
4.6
1 of 17 Best Attractions in Johns Island

This is a small park with a HUGE tree. Worth a visit if you’re in the area. Ythe dirt road leading to the tree is not bad at all.

This is an amazing beauty of Mother Nature! Arborist have estimated this humongous oak tree to be between 400-500 years old! Some of its branches are as large as a tree themselves. If you are blessed with vision and in Charleston don’t miss this unique wonder.

It is worth the trip out of Charleston to visit this colossal tree. We spent about an hour here, taking pictures and enjoying the shaded park.
Tips - if you’re traveling out this way, visit Deep Water Vineyard also! Also, use the bathroom before because the porta-potty is not clean.

Beautiful specimen nonetheless and we are very happy we made the trek here to see it. This time of year we had no problem finding a place to park the car.

The tree is absolutely amazing. Parking and admission is free and there is a nice gift shop.
The only negative point is there is this very annoying as hell woman "hall monitor" on a power trip who spends her whole time walking around and telling people stupid things like "pick up your camera bag, we don't allow things on the ground". Just ignore her.

I read about this tree and when we got our car rental, this was the first stop for our vacation. About a half hour from airport. You have to see this tree in person, pictures are great, but to see the magnitude of this ancient oak, you have to it see it in person. Huge branches going in all directions, mostly growing down to the ground and then heading back up, amazing. We spent about an hour there taking lots of photos.

This oak tree is massive! It doesn't take long and is free of charge. We stopped here on the way to a plantation tour. It is very impressive!

Take your time and view the tree from many angles. This really is a piece of art in its natural form. We prepared a picnic lunch and enjoyed watching others as they were amazed by this creation. People were respectful of the quietness, respectful of the rules (mostly) but when taking photographs, they are oblivious to others shooting near them.
The road in is unpaved and a bit bumpy and the parking is kind of free form, road side, watch out and drive slowly. It was worth the drive and the scenery going in gives you a view of times past in some locations.

Ive always wanted to see this tree and the Angel Oak did not disappoint. It is massive. I hope it continues to grow so others can see its beauty. We got there at 4 and there was a lot of traffic in the area for rush hour. 1 hour is plenty of time to see the tree. Pets are allowed on the grounds, but not near the tree.

We went to see the Angel Oak Tree and what an amazing sight. Photo's do not do it justice, once cannot imagine the size and width of the is beautiful oak tree. So happy that we got to see this.
FYI if you have handicap plates you can drive right in and no need to park by the side of the road.

Very awesome to see. Not too bad of a drive to get to but off the beaten path. There is a small gift shop too.

The tree is gorgeous. Unfortunately there are unsightly signs and a bright yellow plastic chain barrier around it. People mill about all over as well so getting nice photos are not easy. The website states that it closes at 5:00 pm. We were driving close by at about 4:45 and decided we would quickly stop and look at the tree. Apparently they close the gate at 4:50 pm. As we walked up to the gate, the staff member was yelling at folks and yelled at us. She yelled, "Read the sign!' As we approached the gate. A gal in my group explained we had driven a distance and it was our last day in the state and asked if we could please go in, we would be done by closing at 5:00 pm. The gate keeper yelled throughout the visit that the park was closing in 6 minutes, five minutes, four minutes, etc. It was pretty obnoxious. The tree was beautiful but the experience was lacking.

As luck would have it, we went on Wednesday when the park is closed. Still, we did get a view of this massive tree. It is beautiful, and remarkable in how it is still alive after all the hundreds of years.

Excellent all around. We were tipped off to this restaurant by the folks at Drayton Plantation. We went for lunch. Excellent fried chicken, shrimp and grits, Brussels sprouts, palmetto cheese grits and banana pudding. Excellent food and service. Can't wait to go back for dinner or Sunday brunch.
This is a can't miss!

Free. Impressive tree in a no frills park setting. Accessible for people with restricted mobility. Kid and pet friendly. Definitely worth seeing in person because pictures don’t convey Angel Tree’s size or the feeling of being enveloped by its gigantic branches!

Decided to drive outside Charleston to see the Angel Tree and it is an amazing sight. It is free to enter. There is a lot of information about the tree and plenty of areas for photos. The area was very serene and I would return again. Well worth the drive out the little dirt road!

I have visited Angel Oak twice now and it has not failed to disappoint. The beauty and age of this tree is truly stunning. Free to enter and there are picnic tables on the outskirts of the tree. Please be respectful of the tree! Local artists are there painting the tree, feel free to ask them questions! One of them recommended Sono Market place for lunch nearby which did not disappoint.

The Angel Tree is just beautiful! Very ethereal. I have wanted to visit for YEARS and finally we were able to. I envisioned my little ones in white dresses and just these angelic and mysterious photos. Well, they were both without a nap and at the end of the day in horrible traffic and neither wanted to even stand up to be in a picture, much less make my mama photo dreams come true. Alas, it was fantastic to see this beautiful living thing. We caught photos in a spot where we had a beautiful orb with a rainbow inside of it...the angel?
Cons, the bathrooms were not open and that was not good.

It was a nice day for our visit to the Angel Oak Tree. Easy to get to. Free admission, but you can leave a donation, which we did. Parking depends on how many visitors, so be prepared to walk. Worth the visit. Time spent here is up to the individual.

How can you miss on a free visit to a 500 year old tree? The roads are rough and it’s quit a ways out of Charleston but it is good to get out of town.

If this tree could talk I’m sure it’s tell all the tales of the last 100+ years! It’s a sight to behold as it sprawls out before you when you walk up to it. Parking is a little wonky as you realize by driving in that it is easier to park along the roadway as you approach the entrance gate. It’s a free experience though it’s unclear until you approach the gate. A fun sight something worth seeing.

The tree itself is amazing. That's one thing I love about the south and areas like South carolina. These old oak trees speak of a place. However, the fact that they have it gated off and all these signs around it the detracts from the beauty of the tree itself.

Beautiful tree! It's was nice and quiet when we visited the Angel tree. My kids found it weird that there was wood holding up the tree and hooks loops. But overall understood the fact that it's 400+ years old.

This was a spot we saw on a Charleston map and decided to take the 20 min road trip out of the city to see it. While the park itself is very modest with dirt roads and a barbed wire fence surrounding it, this tree is the most incredible tree I have ever seen. From its 65’ tall height to its 25’ truck circumference it is a must see for everyone. It’s shocking they don’t charge to see it.

My friend took me to see this tree. It was awe inspiring. It is a must see if you are in the area. Free to see

It’s a tree. It’s a very large tree, but only a tree. It’s a nice photo opportunity but impossible to get a photo without people in it. It takes longer to get there than it takes to see it.

This is one amazing tree! Its not only really huge, but its amazing to look at how its branched have spread up, out and down. You only need a few minutes, but worth a stop.

My wife has been wanting to see this tree for quite some time now and I'm so glad we finally did. It is a beautiful sight to see and there are so many amazing pictures you can take around it. I'm a sucker for a mother earth and all her splendor, so we really enjoyed it. It was a quick trip and they have a cool little gift shop with some chachkies and there was an artist out there with paintings for sale. Just get there early.....wink wink

Very pretty spot to see a magnificent spectacle! This is a free attraction. Not a ton of parking; I can imagine it gets crowded in the warmer months, but we went in December. I loved seeing the beauty of the angel oak in person after seeing it on TV.

Beautiful 400 year old tree. Very beautiful! The grounds around the tree were nicely kept too. Nice gift shop too!

