10 Short Road Trips from Bluffton, South Carolina (Beaufort County)

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Bluffton, SC (That Locals Actually Take)

Living or vacationing in Bluffton, South Carolina and itching to explore a little farther than your usual spots? You’re in luck. Within about an hour or so, you can roll out of Beaufort County and into a quieter, less touristy side of the Lowcountry in Colleton County, Hampton County, and Jasper County. These short road trips are perfect if you’re based in Bluffton and want easy day trips, new places to eat, or peaceful outdoor adventures without driving all day.

1. Drift Back in Time at Old Sheldon Church Ruins (Jasper County)

If you love old Southern ruins and moss-draped oaks, this one is a must. Just over the line in Jasper County, the Old Sheldon Church Ruins feel like a movie set. Brick arches, roofless walls, and huge live oaks make this one of the most photographed spots near Bluffton.
  • Why go: It’s quiet, hauntingly beautiful, and packed with history.
  • What to do: Walk the grounds, take photos, read the gravestones, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Drive time from Bluffton: About 45–55 minutes, depending on your route.
I still remember the first time I walked up to the ruins. I’d seen photos online, but standing there in person felt completely different—as if time had just…stopped.

2. Paddle the Peaceful Waters of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge (Jasper County)

Want a break from busy beaches and shopping centers? Head toward Hardeeville and cross into the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge on the South Carolina side. This vast, marshy area is home to alligators, wading birds, and some of the best Lowcountry scenery you can find near Bluffton.
  • Why go: Nature, wildlife, and quiet roads just a short drive from Bluffton.
  • What to do:
    • Drive the wildlife auto tour route.
    • Walk short nature trails.
    • Bring binoculars for birdwatching.
    • Kayak nearby waterways with a local outfitter (check conditions first).
  • Drive time from Bluffton: About 35–45 minutes.
If you’ve only ever seen alligators on TV, driving slowly along the refuge dikes and spotting them sunning by the water is an experience you won’t forget.

3. Explore Small-Town Life in Ridgeland (Jasper County)

If you’re curious about real Lowcountry small-town life, take a short drive up to Ridgeland, the seat of Jasper County. It’s not fancy, and that’s exactly the charm. Think train tracks, local diners, and friendly faces who’ll chat with you like you’ve lived there for years.
  • Why go: A simple, laid-back day trip away from the resort feel of Hilton Head and Bluffton.
  • What to do:
    • Walk the historic downtown stretch.
    • Grab a plate of Southern comfort food at a local restaurant.
    • Visit small shops and antique stores.
  • Drive time from Bluffton: Around 35–40 minutes.
If you like to slow down with a cup of coffee and watch the world go by, Ridgeland is that kind of town.

4. Fish, Float, or Just Breathe on the Salkehatchie River (Hampton County)

The Salkehatchie River runs through Hampton County and offers a quieter, more untouched feel than the waters around Bluffton. Here, you won’t find big marinas or crowds. Instead, you get cypress trees, dark, slow-moving water, and a real “lost in the woods” vibe—in a good way.
  • Why go: A peaceful outdoor escape with fewer people and more nature.
  • What to do:
    • Fish from the banks (check local regulations).
    • Put in a canoe or kayak with a local guide or launch.
    • Pack a cooler and enjoy a slow day off-grid.
  • Drive time from Bluffton: About 1–1.5 hours, depending on your access point.
If your idea of a perfect Saturday is a rod, a cooler, and no phone service, the Salkehatchie might become your favorite road trip from Bluffton.

5. Stroll Historic Streets in Hampton (Hampton County)

The town of Hampton feels like stepping into a different pace of life. It’s the kind of place where you can park the car, walk around a couple of blocks, and actually hear birds instead of traffic.
  • Why go: A classic small South Carolina town with history and charm.
  • What to do:
    • Walk around town and check out local churches and older homes.
    • Look for seasonal events and festivals (Hampton County loves its community gatherings).
    • Eat at a local café or diner and chat with your server about the town’s history.
  • Drive time from Bluffton: Around 1.5 hours.
This is a great option when you want a low-key road trip, simple food, and a reminder that not every place has to move at full speed.

6. Discover History in Yemassee (Hampton & Jasper Counties)

Yemassee is one of those places you might normally just drive past on the highway—but it’s worth a stop. This small town touches both Hampton County and Jasper County and has roots that go back deep into South Carolina history, especially around the railroad era.
  • Why go: To explore a classic Lowcountry crossroads town with stories to tell.
  • What to do:
    • Visit the historic train station area.
    • Take a short drive to nearby historical churches or cemeteries.
    • Grab a bite at a local spot—nothing fancy, just honest, filling food.
  • Drive time from Bluffton: Roughly 1–1.25 hours.
If you like imagining what travel felt like 100 years ago—trains instead of interstates—Yemassee is a great place to let your mind wander.

