The Best Parks To Visit In Bluffton, South Carolina
Just a stone’s throw from Hilton Head, South Carolina, Bluffton has all the charm of a small country town in the South.
Known as “the Heart of the Lowcountry,” Bluffton is the southernmost coastal town in South Carolina. It’s the ideal “escape destination” to experience natural beauty, to absorb rich history, and to indulge in its art galleries, boutiques, and many restaurants.
Once considered a “sleepy little fishing village,” Bluffton also offers some of the best outdoor experiences in the region. Think walking, running, biking, fishing, picnicking, water spots, daydreaming, and more.
Let’s explore the abundance of Bluffton outdoor spaces for family fun, exercise, fresh air, and a touch of history.
Oscar Frazier Community Park
77 Shults Road
Bluffton, SC 29910
This is a well thought out engaging park. It is named for Oscar Frazier (1956-2005), a poet and community leader. The poet laureate of Bluffton, Oscar Frazier published two volumes of poetry and a children’s book. Aside from his influence as a poet, Frazier was a well loved community leader both in his hometown of Bluffton and throughout Beaufort Country, South Carolina. He was a town councilman and mayor pro tem, a diplomatic peacemaker, and a bridge between the races,
The surrounding neighborhood of the park is beautiful, giving off a “Main Street USA” vibe.
Arguably the most dog friendly park in Bluffton, Oscar Frazier has areas for small dogs, senior dogs, and over 40 pound dogs.
The playground has 4 slides for bigger kids and four slides for toddlers. Monkey bars, exploring tubes, as well as adult and children swings all contribute to the welcoming environment.
There is a large baseball facility including playing fields, batting cages, and a concession stand.
A large open-air pavilion with a grilling area and private restrooms are available. The pavilion area can be rented out for private events and used on a first-come basis when not rented out.
Water fountains for dogs and humans are plentiful as well as numerous benches. A paved walking/running path encircles a large open field.
Parking is ample unless there is a baseball game in progress. In that instance parking can be had outside the park.
With meadows, playground, ball field, and a dog park, Oscar Frazier Park is the center of Bluffton Recreation.
Du Boise Park
67 Lawrence Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
Du Boise park is named for the family which donated the land with the stipulation that it had to be a park forever. It’s a family friendly greenspace with amenities which include an open air pavilion, picnic tables, restrooms, complimentary WI-Fi, and a large lawn.
Recent renovation included bug proofing technology which makes this a great spot for lounging, reading, or enjoying a picnic.
The playground is unique as it is in the shape of a shrimp boat.
The park is dog-friendly with a good size parking area.
Under a live oak on the edge of the park (Boundary Street side) is a historical marker. Take a moment to read and reflect on the burning of Bluffton in 1863 by the Union Army.
Martin Family Park
Across the street from Dubois Park, the Martin Family Park is a wide open green space with plenty of parking.
The park is named for Ida Martin, an altruist and the founder of Bluffton Self Help, an organization providing emergency funds, food, and clothing for those in need. Ida Martin was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2011 by President Barack Obama. This is the nation’s second highest civilian award which recognizes Americans who perform “exemplary deeds of service.”
The park features oversized benches and seats which allow plenty of room to sit and enjoy the surroundings. Restrooms next to the parking lot.
Enjoy the Farmer’s Market of Bluffton within the park on Thursday afternoons offering locally grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants, herbs, and artisan quality foodstuffs.
This is a vibrant park with lots of events from art festivals to live music.
Oyster Factory Park
63 Wharf Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
With its captivating scenic views of the May River this waterfront park is not to be missed.
With an open air pavilion, picnic tables, fire/oyster roast pit, and spectacular views of the May River this is a favorite location for oyster roasts, picnics, and celebrations.
A boat ramp provides access to the river.
You can purchase fresh seafood by the pound at the Bluffton Oyster Company (also operates a full-service restaurant with alcohol).
The Toomer family, owner of the Bluffton Oyster Company, have been harvesting from local waters since 1913. They are the last remaining hand-shucked oyster operation in South Carolina.
The park is home to the Garvin-Garvey Freedman’s cottage, a home constructed and owned by African-Americans during the Reconstruction Era. The cottage remained in the Garvin family for three generations until 1961.
Gorgeous views, picnics, boating, fishing, history, and sunsets – Oyster FactoryPark has it all.
Pritchard Pocket Park
132 Pritchard Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
A small park with benches to enjoy the sweeping views of the May River. A gorgeous place to sit and contemplate the beauty of the lowcountry.
Buckwalter Place Park
25 Buckwalter Place Boulevard
Bluffton, SC 29910
Home to the Veterans Memorial, this park features an open lawn area with comfortable benches. An added attraction is an inclusive playground including wheelchair whirl and sensory panels. Artificial turf covers the playground for added safety.
In April 2023, an extension of the park was added with the Buckwalter Place Park Amphitheater including a large field and restrooms.
Wright Family Park and Calhoun Street Dock
110 Calhoun Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
Down at the end of Calhoun Street in Old Town, across the street from the historic Church of the Cross (1857), is the Wright Family Park, an absolutely beautiful park on land that the Wright family owned for 80 years.
A large greenspace and walking path leads to the docks on a bluff overlooking the May River. Take your camera to capture amazing scenic moments (you might even spot a dolphin). Watch boats coming and going to the Intercoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean.
Family friendly, waterfront boardwalk, public dock, WiFi, restrooms, limited parking.
Older kids and teenagers will want to try the giant rope swing at the park’s southeast corner.
Catch a glimpse of history and view the Squaire Pope Carriage House. The Carriage House and outbuildings were the summer home of Squaire William Page Pope, a wealthy landowner who owned a nearby plantation. The main house was burned during the Burning of Bluffton, but the carriage house was one of only ten antebellum structures in Bluffton that was not burned. The structure is currently being renovated.
If you are looking for the best water views in Bluffton, then Wright Family Park is your ticket.
Come relax and explore the beautiful outdoor spaces that Bluffton, South Carolina, has to offer.
