South Carolina 
Beaufort County Bluffton
About Bluffton
Bluffton is located in
Beaufort County. It is
Hilton Head Island's closest mainland neighbor.
In the early 1800s rice and cotton planters from the "Low Country" built summer houses on this "High Bluff" overlooking the
May River. Away from the heat, mosquitoes, and malaria, they and their families enjoyed the weather, the water, and the abundant fish, clams, oysters, and shrimp. These features are still enjoyed by
Bluffton's residents and visitors alike.
Hilton Head is the largest city near
Bluffton. It is immediately across the Intra-Coastal Waterway on US 278. Here is a map of the
Beaufort County area.
Be sure to check out
Bluffton in the South Carolina Picture Project for beautiful pictures of the town.
Things to Do in Bluffton
Bluffton Attractions
- Bluffton Oyster Company
Located on the May River, Bluffton Oyster Company is the oldest oyster factory in South Carolina.
- Church of the Cross
This historic church has been sitting atop May River's bluff for 150 years. The church was consecrated in July 1857.
- Heyward House Historic Center
Since 2000, the Heyward House Historic Center has been the official welcome center of Bluffton.
- May River
The May River winds through the Old Town area of Bluffton, which locals call "the last true coastal village of the South."
- Myrtle Island
Myrtle Island lays along the historic May River near Bluffton. With just two roads on the small island, it provides visitors with a classic lowcounty views.
- Rose Hill Plantation
Originally founded in 1718, with the house constructed in the late 1850s, Rose Hill Plantation is available for special occasions and open for tours by reservation.
- Shopping in Hilton Head - including Bluffton
Bluffton is home to fantastic shopping opportunities at the outlet stores. Locally owned stores also dot the downtown landscape for those looking for more of a boutique type shopping experience.
Bluffton Events
- Festivals and events in Hilton Head - including Bluffton
If you're visiting Bluffton in the fall, try to plan your trip around the Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival – it's one of the best in South Carolina!
Bluffton Recreation, Sports, Clubs
Bluffton Accommodations
- Hotels and motels in Bluffton
There are no hotels in downtown Bluffton – but don't worry – most Bluffton hotels are located near the Tanger Outlet Mall along US 278 and are just a short drive from the downtown area and Hilton Head Island beaches.
Bluffton Maps, Transportation
Bluffton Maps
Bluffton Transportation
The closest airport to Bluffton is Hilton Head Island airport, which does not have a major commercial airport (American Airlines is currently the only carrier to directly serve the island). The closest large commercial airport is located about an hour away in Savannah, Georgia. The Charleston International Airport is located two hours from Bluffton, to the north.
The Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority provides the Hilton Head and Bluffton areas with public bus service.
Bluffton Jobs, Careers
- Jobs in Hilton Head
Our exclusive Hilton Head area job board organizes jobs by type of employer, company name, and area including Bluffton.
- SC Works of the Lowcountry
The Lowcountry Workforce Development Area strives to develop workforce solutions in Bluffton, Hilton Head and Beaufort County, Colleton County, Hampton County, and Jasper County. It focuses on improving the economy by providing skilled employees for new and future businesses.
Bluffton Businesses
For a full guide to businesses located in and around Bluffton, please see our
South Carolina Business Directory.
Bluffton Economic Development
Bluffton's main economic development organization is its joint chamber and visitors bureau.
Bluffton News & Media
Bluffton has a semi-weekly newspaper (delivered Wednesdays and Sundays) called
Bluffton Today, which also offers a daily digital companion. Other Bluffton area newspapers and magazines can be found here:
Bluffton lies within the Savannah, Georgia service area, and most of its television and radio stations are located there:
Bluffton Government
The Town of Bluffton is located in Beaufort County.
Bluffton Schools, Colleges, Libraries
- K12 schools in Beaufort County
Bluffton is served by the Beaufort County School District. The Bluffton area also offers several private schools.
- Colleges in Beaufort County
There are no colleges in Bluffton itself, but there are three colleges located in nearby Beaufort.
- Libraries, archives in Beaufort County
The Beaufort County Library system, which is operated by Beaufort County, has a branch in Bluffton. You can also use this guide to find other libraries and archives near Bluffton.
Bluffton Churches, Nonprofits
The closest hospital to Bluffton is located on Hilton Head Island:
If you are looking for a place to worship on Hilton Head Island, this guide will help you:
Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Beaufort provide a host of charities and community service organizations for local residents.
This guide will help you locate helpful senior citizen resources in the Town of Bluffton and all of Beaufort County.
Bluffton History, Genealogy
