiet.

8. Kayak or Paddleboard the Marsh

A Lowcountry salt marsh at Hunting Island — Illustrative photo: a Lowcountry salt marsh at Hunting Island. Photo: The original uploader was Cdamgen via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Paddling around the river’s creeks gets you up close to herons, oysters and maybe a dolphin. Look at the tide before you go, because it runs strong here and can leave you stranded on a mud flat. If you’re new to tidal water, start with a guided trip.

9. Browse the Art Galleries

A contemporary art exhibition at the Halsey Institute in Charleston — Illustrative photo: a contemporary art exhibition at the Halsey Institute in Charleston. Photo: Enoechel via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Old Town has a strong arts scene for its size, with small galleries in old cottages selling work by local painters, potters and jewelers. Begin at the Society of Bluffton Artists. Nobody will pressure you to buy, so it’s an easy way to fill a hot afternoon or a rainy one.

10. Shop the Farmers Market

Fresh produce at a farmers market — Illustrative photo: fresh produce at a farmers market. Photo: Jon davidson via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Go to the Farmers Market of Bluffton, at 68 Boundary Street, to meet the town. Sources point to a weekly market on Thursdays, with local produce, seafood and food vendors. Confirm the current day and season before you plan around it, and arrive hungry.

11. Have Lunch in Old Town

A street scene in Old Town Bluffton. Photo: P. Hughes via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Calhoun Street and the surrounding blocks have a lot of good casual places. The Cottage comes up often for lunch and baked goods, and Bricco is one recommendation for Italian at dinner. Local favorites can change, so ask around. Wherever you eat, sit outside if the weather’s nice.

12. Find the Quirky Corners

A Southern home tucked under the oaks in Bluffton. Photo: P. Hughes via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Bluffton gets its character from its funkiness, from painted cottages to folk art and unusual shops, and the town takes its “state of mind” seriously. Walk the side streets off Calhoun instead of just the main drag, and you’ll see much more of it, including some great old porches.

13. Catch a Festival

Scenes from around Bluffton, where the town's festivals take place — Scenes from around Bluffton, where the town’s festivals take place. Photo: Townofbluffton via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

The town has a lively calendar, with events such as PorchFest and the May River Shrimp Festival, along with a fall arts and seafood festival. Look up dates when you book, because a festival weekend is great fun but also crowded. Reserve your room early if you’re coming for one.

14. Hike Pinckney Island

Aerial view of the salt marshes and islands of Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge — Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge from the air. Photo: Mx. Granger via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Between Bluffton and Hilton Head, this national wildlife refuge has free trails through salt marsh and forest. You’ll see plenty of wading birds, especially in spring. Go early or late for the best wildlife, and bring plenty of water, since parts of the trail have little shade.

15. Spend a Day on Hilton Head

A wide, flat beach on Hilton Head Island at low tide — A beach park pavilion on Hilton Head Island. Photo: Thierry Caro via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

The beach is only about 20 to 30 minutes away, depending on traffic. Spend the day biking on the sand, then come back to Bluffton for a quieter dinner. Summer weekend traffic on the bridge can get heavy, so try to avoid changeover days.

The red and white striped Harbour Town Lighthouse on Hilton Head Island — Harbour Town Lighthouse. Photo: Locust member via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

While you’re on the island, stop at Harbour Town Lighthouse, the classic stop, for a view of the sound.

16. Day Trip to Savannah

River Street in Savannah. Photo: Seasider53 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Bluffton is one of the closest towns to Savannah on this side of the river, at around 40 minutes by car. Walk the squares in the morning and have oysters back here by evening. You can see both Savannah and Hilton Head from Bluffton, often for less money.

Best Free Things to Do in Bluffton

Walking Old Town, seeing the Church of the Cross from outside, sitting at Oyster Factory Park and browsing the galleries won’t cost you a thing. Pinckney Island is also free, so you can have a good day here on a small budget.

When to Visit and How Long to Stay

Spring and fall are the most comfortable for walking, and fall through early spring is prime oyster time. Summer is hot and humid, so walk early and get on the water later in the day. Hurricane season runs from June through November. A half-day from Hilton Head will show you the highlights, but one or two nights gives you the river at sunset, and you shouldn’t miss that.

Where to next? Try our guides to Hilton Head, Savannah and Charleston, or see the best places to visit in South Carolina for the bigger picture. You can also browse all our travel guides on Decidel.

How we checked this guide: details were checked against published sources in November 2026. Market days, tours and restaurants can change, so confirm with the venue before you go.