This magnificent tree is off the beaten path, but it is worth the trip out from the city. It is almost 500 years old, and occupies 29,000 sq. ft. for its canopy. The site is owned by local authorities and has the atmosphere of a 1940's tourist attraction. The lack of sophisticated exhibits and building is one of its appealing features in my view. I go there often; it is sort of like a spiritual thing.

Great 2 weeks at Kiawah. Rental was well appointed. Rented bikes. Easy walk/bike to beach. Very dog friendly in Fresh Fields Village. Uncrowned beaches, but definitely need dining reservations.

This tree is AMAZING! It is so worth going to see. The people are real friendly and they have a gift shop. It’s free, all ya have to do if take the time to stop by!

We took a little drive, 1/2 hr, from Folly Beach to see the famous Angel Oak Tree. It was easy to find even though it’s off the common path. The size is quite impressive and we’re glad we did it. It was cool under the tree and quite the photo op. There is a small gift shop, picnic tables and port a potties on the grounds. It’s free entry.

Very unassuming little roadside restaurant. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Excellent food - best fried green tomatoes I ever had.

Probably the most beautiful tree we've ever seen. The sheer magnitude of it was incredible. We spent at least 20 minutes marveling at how majestic it was. We highly recommend a visit.

Such a hidden gem! This tree is gorgeous and pictures do not do it justice. Little off the beaten path but definitely worth the trip!
This doesn’t take long to visit - maybe 20 min.

This absolutely free ‘attraction’ if you want to call it that, is more than worth going out of your way to visit! It’s hard to imagine what this 400-500 year old tree has ‘seen’! You can feel a connection when being around it of other humans and animals in its past. My family and I are forever thankful to have experience the Angel Oak Tree. Just wonderful.

While it may be "just a tree", pictures definitely don't do it justice. Nature lovers will definitely enjoy this trip - we spent much longer walking around and looking at the tree than we expected. You don't see something not man made this massive every day. Definitely a beautiful sight!

We were not allowed to enter. Staff claimed there was “thunder” on a sunny day, even though several people were inside. She closed the gate about 45 minutes prior to closing, and endless cars continued to arrive. She should’ve just been honest and said she wanted to leave early. It’s a shame it won’t let me upload my screenshot I took of the weather app at that time.

The Angel Oak Tree is gorgeous. It is MASSIVE! The experience of seeing the tree though is subpar. You drive down a dirt road til you see a ton of cars parked all along the sides of the road (there is no parking lot). Then you get to view the tree from behind a fence while vying for limited space with the other families that are there. We got out, gave it a look, and got right back in the car. We were there 5 minutes tops.

My wife ordered the chicken and potato croquet dinner with a salad for a side. She said the chicken was superb. I ordered crab ravioli. Never saw ravioli stuffed so large. Fried peaches for dessert.

Amazing to see if you have the time while visiting Charleston! It’s absolutely beautiful! We went a little out of the way to see it while on our way to the airport. So worth it!

We drove a little out of our way to see this legendary tree! The Angel Oak Tree is estimated to be in excess of 400-500 years old (thought to be one of the oldest living things in the country), stands 66.5 ft tall, measures 28 ft in circumference!!! When we first arrived there weren't to many people, so we got a few pictures. Then a tour bus arrived - yes this is a stop! That made it a lot harder to get unobstructed pictures of this magnificent old oak tree. Definitely a must see when in Charleston, SC area!

Worth the drive to learn and take a photo with this very old tree. They have a neat little shop with ornaments.

We loved seeing this magnificent oak tree!! It is over 400 years old and is a great place to visit. Loved it!!

It is an amazingly beautiful tree. It is fenced and you can’t view it from sunrise or sunset. It has very strict visit hours. You can’t touch it either.
All of the pictures are different angles of the same tree.

One of us would say this is just a tree. The other would say that it is a masterpiece. We spent about 30 minutes here soaking it in from every angle. All sorts of people come visit this tree - from the huggers to the Instagram influencers. We recommend coming when it opens to have it a bit to yourself.

Branches, branches everywhere! Gnarling and twisting in almost every direction, this tree is an amazing site. It’s well worth the quick detour down the rough dirt road. If you can, try to go on a weekday when it is a little less busy. We went on a Saturday and the hoard of people took away some of the tree’s stunning beauty.

If you have never seen a huge old tree before then this is impressive. I would not make a special trip out to see it, but if you are in the area; then why not stop. Especially since it is free.

My wife and I decided to go see the Angel Oak on our way out of Charleston. What an awesome side trip? Unbelievable how big this thing is! It's hard to imagine a living thing over 400 years old. Please, if you can, go see it while you still can. See it, touch it, don't sit on, climb or carve in it. Appreciate it for what it is . . . . a piece of living history.

We arrived around 1 on a Sunday and it was very busy. There is a single dirt road where you drive down and park along the road. The tree is huge and looks different from every angle. It is just amazing! Only downside is there is a yellow fence around the tree and gets in your picture.

Amazing Tree. So absolutely neat to see how truly massive this tree is. It was interesting to see how it has grown and the twists and turns its taken.

Definitely a must see. Was like you were on sacred ground. The atmosphere was Solemn. The staff were very strict, which I guess they need to be to preserve the tree. Signs everywhere distract from the attraction. Definitely a must see.

Angel Oak is a perfect place for a quiet reflection and prayer. It is the perfect couples romantic spot if they want to have a beautiful scenery to engage in a nice peaceful afternoon. This is not a place to bring children who are unattended or not well managed.

We have lived here for a couple years and decided to see this site. As my eight year old daughter said: “It’s this crowded for just a tree?” Don’t get me wrong, the tree is big. It’s got a cool history. It may be 1,500 years old or 400 years, kind of like my grandma, no one knows how ancient she is. However, the traffic around this place is nuts. Couple this with the fact that you can’t sit on the tree, touch the tree, longingly look at the tree, breathe on the tree, do pull-ups on the tree (that one isn’t a joke), you probably could find other things to do on a nice Sunday afternoon. The gift shop is also an absolute joke.

Love the angel oak! Absolutely beautiful piece of history. Definitely worth your time if you’re in the area!

I’m working down in Charleston for a few months and saw this come up as a nearby interesting spot to visit. The road to get to it is pretty narrow and is dirt and rocks. I was surprised how many people were visiting it on a weekday in Spring mid-afternoon. Seems to be a steady flow of visitors. There’s no charge but they do have a gift shop and accept donations. The tree is pretty amazing with all of its long twisted limps. Reminds you of an octopus in a sense. They have lots of signs around with directions of what you can and can’t do. It’s a neat thing to take in if you’re in the area but I’m not sure I would go out of my way to see it.

Read about this tree online and wasn't disappointed. The massive tree located off the beaten path and the surrounding park area was quiet and serene. There are picnic tables if you wish to have some food but you need to bring your own as there is no food there. A small souvenir shop as some snacks and things to buy. Portable toilets are also available.

Fun stop. Just takes 15 minutes. Fantastic 500 year old tree that has been featured as a prop in movies and videos. An easy add on to enhance your trip.

A month ago I was reading an article in Condé Nast Traveler Magazine about the 50 most beautiful places in America. Among the places which included many of the National Parks was a place that I had never heard of...Angel Oak tree on Johns Island in South Carolina. And as luck would have it, I was scheduled to spend Thanksgiving weekend on nearby Hilton Head. So I grabbed a car and made the 2 hour drive. I was not disappointed. Despite it being a rainy day, the tree was indeed beautiful and the people manning the gate and gift shop were so friendly. Admission to the site is free but please consider leaving a donation for those who maintain the grounds and make this a beautiful place to see and visit.

