Lowcountry Retreat Guidebook

Diane
Lowcountry Retreat Guidebook

Sightseeing

Lots to explore! Restaurants, art galleries, quaint shops, the Church of the Cross, Calhoun Street Public Dock, etc. An evening in the promendade area provides great food and live music! Don't miss it the Thursday afternoon Farmers' Market!
18 locals recommend
Old Town Bluffton - Bluffton
5759 Guilford Pl
18 locals recommend
Lots to explore! Restaurants, art galleries, quaint shops, the Church of the Cross, Calhoun Street Public Dock, etc. An evening in the promendade area provides great food and live music! Don't miss it the Thursday afternoon Farmers' Market!
Purchase fresh seafood, watch the shrimp boats come & go, or just enjoy the view!
14 locals recommend
Bluffton Oyster Factory Park
63 Wharf St
14 locals recommend
Purchase fresh seafood, watch the shrimp boats come & go, or just enjoy the view!
The 4,053 acre refuge includes Pinckney Island, Corn Island, Big and Little Harry Islands, Buzzard Island and numerous small hammocks. Pinckney is the largest of the islands and the only one open to public use. Nearly 67% of the refuge consists of salt marsh and tidal creeks. A wide variety of land types are found on Pinckney Island alone: salt marsh, forestland, brushland, fallow field and freshwater ponds. In combination, these habitats support a diversity of bird and plant life. Wildlife commonly observed on Pinckney Island include waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, neo-tropical migrants, white-tailed deer and American alligators, with large concentrations of white ibis, herons, and egrets.
30 locals recommend
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
30 locals recommend
The 4,053 acre refuge includes Pinckney Island, Corn Island, Big and Little Harry Islands, Buzzard Island and numerous small hammocks. Pinckney is the largest of the islands and the only one open to public use. Nearly 67% of the refuge consists of salt marsh and tidal creeks. A wide variety of land types are found on Pinckney Island alone: salt marsh, forestland, brushland, fallow field and freshwater ponds. In combination, these habitats support a diversity of bird and plant life. Wildlife commonly observed on Pinckney Island include waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, neo-tropical migrants, white-tailed deer and American alligators, with large concentrations of white ibis, herons, and egrets.
Visit the Coastal Discovery Museum for a fun-filled learning experience. Here, the whole family can discover and explore the wonders of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Take a leisurely stroll around the Museum’s majestic 68-acre property. Investigate the salt marsh on our boardwalks. Marvel at the beauty of the Spanish Moss dangling from Live Oaks. Take a step back in time to imagine life on Hilton Head years ago. Discover Hilton Head's hidden jewel.
101 locals recommend
Coastal Discovery Museum
70 Honey Horn Dr
101 locals recommend
Visit the Coastal Discovery Museum for a fun-filled learning experience. Here, the whole family can discover and explore the wonders of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Take a leisurely stroll around the Museum’s majestic 68-acre property. Investigate the salt marsh on our boardwalks. Marvel at the beauty of the Spanish Moss dangling from Live Oaks. Take a step back in time to imagine life on Hilton Head years ago. Discover Hilton Head's hidden jewel.
Tons of shops and restaurants, conveniently located next to the Coligny public beach
179 locals recommend
Coligny Plaza Shopping Center
1 N Forest Beach Dr
179 locals recommend
Tons of shops and restaurants, conveniently located next to the Coligny public beach
Great local shops and restaurants right in the heart of Hilton Head Island.
22 locals recommend
Shelter Cove Harbour Shops & Restaurants
1 Shelter Cove Ln
22 locals recommend
Great local shops and restaurants right in the heart of Hilton Head Island.

City/town information

Savannah is known for manicured parks, horse-drawn carriages and antebellum architecture. Its historic district is filled with cobblestoned squares and parks such as Forsyth Park shaded by oak trees covered with Spanish. Be sure to visit City Market and River Street!
252 locals recommend
Savannah
252 locals recommend
Savannah is known for manicured parks, horse-drawn carriages and antebellum architecture. Its historic district is filled with cobblestoned squares and parks such as Forsyth Park shaded by oak trees covered with Spanish. Be sure to visit City Market and River Street!
Beaufort is a city on Port Royal Island, one of South Carolina’s coastal Sea Islands. It’s known for its antebellum mansions, especially in the downtown historic district. On Bay Street you can peruse through dozens of locally owned boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and jewelry shops that reside in renovated 19th century storefronts. From there, alleyways promise exquisite cuisine and even more shopping adventures.
127 locals recommend
Beaufort
127 locals recommend
Beaufort is a city on Port Royal Island, one of South Carolina’s coastal Sea Islands. It’s known for its antebellum mansions, especially in the downtown historic district. On Bay Street you can peruse through dozens of locally owned boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and jewelry shops that reside in renovated 19th century storefronts. From there, alleyways promise exquisite cuisine and even more shopping adventures.
Plenty of public beach access, Coligny Beach Park, Coligny Plaza (shopping & eating), endless bike trails, Harbour Town Lighthouse (lots of eating & shopping), Coastal Discover Museum, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, great golfing, and much, much more!
106 locals recommend
Hilton Head Island
106 locals recommend
Plenty of public beach access, Coligny Beach Park, Coligny Plaza (shopping & eating), endless bike trails, Harbour Town Lighthouse (lots of eating & shopping), Coastal Discover Museum, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, great golfing, and much, much more!
Bluffton is now the fastest growing city in South Carolina. Tons of great restaurants, outlet parks, & shopping galore. Bluffton has that "Low Country feel", where the people are friendly and helpful. Check it out!
63 locals recommend
Bluffton
63 locals recommend
Bluffton is now the fastest growing city in South Carolina. Tons of great restaurants, outlet parks, & shopping galore. Bluffton has that "Low Country feel", where the people are friendly and helpful. Check it out!

