Why You Should Visit Awendaw South Carolina

Quiet country roads, trips into Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, and hikes through a national forest are just a few of the reasons why you should visit Awendaw, South Carolina!

Located about 10 miles north of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and up Highway 17 is the rural town of Awendaw.

However, just because you’re away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Charleston doesn’t mean that you’re destined to be bored.

Awendaw and the surrounding area is a nature lover’s paradise, so strap on your hiking shoes, pack some sunscreen, and let’s explore the beauty of rural Charleston County!

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Written 7/2022

Best Things to Do in Awendaw SC

Visit owls, osprey and more at the Birds of Prey Center.

owl with outstretched wings at Birds of Prey Center in Awendaw SC

This fantastic non-profit cares for a wide range of birds and they rescue injured birds from this area.

The tours and flight demonstrations are awe-inspiring, and they’re a great way to understand these predators’ important position within the local ecosystem.

Tours are currently held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings, and reservations are required.

Address: 4719 North Highway 17, Awendaw, South Carolina

This post is part of my Discover Charleston digital visitors center. Click through to get even more sightseeing, restaurant, and activity recommendations.

Take a boat out to Bulls Island, an uninhabited barrier island.

couple standing on driftwood at Bulls Island Awendaw — My husband and I on the beautiful beach at Bulls Island

Spend the day exploring 7 miles of a pristine driftwood beach and 16 miles of trails through maritime forest.

This barrier island is nearly untouched by humankind, and the limited tours provide visitors with an up-close look at local wildlife and Lowcountry beauty.

>> Check out my full guide to Bulls Island South Carolina here! <<

Explore the Sewee Shell Ring.

children at the Sewee Shell Ring Trail in Awendaw SC — The older Cosmos Mariner kid and friend at Sewee Shell Ring Trail

This large shell ring is composed of thousands of oyster shells that were left here by a now vanished Native American tribe.

Anthropologists aren’t positive on why these prehistoric residents build and maintained these shell rings, but this one is one of many up and down the coast.

[There’s also another near Edisto Island, South Carolina, which made it onto my list of top things to do in Edisto Island!]

To see the shell ring, you’ll want to turn off Highway 17 onto Doar Road. Follow the road until you see a dirt road on your right, Forest Road 243 (also known as Salt Pond Landing).

Follow this forest road until you see a small sign on your right for the Sewee Shell Ring Trail. There’s free parking available at the trailhead.

Once on the trail loop, you’ll be able to identify local plants and trees, walk along the marsh boardwalk, and read the interpretive signs along the way.

Address: Forest Road 243, Awendaw, South Carolina

Hang out at the Sewee Outpost.

This property might look like a gas station from the road, but there’s so much more to discover at Sewee Outpost!

If you’re stopping by early in the morning, head to the back food counter to grab one of the country ham biscuits, which are SO good.

The refrigerators are packed with local dips, quiches, pies, and casseroles, so take one with you, or pick up a sandwich at the deli counter.

The store is full of fishing and hunting essentials as well as toys, cast iron, sandals, beach chairs, and more.

If you need a longer stop on your Highway 17 road trip, you can play a round of disc golf at Sewee Outpost, too.

Bring your own disc or buy one onsite!

Sewee Outpost disc golf rounds can be purchased at the main checkout counter along with snacks, drinks, apparel, and outdoor gear.

Address: 4853 North Highway 17, Awendaw, South Carolina

Learn at the Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center.

The Cosmos Mariners kiddos sitting on a whale jaw bone that washed up in Cape Romain, Awendaw, South Carolina — The Cosmos Mariners kiddos sitting on a whale jaw bone that washed up in Cape Romain

Located off South Carolina Highway 17 is this comprehensive, free learning opportunity.

Back when I homeschooled my kids, this center was a favorite educational destination with our co-op.

When you arrive, head to the front desk to get a free kids' guide, which will help your family focus your attention at the center.

Your kids will want to explore the interactive displays in the lobby, so give them space to do so.

These displays help them learn about sea turtle conservation efforts, local points of interest, and the important resources within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

Next, head into the small but detailed museum area to learn more about the habitats and animals found within the Refuge.

Pay attention to the videos and displays so you can fill out your kids’ guide.

Afterwards, head outside to complete the 1 mile nature trail loop.

The loop carries visitors through a swamp, past the red wolf enclosure, and through a pine forest. While only part of the trail is raised boardwalk, the entire thing is flat and easy for beginning hikers.

Address: 5821 Highway 17, Awendaw, South Carolina

Explore more coastal beauty in McClellanville, South Carolina, one of the cutest small towns near Charleston!

Go hiking in the Francis Marion National Forest.

marsh views on the Palmetto Trail near Awendaw SC — Part of the Palmetto Trail in Awendaw

Did you know that there is a trail that stretches from one end of South Carolina to the other?

The Palmetto Trail starts in Awendaw and runs all the way to the Upstate, where dedicated hikers can jump on the Appalachian Trail.

For day hikers, there are several easy, flat sections that meander through the National Forest.

We love to take our kids on the section near the Awendaw Canoe Launch, which is flat and comes with beautiful views of the marsh.

You’ll find free parking nearby. Definitely bring bug spray!

Catch some live music and great food each Wednesday night at the Awendaw Green.

Located next to Sewee Outpost, this attraction invites bluegrass fans to unwind every week with music and friends.

Kids will love the big pile of toys available to play with, while adults can spend a gorgeous Lowcountry evening relaxing.

Bring your own coolers or enjoy onsite food.

Address: 4853 North Highway 17, Awendaw, South Carolina

Have you visited Awendaw, South Carolina, yet?

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Natalie Vereen-Davis is a native of Charleston, South Carolina who loves to explore her hometown between trips around the globe with her husband and 2 kids. She started Cosmos Mariners in 2014 as a way to bridge the gap between her love of travel and her career as an English professor, and she hopes that the site’s content will help you to truly travel smarter!