Bluffton Oyster Factory Park: May River Waterfront

Open

7 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily

On the water

May River

Features

Pavilion, boat ramp, restrooms

History

Garvin-Garvey House, c. 1870

Oyster Factory Park is at the bottom of Wharf Street in Old Town Bluffton, on the bank of the May River. It takes its name from the oyster-shucking trade that stood on this shore, and the Bluffton Oyster Company, the working oyster house, is still next door. Live oaks shade a wide lawn with picnic tables, and the river is a few steps beyond. It is one of the parks in Bluffton people picnic in.

What You Will Find

There is an open-air pavilion, picnic tables, a fire-pit area, restrooms and parking. The boat ramp was rebuilt with new decking and can launch a kayak or a larger boat, which makes the park a common put-in for the May River. Shrimp boats tie up along the shore.

Oyster Roasts and Events

The pavilion and lawn are where Bluffton holds oyster roasts, cookouts, weddings and birthday parties, and the Town has planned an update to the event space that adds a bandstand and a gathering deck built around a live oak. Ask the Town of Bluffton about reserving the pavilion.

The Garvin-Garvey House

A small Lowcountry cottage in the park, the Garvin-Garvey House was built around 1870 by a freed man. The Town restored it in 2016 and 2017. It is toured on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the Heyward House, so book that tour there.

Walking on from the Park

It is an easy walk along the bluff to Wright Family Park and the Calhoun Street dock, and the shops and restaurants of Old Town are close by.