Pictures alone don't necessarily do this tree justice. The scale and scope is pretty insane and is one of the oldest living things period in the United States. Try to go earlier in the day to see it because parking can be a real pain given its on the side of a backroad.
It's relatively close to the Charleston Tea Plantation and a couple of the wineries, making it a fun 15-20 minute stop on your way to your next Charleston adventure. Hard to say if I would go out of my way to drive 20+ minutes to see it, which again is why I highly suggest you make this a short stop along the way to some other attraction.

It’s a great spot to picnic and take photos if you’re nearby. The tree is HUGE! Free parking. Free admission. It’s kids/pet friendly. Make the stop if your nearby.

Worth the trip to see this historic unique Oak tree that is hundreds of years old. No fee to visit and small gift shop for snacks and souvenirs.

Beautiful creation of God. Was so peaceful here. We met an artist who gave us great information. Enjoyed walking around this fabulous Angel tree and taking photos. Loved the info signs that kept tourists in check. And it’s free!

Big tree to take great pictures. Where something where the color pops. Plenty of space for everyone.

Oh so beautiful! And, that is an understatement!
Nature's beauty on display.
It is a wonderful place to visit, and pretty short trip from Charleston!
Lots of photo opportunities!

This was a must see! You can’t even describe how beautiful it truly is. All you can do is step back and be in awe.

Don't miss this, yes get there early and you will be able to get awesome photos, this Angel Oak tree is said to be over 400 years old, it is very large and beautiful.
Please do not climb on, nor set anything on this tree.
It is Lovely

Pictures don't do it justice. You have to see and experience this big beauty in person. We even saw a white squirrel while we were here.

We visited this awesome live oak tree on a Saturday in March, and while the tree is an absolute "can't miss" attraction, the experience of visiting it is just awful.
This is a location that needs controlled visiting or timed-ticketed entry and not a "free for all" willy-nilly type of entry system. Parking was out of control on a narrow road with folks just leaving their cars sticking out in the lane of traffic. There were way too many visitors there at one time, and if you want to do photography of the tree, good luck with all the people and distracting signs and barricades.
I'm all for preserving this wonderful old tree, but the current visitor experience is unacceptable and needs to change, even if it means charging a fee to see it.

This was an amazing specimen to behold. I could not believe how big this was. The branches were as long as it is tall, I believe. Amazing.

It was about a 10-15 minute visit. Have to drive down a super dusty rocky road and just keep driving till you find parking.
We stopped on our way out of Charleston at the very end of our trip. Im glad I didn’t take the time to drive from Charleston and back during my trip.

This is such an amazing treasure in the Charlston, SC area! So glad it was recommended us to see. Well worth the trip out there!

It has been a dream to come and see this tree. We drove all the way down from Wisconsin for one reason only to see this tree. Website says it is open. You get there and can see an employee car but all you can do is stare from behind a chain link fence. I am beyond disappointed!

It's hard to get a good picture because the tree is so huge with lots of people, signs, and barriers in your way. BUT, it was very impressive to see such a large tree. No sitting on it. They have picnic tables but say you can't eat there which is confusing. I think we paid a small fee. We did not bother with the gift shop.

Although we have now lived in Johns Island since December 2001, and are only less than 15 minutes from this fantastic tree, this was our first visit there with my wife’s cousins visiting from England. We were all very awed by the extent of this tree. The only negative was the very poor gift shop, that had expensive magnets ($8 minimum), and no cups with pictures of the tree, that we would have certainly purchased.

Free admission to a 400 year old tree . The tree is quite remarkable and great for photography. There is a small gift shop as well . Plenty of shade and some benches to sit on as well .will not take long if you have an hour and are nearby

We have lived in SC for 15 years and have heard about the Angel Tree.
Pictures do not do it justice. It is a 400 plus year old live oak tree with a height of 65 ft, circumference of 31 feet and a shade area cover 17,000 square feet. It truly is worth a trip to Johns Island if you are in the Charleston area.

It was interesting to see this big tree from all angles and to get some photos. Some areas are roped off and they have someone monitoring to make sure no one is setting anything on it or leaning on it. There is a small parking area, but most everyone just parked along the road when we were there. It's almost as if people didn't know the lot was there - we didn't. There were some porta potties available if needed. It was crowded when we went, but if there weren't as many people, I can see how it might be a meditative place to spend a bit more time.

I am a tree aficionado. I have seen many beautiful and special trees all over the world. This specimen ranks right up there. It is outstanding. Even my 5yo grandchild could appreciate what he was seeing. I will admit my teenage grandchildren changed their mind after the visit. Everybody was impressed and all were glad they indulged me as this adventure was for me. See it and be amazed.

We had time to kill before checking into Airbnb... drove out to see The Angel Tree. It's an interesting tree, the weather was nice. The car got dusty on the sandy road. We spoke with the nice man painting and selling his prints.

The Angel Oak is a Southern live oak tree that is considered to be the largest live oak tree east of the Mississippi River and estimated to be 300 to 500 years old. Located at 3688 Angel Oak Road on Johns Island near Charleston, South Carolina, it stands 66 1/2 feet tall, measures 28 feet in circumference and produces shade that covers 17,200 square feet. Its longest branch is 187 feet in length. A historical site and focal point of one of the city's public parks, the tree attracts 400,000 visitors each year. The public is allowed access every day except Wednesdays and holidays. Admission is free. The oak derives its name from the estate of Justus Angel and local folklore tells stories of ghosts of former slaves appearing as angels around the tree. It was severely damaged during Hurricane Hugo in 1989 but has since recovered. Today, its biggest threats come from land developers who attempt to encroach on the tree's site. In 2012, a plan to build a 500-unit apartment complex only 160 yards from Angel Oak were challenged in court by a group of Save the Angel Oak preservationists. In 2013, the Lowcountry Land Trust purchased 17 acres adjacent to the Angel Oak, protecting the area from development.

Awe inspiring to see the Angel Tree. Well worth the drive. A must do activity in the Charleston area for nature lovers! Don't miss out

This old Oak is an amazing breathtaking tree that is a must see. You can roam under it and just imagine the stories it could tell. It was easy to find, down a gravel lane. Every one seemed to respect the rules of the tree. It is free to see, donations accepted though.

If you come to Charleston, this is really a must do. The Angel tree is astounding. It was raining g buckets when we arrived, and we were unable to appreciate it as much as I would have liked but I am still so happy to have seen this beauty. There is a little market, the Blackbird Market, just around the corner from the street the tree is located that you can stop for a snack to bring. They have a cook to order menu, but also have some nice desserts. I very much recommend.

Visited recently and though it was having maintenance done so we couldn't get up close it was a very impressive sight to see. Would have loved to be able to return but by then it had closed due to the Covid 19 scare.

We were speechless! Such a humbling experience to stand next to this beauty! Well worth the trip…..take your time and enjoy its beauty.

Amazing and worth the trip! Just beautiful! My kids loved it and it will make for a great memory! Thank you for preserving this beautiful tree!

Having lived in SC all our lives my wife and I had never seen the angel oak. We were in the area and the time was right to check out the oak. Parking was crowded on a Sunday afternoon. Little signage to help show you where to park. Lots of signage telling you where not to park. I was turning the car around and the guard/gatekeeper wanted to know if I had a handicap placard. Of course not and I’m not handicapped. He seemed a bit grumpy and not welcoming…maybe because he planted the tree originally.

