There are few places that offer a vacation for the sportsman and outdoor lover that deliver breathtaking scenery and untouched landscape, while still respecting the nearly 20,000 acres of pristine land that make up the luxurious Palmetto Bluff resort development.  Created in a way that honors the land, the dedication to wildlife and land conservancy is much of the overarching mission at Palmetto Bluff.

This secluded location, near the coastal South Carolina island getaway of Hilton Head, Palmetto Bluff feels like a place where time moves at a slower pace and vacation days feel endless. This part of the lowcountry offers jaw dropping vistas, with its expanse of maritime forests, tidal estuaries, winding waterways, and arching oaks draped with Spanish moss. Home to an array of flora and fauna, there’s something to be discovered every step or bike pedal along the way.

Palmetto Bluff has two distinctly different town centers — Wilson Village, the charming town center that overlooks the May River to the north and Moreland Village four miles south. They’re connected by water, starting along the May River in Wilson Village and then via Cauley’s Creek as it flows into Moreland Village. There are boats that you can rent, that motor around the Inland Waterway, a meandering freshwater estuary that winds throughout the resort and many of its neighborhoods.

Wilson Village in Palmetto Bluff SC

Whether you are staying in Wilson Village or in Moreland Village each have their own distinctive feel and each boasts restaurants and activities within walking distance.  Wilson Village, the charming town square of Palmetto Bluff, is like a page from a small town storybook. Here you can find an ice cream parlor called Melt, plus many of the iconic landmarks that make Palmetto Bluff so memorable including the Chapel, the “old ruins,” the Post Office, the River House and the dock where the Grace is moored.

The Melt Ice Cream Shop Palmetto Bluff SC

By Land or By Water

Mornings at Palmetto Bluff are best spent on a bike, enjoying the quiet along the miles of trails. The leisure Maritime Trail takes you through the Lowcountry forest while the Long Leaf Pine Trail winds through pine uplands. With 32 miles of coastline, this is a perfect place to rent a kayak or canoe…or use that bicycle!

Bike riding through the trails of Palmetto Bluff SC

Midday might find you lounging by the pool or booking a dolphin Cruise to nearby Dafauski Island, accessible only by boat. The powerboat-based Dolphin Discovery Tour covers a wide area and highlights the habitat of local bottlenose dolphins while the Full Tide Discovery Tour is a favorite among photographers because it explores some of the more remote islands.

Afternoons are decidedly meant to be spent on the porch. “Porching” is after all, an actual activity at Palmetto Bluff – and considered an authentic Southern tradition. As the resort explains, “In the South, we’re accustomed to taking a break in the afternoon to relax and pause the day.”

Enjoying iced tea on the Porch in Palmetto Bluff SC

 

Nights spent under the Stars

As the day winds down, almost on cue, the pinks and violet hues of dusk bring out the twinkling of fireflies, and ease into evenings meant for cocktails around the fire pit and nights under the stars.  There are a host of dining options in Palmetto Bluff from Buffalo’s in the heart of Wilson Village, Octagon, or the River House, and to Canteen, a quaint and casual sandwich shop located Moreland Village. Renting a private vacation home in Palmetto Bluff gives you the freedom to enjoy casual meals at home, or sumptuous dinners cooked by a private chef and plenty of porch time with a glass of wine.

Gather with family and friends for delectable takeout from Flame Food Truck. Take a sunset cruise on The Grace, Palmetto Bluff’s very own restored 1913 60-foot antique motor Hinckley yacht. Later in the night in Wilson Village, you’ll find s’more carts nearby to make your own s’mores over the fire.

When it comes to outdoor activities, you are spoiled by the variety of choices. Take a hike or get out onto the water. Play a game of pickleball, tennis, or golf. There are eight tennis courts, two bocce courts, a basketball court, a bowling alley, six pickleball courts and the May River Golf Course Palmetto Bluff’s 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus Signature design.

 

For the Kids

Fishing from any of Palmetto Bluff’s many docks is a fun-for-the-entire-family activity, and a chance for kids to try their hand at reeling in “the big one.”

Fishing off the Moreland Dock in Palmetto Bluff SC

Kids can take climbing a tree to a whole new level, and the Mount Pelia treehouse in Wilson Village is particularly fun: It has a zip line, a rope swing, and a boardwalk. Or, you can climb with your kids at sunset to the top of the five-story tree house along Cauley’s Creek.

Our team can help plan for your kids ages five to 12 to participate in a private art lesson with a member of Bluffton’s Art Conservancy.

 

Plan your Lowcountry Retreat

You’re sure to enjoy your stay in Palmetto Bluff when your trip includes all the comforts offered in our Luxury Simplified Retreats vacation homes. Our collection of luxurious rentals features incredible amenities and superb locations. There are so many things you can do on the property and the scenic, breathtaking backdrop of the Lowcountry surrounds you in Palmetto Bluff, with gorgeous oak trees, vast waterways and a laid-back, serene lifestyle.  But why not experience a vintage voyage in a 1930’s Bentley, or travel by private water taxi to explore the Bluffton Farmers Market, With our Guide to Exclusive Experiences, these are just some of the ways you customize your stay for an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind vacation  – and we have a team of people ready to help you plan it all.

Explore our Guide filled with Exclusive Guest Experiences