7. Walk the Woods at Bear Island Wildlife Management Area (Colleton County)

Heading north from Bluffton into Colleton County, you’ll find the Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, a huge protected space not far from the coast. This is Lowcountry nature at its best: marshes, impoundments, towering pines, and long views that make you feel far from everything—even though you’re only a short drive away.
  • Why go: Wide-open spaces, birdwatching, and a real chance to unplug.
  • What to do:
    • Walk levee roads and trails (some areas are seasonal—check ahead).
    • Look for bald eagles, herons, and migrating waterfowl.
    • Bring a camera—sunrise and sunset can be stunning here.
  • Drive time from Bluffton: About 1.5 hours.
If Hilton Head’s crowds ever get to you, a quiet afternoon at Bear Island can feel like a reset button.

8. Step into a Storybook Scene at Walterboro’s Historic District (Colleton County)

Walterboro calls itself the “Front Porch of the Lowcountry,” and once you walk its historic downtown, you’ll see why. This is one of the best day trips from Bluffton if you want a mix of history, shops, and easy walking.
  • Why go: Charming streets, old homes, and a friendly, walkable downtown.
  • What to do:
    • Browse antique stores and local boutiques.
    • Explore the historic district and admire the architecture.
    • Try a local restaurant or bakery—great for a leisurely lunch.
    • Check out local museums or visitor centers for background on the area.
  • Drive time from Bluffton: Around 1.5 hours.
If you enjoy strolling with a coffee in your hand and no strict agenda, Walterboro is a perfect fit.

9. Get Close to Nature at the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary (Colleton County)

Right next to Walterboro’s downtown you’ll find the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary, often called the “Great Swamp Sanctuary.” This is a surprisingly big green space with boardwalks and trails that make it easy to explore the Lowcountry wetlands without getting your feet muddy.
  • Why go: Easy access to nature, even if you’re not a hardcore hiker.
  • What to do:
    • Walk the boardwalks through the swamp.
    • Look for birds, turtles, and other wildlife.
    • Pair this stop with a visit to Walterboro’s historic downtown for a full day trip.
  • Drive time from Bluffton: About 1.5 hours.
If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who doesn’t like long hikes, this sanctuary is ideal—flat, scenic, and easy.

10. Trace the Lowcountry Back Roads Through Pine Forests & Farmland (Jasper, Hampton & Colleton Counties)

Not every road trip has to be about a single “attraction.” One of the best things to do near Bluffton is simply drive the back roads of Jasper, Hampton, and Colleton counties. Think long stretches of pine forest, small churches, farm fields, and tiny crossroads communities.
  • Why go: Enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
  • What to do:
    • Pick a loose loop—Ridgeland → Hampton → Walterboro → back to Bluffton.
    • Stop at local produce stands or gas-station grills for a snack.
    • Pull over (safely) for photos of fields, barns, and old country stores.
  • Drive time from Bluffton: You choose, but 3–6 hours total with stops makes a great day.
Sometimes the best stories from a trip aren’t from a museum or a landmark—they’re from that unexpected diner you found “in the middle of nowhere.”

Tips for Planning Your Bluffton Road Trips

  • Start with a full tank: Some rural stretches don’t have many gas stations.
  • Bring cash: Small country stores or produce stands may not take cards.
  • Check hours & seasons: Wildlife areas and some small businesses can be seasonal or have limited hours.
  • Pack bug spray & sunscreen: This is the Lowcountry—mosquitoes and sun don’t mess around.
  • Drive slow: Watch for wildlife, farm equipment, and small-town speed limits.

Ready to Hit the Road from Bluffton?

Bluffton is a fantastic home base, but some of the most authentic Lowcountry experiences lie just outside Beaufort County—in the back roads, small towns, and quiet wild places of Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties. You don’t need a weeklong vacation to enjoy them. Many of these spots are easy day trips from Bluffton, perfect for a Saturday drive, a Sunday afternoon, or a random day off when you just need a change of scenery.

Have you taken any of these road trips from Bluffton? Share your favorite stops, secret photo spots, or restaurant tips in the comments—your ideas can help other travelers plan their own adventures. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who love exploring the Lowcountry. The more we explore, the more we appreciate just how special this corner of South Carolina really is.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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