Visited on a rainy day and there was still quite a few people. Free to visit but the do accept donations in their gift shop. Pictures allowed but touching the tree is discouraged. 400 years old and it's truly magnificent in all its glory. A must see on your way to folly beach. It's like your driving in a neighborhood. Road is very bumpy too. Park along the fence row. Closes at 5pm

A spiritual experience! It's like walking into a natural cathedral. It's free. Need a car or a ride share to get there. Could combine with Folly Beach. Very photogenic. They do a decent job of making sure people don't climb on it. Plenty of benches to sit and relax as you soak in the grandeur of the tree. Off the beaten path and definitely worth it!

This tree is so impressive and pictures do it no justice. Everywhere you look you see another part of this truly amazing tree. The negative thing was that the restrooms were closed and the two ports potties were extremely nasty. The gift shop was almost empty with not much to buy. But still worth going to see this beautiful tree.

The Angel Oak is a must see activity when you are in the Charleston area. Because of the pandemic, the park and visitors center was closed. We were still able to see this spectacular specimen. Touted as the oldest living tree in the country, this is a beautiful place of peace. Do stop by and see the Angel Oak.

Despite both Google and Apple saying that the site would be open at 9:00 AM, it was not. We arrived around 9:45 AM and there was not a soul in sight. There were two signs out front saying that it opened at 9:00 AM and then there was another sign saying it opened at 10:00 AM. We lingered for a while but never saw anyone. I'm sure they have to keep it locked up tight or else vandals will destroy this lovely tree. Thankfully you can still see the tree even if it is behind a barbwire fence.

The tree is definitely beautiful. However, no real parking to speak of, basically parking on the side of small road, kinda chaotic, lots of people, no real facilities, porta potties. But again, the tree is worth a visit, it is free!

We decided to stop at the park coming back from another destination. As others have said the road is a dirt road and parking can be an issue. Stopped for just a bit as it is a small area to visit and people are all trying to take a photo. If you come to see this from Charleston you travel about a half hour each way. There is so much more to see in town.

Angel Oak tree is one of the most beautiful specimens in nature. It is definitely a sight to be seen. We were amazed at the size of this tree.

If you like trees, you'll love this one! Jard to get pics without people in them but very pretty and pretty amazing for an oak tree.

So glad we stopped to see this tree. We were blown away by the size. It's massive. The limbs are so heavy, they are either propped up with poles or laying on the ground. I thought the best view was through the chain link fence. After you park and are walking to the entrance, stop and look at the tree through the fence.

Yeah its a little bit of a drive and wouldn't have found it without maps, but this tree is awesome. I just stared in wonder of how incredible it looks, and how old it is (older than the U.S.!). Yeah they have signs and support lines that get in the way of photos, but if you angle your shot right they won't be an issue.
Not much to do once you get to the tree, but if you don't mind the drive its quite an amazing thing to see

If you love nature, this is a must visit spot. The tree is estimated to be 400–500 years old and is truly a majestic sight. This historic landmark features a massive old oak tree with sprawling branches that seem to reach in every direction. Best of all, it’s completely free to visit. However, I did experience some itching after being near the tree. After doing a bit of research, I found out it could be caused by things like poison ivy, oak allergies, or even oak itch mites. Something to keep in mind if you have sensitive skin. There are signs posted all around the tree explaining what not to do. Such as sitting on or hanging from the branches, as they could break. Unfortunately, despite the clear signage, some visitors still needed reminders. Overall, it’s a beautiful and memorable experience, but be respectful of the tree and take necessary precautions.

The tree itself is just spectacular! The vibe is serene and quiet, calming almost. We will bring visitors here, I'm sure.

I went on Saturday. It was a bit difficult to find because the road to the tree is narrow (dirt) and not obvious. It is next to an old church. There were a lot of people coming and going. The road is such that you need to drive slow and sometimes pull to the side to let others pass. Signs are a bit confusing, but you drive till you can find a spot to park on the left. And there are a lot of people there on Saturday apparently. The tree is pretty cool, being so big. Estimates are from 400-1500 years.

Beautiful tree. It was worth the stop we only stayed maybe 15 min to walk around tree and snap some pics and it’s free admission. Restrooms were out of order but they did have some portables.

The tree is majestic and a sight to behold. Must see to appreciate as it is bigger than expected and being over 400 yrs. old was impressive. The branches grow low/in/out of the ground making it one of only a few "LIVE OAKS" this size in the country. Easy to get to when in the Charleston area.

This is an incredible site to which we bring all our guests to the Lowcountry. But after our recent visit, I don't believe we will be doing so in the future. We visited last week and upon entering the parking lot were met by a person who informed us in a snarly manner that we could not park there. They had changed the parking rules since we were last there and instead of explaining the change we were rudely told to get our car out of the parking lot and park outside the gate. After moving the car and entering the grounds we found rules posted everywhere and orange cones limiting access to the tree. Nowhere was there found any explanation of the tree or its history--only rules. And finally the gift shop was again a list of rules. I am always interested in books at tourist sites which I immediately search out. I never experienced something like this where every book had been placed in a sealed plastic bag so as to prevent anyone from looking at it. Not even a sample book to examine.
I have never visited such an unfriendly/unwelcoming tourist site. Something has changed in the past year and not for the good.

Beautiful gift from nature. Off the beaten path, and an expensive Lyft ride, but well worth it. Words can not describe how enormous this magnificent beauty truly is. Recommend.

To see a tree this huge and with lots of branches spread that has been living for 400+ years is special. The efforts undertaken to keep the tree stable is commendable. Nice relaxing place to spend some time.

Stopped here to see the tree on our way to the Tea Plantation. It was amazing to see this tree up close and personal! Worth the stop and the price was right too (free)!

We bring every guest here when they come into town. A beautiful sight, absolutely amazing when you think of it. Not as majestic as sequoias or redwoods on the west coast, but still a great sight to take in. Best part, it's something free in Charleston!!! Definitely worth taking advantage of this piece of history, just be patient when taking pictures as there are normally crowds of people wanting to capture a memory as well.

We love nature and this was a nice visit to a tree that is purported to be over 400 years old. We just had to pay our respects. There were a lot of people so just be aware. If you visit, please be respectful of this ancient organism.

This is a old tree and it awesome. The place was closed for the holiday and surrounded by a fence. I was able to climb on the tree. No bathrooms and I guess it’s on your own.

We visited this tree/park after visiting the Charleston Tea garden. Very interesting tree but not worth the drive on its own. Difficult to park so I wouldn't want to make the trek on busy season. You could "drive" by the tree (not park) and get the extent of the tree. We have seen the very old oak at Middleton Place and it is more majestic as its in its natural state . The tree is surrounded by parking and a chain link fence (which is understandable).

This tree is so stunning and it is a must-see if you are in the area. Although a small drive from the downtown area, it is not too far. It is so large and beautiful. Pictures do not do it justice.

This was so much better than it looks in the photos. An amazingly big tree and you can get close up to it. As long as you pair this with another experience like the Charleston Tea Plantation or lunch at The Tattooed Moose, you wont be disappointed.

The Angle Oak Tree is beautiful! It was breathtaking and totally worth the drive. We spent 30 minutes looking at it and marveling in the fact that this tree was 400 years old!

The Angel Oak is an exhibit all by itself. There is no admission, but donations are accepted in the small gift shop.
The tree is over 400 yrs old and spans a huge area with branches gracefully touching the ground here and there. No climbing, but still worth seeing.

Incredible tree, beautiful to look at! Definitely worth visiting while in the area! Close up it is magical to see the massiveness of the tree!

