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Explore Awendaw, SC Near Bulls Bay

There's so much to love about Awendaw, SC. Here's your insider guide.

About Awendaw, SC

Awendaw is a hidden gem of the South Carolina Lowcountry, known for its untouched natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Explore the Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center, kayak through the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, or visit the legendary See Wee Restaurant for the best shrimp and grits on the coast. Downtown Charleston is 30 minutes south, and the Francis Marion National Forest is right next door.

Nature & Outdoors

Explore the natural beauty of the Lowcountry.

Francis Marion National Forest

260,000-acre national forest — hiking, biking, and wildlife

Adjacent

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

66,000 acres of pristine barrier islands and salt marshes

Nearby

Sewee Visitor Center

9,000 sq ft of exhibits, Red Wolf enclosure, and guided tours

5 min

Center for Birds of Prey

50+ raptor species with live flight demonstrations

10 min

Beach & Water

Sun, sand, and surf — all within easy reach.

Bulls Island Boneyard Beach

7 miles of pristine driftwood beach — nearly untouched by humankind

By boat

Activities & Experiences

Adventures and experiences for every interest.

Palmetto Trail (Awendaw Passage)

7.1-mile scenic trail through forest and salt marsh

5 min drive

Wappetaw Trail

6-mile loop starting right from Bulls Bay

From property

Shell Ring Park

4,000-year-old shell ring with massive live oaks on the water

5 min drive

Awendaw Town Park

Lake, swing, and bike trails

Walking distance

Awendaw Green

Free live music every Wednesday evening 6-10 PM

3 mi

Downtown Charleston

Historic city with world-class dining, shopping, and culture

29 mi

Bulls Bay Flats Fishing

The #1 flats fishing destination in the Southeast

From dock

Buck Hall Landing

Public boat ramp for fishing trips

5 min

Dining & Restaurants

From fresh seafood to world-class cuisine.

See Wee Restaurant

#1 in Awendaw — legendary shrimp, she-crab soup, farm-to-table since 1993

3 mi

Sewee Outpost

Homemade biscuits, southern food, and disc golf

3 mi

Tide & Dock Guide

Tide Height at Bulls Bay vs. Buck Hall Landing

If Buck Hall Landing reads 3.0 ft, expect approximately 1'6" at Bulls Bay's dock. The creek is shallower here, so always check the Buck Hall gauge before heading out.

Boat Lift Clearance (Buck Hall Reading)

3.0 ftPlenty of clearance
2.8 ftGood clearance
2.7 ftWorkable — use caution
< 2.7 ftRisky — avoid

Rule of Thumb: Return before Buck Hall falls to 2.7 ft. On windy or low-pressure days, add 0.1–0.2 ft buffer.

View Buck Hall Tide Charts

Your Boat

2008 Sea Hunt Triton 186

Yamaha 115 4-stroke outboard. Reliable, fuel-efficient, and perfect for navigating Bulls Bay flats and the Intracoastal.

Boat Checkout Checklist

Complete these steps every time you return to the dock.

  1. 1Trim tabs up
  2. 2Motor up
  3. 3Bikini straps lined up with front white bumper pulls
  4. 4Flush engine 7 min after use (engine off)
  5. 5Covers on
  6. 6Turn off battery

Boat Tow Service

Progressive Insurance 888-955-0025

Call if you run aground or need assistance on the water.

Getting Around

🚲

Bike Rides

  • Palmetto Trail Head — 5 min drive
  • Wappetaw Trail — 6-mile loop from the house
🚶

Walking

  • Awendaw Town Park — walking distance
  • Shell Ring Park — 5 min drive
🚗

By Car

  • Downtown Charleston — 29 mi (~40 min)
  • Isle of Palms Beaches — ~40 mi

By Boat

  • Bulls Bay
  • Cape Romain
  • White Island
  • Buck Hall Landing

Explore Our Guides

Palmetto Trail

Hike or bike the Awendaw Passage — 7.1 miles through ancient maritime forest.

Read Guide

Bulls Bay Fishing

Redfish, trout, and flounder on the #1 flats fishing destination in the Southeast.

Read Guide

Francis Marion Forest

260,000 acres of national forest — trails, wildlife, and history right outside Bulls Bay.

Read Guide

Cape Romain Wildlife

Loggerhead turtles, pelicans, and pristine barrier islands in the wildlife refuge.

Read Guide

Awendaw Dining

See Wee Restaurant, Sewee Outpost, and the best Lowcountry eats near Bulls Bay.

Read Guide

Ready to Explore Awendaw, SC?

Book Bulls Bay and make this your home base for adventure.

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