Old Town Bluffton | Downtown Historic District 

The best time to visit the historical downtown Bluffton, SC is late morning. Also referred to as Old Town Bluffton, we recommend exploring downtown Bluffton on Thursdays if your schedule permits. Every Thursday, Martin Family Park is transformed for the Farmer’s Market from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm September through May and 10:00 am to 2:00 pm June, July, and August. With cool breezes and warm sunlight beaming through the angel oak trees, you’ll discover why so many love this enchanting and whimsical downtown. Walk the park and pick out fresh produce and flowers, taste local honey, buy coffee from a food truck, take pictures of The Church of the Cross, and visit art galleries. What to see and do in downtown Bluffton can all be done by walking! Old Town Bluffton has so much to offer from its shops, restaurants, art galleries, and historic sites. You’re never more than a step away from learning something new about the Heart of the Low Country.

Art Galleries in The Heart of the Low Country

If you love the arts, you’ll love downtown Bluffton. Walking down Calhoun Street, you’ll find numerous art galleries and studios. While Bluffton may seem like a small coastal town, Bluffton understands that the arts are instrumental in the makeup of a community. Stop by the Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) and see what art classes are available during your stay. Looking for something to showcase in your main living area? Try Red Piano Art Gallery or LA Petite Gallerie down by Old Town Dispensary. A fan of Gullah Art? Stop by Boundary Culture Art Center and see local artwork by award-winning artists. If you love unique artwork, try Signore Coastal Art. They make beautiful woodwork pieces from reclaimed wood. 

Restaurants in Old Town

What’s your favorite meal? Pizza? Seafood? Steaks? Carolina Bar B Que? Maybe you’re in the mood for brunch on a lazy Saturday morning. No matter what you may be looking for, you’ll find it in downtown Bluffton. From delicious french toast to decadent desserts, Bluffton has many award-winning establishments.  Try The Pearl Kitchen & Bar on Calhoun Street or The Cottage Cafe. Both offer outside seating and excellent service. In the mood for seafood? Try Captain Woody’s. If Italian is more your fare, we recommend Bricco Italian Restaurant. 

Shops in Old Town Bluffton

You’re in the right spot if you’re looking for the perfect Lowcountry gift. Bluffton is home to Spartina 499. Known for luxury designer bags and accessories, this unique boutique reflects everything great about Daufuskie Island and The Lowcountry to create one-of-kind products. Need something for your kids or grandchildren? Try the Bluffton General Store located at 12 Church Street off of Calhoun Street or Moonlit Lullaby. You’ll find unique gifts and specialty items that are all about Bluffton. And if you need to make one stop to buy gifts for all of our family and friends, explore Markel’s Cards & Gift Shop!

Historic Sites Old Town

Historic Downtown Bluffton has many stories to tell. Start with The Church of the Cross at the end of Calhoun Street on the bluff. Built before the Civil War, this church welcomed parishioners from Hilton Head Island and surrounding areas starting in 1767. Check out The Heyward House located off of Calhoun Street on Boundary Street. This historic site was built by slaves in 1841.  

 

Parking Downtown Bluffton | Old Town District 

On a typical day in Bluffton, parking is not an issue. During special events, that’s another story. We recommend parking on side streets adjacent to Calhoun Street and May River Road. There’s a public parking lot on Calhoun Street in addition to the parking spaces on the road itself. We recommend taking Boundary Street (west of Calhoun Street) on busy days, where you’ll also find parking on the side streets (a short walk to Calhoun Street).

Parks in Downtown Bluffton

Looking to spend your day outside soaking up the sun, water, a warm breeze, and a stunning sunset? How about walking under venerable angel oaks trees by the mystical waters of the Lowcountry and discovering historic landmarks hidden along the roadside? So are we! We recommend visiting Bluffton’s parks with your family to explore, create memories for a lifetime and take the perfect Instagram moment highlighting all that’s Bluffton. Explore DuBois Park or Martin Family Park both right next door to each other. 

Walking Downtown Historic Bluffton

A great way to experience Old Town Bluffton is on foot. Walking here is easy with the Lowcountry’s flat, barely-above-sea-level terrain. So grab your walking shoes and sunscreen, and get ready to explore! On the Calhoun Street side, there is a public parking lot with restrooms at the Martin Family Park on Green Street. The town’s official welcome center, the Heyward House Museum, is right there on Boundary Street to help you get started.

 

Old Town Bluffton Facts:

Old Town Bluffton is a historic and charming area located in Bluffton, SC. The town was founded in 1825 and has retained much of its 19th-century character, with antebellum homes, old churches, and moss-draped oak trees lining the streets. Old Town Bluffton is also famous for its lively arts and culture scene, with art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants featuring Southern cuisine. The town is situated on the banks of the May River and offers plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and natural beauty, Old Town Bluffton is a must-visit destination for those interested in experiencing Southern charm and hospitality.

On Friday, June 21, 1996, the Bluffton Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Roughly bounded by the May River and centered along Calhoun and Bridge streets, the Bluffton Historic District was comprised of 46 contributing buildings and two sites (i.e., Huger and Heyward coves) that defined the character of the Town. According to the Nomination, “the Bluffton Historic District is architecturally significant for its coherent collection of vernacular residential and commercial architecture, which effectively shows the evolution of the town from an antebellum resort community to a thriving commercial center.” In addition to the Bluffton Historic District, two other Resources, the Church of the Cross (1857) and the Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church (1853), are also individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation.

Visit Old Town Bluffton! One of the most incredible places to explore in South Carolina. 

Need A Map of Downtown/Old Town Bluffton?

MapofDowntownBlufftonSC