The Angel Oak tree on Johns Island is one of the most beloved landmarks of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Its sprawling branches and sturdy trunk have come to stand as a symbol of the city. Seeing this iconic, southern live oak tree is at the top of many people’s to-do lists when they visit the area. Drive just a short distance from downtown Charleston, Seabrook Island, or Kiawah Island and experience the Angel Oak Tree for yourself. It is located off Bohicket Road, just south of Maybank Highway. Stop at Blackbird Market for lunch and make an afternoon of your visit to Johns Island.
You can learn more about the Angel Oak Tree in Charleston, as well as other unique focal points of the South when you download the Charleston Sea Island’s Guide. Read More It will point you to some of the most interesting attractions in the area, including the Angel Oak Restaurant! Experience this intriguing destination like a local. Enjoy the best restaurants, outdoor activities, and cultural events with the help of our insider’s guide.
The History of the Angel Oak in Charleston, SC
The Angel Oak in Charleston can be found on Johns Island. It is one of the oldest southern live oak trees east of the Mississippi River, making it a focal point in Historic Charleston, and a fun day trip for locals and guests alike.
Standing only 65 feet tall, The Angel Oak’s Spanish moss-covered limbs and branches are so large and spread out, that it produces shade to nearly 17,000 square feet below.
Over the years it has survived floods, earthquakes, and a category five hurricane!
How old is the Angel Oak Tree?
The tree is so old that it’s difficult to date, so there are discrepancies about its age. Some predict the Angel Oak is around 400 years old, while other sources suggest it could be aged closer to 1,500 years.
Historians know for certain that its earliest recorded date of existence was 1717 when Jacob Waight was issued a land grant for 12,000 acres, including the land on which the tree sits.
Parcels of the land were passed on to Martha Waight – Jacob’s fifth generation heir – in 1797 and 1810. She married Justus Angel, and together they ran the Angel Plantation.
After over a century in the hands of the Angel family, the land was sold in the mid-1900s. In 1991, it became the property of the City of Charleston. Read More Fear that the surrounding forest would be torn down for new development after the city’s purchase, Arborists and locals alike advocated preserving the natural surroundings that are essential to the historic tree’s survival. Many public and private organizations, as well as individual donors, worked together in acquiring a land grant to ensure the preservation of the property for future generations. In 2014, construction began to build a public park and trail, making it an attractive destination for day trips from Charleston.
Angel Oak Tree Hours and Visitor Information
Angel Oak Park is located at 3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island. It is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the grounds is free, and there is a small gift shop on-site with sweetgrass baskets and other Lowcountry treasures.
The park has a picnic area and offers a beautiful, shaded place to relax and marvel at the nature around you. The climate is hot and humid during the summer, so visit in late March or late October to truly enjoy the experience.
Around 400,000 guests visit the Angel Oak annually, as it’s just a short ride from downtown Charleston, Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island.
Other Angel Oak FYI’s:
- In an effort to protect the health of the tree, visitors are asked not to climb or carve on the Angel Oak.
- Pets are allowed on leash in designated areas only, including the picnic area.
- Locals - this is a stunning backdrop for wedding photos and it does require a permit for any special events or photography sessions.
Living on Charleston’s Sea Islands
Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Johns Island, and Charleston are popular coastal towns in South Carolina. Newcomers and natives enjoy the diversity of living options, sense of community, mild climate, and abundance of outdoor activities. Johns Island is quickly becoming one of the most popular places to live in the Lowcountry. Check out our Johns Island Information Guide for more information on this charming Sea Island community. Once you have decided on a location, let Pam Harrington Exclusives guide you to a Lowcountry home that you’ll love for years to come.
Representing a wide variety of real estate for sale on Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Johns Island, Wadmalaw Island, and the Charleston area, we will find the perfect fit for your family.
Browse our available properties online today. Then, schedule a showing with one of our knowledgeable agents. We look forward to introducing you to the joys of Lowcountry living!