23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Bluffton (SC)

In search of the best and most fun things to do in Bluffton, SC?

Bluffton is a town in the Beaufort County region of South Carolina, United States. This town can be located between Interstate 95 and Hilton Head Island around U.S. Routh 278.

This area is known to be one of the fasted growing municipalities in South Carolina with a population of 27,716, which is a 120% increase in population compared to the 2010 census. 

Bluffton might be a small town, but it contains some of the most beautiful nature preserves in the state.

Bluffton is a town relatively rich in culture and history. Aside from history, Bluffton contains many adventurous sites and exciting outdoor spots that will make you sweat.

Are you planning an exploration of Bluffton? Here are the top things to do in Bluffton, SC.

Things to Do in Bluffton

1. Heyward House

Heyward House
Credits: Travel Bug / Shutterstock
Heyward House

Heyward House was constructed in 1841 and currently serves as a project of the Bluffton Historical preservation society in Bluffton.

The house is one of the eight remaining pre-Civil War homes in Bluffton. It was built by enslaved West Africans.

Heyward House is now owned and operated by a non-profit organization formed to preserve the culture and history of Bluffton called the Historic Bluffton Foundation.

It consists of exhibitions and artifacts that serve as passages for educating about the history of the Lowcountry region.

You will find maps and brochures for area businesses in the region and get to know the best spots that offer the true taste of the culture and history of the town.

Heyward House organizes four separate tours, including a “living portrait” tour during which visitors use their smartphones to bring the paintings in the house to life, a guide-led walking tour, a tour led by a virtual docent, and a guided house tour.

Address: 70 Boundary Street Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

2. Sea Turtle Cinemas

Sea turtle cinemas
Credits: wtoc11 / Flickr
Sea turtle cinemas

One of the best things to do in Bluffton, SC, is watching your favorite blockbuster movie at Sea turtle cinemas.

Sea turtle cinemas was founded in 2007, they changed in name to Cinemark Bluffton in 2011 after Cinemark took over its operations.

This cinema offers viewers a fantastic movie experience through the provision of great digital video and sound, pretty comfortable stadium seating, and RealD 3D.

Sea turtle cinemas also feature a snack bar that offers a wide range of refreshments, including delicious hot popcorn, chilled drinks, combo, and matinee specials.

There is a video game arcade for the games; the staff is friendly and nice when dealing with customers. Sea turtle cinemas allow self-service ticketing and online ticketing.

Address: 106 Buckwalter Pkwy, Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

3. May River Excursions

May River Excursions
Credits: Wisarut M Chartharakhun / Shutterstock

Visiting May River Excursions is one of the best things to do in Bluffton, SC, which offers visitors a wonderful experience as they explore.

May River Excursions offers its passengers numerous boat charters to choose from as it leaves from Bluffton’s Old Town.

Each trip is handled by Captain Chris Showmaker, May River’s, who is a professional and trained in the Coast Guard.

May River Excursions owns and operates boats that can accommodate up to twelve people at a once while it takes them around the charming waters close to Daufuskie and Hilton Head Island.

The tours come in different packages, including the one for those who want to go fishing, shrimping trips, and crabbing, which includes getting their hands and catching dinner.

Address: 110 Calhoun St, Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

4. The Beaufort County Library

Beaufort County Library
Credits: Billion Photos / Shutterstock

For the book worms, the Beaufort County Library is a place you will absolutely love when you visit in Bluffton.

Beaufort County Library is operated by a library board of trustees assigned by the Beaufort County Council; the library has been in existence for many years.

The library was built to provide the public with different kinds of media and programs as a way to inspire, inform, and empower patrons in their everyday lives, cultural understanding, and personal enrichment.

Beaufort County Library is open for everyone, regardless of age, to come and access immense information, ideas, and many other gadgets that motivate learning and literacy.

Address: 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton, SC 29910, United States.

5. Maye River Gallery

Maye River Gallery
Credits: BearFotos / Shutterstock

Maye River Gallery is a gracious gallery in Bluffton that showcases some of the best artworks of the Lowcountry area.

The gallery takes pride in its exceptional work of art displayed that communicates to the viewers and art for the spirit, body, and home.

