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Tucked among towering southern pines and draping live oaks, Palmetto Bluff, a residential resort community in Bluffton, South Carolina, blends seamlessly into the landscape. Meticulously designed with a dedication to conservation, the Bluff offers outdoor adventurers a luxury base camp from which to explore 20,000 acres of natural splendor, including 32 miles of river and marshfront at the intersection of the May, Cooper and New Rivers. There are outdoor pursuits for every kind of visitor, from kayaking and paddleboarding to hiking, cycling and golf. All offer unforgettable ways to explore the Lowcountry.
Palmetto Bluff’s waterways weave beckoning paths through the area's rich Southern scenery. Grab a paddleboard, kayak or canoe and explore five miles of secluded inland channels, or drift silently over the tranquil May River, and keep an eye out for dolphins. For the angler, the Bluff offers the best of both freshwater and saltwater sport fishing. Flyfishing enthusiasts will love the rolling rivers and numerous lakes and ponds stocked with largemouth bass and bream. Saltwater fishing for tarpon, cobia, redfish and sea trout is also available in the spring and summer.
For a more relaxing adventure on the water, cruise the coastline, salute the sunset and experience the maritime beauty of the area with a private charter from the marina at Wilsons Landing. For a special and unforgettable experience, gather a group and set out on the completely restored 60-foot antique motor yacht, Grace. Built in 1913, it’s one of the last remaining pre-World War I gas-powered yachts left on the water.
Inland, Palmetto Bluff offers numerous ways to explore the land's pristine estuaries and primeval forests. Stroll the neighborhood parks, or explore the expansive trail system on foot, bicycle or horseback. For additional riding options, visit Longfield Stables, Palmetto Bluff’s world-class equestrian facility. Spread out over 173 acres, the stables are open to residents and guests of all skill levels and include a covered arena, an outdoor dressage area and a five-acre turf event field.
For a day on the green, test your skills on the Bluff’s 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. The wide fairways of the May River Golf Course stretch through the southern forest, past century-old live oaks, with several holes located right on the banks of the river. At almost 7,200 yards, this amazing year-round course presents challenges for golfers of every skill level, and, as with everything at Palmetto Bluff, the course was carefully designed to complement the native landscape. Even the sand in the bunkers was chosen for a reason; its angular grain adheres better to sloped surfaces and holds up to coastal weather.
For additional recreation and conversation, the Wilson Lawn and Racquet Club offers racquet sports under the shade of the pines and live oaks. Whether you’re feeling competitive, want to take a lesson or just want to hit the ball, the facility has eight tennis courts, as well as bocce courts, courtside shelters, a popular pro shop and pavilion and two croquet lawns. Shooting sports have also been a longstanding tradition at Palmetto Bluff. Test your aim on a guided hunt, or at the Shooting Club, which features 12 sporting clay stations woven into the landscape across an expansive 40-acre forest.
Whether one is seeking adventure or relaxation, there’s no better place to enjoy the wilds of South Carolina's Lowcountry.