Bluffton Oyster Factory Park: May River Waterfront
A live-oak waterfront park on the May River in Old Town, with a pavilion, a boat ramp, oyster roasts and the Garvin-Garvey House.
- 63 Wharf St, Bluffton, SC 29910
- (843) 757-4010
- Every day: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tour the Bluffton Oyster Company
The working oyster house next door runs a tour and tasting. You book it here.
Outside
Lowcountry Curated - Bluffton Oyster Company Tour and Tasting
Seasonal: next dates not posted yet
Booked through FareHarbor, the island operators’ own booking system. HHI.com may earn a commission.
- 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.
More Old Town Bluffton
Old Town Bluffton, SC: Calhoun Street, the Heyward House, galleries, the Church of the Cross, the May River dock and restaurants, all within a short walk.
Wright Family Park at 111 Calhoun St: a free riverfront lawn with a boardwalk, the Calhoun Street dock, restrooms and event rental rates.
The May River in Bluffton, SC: when the sandbar shows at low tide, kayak and boat tours to book, public landings, and today's Bluffton tides.
The Heyward House in Old Town Bluffton: a c. 1841 Carolina farmhouse museum with hours, guided walking and golf-cart tours, and parking.
Parks in Bluffton, SC: Old Town's riverfront lawns, playgrounds and ball fields, nature preserves with trails, dog parks and boat landings on the river.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Oyster Factory Park in Bluffton?
At 63 Wharf Street in Old Town Bluffton, on the May River.
What is at Bluffton Oyster Factory Park?
A live-oak lawn with picnic tables, an open-air pavilion, restrooms, a fire-pit area, a boat ramp for kayaks and boats, and the historic Garvin-Garvey House.
Can you launch a kayak at Oyster Factory Park?
Yes. The boat ramp was rebuilt with new decking and takes kayaks as well as larger boats.
What is the Garvin-Garvey House?
A restored cottage built around 1870 by a freed man, in Oyster Factory Park. It is toured through the Heyward House.
Can you tour the Bluffton Oyster Company?
Yes. Outside runs a Bluffton Oyster Company tour and tasting; book it on this page.
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