Maye River Gallery’s primary purpose is to help promote the amazingly talented local artists in every way they can.

The artworks displayed are crafted by artists from the South Carolina Lowcountry, and many of them have recognition from both the national and regional.

Maye River Gallery showcases jewelry & glass works, woven & ceramic pieces, and landscape paintings with images of the beautiful people and incredible natural scenery of the area.

This gallery also hosts special events, including art walks throughout Bluffton and “paints outs.”

Address: 37 Calhoun St, Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

6. Old South Golf Links

Old South Golf Links
Credits: Andy Dean Photography / Shutterstock

Old South Golf Links has one of the best golf courses in Bluffton, which makes it a favorite place for many golfers.

This Hilton Head-area golf course allows golfers to play the links in a picturesque Lowcountry setting.

Old South Golf Links was designed by Clyde Johnson, a famous course architect, built on the adorable natural marshland.

This golf course is all shades of beauty, surrounded by rolling hills, arching treetops, and lush marshes.

Old South Golf Links features several country club amenities, including a restaurant that serves delicious drinks and snacks.

 You might get a chance to meet with local wildlife like deer, storks, Hawks, etc. Make sure you stop by the restaurant when you begin to feel drained.

Address: 50 Buckingham Plantation Drive, Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

7. Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve

Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve
Credits: soft_light / Shutterstock

Take a break from all the excitement and visit a place that brings you closer to nature and makes you celebrate how beautiful nature truly is.

Visiting Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve is one of the fun things to do in Bluffton, SC. It stretches to over nine hundred and seventy-seven acres of land.

This nature preserve contains over one thousand one hundred acres of nature trails with lots of wildlife and trees.

A nature preserve of this sort is rare in South Carolina; it is part of the pine-saw palmetto Flatwoods community.

Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve consists of evergreen species like fetterbush and gallberry. You will also find saltwater creeks, cabbage palm, slash pine, and live oak.

If you love going for bird watching, Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve is the perfect place with several species of birds, including flycatchers, yellow-rumped warblers, and more.

Address: Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

8. Old Town Bluffton

Old Town Bluffton
Credits: Ken Lund / Flickr
Old Town Bluffton

If you truly want to explore Bluffton, add a visit to Old Town Bluffton to your list of things to do in Bluffton, SC.

Old Town Bluffton is like the soul and heart of the town, with a good number of historical and cultural structures.

This beautiful downtown area is occupied by many galleries, fine dining & casual restaurants, boutiques, and treasure-filled antique shops.

Old Town Bluffton consists of some of the essential historical landmarks in the town, like the May River Theater, the Heyward House Historic Center, and the Church of the Cross.

Several community groups and vendors organize regular events to bring together locals and tourists. Old Town Bluffton is widely open to everyone, encouraging visitors to take a break and explore their outdoor spaces.

Address: 5759 Guilford Pl, Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

Also check out the best of attractions and activities in FlorenceAiken, and Mount Pleasant for a fun vacation.

9. Burnt Church Distillery

Burnt Church Distillery
Credits: nelea33 / Shutterstock

If you haven’t visited Burnt Church Distillery yet, you are missing out. They are the number one distillers of spirits in Bluffton.

Burnt Church Distillery is all about giving customers value for their money by crafting tasty and unique spirits with a touch of history.

This distillery was founded by Billy J. Watterson and Sean Watterson, who has been in the business for the past twenty years.

Burnt Church Distillery features a 20, 000 Square foot campus that serves as a historical and educational destination for both visitors and locals interested in learning about distilling and the rich history of the place.

Some of their best production include Bluffton Whiskey American Whiskey, Sin Eater Whiskey,

Sippin’ Saint Moonshine, Devil’s Elbow Gin, Palmer’s Stretch RYE Whiskey, etc.

Address: 120 Bluffton Road, Bluffton, South Carolina, 29910 United States

10. Rose Hill Mansion

Rose Hill Mansion
Credits: Asumners [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
Rose Hill Mansion
A one of its kind and an incredibly beautiful mansion in Bluffton is the Rose Hill Mansion, built in the 1850s.

Rose Hill Mansion is an important site in the Lowcountry; Dr. John Kirk built it as his family home.