While visiting the McLeod Plantation and seeing their 300 year old live oak, we were told we should visit the nearby Angle Oak Tree to see one even older. We saw claims online that it was 600 years old, but the placards on the property indicated it is more likely to be 400-500 years old.
The parking is relatively limited - just a dozen or so spots off the road. We were simply lucky that one spot was available when we arrived.
Placards state that this is the oldest live oak tree east of the Mississippi River. It was, indeed, huge and majestic, so it is worth 15 minutes of someone's time to drop by when in the area.

We debated about coming here but we are glad that we did! The Angel Oak is such a beautiful and amazing sight to see. It is hard to believe it has been around for 400 years!

The area was closed when we got there. But wow I felt honored just to see such an amazing example of nature and history. Very spooky for those who believe too.

This is such a wonderful experience, the surroundings were so peaceful and the history thought-provoking. We appreciated our visit to such a historic sight, it was humbling!

Amazing!!!
My son and I had a weekend off and decided to "island" hop in SC. We've been in AK for 29 years unable to visit such places. The Angel Oak Tree is a must see!! I would recommend this site to all who visit Johns Island. The staff in the visitor shop were extremely friendly, I could've stayed and chatted for hours. Thanks ladies for the warm welcome.

Beautiful! Definitely worth a quick stop! Restrooms available as well. Small gift shop. Picnic tables.

Our visit was 28 August 2023 during a family vacation for the week. We were a family of 6 women from 80s to 50s. The road down to the tree is a small task with small rocky holes down a part of the road. But this tree was truly impressive. I love nature and its beautiful creations. What upset me the most was all the signs that clear state don’t sit on the tree because of it delicate age, and you still have ignorant people that have no respect for rules – who I consider narcissistic. Overall the stop was well worth it and I would recommend it. They do have a little store on the grounds.

The tree is HUGE and breathtaking! Worth driving to see it. The road isn't bad, but it isn't paved. Nice side trip if you are in the area. Lots of bugs flying around and big ants. Small gift shop with nice souvenirs.

Definelity a must see place. Worth the drive. It's a busy little place, but we loved it. We saw a lot of people with children enjoying the park.

Angel oak tree is believed to be the oldest tree east of the Mississippi. The tree is amazing to see in person and should be seen while in Charleston. Only downfall is that it is a bit of a drive out

We wondered what would this oak look like if humans hadn’t intervened to hold up limbs, etc.
Need to spend at least $8 to use a credit card in the gift shot.
Need to stop. Kids really liked it.

The Angel Oak is behind a church just a minute or two off SC route 700. The road is quite bumpy for a short stint, but the tree is well worth it. Parking and admission is free and the tree is fabulous. Be sure to photograph the tree with a person in the photo to provide scale as to the true size of the tree.

WOW WOW WOW. There are restrictions and rules but only to preserve the tree. And it's free. Words do not do this tree justice. It is a must see in the Charleston area. Be prepared for a dirt road to get there.

Tree was incredible to see. You could easily spend an hour if you are fascinated by nature. There are so many angles you will never see the same perspective twice.. Parking is tight, but manageable. There is staff monitoring people being on the tree to preserve it. We totally get that.
However, staff is not friendly by any means. As we were turning around to go back to the gift shop, the lady tapped on the window and basically yelled at us, so we decided not to spend any money there. We didn't encounter a single rude person all while in Charleston until here.

After leaving Kiawah Beachwalker Park we stopped to see the Angel Oak because we have heard about it for years. It is massive and must be seen in person to believe.
It is estimated to be 300-400 years old. What amazes me is how it has survived hurricanes and flooding that have hit the area over all the years it has been in existence. Best of all it is free to see.

Enjoyed stopping by the Angel Oak Tree on our way out to Seabrook Island. What a beautiful tree and so unique. Love learning the history of nature and the areas we travel to. The church on the grounds is beautiful, too! There were people set up painting nearby, as well as just relaxing in this peaceful spot for a moment. Worth a stop if you are in the area!

How humble this 400 year old oak will make you feel. Great place to meditate and get your mind back on track. This a definite must do if in Charleston SC. Wonderful drive to get there.

Beyond spectacular. Standing under the tree, you are enveloped in nature and it's an otherworldly experience. The history this tree has seen is amazing. Be aware: there are no bathrooms in the gift shop....only porta potties outside. It's a ways down a gravel road and there's not a lot of parking...mainly on these of the road. Still, it's worth the drive to see such beauty.

What a beautiful part of history. So peaceful and could spend hours walking around it and looking at it. Bring a book and take a little quiet time for yourself.

A must see while in the Charleston area! Absolutely amazing! Very strict rules for preservation purposes so don’t break them so we can keep this treasure as an option for us all! Free so take advantage!

If you have the opportunity to see this living piece of history, make sure you take the time to do so. It is truly amazing.

I took the trip to the oak tree. It was nice, a big tree. Very specific on the rules there and the direction you must walk...not getting why it's such a big deal honestly. It's a nice old tree but I wouldn't make a special trip just to see this.

Beautiful tree, amazing creation....if you didn't have to stand behind a chain link fence to see it. We drove out of our way to see the incredible tree but were highly disappointed to see the tree is fenced in and no notice as to why or when the gate/fence will be opened. Disappointed.

It’s a beautiful tree with a long history. The city of Charleston is in charge of this landmark. I guess we expected it to be less busy on a weekday but it was packed. Parking is outside ( there are a few handicap spots inside the gates by the gift shop) and it gets jammed up with cars and with visitors walking in and out of the car lane. Air conditioned bathroom trailer and separate free standing bathroom option available. Free to visit. There are signs everywhere telling you rules. It’s a bit much and distracts from the natural space you would expect to see such a tree showcased. Definitely makes picture taking tricky! Protecting this tree is obviously top priority and if all of these redundant signs are due to the abuse by the visitors then that’s sad. I suspect this is the case. There is not one picture that we took that doesn’t have a sign or some type of barrier in it. Sad. But the signs in the tiny gift shop really felt like overkill. No other attraction gift shop that we visited in Charleston had signs like this and I’m sure they also get plenty of traffic and rule breakers. For example, located where the caps and tshirts are there is a big sign that says that if you try it on, you’ve bought it. And cellphone use rules. Copyright rule signs…….. Felt like overkill and unwelcoming. Still worth a stop.

Not much to review as we were there on a Wednesday and the park is closed that day. However we were able to see the tree through the fence and was able to take pictures. Can’t wait to return and visit the area properly.

Very easy side trip of less than a half an hour to see a majestic, magnificent oak tree. Hard to describe in a way that does justice to what a special tree it is. You just have to see for yourself

It was really neat how big it was. Good place to take pictures under the huge branches that touched the ground.

A three to four hundred year old tree. Amazing. And its free to visit. Parking is limited but we hit it just right early Saturday morning. Its a bit out of town from all the other historical interests in Charleston, but well worth it. Use your GPS on your phone, its easy to find.

A must see for the nature lovers. Travel brochures cannot convey the extent or stateliness of this mighty oak. A unique experience viewing a tree that was already 150 years old before America even existed. Thought it interesting how different the leaves and growth pattern is from northern Oak trees in our area. The park wasn't open when we got there, but you can still view it from the road, (although the chainlink fence does nothing for it). My pictures do not reflect the majestic grandeur of this work of mother nature. Imagine the numerous storms that have battered the area over its lifespan and yet it stands strong. The conservation crew that oversees it is doing a wonderful job to insure it survives as long as possible.

Although every source of information has this tree with a different age it is definitely an old impressive tree to experience. The park is small but free. Check the times it open on line because Sunday it opened at 1 pm. You can still see the tree from the road, but inside the fenced area is well worth going when it's open.