Food scene

A local fave for great seafood!
10 locals recommend
Bluffton Seafood House
27 Dr Mellichamp Dr
10 locals recommend
A local fave for great seafood!
Located in the promenade, this is great place to sit and enjoy & meal. You can usually hear live music being played in the area. Sit in their outdoor area if you can.
42 locals recommend
Captain Woody's Seafood Bar
17 State Of Mind St
42 locals recommend
Located in the promenade, this is great place to sit and enjoy & meal. You can usually hear live music being played in the area. Sit in their outdoor area if you can.
Fun place, local brews, and a rotating band of food trucks make this place a great hangout!
lot 9 brewing co
258 Red Cedar Street
Fun place, local brews, and a rotating band of food trucks make this place a great hangout!
Local Pie is the 1st and only true Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza on Hilton Head Island. “Local” means that only the highest quality, regionally-sourced ingredients go into our house made pies.
23 locals recommend
Local pie Bluffton
15 State Of Mind St
23 locals recommend
Local Pie is the 1st and only true Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza on Hilton Head Island. “Local” means that only the highest quality, regionally-sourced ingredients go into our house made pies.
Calhouns offers indoor and outdoor dining, live music, and great food!
30 locals recommend
Calhouns Bluffton
9 Promenade St
30 locals recommend
Calhouns offers indoor and outdoor dining, live music, and great food!
We love their BBQ! And enjoy an Arnold Palmer (sweet tea and lemonade) with your meal.
13 locals recommend
Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q
872 Fording Island Rd
13 locals recommend
We love their BBQ! And enjoy an Arnold Palmer (sweet tea and lemonade) with your meal.
Amazing food! Wednesday - Saturday, 5-8pm. Reservations recommended.
18 locals recommend
May River Grill
1263 May River Rd
18 locals recommend
Amazing food! Wednesday - Saturday, 5-8pm. Reservations recommended.
Situated in "Old Town" Bluffton, Squat 'N' Gobble has become a landmark among locals and a destination for tourists. Squat 'N' Gobble is the oldest, continuously operating, family owned restaurant in Bluffton. Try them for breakfast & lunch. I recommend "The Hangover Cure"
18 locals recommend
Squat 'N' Gobble
1231 May River Rd
18 locals recommend
Situated in "Old Town" Bluffton, Squat 'N' Gobble has become a landmark among locals and a destination for tourists. Squat 'N' Gobble is the oldest, continuously operating, family owned restaurant in Bluffton. Try them for breakfast & lunch. I recommend "The Hangover Cure"
Favorite spot of visitors and locals! Fresh homemade donuts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings. Come early - the line gets LONG! Open 6am-12pm
11 locals recommend
Alljoy Donut Co
22 Heyward St
11 locals recommend
Favorite spot of visitors and locals! Fresh homemade donuts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings. Come early - the line gets LONG! Open 6am-12pm
Excellent BBQ place! If the sign on the front door says "YES", then they still have food left!
11 locals recommend
Bluffton Barbeque
11 State Of Mind St
11 locals recommend
Excellent BBQ place! If the sign on the front door says "YES", then they still have food left!
Visitors can sit on a patio running around this color-splashed restaurant for typical Mexican fare.
19 locals recommend
Agave Sidebar
15 State Of Mind St
19 locals recommend
Visitors can sit on a patio running around this color-splashed restaurant for typical Mexican fare.
Great breakfasts and lunches! Nice plant based, and gluten free options too!
16 locals recommend
Sippin Cow Cafe & Grill
36 Promenade St
16 locals recommend
Great breakfasts and lunches! Nice plant based, and gluten free options too!
One of my favorite places to eat on the island! Fresh local foods that are delicious!
53 locals recommend
Java Burrito Company
1000 William Hilton Pkwy
53 locals recommend
One of my favorite places to eat on the island! Fresh local foods that are delicious!
Good food fast. Cash only!
Bacon Diner
4 Oliver Court
Good food fast. Cash only!
Great seafood & steaks. Home of the Hurricane Bar. Superb outside atmosphere!
56 locals recommend
The Black Marlin Bayside Grill
86 Helmsman Way
56 locals recommend
Great seafood & steaks. Home of the Hurricane Bar. Superb outside atmosphere!
Pizza, wings, sandwiches, salads, and more! Great food and close by! Pickup or delivery.
Bluffton Pizza Company
4376 Bluffton Parkway
Pizza, wings, sandwiches, salads, and more! Great food and close by! Pickup or delivery.
