Lowcountry Itinerary #1: Day trip to Awendaw

In a place like Charleston with a million things to do, do you often ask yourself: Where do I begin? And am I choosing the best way to spend my time?

Photo by William Christenson

Here’s an idea for a day in the lovely little town of Awendaw, just a 25 minute drive from Charleston up Highway 17.  Located just north of Mount Pleasant, Awendaw is nicely situated between Francis Marion National Forest and Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.  It is an escape into nature, with opportunities to venture into the estuary on a marine adventure or hike part of the Palmetto Trail.

Here’s a simple itinerary to get you inspired to leave the city for the day.  We’re certain that you’ll be back for more.

 

SEWEE OUTPOST, 8 a.m.

Plan to be in Awendaw by this time (it’s sort of early, we know) and head into the Sewee Outpost for a biscuit and coffee.  The biscuits are way in the back corner, near the giant moose head, and they are sinful.  If you didn’t pack a lunch, get it here.  They have sandwiches made daily that pack well (we’ve collectively eaten hundreds on Bulls Island) and everything you need for a day in the refuge.

While you are there, quickly browse around to make sure there’s nothing else that you need.  Insect repellent?  Sunscreen? If you don’t have them, get them here.

 

BULLS ISLAND FERRY GARRIS LANDING, 8:45 a.m.

Drive away from the oasis of the Sewee Outpost and head towards Garris Landing to catch the 9 a.m. departure of the Bulls Island Ferry (that’s us!).  You’ll want to get there at least 15 minutes early to give you time to get your things together and get down the quarter-mile long pier to where the ferry departs.

From there, you’ll enter a 66,000 wildlife refuge, teaming with birds like American Oystercatchers, Black Skimmers, Bald Eagles and Wood Storks.   During the 30-minute trip to the island, a naturalist will share stories of the estuary with you and prepare you for you island adventure.

Photo by William Christenson

Once there, you can decide whether to come back on the noon ferry or stay all day until the 4:30 departure.  (Hint: stay all day)

For the rest of the day, the island is yours.  Explore some of the 16 miles of trails and roads that intersect the island, looking for American Alligators, Fox Squirrels, Bobcats, Turtles and some of the birds that call this biological Shangri-la home.   Emerge onto the beach and see the Atlantic Ocean and it stretches out to Portugal, with pristine views in every direction.  If you’re staying all day, wander up the beach to witness Boneyard Beach, a Dali-esque scene of bleached and weathered trees stranded in the surf.

SEEWEE RESTAURANT, 5 p.m.  (or if you leave early, 1 p.m.)

You’ll be tired, but you can’t leave Awendaw without a meal at this local institution.  Fried shrimp and oysters, southern sides and the nicest people you’ll ever meet await you at this laid back gathering place. We guarantee that even in your mud-caked boots, you won’t be underdressed.  Get an iced tea or a cold beer and enjoy your dinner.  You’ve earned it.

They are so authentic that they don’t even have a website.  Here’s their Facebook page.

 

We’ll take you to the other Awendawian (is that a word?) gems in another Lowcountry Day Trip.  You can’t go wrong with a detour to the Center for Birds of Prey, Hidden Ponds Nursery, or the Sewee Visitor & Environmental Center.  Always up for a mini-adventure, we’ve got your plan for the day covered.

 

Want to find some places to visit in Charleston that are off the beaten path?

Explore. Chat. Visit. And come on back, y’all.
@coastalexpeditions

St. Phillips Island & Beaufort Rentals

Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards

Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.

Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

Outpost Location

Need A Guide?

If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.

Check out our St. Phillips Island & Beaufort tours.

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Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant Rentals

Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards

Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.

Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

Outpost Location

Need A Guide?

If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.

Check out our Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant tours.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard Click to Book via Text

Isle of Palms Rentals

Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards

Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.

Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

Outpost Location

Need A Guide?

If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.

Check out our Isle of Palms tours.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard Click to Book via Text