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.
