Visitor Guide
Plan Your Bluffton Trip
Everything you need to know before you go — from the best time to visit to getting around the Lowcountry like a local.
Before you go
Plan It Right, Enjoy It More
Bluffton rewards visitors who arrive with a little context. It's not a resort town with a single strip of hotels and chain restaurants — it's a real community with a historic core, distinct neighborhoods, and a calendar full of local events. The more you understand how it's laid out and when to come, the better your trip will be.
Getting here is easy: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is just 20 miles away, and the drive from Charleston takes under two hours. Once you're here, Old Town is walkable, but a car — or better yet, a golf cart — opens up the rest of Bluffton and the surrounding Lowcountry. Many vacation rentals include one; it's worth asking.
Spring and fall are the sweet spots for weather and crowd levels, but every season has its appeal. Summer brings outdoor concerts and the full energy of a Lowcountry summer. Winter is quiet, mild, and ideal for golf. Below you'll find everything you need to make the most of your visit — from timing and transport to the neighborhoods worth knowing.
Best Times to Visit
Bluffton is a year-round destination, but spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities. Temperatures hover in the 60s–70s°F, the marshes are at their most vibrant, and the crowds are manageable.
Summer (June–August) is hot and humid but brings the liveliest atmosphere — outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and the full energy of a Lowcountry summer. Book accommodations early. Winter (December–February) is mild and uncrowded, perfect for golf and quiet exploration.
Getting Here
Bluffton is located in Beaufort County, South Carolina, about 20 miles from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) — the most convenient arrival point. Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) is just 12 miles away and serves several regional carriers.
By car, Bluffton sits just off US-278, about 45 minutes from Savannah, GA and 2 hours from Charleston, SC. There is no public transit to Bluffton, so a rental car is recommended for most visitors.
Getting Around
Old Town Bluffton is very walkable — most galleries, restaurants, and historic sites are within a short stroll of each other. For exploring beyond Old Town, a car or golf cart is the way to go.
Golf carts are a beloved Bluffton tradition. Many vacation rentals include one, and several rental companies offer daily and weekly rates. They're perfect for hopping between Old Town, the waterfront, and nearby neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods to Know
Old Town Bluffton is the historic heart of the community — a walkable district of galleries, restaurants, and landmarks along the May River bluff. It's the best base for first-time visitors.
Palmetto Bluff is a stunning 20,000-acre private resort community just outside town, offering world-class amenities, golf, and spa experiences for guests. Belfair and Berkeley Hall are beloved golf communities with semi-private courses open to visitors.
Sample Itineraries
How to Spend Your Time
The Perfect Weekend
Day 1
Kayak tour of the May River marshes with a local outfitter
Stroll Old Town — browse galleries, pop into the Heyward House
Dinner at The Bluffton Room or Calhoun Street Oyster Bar
Day 2
Brunch at The Moss & Magnolia, then visit Church of the Cross
Hike Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge
Sunset at the May River fish camp with fried shrimp and cold beer
A Full Week
Days 1–2
Settle in, explore Old Town, and dine your way through Calhoun Street
Days 3–4
Outdoor adventures — kayaking, fishing charter, and Pinckney Island
Days 5–6
Golf at one of the area's world-class courses, spa day at Palmetto Bluff
Day 7
Farmers market, final Old Town stroll, and a farewell Lowcountry dinner
Ready to go deeper?