If you are in the Charleston area this is a must see. This is a beautiful tree and to think it has been here for probability hundreds of years thru hurricanes and storms and is still standing is pretty amazing!
It is a little bit in the middle of no where .... but definitely worth finding,

The tree was impressive, however, in the gift shop, they had massive plexiglass panels still for sneeze protection. I asked the clerk why the panels were up, and she said ( while wearing disposable gloves ) that "she didn't want me to breath on her. Very insulting.

If in the area, this HUGE beautiful oak tree is definitely worth seeing in person! Allow for 20 to 30 minutes to take photos and to appreciate the beauty of this tree! The unpaved road to reach the tree location is VERY bumpy, so take your time. Parking is only permitted along the unpaved road. Free parking, free to see tree. Donations are accepted if interested. The gate closes at 5 pm.

Awesome place great for kids. It's an awesome experience to see a tree that big, it definitely makes you realize how beautiful the world is

Best Free thing to do in Area! Lots of information on site and in Gift shop. Parking could be a problem, just follow signs. Rough road for access, be careful.
Walking on uneven surfaces, obviously. Weddings , families and others, all great place for Photos. Spend a few moments and really look at the branches and how they have developed over 400 years! Thankfully no one has damaged this Treasure!
Kids like to see it. Can walk around entire outside, all around entire tree, to get a view at different angles. Beautiful! I guess you can photo shop all the people out of your photo, if needed.

It has the potential for a great site. I was glad to see the tree but thought, there needs to be more reason to linger.

Went on a Sunday. Unpaved and narrow road with potholes. Random parking. Crowded and led to difficulty getting in and out…for a tree

We were on the road making our way from Charleston to Savannah. A friend had recommended visiting Angel Oak tree. The tree is absolutely enormous and is hundreds of years old. We were able to quite literally go off the beaten track to locate this beautiful tree. It was worth the visit. We didn’t stay terribly long but we were glad we stopped. There is no entrance fee and it’s amazing to think about all the storms this tree has weathered over the years. After that, we continued on to Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island which is also worth a visit!

This old tree is amazing. To think of the hundreds of years of history it has witnessed is humbling compared to our paltry problems of today. One cannot help but be awed in this tree’s presence, and feel recharged and reinvigorated from the experience.

Impressive!! Such an absolutely gorgeous tree! It’s HUGE! You have to move quite far back in order to get the whole tree in your camera lens at the same time!! I’ve never before seen a tree like that!

Even though when we went you could not get in to experience this magnificent tree up close and personal, it was worth just seeing it from a distance. It is majestic and should be seen if possible.

A beautiful tree along the way! It is huge and something worth stopping to see and take a few pictures! We were only there about 30 minutes which was enough time to see it!

This is an amazing natural treasure and such a beautiful setting. Great location for photos. Very quiet and peaceful. Worth the drive.

The location of this tree is off the beaten path but well worth the drive. I was in awe of this tree after looking at it and was excited to go. Definitely go see it.

Interesting and beautiful tree - grounds and portable bathrooms absolutely disgusting!
The bathrooms were filthy and overflowing with waste!
Cheap neon yellow plastic chain around the beautiful tree takes away from the awe of the oak.
Dirt road was full of huge potholes.

While it was neat to see such a big, old tree we had expected to see a sign out front that told a little bit of history about the tree. The only sign out stated it's approximate age, how long it could potentially live, and to stay off of it.
There was a small gift store but we did not go inside.
There was a "trailer" that served as restrooms but the women's restroom was closed because it was not kept clean by visitors. However, the port-a-potty that was also on site was beyond disgusting. It had not been emptied out in who knows how long (I will spare you any further details) and there was no toilet paper or hand sanitizer.
We had expected a little more from this "excursion" and was slightly disappointed.

There is nothing there but the tree and the gift shop. BUT it’s cool to see a tree this old and big. It doesn’t take much time to visit but definitely glad we stopped to see it.

It was truly a sight to behold. I could only imagine what that tree has seen. It’s a definitely must see excursion and the best part is it’s free!

Enjoyed a quick visit with family to the tree. It is indeed amazing. FYI, restrooms closed with a note stating that “you didn’t take care of this” so now no restrooms. The place requires a couple workers because people weren’t being respectful and were letting the kids climb all over the low hanging branches. Plus, others were reprimanded for letting their dogs “do business”. Pretty disappointing

Angel Oak is a massive southern live oak on John's Island. The City of Charleston has a park surrounding the tree. It's free to visit and there's a small gift shop here, but not much else for amenities. Angel Oak is considered one of the largest trees in the eastern US and it's magnificent. One limb is more than 180 feet long it's shade covers 17,000 square feet. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the picnic area but not close to the tree. The park is very popular and can get crowded, but definitely worth a visit in Charleston. Parking is very limited along a gravel road so try to visit early.

Paying a visit to Angel Oak on Johns Island is well worth the pretty 30-minute drive from downtown. It is one of Charleston's most photographed icons on Johns Island: the Angel Oak. Known as one of the most beautiful trees in the world, Angel Oak is another Charleston treasure.
It is between 400 and 500 years old, making it one of the oldest living trees east of the Mississippi, and its canopy shades more than 20,000 square feet. The gorgeous tree is 65 feet high, with a circumference of 25.5 feet. Pose next to its long limbs.
Angel Oak is only a 30-minute drive from the city, and the surrounding park offers free admission

If you are in the area and have the time to see this amazing tree, you have to. They to to great lengths to protect the tree, yet still allow you to walk around the tree and soak in its beauty. Plenty of angles to take photos of. The gift shop is nice, staff are friendly.

Okay so it's a tree - who cares right? And it is not near anything else so why go? It is this wonderful old tree that has all these branches and ferns growing on it. The surrounding is peaceful, quiet, and the area smells of earth. It is just a calming place to be. And you think all that history in that tree - what storms it has weathered, what animals have lived there, and what lives have passed by it through time. The pictures do not do it justice. It's a 30 minute trip out of Charleston by Uber and you spend maybe 30 minutes there. If you are looking for something to do and have the time and love nature, then this would be interesting to you. I loved it and am very glad I saw it.

Be careful on your drive in. It is a shared one lane road. You will scratch your car on the trees lining the gravel road.

What a fabulous experience. A must see! Amazing that this beautiful tree is of this size. You will come away wowed!

What a lovely tree! It's a quick stop, but if you are in the area you shouldn't miss it. It's amazing how big it is and it just stretches out over a large distance.

Stopped by the tree while in the area. We showed up around 11:00 on a Sunday so the gate was closed. I didn't realize there was a tree and gates around the tree or I would have looked up the hours. Oh well, we got to see it. The kids were impressed.

This incredible tree is worth seeing. It's beautiful and massive! The gift shop was fun. And parking is close by. I've never seen anything like it.

Nice little park. Beautiful graceful old tree. Easy to see and lots of parking. Even saw an albino squirrel running thru the tree.

Interesting and neat tree. Angel Oak has been on my list to see for years. I am so glad I got the opportunity to see it. It is huge and amazing to see in person. Heavily visited, so in order to get pictures without people in them, you may want to visit upon opening. Free entry! Handicap parking available. Worth seeing!

Absolutely amazing to see!! Worth the little extra drive!! So glad we went to the Angel Oak Tree for ourselves

We came here on a tip from a local, and while the tree itself was beautiful there wasn’t really anything else to it. While I understand the reasoning, the tree was off limits to sitting, leaning, climbing on, etc…and our kids were all pretty annoyed and bored within a few short minutes of being there. I get that there is a preservation effort to keep the tree in good shape, but with all of the signs telling you what you are not allowed to do scattered around the property, we quickly realized there wasn’t much to do other than just look at the tree, and then leave.