There was an interruption during its construction by the Civil War; it was later renovated for John Sturgeon and Florence Sturgeon after the world war II by architect Willis Irvin.

Rose Hill Mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places after it was fully restored; it also preserves the antebellum plantation home belonging to a wealthy plants and physician Dr. & Mrs. John William & Caroline Kirk

What truly makes this structure unique is its authentic furniture, grand entry staircase, and artifacts and portraits owned by its first landlords.

Rose Hill Mansion is beautifully designed in a Gothic style and surrounded by sprawling gardens making it a perfect place for weddings and many special events. In addition, you can join the guided tours to explore the mansion.

Address: 199 Rose Hill Way, Bluffton, SC 29910 United States

11. Society of Bluffton Artists

 Society of Bluffton Artists
Credits: Society of Bluffton Artists / Facebook
Society of Bluffton Artists

For art lovers, here is something for you, visit the Society of Bluffton Artists, and you won’t regret you did.

Society of Bluffton Artists opened its doors in 1994 as a non-profit organization in Bluffton, primarily to promote local artists.

They help bring local artists together to assist them in improving and mastering their skills and sharing their knowledge with upcoming artists.

The artist themselves solely operates the society of Bluffton Artists; they organize demonstrations by prominent members in the world of art.

This society hosts classes throughout the year; they control two spaces, the center for creative arts and a gallery in Old town Bluffton.

Society of Bluffton Artists’ gallery showcases beautiful artworks by artists in different media from in and around the Lowcountry.

Address: 6 Church St., Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

12. The Bluffton Room

The Bluffton Room
Credits: The Bluffton Room / Facebook
The Bluffton Room

Go out of your way to try out new delicacies different from your usual routine; the Bluffton Room never disappoints.

The Bluffton Room serves delectable classic American cuisine made with the best locally sourced ingredients.

Their main goal is to provide an amazing dining experience with a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for kids and adults.

The Bluffton Room offers an extensive food menu, including kale salad, banana foster, turkey dinner, Veal Bolognese Pasta, Coq Au Vin, filet mignon, Pot Roast Vegetables, fried artichokes and okra, grilled spanish octopus, and more.

Their drink menu is large, including red wines, white wines, well-crafted cocktails, ensuring that there is always something for everyone.

Address: 15 Promenade St, Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

13. Southern Barrel Brewery

Southern Barrel Brewery
Credits: Nejron Photo / Shutterstock

If you’re searching for an intimate place to relax and enjoy the night in Bluffton, Southern Barrel Brewery is the right place for you.

Southern Barrel Brewery is a heaven for beer lovers; they are known for serving some of the best homemade beers.

The brewery is beautifully designed with a rustic feel of old-fashioned reclaimed wood accents, giving the environment a homey and relaxed atmosphere.

Southern Barrel Brewery offers a wide selection of tasty homemade beers such as stouts, pale ales, lagers, ales, a raspberry-flavored concoction, and more.

Aside from drinks, they serve meals like cauliflower wings, sloppy nachos, duck bacon wontons, Buffalo, chips & queso, sweet potatoes fries, Bavarian Pretzel, Charcuterie Board, and more.

Southern Barrel Brewery also offers tours throughout the production areas, where visitors closely see how the drinks are made.

Address: 375 Buckwalter Pl Blvd, Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

14. Bluffton SC Farmers Market

Bluffton SC Farmers Market
Credits: Ary Acevedo / Shutterstock

If you are looking for an excellent place to shop for food items, add a visit to Bluffton SC Farmers Market to your Bluffton to-do list.

Bluffton SC Farmers Market was founded in 2008 through the efforts of the patrons as a weekly event that brings the whole community together.

There are dozens of downtown vendors and Bluffton growers that offer products like artisan bakeries, fresh fruit, prepared foods, vegetables, local chocolate, and cheeses.

Bluffton SC Farmers Market also hosts lots of interesting events, including weekly musical performances and the event where kids get to learn how to become “little growers” and adults try out some of their delicious meals.

The market is open throughout the summer months only on Thursday from 2pm-7pm; it is a wonderful way to spend the day.

Address: 40 Calhoun, Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

15. Spartina Marine Education Charters

Spartina Marine Education Charters
Credits: adriaticfoto / Shutterstock

Spartina Marine Education Charters is a unique and innovative place to spend the day with your family and friends in Bluffton.

