Center for Birds of Prey

The basics

Roughly 20 miles from downtown Charleston, the Center for Birds of Prey lies within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and Francis Marion State Forest. A metal gate with a soaring eagle marks your arrival, and from there, you can tour the facility, witness a flight demonstration, or both. With flight demonstrations, birds fly untethered—eagles, hawks, kites, and the like—showcasing their individual flying and hunting techniques. On tours, you’ll see birds of prey you didn’t catch on the tour, like over a dozen species of owls from around the world.

Of course, what visitors experience is just one-third of what’s happening in these forests—there’s also the Avian Conservation Center and Avian Medical Clinic. The center, founded in 1991, has treated and rehabilitated over 15,000 fantastic flying creatures.

Things to know before you go

• Programs are offered on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays—be sure to plan your visit then.

• Book your tickets online and in advance; in the case of inclement weather, you’ll get a phone call about canceled programs.

• The paths around the grounds are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, and benches dot the way for rest or relaxation.

How to get there

The Center for Birds of Prey can be found on Highway 17N in Awendaw, a little over half an hour from downtown Charleston (and fewer than 20 minutes from Mount Pleasant). If coming from the south, the entrance will be on your right, marked by a metal gate decorated with an eagle in flight.

When to get there

Tours and programs, like flight demonstrations, are offered on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at specific times (usually late morning to early afternoon). Buy your tickets for a designated time in advance, and show up roughly 30 minutes before the event. Afterward, you can always stay longer to scope out the facilities at your leisure.

An eye on the calendar

While tours and flight demonstrations are offered several times a week all year round, extra events—like special focus days that provide deep dives into specific species—also dot the calendar. You’ll find birds of prey photography workshops, moonlight demonstrations with nocturnal creatures like owls, and even the occasional bird-themed board game and music night.