Unique place. They grow their own vegetables on site. Visit the chicken coops, where their eggs are produced. :) Fun atmosphere and good food.
26 locals recommend
Cahill's Market & Chicken Kitchen
1055 May River Rd
26 locals recommend
Unique place. They grow their own vegetables on site. Visit the chicken coops, where their eggs are produced. :) Fun atmosphere and good food.
1960's feel. Specializing in steaks, pasta, and cocktails. Great food!
Frankie Bones-Bluffton
26 Discovery Dr
1960's feel. Specializing in steaks, pasta, and cocktails. Great food!
Good southern diner with a crazy, fun atmosphere! Breakfast & lunch
27 locals recommend
Harold's Diner
641 William Hilton Pkwy
27 locals recommend
Good southern diner with a crazy, fun atmosphere! Breakfast & lunch
Fast-casual stop offering an array of battered fried seafood & griddle hamburgers. Salads, too! lunch & dinner
25 locals recommend
Marleys Shrimp & Burger Shack
35 Office Park Rd
25 locals recommend
Fast-casual stop offering an array of battered fried seafood & griddle hamburgers. Salads, too! lunch & dinner
Locally-sourced, original eats paired with a farmhouse atmosphere.
8 locals recommend
Nectar Farm Kitchen Bluffton
207 Bluffton Road
8 locals recommend
Locally-sourced, original eats paired with a farmhouse atmosphere.
A fun place to eat! Indoor & outdoor dining
Okatie Ale House
25 William Pope Dr
A fun place to eat! Indoor & outdoor dining
Relaxing hangout serving bbq and American pub eats. Also on Hilton Head Island at 7a Greenwood Drive.
One Hot Mama's Bluffton
104 Buckwalter Pkwy
Relaxing hangout serving bbq and American pub eats. Also on Hilton Head Island at 7a Greenwood Drive.
Menu changes seasonally to take advantage of local produce, meats, and fish. GREAT food.
10 locals recommend
Pour Richard's
4376 Bluffton Parkway
10 locals recommend
Menu changes seasonally to take advantage of local produce, meats, and fish. GREAT food.
Fun environment where everyone gets great food, great drinks, and great service. Relaxed and fun atmosphere. Favorite of Buffalo Bills fans!
R Bar & Grill
70 Pennington Drive
Fun environment where everyone gets great food, great drinks, and great service. Relaxed and fun atmosphere. Favorite of Buffalo Bills fans!
Breakfast & lunch!
River Road Café
70 Pennington Drive
Breakfast & lunch!
Yummy food - lunch & dinner
21 locals recommend
Ruan Thai Cuisine
15 William Hilton Pkwy
21 locals recommend
Yummy food - lunch & dinner
Dine-in and take-out Vietnamese restaurant. Great food!
Saigon Cafe
1304 Fording Island Rd
Dine-in and take-out Vietnamese restaurant. Great food!
Hole-in-the-wall. A local's favorite for fresh fish.
50 locals recommend
The Sea Shack
6 Executive Park Rd
50 locals recommend
Hole-in-the-wall. A local's favorite for fresh fish.
Great food, beautiful view, indoor and outdoor dining. Great Sunday brunch, too!
164 locals recommend
Skull Creek Boathouse
397 Squire Pope Rd
164 locals recommend
Great food, beautiful view, indoor and outdoor dining. Great Sunday brunch, too!
Local favorite. Great seafood.
183 locals recommend
Hudson's Seafood House On The Docks
1 Hudson Rd
183 locals recommend
Local favorite. Great seafood.
Great location, yummy food for breakfast & lunch.
43 locals recommend
Palmetto Bay SunRise Cafe
86 Helmsman Way
43 locals recommend
Great location, yummy food for breakfast & lunch.
Delicious food and wonderful sunset views! Reservations recommended.
11 locals recommend
Sunset Grille
43 Jenkins Island Rd
11 locals recommend
Delicious food and wonderful sunset views! Reservations recommended.
Quaint & cozy. Pet-friendly with outdoor dining. Great bakery!
45 locals recommend
The Cottage Cafe, Bakery & Tea Room
38 Calhoun St
45 locals recommend
Quaint & cozy. Pet-friendly with outdoor dining. Great bakery!
Local favorite with indoor and outdoor dining
28 locals recommend
The Pearl Kitchen & Bar
55 Calhoun St
28 locals recommend
Local favorite with indoor and outdoor dining
Lively tavern with eclectic pub fare and live music, plus and outdoor seating area with fire pits (pet friendly)
42 locals recommend
Old Town Dispensary
15 Captains Cove
42 locals recommend
Lively tavern with eclectic pub fare and live music, plus and outdoor seating area with fire pits (pet friendly)
Elevated American fare & wines in a casually upscale space. Reservations required.
41 locals recommend
Sage Room
75 Pope Ave
41 locals recommend
Elevated American fare & wines in a casually upscale space. Reservations required.

Traveler advice

Don't miss

Old Town Bluffton

So much to do here - restaurants, art galleries, shops, and terrific views of the May River (especially sunsets)! If you're here on a Thursday, check out the Downtown Bluffton Farmers' Market.