Spartina Marine Education Charters is a popular spot for locals and visitors who would love to go sightseeing.

They offer you a memorable experience as they take you on their charter boat trips on the water in the Lowcountry region.

Spartina Marine Education Charters a full educative session that introduces adults and children into the aquatic habitat with the unlimited species found there.

These tours run for one to two hours with Amber, the captain showing off marshes, gorgeous coastal views, sea birds, and dolphins.

Spartina Marine Education Charters offers tours with different packages, including an onboard tank that involves visitors getting close and intimate with fish, shrimps, and crabs.

Address: 31 Alljoy Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

Check out the top things to do in Murrells Inlet, things to do in Sumter, and things to do in Clemson for a memorable exploration of South Carolina.

16. Island West Golf Club

Island West Golf Club
Credits: New Africa / Shutterstock

Island West Golf Club is a favorite choice for many locals and visitors in Bluffton interested in playing golf.

This fantastic golf course with a beautiful and well-designed layout that adds makes the golf course more gorgeous.

Island West Golf Club was personally designed by Major Champion Fuzzy Zoeller, making it as challenging and fun as possible.

The course is ideal for beginners, intermediate, and expert players, there is a large practice area where players practice and master their skills.

Island West Golf Club offers a wide variety of play equipment for rentals, tournament preparation & professional scoring, and stay packages with local hotels.

This golf club features a fully stocked pro shop and large bar and grill that serves different drinks and delicious meals, including their signature Hot Dog Bar.

This answers what to do in Bluffton, for a fun time, and makes one of the best things to do in Bluffton, SC, for a fun time.

Address: 40 Island West Drive, Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

17. Corner Perk Cafe

Corner Perk Cafe
Credits: Corner Perk / Facebook
Corner Perk Cafe

Every city ought to have nice cafeterias that serve delicious and healthy breakfast before it will be certified as tourist-friendly.

Corner Perk Cafe is an award-winning and reputable brunch restaurant in Bluffton; this local coffee shop has served patrons for more than six years now.

This restaurant’s interior and exterior decor truly stands out; they serve the best quality coffee, including being voted the Lowcountry’s best coffee shop multiple times.

They serve the drinks either cold or hot; however you want it, including caramel macchiato, browned sugar latte, vanilla beans, cold brew iced coffee, Irish Americano, bloody mary, and more.

Corner Perk Cafe egg & cheese bagel, shrimp grits, brioche French toast, huevos rancheros, chicken bacon avocado salad, watermelon Margarita salad, omelets, basil biscuits, chocolate cakes, breakfast sandwiches, and more.

Address: 1297 May River Road, Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

18. Station 300

Station 300
Credits: Dabarti CGI / Shutterstock

For a fantastic family experience in Bluffton, add a visit to Station 300 to your list of fun things to do in Bluffton, SC.

Station 300 is a fun family center that encourages families to come and create an amazing experience together.

This bowling center features nice bowling lanes; they also host friendly leagues where visitors get to compete and win prizes.

Station 300 features a wide variety of top arcade games with the provision of easy-to-use, rechargeable fun cards open to everyone.

The center consists of a bar & grill that serves delicious snacks, food, and drinks, including breadsticks, chicken quesadilla, chicken tenders, chicken caesar salad, bone-in wings, Buffalo burgers, steakhouse burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas.

Station 300 is open for weekly events and also offers birthday packages. This is for sure an awesome place to hang out with co-workers, teammates, friends, and family.

The center is open from Monday to Thursday from 12pm-11pm and from Friday to Sunday from 10am-12pm.

Address: 25 Innovation Dr, Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

19. New River Linear Trail

New River Linear Trail
Credits: Pavel1964 / Shutterstock

When you’re in the mood for an adventure, one of the best things to do in Bluffton, SC, is visiting the New River Linear Trail.

The New River Linear Trail is a grass trail of an unpaved section of the greenway and provides non-motorized movement between the United States & Canada and between Key West and the border.

It is an extensive relatively short trail, 3.4 miles long, and crosses through several scenic natural regions like historic places and wetlands.

The New River Linear Trail consists of informative signs, and it is a perfect place for cycling and hiking and walks with your pets.