400 years old Angel tree. Majestic. Pictures don't do it justice.
Free entrance, donation encouraged, handicap parking on site, other parking along the area. Gift shop, picnic areas, dogs allowed in the picnic area but not by the tree. Once in a lifetime experience

This was worth the ride & is close to the Charleston Tea plantation. This is in a park and you won't believe it until you see it. It is over 17,000 sq ft. Park is very well kept & bathrooms are available. Free!

Easy stop for a quick visit. Not much there, but tree is worth seeing. Right off the main drag while heading to Kiawah

It was worth taking the ride out to Johns Island to see the beach and the funkie beach town and the TREE. Angle Oak was really impressive. This is a huge, old live oak that covers over an acre. Imagining all that has happened during its life is awe inspiring and well worth the visit. Took us 5 visits to,Charleston before we heard of it. . Its popular and the road is dirt but easy to find with GPS. We would have liked to continue out to Kiawa but we ran out of time - next visit

Heard about this from some friends and had to come see it Easy to get to, the dirt road is pretty good even for a low riding car. We got there around 4pm and found parking easily enough.
Not many people around and we didn't bother with the gift shop as I usually don't anyways. Either we got lucky or 4pm is an excellent time to visit here.
The tree itself is quite a sight. Hard to describe accurately, its beautiful for sure but something more too. Its a free site with only a donation box. Worth the trip out it see it.

Tried to go out and see this on a whim but access was limited with a fence around it. Wasn’t really what I expected and doubt that I will be back.

The tree was amazing and the steps taken to protect it are impressive and appreciated. The gift shop is sparse and the photos are so overpriced. It looks like the inside of a country gas station. The list of rules and staff also aren’t exactly welcoming. Definitely recommend the tree, but I’d say skip the shop.

I never thought a tree could be so magnificent. It’s limbs wove through the dirt making it appear that serpents were being born from the trunk. I’m very happy to have seen this.

Angel Oak is a Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) located in Angel Oak Park on Johns Island near Charleston, South Carolina. The tree is estimated to be 400-500 years old. It is thought to be one of the oldest living organisms east of the Mississippi River. This tree has survived a number of hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. Awe inspiring to stand next to this living giant.

What a gorgeous and amazing treasure this is! Wow! Wish it hadn’t been so crowded to take more photos without others in the background. Tons of people there at the same time. Parking can be a bit of a problem when busy.

Nice tree. Very unwelcoming unfortunately. Multiple signs everywhere saying. ‘No this’ No that’ ‘ don’t go here etc. no Welcome signs anywhere and very rude attendants everywhere outside and inside. And after greeting everyone. We got no responses. Obviously no ‘ have a nice day or goodbye.’ Nothing like it was even a few years ago. Was so embarrassed bringing a friend from New Hampshire to see some southern hospitality. Who is running this place and what changed? Contrast this with a lovely visit to the tea plantation down the road!

Simply put, this place is beautiful. Although you may not be interested in a "Tree" it's worth taking an hour out of your day and visiting. It such an amazing experience to walk below this tree and learning the history of it. Wondering who else may have walked those grounds many years before you. It's certainly somewhere worth visiting while in Charleston, S.C. Check out our Blog!

I would definitely recommend seeing the Angel Oak tree. It's one of a kind. Age of oak is estimated to be 400 years. It is the biggest tree I've seen. The parking is on a narrow unpaved road. Go early during the week.

I was in awe of this oak tree. It was interesting to see the way the branches of the tree extend in all directions, some even going underground, only to appear again above the surface. It looked like it had been here more than 400 or 500 years ago. God's creation is amazing.

Angel Oak is truly a magnificent tree and worth the drive. There is no cost to walk around the tree. There is a small gift shop. I wonder what stories the tree could tell?

Truly impressive. And a must see. We heard about it from people in the farmers market, and when we came, it didn’t disappoint.

This is a grand old oak tree that is over 350 years old. It is only when one actually see it that it’s grandeur and majesty becomes evident. There are very friendly signs all over encouraging people to respect the tree and ensue it survives for many more years. Suggestion is to reach early as you parking is a major problem. There is a small and nice gift shop on site

Amazing tree, however the unfortunate lack of thoughtful consideration to those who traveled long distances see the Angel Tree, distacts from this truely amazing part of nature. The county should invest in this attraction. The park has limited hours of access and is not open when there are storms in the area. Viewing from a dirt/mud road through a chain link fence is always an option.

Definitely a quick detour but, worth the trip. Majestic to see and to be in the quiet presence of the earthly energy of such an old beautiful tree.

Definitely worth a visit but the huge amount of hideous signage around the area certainly takes away from the majesty and beauty of the tree. The personnel at the visitor center and unfriendly and rude.

So disappointing to see a majestic tree not be free. Kind of like watching King Kong as the caged ape. Why do people have to mess with nature in every way. Leave the old tree alone and it grow into its glory. leave it the way it was meant to live and die that way it was meant to die.
Instead they created a nursing home for a tree!

Awesome to look at. Amazing 300-400 oak tree. Free to get in. You don't need to be there ling to get the beauty. There's a gift shop.

Beautiful location. Grounds are clean & tidy. Ample photo opportunities. Parking was very chaotic along this dirt road. Lady will announce to move vehicles, but that’s why she’s there, to keep things moving smoothly.

The Angel Oak is gorgeous! There is a small gift shop. Public restrooms are on site. The day we visited (a Sunday afternoon), the park was rather crowded. We are glad we visited. There is no admission, but donations are accepted.

Cool tree to see. We sent because of the Outerbanks series scene that we thought was filmed there, but found out it wasn't. Don't think they would have allowed it, because they're very strict about the rules. One of the 'guards' was yelling at a Latino kid that didn't appear to speak English "NO SITTING ON THE TREE." I can understand not sitting on the tree, but they were very strict about what entry to use to walk to the area and into the very small gift shop (in not a very friendly way). The gift stop lady was nice.

We stopped here on the way back from the Tea Plantation. Parking is free! The Tree is a beautiful special and wonderfully maintained. It was great to just take in the scene and appreciate the history and time of the tree. This was definitely a great, quiet place to visit and worth the drive out.

On our way from Charleston to Savannah, we stopped here, of course. This tree is unique and worth protecting. I hope he survives for many centuries to come. Admission to the small park is free. Fortunately, the tree is well guarded and it is admonished when someone is messing with the tree. A nice experience and I'm glad to have seen him. I hope that people are not only here for the photos, but also feel how important it is to respect and preserve our nature.

Beautiful tree. Terrible facilities and significantly unfriendly staff.
No one is made to feel welcome and don’t try to use the toilets they are actually over flowing.

This is a lovely tree with lots of rich stories it can't tell us. Picturesque and probably even more so on a sunny day. Free to enter. Easy parking. Worth a quick trip. Doesn''t require much time.

Just a beautiful and spiritual experience. I’ve been here three times and it’s always been a fantastic experience.The tree has so much history. I met the painter that has all his painting in the gift shop. He was painting in the park. There is always a lot of people as I visited on a Sunday.

Beautiful, amazing tree! Well worth the 20 minute drive outside of Charleston to see this! It was busy on a Friday morning but there was ample parking.

