The 411 on Walking Old Town | Bluffton Walking Map

Old Town Bluffton Sidewalk

A great way to experience Old Town Bluffton is on foot. Walking here is easy with the Lowcountry’s flat, barely-above-sea-level terrain. So grab your walking shoes and some sunscreen, and get ready to explore!

To get here:

  • If you’re driving from Hilton Head, take Highway 278 West. Turn left onto Highway 46, which brings you directly into Old Town.

  • Coming from Savannah, drive North on Highway 17 until you can turn right onto Highway 46. Keep going straight into Old Town.

  • From I-95, take Exit 8 to Highway 278. Then turn right onto Highway 46.

Highway 46, or May River Road, runs down the center of Old Town Bluffton, with Calhoun Street extending South and Promenade Street running North. This makes for an easy way to divide up your visit.

Once you’ve arrived, you can park on a side street or in one of four public parking lots.

Parking at Martin Family ParkOn the Calhoun Street side, there is a public parking lot with restrooms at the Martin Family Park on Green Street. The town’s official welcome center, the Heyward House Museum, is right there on Boundary Street to help you get started. 

There is another parking lot on Calhoun Street, near Church Street. Additional public restrooms are found at DuBois Park at Boundary Street and Lawton, and at Oyster Factory Park on Bridge Street.

This side of Old Town is the more historic part of Bluffton, with many historic buildings in use as homes and businesses. Some of the historical must-sees include the Heyward House Museum, the Church of the Cross on Calhoun Street, and the Garvin-Garvey Freedman’s Cottage on Wharf Street. 

Near the Church of the Cross, the Calhoun Street Dock and Wright Family Park provide great views and benches where you can take a break from all your walking.

Two other parks also provide riverfront views for relaxing and nature-watching. The Oyster Factory Park on Bridge Street offers benches, trails, picnic areas, restrooms, and public WiFi. Pritchard Pocket Park, on Pritchard Street, has benches and picnic areas. 

Stroll down Calhoun Street to admire the historic homes, charming shops, and art galleries. Discover eccentric treasures at The Store, feast your eyes on local art at Pluff Mud Art, or grab a bite to eat at The Pearl Kitchen and Bar.

Across May River Road, the Promenade Street side of Old Town has two more public parking areas on Dr. Mellichamp Drive. 

Although there are no public restrooms on this side of town, there are plenty of restaurants with facilities available for patrons. And if you’re here during the warmer months, you’ll need to stay hydrated, so that’s a great excuse to treat yourself!

Walking along Promenade and the surrounding streets, you can find interesting gifts and home decor at Cocoon, locally handcrafted art and furniture at Signore Coastal Art, and much more. Satisfy your sweet tooth with some ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s, grab a light meal at Sippin’ Cow Cafe on Promenade, or enjoy local seafood at Toomer’s Seafood on Dr. Mellichamp Drive.

When you’ve had your fill of walking, seeing the sights, visiting the quaint shops, and eating delicious food, you can head back to your car knowing that you’ve had an amazing day in the special place that is Old Town Bluffton.

Buffton SC Map Downtown Map of Historic Bluffton
Bluffton SC map of downtown Bluffton.

Click here for a printable/downloadable walking map of Bluffton SC.

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