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.
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.
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!
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.”
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.”
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.
What is your ideal vacation? Whether you enjoy biking under ancient oak trees or indulging in delicious Southern cuisine, there is an endless selection of things to do in Palmetto Bluff.
Just roughly ninety minutes from Charleston down Hwy 17 gets you to Palmetto Bluff, or “The Bluff ” as it’s affectionately known. No matter the season, there is no better place to be than The Bluff, located in Bluffton SC. The whole place is on a physical bluff some 20 feet above the May River almost guaranteeing a steady pleasant breeze even in mid-summer. This lowcountry getaway just drips old southern charm and hospitality, designed as an ode to the days when life was slow and easy.
Palmetto Bluff is 20,000 or so acres of old southern woodland stand, deer hunting tracks and timberland turned in to a resort and a surrounding planned community. Like many of the exclusive resort communities along the coastal Carolinas it has its mix of permanent residents, returning vacation home owners and transients in a similar manner to many of the Barrier Island communities of Kiawah or Hilton Head. While there is something to do for everyone who vacations at Palmetto Bluff, for those that particularly enjoy the outdoors and a sporting lifestyle, there is simply no place like it along the Southern coast. From exploring the quaint downtown restaurants and shops of Wilson Village, to an unforgettable cruise along the May River aboard the restored 1913 60-foot antique motor yacht, Grace, and gathering around the fire pit for nightly s’mores with the neighbors, Palmetto Bluff offers a vacation experience unlike any other.
Make the most of your trip to our beautiful coastal oasis by including these activities in your itinerary when you plan a Palmetto Bluff getaway for your next vacation to the Lowcountry.
The Best Things to Do in Palmetto Bluff
Go for a Bike Ride
The towering oak trees draped with Spanish moss provide a gorgeous backdrop for your bike ride in Palmetto Bluff. You can add bike rentals to your stay, and have them waiting for you when you arrive. Not only is it an easy and convenient family activity, it’s the absolute best way to explore the Bluff.
Book a Fishing Charter
The Lowcountry is home to some of the best fishing in the Southeast. There are a handful of charters in Bluffton that are exceptional experiences, especially May River Excursions. It’s one of the best things to do near Palmetto Bluff during your stay.
Kayak Through the Marshes
Kayaking through the beautiful Lowcountry marshes is one of the best things to do in Palmetto Bluff. What better way to learn about the wildlife, plant life, and natural habitats of some of the most spectacular native plants and animals of the Lowcountry than paddling through the rivers, tidal creeks and marshes in and around the May River. You’ll see some incredible fish, birds, and other animals and plants closer than you might have ever thought you’d experience. Our Concierge team can help with kayak rentals or help to plan a kayak excursion with one of the local outfitter groups.
Indulge and Shop at Wilson Village and Moreland Village
There are two charming villages in Palmetto Bluff that are home to a collection of fantastic places to eat and shop. View some of our favorite boutique shops and restaurants.
Wilson Village
- Buffalo’s
- Canoe Club
- Melt
- The River House Lounge
- Peter Miller Palmetto Bluff
- The Paris Market
Moreland Village
- Cole’s
- Canteen
- Boundary Bottle Company
Spend a Day on the Greens
Play the postcard-perfect Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, the May River Golf Course, designed to challenge golfers of all skill levels. The 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course meanders through the May River Forest, with some holes overlooking the majestic May River, and features wide, inviting fairways with strategic bunkers and natural waste areas.
Whether you want to go play a full round of golf or just get in a quick nine, you will not be disappointed by the challenging new option for golf lovers that now exists — the Crossroads 9-Hole Golf Course. Completed in January 2024 and nestled in the picturesque landscape of Palmetto Bluff, Crossroads is a 60-acre, reversible golf course, ensuring a seamless experience for 18 holes. The Crossroads course at Palmetto Bluff promises a unique and engaging experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Venture Into Bluffton
The historic town of Bluffton is only a quick 20-minute drive from Palmetto Bluff and is a great place to spend a day or afternoon during your trip. The quaint village is full of shops, art galleries, and Southern-inspired restaurants. You’ll also find a wealth of history in the form of architecture and nature. Ancient oak trees and museums take you back to simpler times, offering a detailed perspective into the Lowcountry’s past.
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 – Palmetto Bluff vacation homes. Our collection of luxurious rentals features incredible amenities and superb locations. The scenic, breathtaking backdrop of the Lowcountry surrounds you in Palmetto Bluff, with gorgeous oak trees, vast waterways and a laid-back, serene lifestyle.