This trail combines swampland and hardwood forest, including wildlife that inhabit here like waterfowl, deer, turkeys, and more.

Address:3809-3835 Okatie Hwy, Bluffton, United States

20. Salt Marsh Brewing

Salt Marsh Brewing
Credits: Odairson Antonello / Shutterstock

If you’re craving for a bottle of delightful chilled beer, stopping by Salt Marsh Brewing is one of the top things to do in Bluffton, SC.

Salt Marsh Brewing was established by Nick Borreggine, a professional brewer who started as a homebrewer, and James Brown, the brewery mastermind.

This brewery offers an extensive drink menu consisting of tasty and quality beers, with flavorful meals made at Bluffton’s Fat Pattie’s, its downstairs neighbor.

Salt Marsh Brewing produces and offers a permanent collection of craft beers such as wheat beer, a red ale, marsh grass, broad creek, a rotating selection of seasonal beverages, and several IPAs.

The staff is friendly and attentive when attending to customers, providing a welcoming environment for them to relax.

Address: 207 Bluffton Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

21. Stand and Paddle

Stand and paddle
Credits: upslim / Shutterstock

If spending your day in a place entirely surrounded by water is your definition of a day well spent, you will love it here.

Stand and paddle ensure visitors have an amazing experience as they set out into the May River in Bluffton.

Visitors do not need to have experience before they visit as they are willing to help them learn to Sup, stand up successfully, and paddleboarding.

Stand and Paddle offers boards that can comfortably carry one person of up to two hundred and eighty pounds; they offer Adults paddles to the sand bar, Adult & dog paddles, and Adult-child paddles with a different kind of experience.

The paddleboards are customized and can be used for fitness, recreation, yoga, and touring; Stand and paddle do not necessarily rent-out boards for the safety and confidence of its visitors.

You might get a peek of some of the aquatic inhabitants in the water, like fish, dolphins, and many other species.

Address: 75 Wharf St, Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

22. Hilton Head National Golf Club

Hilton Head National Golf Club
Credits: Soonthorn Wongsaita / Shutterstock

Our list of things to do in Bluffton, SC, is not complete without including golfing at Hilton Head National Golf Club.

Hilton Head National Golf Club is an outstanding golf club that offers golfers nothing less than an exciting experience.

There are so many beautiful attractions in the South Carolina Lowcountry, and of course, Hilton Head National Golf Club is one of them.

In 2012 Hilton Head National Golf Club won there back-to-back local awards; its 18-holes golf course was specially designed by award-winning architect Bobby Weed and legend Gary Player.

Hilton Head National Golf Club is somewhat challenging but fun making it a perfect place for novices and advanced players.

This golf is open all year round, featuring a driving range, onsite teaching pro, rental carts, and more. Hilton Head National Golf Club consists of a full pro shop and the fantastic player’s pub restaurant.

Address: 60 Hilton Head National Dr., Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

23. Roasting Room Lounge & Listening Room

Roasting Room Lounge & Listening Room
Credits: The Roasting Room / Facebook
Roasting Room Lounge & Listening Room

After a busy day, it is great to take a break and relax with your family and friends; a visit to the Roasting Room Lounge & Listening Room is one sure way to do it.

Roasting Room Lounge & Listening Room is an intimate space that offers the best entertainment to help you relax.

This music venue offers great live music performances with an excellent sound system and comfortable seats.

Roasting Room Lounge & Listening Room features talented local musicians, and visitors get the chance to meet and interact with them.

The full-service bar offers a wide range of delightful bourbon and other drinks at prices you can’t get elsewhere.

Roasting Room Lounge & Listening Room is also a perfect venue for events like wedding receptions, bachelor/ bachelorette parties, etc.

Address: 1297 May River Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910, United States

Take to exploring other cities of South Carolina, check out our list of things to do in Lexington,  things to do in Summerville, and things to do in Summerville.

Plan a Trip to Bluffton

Bluffton is filled with lots of natural attractions such as wildlife, ponds, lakes, and more. It offers visitors nothing short of unforgettable memories when they visit.

Start planning your trip to Bluffton, come with your camera to save the memories of an exploration of this fun area.

Have a fun trip!