A guide to Old Town Bluffton: the Welcome Center, Calhoun Street and the Promenade, May River parks, the Shell Art Trail, museums, food and parking.

Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. Facts come from the Town of Bluffton, its parks pages and each business’s own website. Businesses are listed in no particular order.

Old Town Bluffton is the town’s historic core on the bluff above the May River, a grid of oak-shaded streets around Calhoun Street, Boundary Street and the Promenade. The Bluffton Historic District has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1996; our history and landmarks guide tells the story.

Who to call

Start at the Welcome Center

The Town of Bluffton Welcome Center opened on Feb. 3, 2025, in the restored Squire Pope Carriage House at 111 Calhoun St., inside Wright Family Park. It is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday, the town says.

On the May River

  • Oyster Factory Park, 55 Wharf St. The boat ramp is open 24 hours; the rest of the park, with its pavilion, oyster roast pit and the Garvin-Garvey House, is open sunrise to sunset.
  • Bluffton Oyster Company, Wharf Street, where, the town says, oystermen still bring in May River oysters harvested by hand.
  • Calhoun Street Dock, at the end of Calhoun Street, for fishing and the river view.
  • Wright Family Park, 111 Calhoun St. A lawn and walking path on the bluff. No alcohol, amplified music or fireworks.
  • Pritchard Pocket Park, 124 Pritchard St., with benches facing the river.

Calhoun Street and the Promenade

Calhoun Street runs down to the public dock on the river, past the Church of the Cross and galleries, shops and restaurants. A few, with each one’s own details:

  • The Cottage Cafe, Bakery and Tea Room, 38 Calhoun St., breakfast, lunch, Sunday brunch and afternoon tea by reservation (hours).
  • The Pearl Kitchen and Bar, 55 Calhoun St., dinner daily from 5 p.m. (thepearlbluffton.com).
  • The Bluffton Room, 15 Promenade St., dinner Tuesday to Saturday (theblufftonroom.com).
  • Captain Woody’s, 17 State of Mind St., on the Promenade (captainwoodys.com).
  • Wine Time, 6 Promenade St., a wine bar and shop open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday (winetimebluffton.com).

On May River Road are Corner Perk, 1297 May River Road, with the Roasting Room listening room upstairs, and FARM Bluffton at No. 1301. More in our brunch, date night and nightlife guides.

History to see

  • Heyward House Museum, 70 Boundary St., built in 1841, runs walking and golf cart tours of the district; call 843-757-6293 a day ahead.
  • Garvin-Garvey House, in Oyster Factory Park, one of the earliest known freedman-owned houses still standing on the May River, the town says.
  • Shell Art Trail: 21 giant oyster shells painted by local artists are placed around historic Bluffton, each with a plaque of oyster facts, according to the town’s Shell Art Trail page.

Parks and markets

  • Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary St.: the Bluffton Farmers Market sets up Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m. See our farmers markets page.
  • DuBois Park, 67 Lawrence St.: playground, pavilion and restrooms.

The Old Town calendar

  • Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival each October, with Street Fest on Calhoun Street.
  • Old Town Trick or Treat, Holiday Art Walk and Jingle Stroll from the Merchants Society; see our Halloween and holiday shopping pages.
  • Tree lighting and Christmas parade, the first Friday and Saturday of December (details).

Getting there and parking

Old Town is small enough to walk once you park. Golf carts may use roads of 35 mph or less under the town’s rules, and the town ran a free Old Town shuttle pilot in summer 2026; details are in our getting around guide.

What this means for you

  • Start at the Welcome Center for maps; it is closed Sundays.
  • Children can hunt the painted oyster shells of the Shell Art Trail.
  • Town parks close at sunset; the boat ramp does not.

More: free things to do and parks and trails.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Bluffton Welcome Center?

In the Squire Pope Carriage House at 111 Calhoun St., in Wright Family Park. It is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday; call 843-706-7800.

What is the Shell Art Trail in Bluffton?

A public art trail of 21 giant oyster shells painted by local artists and placed around historic Bluffton, each with a plaque of oyster facts.

Where can you see the May River in Old Town Bluffton?

From Oyster Factory Park on Wharf Street, the Calhoun Street Dock, Wright Family Park at 111 Calhoun St. and Pritchard Pocket Park. Town parks are open sunrise to sunset; the Oyster Factory Park boat ramp is open 24 hours.

Can you tour the Heyward House in Bluffton?

Yes. The Heyward House Museum at 70 Boundary St. runs walking and golf cart tours of the historic district; tours need 24 hours’ notice at 843-757-6293.