If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to have a hawk fly right over your head—or to meet an owl that looks like it’s staring into your soul—you’ll want to put this one on your list. Tucked beneath the Spanish moss and pine trees of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, The Center for Birds of Prey is one of the most awe-inspiring, educational, and unexpectedly thrilling wildlife experiences in the Southeast.
Located just outside Charleston in the small town of Awendaw, this conservation and education center is home to over 100 birds representing species from around the world. But this isn’t your average aviary. Here, birds aren’t just on display—they soar, swoop, and steal the show during live flight demonstrations that will have you looking to the skies in wonder.
What We Love
The Flight Demonstrations Are Truly Next-Level
This isn’t just a show—it’s a jaw-dropping, wind-rushing, wing-flapping experience. Watch as falcons dive at astonishing speeds, owls glide silently past your ear, and vultures use thermals to rise overhead. It’s nature’s air show, and it happens just feet away.
Up-Close Encounters With Raptor Royalty
From golden eagles to crested caracaras, the birds housed here are breathtaking. You can view them up close and learn their stories—many are rescues or part of vital breeding programs. Their charisma is undeniable, and their eye contact? Intense.
Conservation With a Clear Mission
This isn’t a tourist trap—it’s a world-class conservation center. The staff is passionate, the education is engaging, and your visit supports real efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and reintroduce birds to the wild. You’ll leave smarter and more inspired.
Beautiful, Natural Setting
The center’s layout invites you to stroll shaded pathways between spacious aviaries and live oak groves. You’ll hear rustling leaves, flapping wings, and the occasional hoot—all in an environment that feels both wild and welcoming.
Photographer’s Paradise
Whether you’re a pro with a zoom lens or just using your phone, you’ll get incredible shots here. Birds in mid-flight, eagles perched in golden sunlight, and dramatic backdrops of coastal forest? It’s a dream for shutterbugs.
Atmosphere & Setting
Quiet, leafy, and wonderfully immersive, the Center feels like a peaceful retreat layered with bursts of adrenaline. There’s no city buzz here—just the soft crunch of gravel paths, the rustle of wind in the trees, and the occasional gasps of surprise from guests watching a hawk skim past. The shaded campus is walkable and inviting, with rustic wood buildings and informative signage throughout. Everything feels intentional, intimate, and in harmony with the natural world.
Value (Is It Worth It?)
Absolutely. Adult admission is around $22, and that includes the flight demonstration—a highlight worth the ticket alone. You’ll want to spend 2–3 hours on-site, and every minute is packed with discovery. It’s ideal for couples, families, bird lovers, and anyone looking to add a meaningful, off-the-beaten-path experience to their Charleston itinerary. Kids are often captivated, and adults walk away wowed.
Other Considerations
Flight demos happen only at scheduled times, so check ahead and plan your visit accordingly. The center is open Thursday through Saturday, with seasonal adjustments, and guided tours are also available. Wear sunscreen and bug spray, especially in warmer months. The grounds are mostly flat and accessible, though some paths are gravel. There’s no café on-site, but picnic areas are available—and downtown Charleston is just a short drive away for post-visit dining.
If you’re looking for something truly different—something that lifts your spirits (and your eyes) skyward—this is it. Come for the owls, stay for the falcons, and leave with a new appreciation for what it means to fly free.
The Center for Birds of Prey
📍 4719 Highway 17N, Awendaw, SC 29429