As summer heat softens and the crowds thin, fall in the Lowcountry offers a rare kind of magic. From golden marsh views to festive gatherings, here’s how to make the most of the season across Bluffton, Hilton Head, Palmetto Bluff, and Savannah.
Why Fall Is a Perfect Time
- Cooler, comfortable weather makes outdoor adventures more inviting
- Fewer crowds — more space to enjoy nature, tours, and dining
- A rich calendar of seasonal festivals, markets, and cultural events
- Stunning marsh grasses, migrating birds, and changing light create dramatic scenery
Bluffton & Palmetto Bluff
Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival
One of the marquee fall events in Bluffton, this festival typically runs in mid-October and celebrates local art, fresh seafood, music, a boat parade, oyster roasts, and historic tours.
Stroll Old Town Bluffton
Explore charming streets, historic homes like the Heyward House, boutique shops, galleries, and riverside cafés.
Trails & Nature Walks
Take advantage of the crisp fall air by walking trails in Palmetto Bluff’s preserve lands, along rivers, or through forested corridors in Bluffton’s local parks and greenways.
Kayaking, Paddleboarding, and Boating
The water is fantastic in early fall. Paddle through creeks, salt marshes, and rivers to see wading birds, dolphins, and marsh vistas.
Hilton Head & Surrounding Islands
Hilton Head Fall Festivals
Fall is festival season on Hilton Head. Highlights include:
- The Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival (Harbour Town) — all-you-can-eat shrimp, live music, vendors.
- Chili Cookoff & Jeep Island events
- Lowcountry Fish & Grits Music Festival — celebrating Gullah-Geechee culture through food and music
- Octoberfest, Rock N Ribs, Italian Heritage Festival, and more
Golf, Biking & Outdoor Recreation
With milder temps, fall is ideal for teeing off, cycling island trails, or taking nature rides.
Historic & Cultural Tours
Visit sites like Fort Howell on Hilton Head — an earthworks fort from 1864 maintained by the Land Trust.
Don’t miss the Harbour Town Lighthouse and the scenic views from Sea Pines Resort.
Island Excursions
Take a ferry to Daufuskie Island for a quieter, off-the-grid feel — explore its Gullah heritage, old oyster factory ruins, lighthouses, artisan shops, and peaceful beaches.
Savannah & Coastal Georgia
Historic Savannah at its Best
Use fall to stroll Savannah’s iconic squares, Spanish moss–draped oaks, riverfront promenade, art galleries, and historic homes. The weather is perfect for walking tours.
Riverboat Cruises & Ghost Tours
Evenings in Savannah bring ghost tours, storytelling walks, or sunset river cruises — spooky and atmospheric in fall.
Food & Drink Scene
Savannah’s fall menus tend to lean toward richer flavors, local seafood, and seasonal ingredients — perfect for a culinary day trip.
Seasonal Highlights & Tips
- Oyster & Shrimp Season — seafood lovers rejoice: fall is prime time for shellfish in the Lowcountry.
- Sunset & Golden Hour Photography — the marshes glow beautifully in late afternoons of fall.
- Wildlife Viewing — migratory birds, herons, egrets, and marshland creatures are active.
- Advance Planning — many festivals, boat tours, and historic home tours require tickets or reservations.
