Bluffton Day Trips
Option 1 – Historic Walking Tour
1. Heyward House Historic Center, www.heywardhouse.org
843-757-6293, 70 Boundary St., open M-F 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Heyward House was built in 1840 as a summer home by a local plantation owner. Heyward House is only one of eight antebellum homes remaining in the area. It is located on the May River in what is now Bluffton’s Historic District. A slave cabin and the summer kitchen also remain on the property. Today the house remains virtually the same as it did when it was built over 170 years ago.
2. Walking Tour
Use your Walking Tour Guide to meander the downtown streets of Old Town Bluffton. There are many churches, homes and businesses that are historically significant to this town. Historic Bluffton Walking Tour Map.
Option 2 – Hiking & Biking
1. New Linear Trail
3809 Okatie Hwy., open daylight hours
The trail runs for 3.4 miles and ends at the banks of the New River. The grass trail is generally flat. The route passes through some spectacular scenery with hardwood forest and swampland where wildlife abounds. Turkeys, deer, and waterfowl are some of the more common inhabitants of the area. Long-abandoned rice fields are often visible. Parking for the New River Linear Trail is accessible via a driveway off of S.C. Route 46. Trail Map.
2. Victoria Bluff
Sawmill Rd., open daylight hours
Closed to hikers during hunting season (October through December)
Explore 4 miles of easy walking, crisscrossing trails and firebreaks as you discover the botanical wonders of this preserve. You should plan to wear protective clothing and insect repellent. Since the preserve is primarily managed for hunting, the preserve is closed to hikers from October to December.
3. Pinckney Island Wildlife Management Area
Hwy. 278, between Bluffton & Hilton Head Island
This 4,053-acre national refuge consists of salt marsh and tidal creeks, forests, grasslands, and freshwater ponds. In combination, these habitats support a diversity of wildlife species. All trips begin and end at the parking area half a mile from the refuge entrance. Guided tours are available through the Coastal Discovery Museum, (843) 689-6767.
Option 3 – Dolphin Watching Cruise or Kayaking Adventure
Spend the day on the beautiful May River viewing local wildlife and our ever-popular dolphins.
Option 4 – Bike Trails
Load up the bikes and head over to the Buckwalter Parkway. Bicycle paths wind throughout wooded areas and along the parkway. Bring along a picnic lunch and enjoy nature and fresh air.
