The Angel Oak: Charleston’s Largest Live Oak Tree
The Angel Oak is one of Charleston, South Carolina’s most famous tourist spots, earning a spot in many a scrapbook and photo album. This enormous Southern live oak tree is fascinating to see in person. Pictures never quite capture its grandeur and scale.
But did you know this icon isn’t in downtown Charleston, and that it has operating hours because it’s inside a park? Yep, both are true.
Let’s look at our need-to-know tips (as locals who’ve been here several times), our opinions on if it’s worth it, and what else we’d do nearby.
What’s the Angel Oak?
The Angel Oak is Charleston’s oldest, largest live oak tree. It’s one of the iconic Charleston photos everyone wants when they visit, but it’s not in downtown! It’s out on Johns Island, tucked back behind a small church on a dirt road.
This enormous tree is in a City of Charleston-maintained park, so it has operating hours! It’s surrounded by tall fencing to keep vandals from damaging it, and it has its own gift shop.
Physical Address: 3688 Angel Oak Road, Charleston, SC 29402
How Old is the Angel Oak?
Angel Oak is estimated to be 300-400 years old and is touted as the largest live oak east of the Mississippi. It’s 65ft tall with a circumference of 25.5ft!
The trunk is enormous, and the branches are insane how they rollercoaster up and down. It’s definitely a unique tree!
Is Visiting the Angel Oak Worth It?
We agree that this is certainly an impressive, large, and undoubtedly old tree. I always mention it to visitors, just in case they’re interested.
But we’ll also say that there are many live oaks in the Charleston area. None are quite like this one, but several are pretty close.
We don’t blame you if you want your own photo and to see this beautiful wonder of nature up close for yourself. It’s worth a stop if you’re coming out this way!
Just realize that this is not a full day or even a half day activity. It won’t take that long to see. Depending on the season, you might wait longer to find a parking spot than you’ll actually spend in the park at the tree.
If you’d rather not drive out here, that’s ok, too. There are plenty of other impressive live oak trees in the Charleston area that might be easier to add to your itinerary.
Tips to Know Before You Visit
Before you head out to see Angel Oak, there are a few things you should know.
The official website has most of the information you’ll need, but here are our tips based on our visits to Angel Oak.
- No entry fee.
- Operating hours vary by season. Call to check before you drive all the way out here.
- Parking is on the side of the dirt road, in between the trees. There are a few defined spots near the gate, but most people have to park further away and walk back to the entrance.
- Photography rules are strictly enforced!
- Permits are required for photoshoots.
- No props, blankets, or clothing changes. They consider this a photo shoot, and they will come out and stop you. (This one gets a lot of Instagrammers in trouble.)
- No tripods allowed, even for your personal photos.
- It gets busy, even during the week. Arriving early is a good bet but not a guarantee to get photos with few people in them. Spring is the busiest time of year, even though there are no flowers here.
- Some tours stop here. It’s a good option if you don’t want to drive yourself. They’re never here long, though, so if you’re here on your own time, you can usually wait them out if you’ve got about 20-30 minutes to spare.
What to Do Nearby
The Angel Oak is kind of by itself. It won’t take more than 30-45 minutes to see the tree, take some photos, and browse the gift shop. Make it a stop on the way to see something else nearby.
Here are a few other things to do near Angel Oak:
- Charleston Tea Garden
- Kiawah Beachwalker County Park*
- Charleston Aqua Park
*Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island are both gated communities. They won’t let you on either island unless you’re staying there or have a reservation at a business or restaurant on the island.
But Kiawah Beachwalker Park is a public county park, with an entry fee, and is the only way for the general public to access Kiawah Island.
Safe travels, adventurer!
Rachel Means is the founder and author of Adventures in the Carolinas. She’s lived in the Carolinas for over a decade and has been creating useful travel guides and tips for almost 5 years. She enjoys sharing fun things to do across the region, not just the big touristy areas. There are plenty of adventures to be had in the Carolinas!
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