Bluffton – History, May River and Lowcountry Culture

Bluffton combines historic buildings, the May River and the Lowcountry landscape with distinctive culinary experiences. Those planning a trip can choose between culture, guided tours, paths through historic grounds and activities on the water. This combination helps you tailor your search for a suitable vacation rental or accommodation to your own travel interests.

Discover Historic Bluffton

Old Town Bluffton is officially designated as a Cultural District and is listed as a Historic District in the National Register. Guided tours are offered through the Historic District and to its historic buildings. This allows you to learn about the town’s history in an accompanied format without limiting your trip to individual buildings alone.

Among the notable historic destinations is the Garvin-Garvey House, built around 1870 by Cyrus Garvin (Garvey). Historic Campbell Chapel AME was originally built in Bluffton in 1853 by enslaved people. The Heyward House Museum is also an important historic site: The building was constructed in 1841 by enslaved West Africans and is one of only eight antebellum houses to survive the American Civil War.

The Church of the Cross adds to this historic focus. The current building was consecrated in 1854 and has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1975. Free guided tours are offered Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those particularly interested in religious buildings and the town’s history can make this visit a specific part of their daily itinerary.

River Landscapes, Trails and Lowcountry Experiences

The May River defines another side of Bluffton. It offers opportunities for fishing, crabbing and shrimping. Ecotours pass through tidal creeks and Lowcountry marshes. Fishing charters, dolphin-watching cruises, kayak tours and stand-up paddleboard tours are also available from Bluffton. This allows you to focus your trip either more on nature observation and waterways or on active pursuits.

For walks and longer stretches outdoors, the New River Trail is a good option. It is a 5.2-mile section of the East Coast Greenway and passes through scenic and historic terrain. The specific trail length is helpful for planning the day without assuming a particular walking time. The Town of Bluffton Welcome Center is located in the Squire Pope Carriage House at Wright Family Park; the park provides public access to waterfront areas.

Combining History and Regional Cuisine

The local character also includes the annual Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival. The week-long event takes place in Bluffton’s historic district and showcases locally harvested seafood and Lowcountry cuisine. At the Bluffton Oyster Company, oysters are shucked by hand. Those who want to combine cultural impressions with regional specialties when planning their trip will find another distinct focus here.

Which Accommodation Fits Your Travel Plans?

When searching for a vacation rental in Bluffton, it is worth deciding first what mix of experiences you want. For a culture-focused trip, Old Town Bluffton, historic homes and guided tours take center stage. Those who want to experience the landscape more intensely can consider the New River Trail and the activities on the May River. An accommodation in Bluffton can therefore serve as a base for very different daily itineraries, without requiring you to commit to just one type of vacation.

For further orientation, you can also take a look at Port Royal, Hilton Head Island, Okatie, Beaufort and Saint Helena Island.

To the higher-level travel overview: Beaufort.