Awendaw South CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Awendaw, South Carolina.
1. The Center for Birds of Prey
BIRD CONSERVATION & EDUCATION
The Center for Birds of Prey is a premier avian conservation and education destination, offering visitors a chance to see owls, osprey, and other birds up close. Guests can attend interactive flight demonstrations and guided tours to learn about the vital ecological role of raptors. It is a unique experience for nature lovers and families seeking hands-on wildlife education.
2. Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
PRISTINE COASTAL SANCTUARY
Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge spans over 66,000 acres of barrier islands and marshes, supporting diverse wildlife and unspoiled beaches. Popular activities include birdwatching, cycling on Bull Island, and exploring untouched sandy shores. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone interested in Lowcountry ecology.
3. Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center
NATURE TRAILS & WILDLIFE
The Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center offers interactive exhibits, walking trails, and wildlife observation areas, perfect for families and school groups. Visitors can spot alligators, observe red wolves, and learn about coastal ecosystems. The center provides an immersive introduction to the Francis Marion National Forest and the surrounding marshland.
4. Awendaw Green
LIVE MUSIC & COMMUNITY
Awendaw Green hosts the famous Barn Jams every Wednesday night, featuring original music from talented local musicians in a family-friendly outdoor setting. Guests can enjoy live performances, connect with friends, and support artists while relaxing under the stars. Limited food options are available, making it a lively hub for both music and community spirit.
5. Awendaw Passage
SCENIC HIKING TRAIL
The Awendaw Passage is a section of the Palmetto Trail that winds through pine forests and salt marshes, offering some of the best hiking and birdwatching in the region. Its boardwalks and interpretive signs help visitors learn more about the native plants and wildlife. This easily accessible trail is ideal for outdoor adventurers wanting to explore the natural beauty of Awendaw.
6. Charleston Zipline Adventures
THRILLING CANOPY TOURS
Charleston Zipline Adventures provides exhilarating zipline experiences set at the edge of the Francis Marion National Forest. The course features multiple zip lines and aerial bridges, offering panoramic views and adrenaline-pumping fun for all ages. It is a great destination for families, groups, and adventure seekers visiting the Lowcountry.
7. Sewee Shell Ring Trail
ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
The Sewee Shell Ring Trail leads visitors to a prehistoric shell ring, allowing them to explore one of the region's ancient archaeological sites. The loop features interpretive signage, marsh boardwalks, and the opportunity to identify local flora and fauna. It provides a quiet, educational walk through both history and nature.
8. Sewee Outpost
OUTDOOR GEAR & GIFTS
Sewee Outpost is a popular stop for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a broad selection of gear, gifts, snacks, and fishing supplies. Located next to Awendaw Green, it serves as a hub for adventure planning and community gatherings. The store also offers local souvenirs and helpful advice for exploring the area's nature trails and waterways.
9. Bulls Bay Saltworks
ARTISANAL SEA SALT PRODUCER
Bulls Bay Saltworks produces high-quality, hand-harvested sea salt sourced from local coastal waters. Visitors can purchase a variety of specialty salts and learn about sustainable salt-making practices unique to the region. Their products are popular with local chefs and make distinctive gifts for food lovers.
10. Seewee Restaurant
CLASSIC LOWCOUNTRY DINING
Seewee Restaurant is celebrated for its traditional Lowcountry cuisine, with a menu featuring fresh seafood, fried green tomatoes, and classic Southern desserts. Housed in a rustic historic building, the restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Its casual, welcoming atmosphere makes it a must-visit for authentic regional flavors.
11. Buck Hall Recreation Area
CAMPING & WATERFRONT ACCESS
Buck Hall Recreation Area offers waterfront campsites, fishing piers, and boat ramps, serving as a gateway to the Intracoastal Waterway. It is a prime location for camping, boating, and picnicking amid scenic marshland. This site is popular for both day trips and overnight outdoor adventures in coastal South Carolina.
12. Palmetto Trail
LONG DISTANCE HIKING
The Palmetto Trail connects the mountains to the sea, with the Awendaw Passage marking the trail's scenic coastal terminus. Hikers can experience a variety of landscapes, from maritime forests to tidal marshes, all teeming with native wildlife. The trail is perfect for both long-distance trekkers and those seeking shorter day hikes.
13. Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
HISTORIC PLANTATION TOUR
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, located just south of Awendaw, is one of America's oldest working plantations, known for its iconic Avenue of Oaks. Guests can tour the stately plantation house, historic slave cabins, and vibrant gardens while learning about the area's history. The venue also hosts seasonal events and popular U-pick farms.
14. The Old Village District
CHARMING SHOPS & CAFES
The Old Village District in Mount Pleasant offers a blend of charming boutiques, locally-owned restaurants, and historic homes along picturesque streets. Visitors enjoy shopping for unique gifts, sampling local foods, and strolling the oak-shaded avenues. Its small-town charm and waterside views make it a pleasant day-trip destination.
15. Shem Creek Boardwalk
WATERSIDE DINING & VIEWS
Shem Creek Boardwalk offers beautiful marsh views, easy wildlife spotting, and a range of popular waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood. Paddleboarders and kayakers often explore the creek, while diners enjoy sunset vistas from outdoor patios. The boardwalk is a vibrant spot for both relaxation and active recreation.
16. Red's Ice House
LEGENDARY SEAFOOD EATERY
Red's Ice House is a favorite local seafood restaurant situated on Shem Creek, offering a laid-back atmosphere and waterfront seating. Guests feast on fresh shrimp, crab, and oysters while watching shrimp boats and dolphins cruise by. Its lively vibe and signature Lowcountry dishes make it a crowd-pleaser for visitors of all ages.