First, let's get the most important thing out of the way - the tree is amazing.
The atmosphere sucks.
I've never seen so many signs telling visitors not to things in my life. Don't touch the tree, don't move signs, don't enter here, don't park there, don't take photos in the gift shop, don't flip through the books. Totally bizarre. They want you to spend money on their "trademarked" artwork, so they threaten visitors with signs regarding taking photos (people, no one is taking photos of a photo in the gift shop, I can promise you that). Oh, and no credit cards.
As for the rules outside, I understand the need to protect the tree, but somehow every other organization protecting similar pieces of history and the environment manages to do so without being rude. If you hate visitors this much, close it down.
At least it was free.

Sure, the tree is big and cool, but it’s kind of in the middle of nowhere and there are people all around, which kind of ruins the experience. If you’re in the area it’s worth a stop. If not, no need to drive here.

Estimated to be 400-500 years old, this Southern live oak is an amazing tree. When you stand back and see the reach of the branches and its size in comparison to the people, you will be amazed. Well worth the visit. It's free and you can stay as long as you like. A real gem!

Beautiful experience connecting with nature! Only negative was the lady in the gift shop. Enjoyed talking to the painter

Beautiful place to visit out in the country on a dirt road near Charleston South Carolina. Nice gift shop, free admission but donations accepted.

The tree is behind huge chain link fences. It is possible to come here after business hours and view it through the fence. I don’t really see the benefit of going inside. I would have loved to but it was “closed on Wednesdays until further notice”. It’s a surreal site. Got all we needed to outside the fence. It has huge signs up all around the tree saying “don’t climb”. It’s not the best for photography but oddly enough you can capture some better photos from the fence line.
Tree is a 12 minute drive from main road

The tree is very pretty but your pics won't be - they have chains and large signs setup all around the tree which can't be moved. They show up in all the photos which is a bummer.

The tree is amazing, and I mean it is truly awesome, but the park is currently closed on Wednesday and that wasn’t indicated in the list of hours. It could only be viewed through the chain link fence, so only on one side. We will return again and update this review when we do.

The tree was truly amazing in size and stature, both wonderful to experience and photograph. It's worth it! The facilities......another story. Driving lane to get to the tree was bumpy and unmaintained. Parking was limited. The staff in the gift shop was rude, unfriendly and overwhelming with their comments and rules, nothing to do with the tree. The restrooms were nasty, and mostly unusable. SAD facilities for such an amazing tree!

It's worth visiting this beautiful old tree. No hustle and bustle and no commercialism. A very special atmosphere.

Dogs only allowed in picnic area so leave them in car for a bit so you can get close to the tree! Parking in gate is handicap only so park along road and walk in.

Travel over to Johns Island to see this marvel of nature. Free admission but limited parking. This 400 year old Oak Tree is just beautiful. From the massive trunk to the limbs that drop down to the ground and spread 20-30 yards out from the tree. A must-see if you are in the Charleston area

The tree was amazing and definitely worth the trip. However, the staff at the visitor center/gift shop was extremely rude and unwelcoming. We arrived in the rain. There was absolutely no one else visiting the tree. We got reprimanded for parking in handicap/staff area. We were just trying to find where to park. Many negative signs. We parked outside the fenced in area, walked through mud puddles, took many pictures of this magnificent tree. Tried to walk in the gift shop; was met at the door with a staff member and was told the entrance was on the other side of the building. REALLY? It was raining, no one else was in the area and we were told to walk around the building? I think NOT. Like I said, the tree was magnificent, but the staff definitely lacked that southern charm.

This tree is amazing to see in person. We found it by accident and were so glad see stopped. Simply beautiful!

If visiting Charleston this is a must see. As one of the oldest a largest trees in the US it is certainly a site to see. An easy drive and relaxing laid back activity.

We read about this through various sites and decided to take a drive to see it. You end up driving down narrow road and h oping o find a place to park, but it is worth the drive. Beautiful example of nature!

Incredible sight. Worth the small detour we took to view it. We did not stay long but it was awe-inspiring. Parking was not difficult at the time we arrived but could be an issue if it was very busy.

The Angel tree is beautiful and breath taking! If you are in the Charleston area, make time to see this tree! This tree is believed to be one of the landmarks that Harriet Tubman "may" have used while traveling through the Under Ground Railroad.

Arrived early to secure parking and avoid crowds. The tree truly is magnificent. This was a lovely stop on our way out to the tea garden.

This is a must see if you’re in the area. It’s a moment of pure wonder and awe, looking at all the detail to this 3-400 year old tree. The size is astounding let alone all its branches and the way they bend and turn. There’s no admission fee and free parking available nearby. A small gift shop is also onsite. When we visited, there was an older gentleman painting the tree whose story was fun to hear. Make sure to put this gem on your bucket list!

You would think seeing an old tree would be boring but this was far from that. The shear size of the tree is breath taking. You won't spend a lot of time there but it was fun to see. Bring a camera

We had the opportunity to visit this 300-400 year OAK. What a beautiful TREE that has stood for 300-400 years.

I've never wanted to hug a tree more in my entire life, and that's truly saying something! This tree is probably one of the most amazing wonders of nature I've ever had the pleasure of seeing for myself. This is literally a national treasure and should be protected at all costs!

This is a favorite tourist spot, but they can do parties, weddings. Amazing hundred years tree that goes on and on and on. Little signs are cute supposedly with sayings from the old tree! Great gift shop. Parking on the dirt road. You shouldn't miss this. It's nice they keep the area open, etc. EXCEPT don't need a bathroom. The portapotties are disqusting. Dirty, wet, no toilet paper. Creepy. It's pathetic that they don't put in a decent rest room with the traffic they get there. Gives the county a bad name.

The tree itself is beautiful and amazing. However, all the signage with rules telling you what not to do seemed excessive and really detracts from the experience. Then, you go into the gift shop and there’s more signage about what you can’t do in the gift shop. I’m not sure who manages the tree and property but there’s got to be a more welcoming way to share this beautiful resource with visitors. It would be nice to have learned about the tree’s history and significance, for example.

What a beautiful site to visit. The Angel Oak is amazing. It’s hard to believe this tree has been around 400 years. It’s so interesting to see the way some of the limbs have grown into the ground and back out. Make sure to leave a donation in the box before you leave.

This is a fast growing community in this area. I am so glad they fenced the tree in and are planning to preserve it for future generations. I am sure there are other trees that have been lost as they clear the area. Its a bumpy road. Limited parking. Narrow road. No entrance fees. You can walk around and checkout the tree from different angles. Its definitely congested. There are so many people. There are hours for when the area is open so check it out. The branches are all around you, low to the ground. They don't want you touching the tree in anyway. There is an expensive gift store.

This tree is amazing! Yes, as someone else mentioned, the incessant signage is a bit much and takes away from the natural beauty. However, if you can look past that, you will be amazed at how big and bold and beautiful this piece of nature is. It is free to enter the park, but beware of the 100 other rules posted. Definitely worth a stop.

While we were in Charleston, my wife wanted to go see the Angel Oak. So, after touring a plantation, we headed that way.
You really need to know where you're going. It's not particularly well marked but the GPS got us there. Parking was on a dirt road that goes by the park where the tree is. We didn't have to walk too far but if it had been busier, it could have been a hike. Once you get in the park (There is no admission.) you walk around to where the tree is. It is large and it's really old. So old that various branches are braced. If this tree was left completely natural, it would not be this expansive or in this good a condition. It's been pretty pampered. Once you walk around and look at it (and mind the signs about where to walk and where not to walk) and take some pictures, there's not much else to do unless you packed a picnic lunch. There is a small gift shop that's somewhat of a joke. Not much there and really overpriced.
I'm glad I went because my wife had read about it and wanted to see it. But my trip would not have been any less fulfilling if we hadn't done this. But hey, different strokes for different folks...

There is a tree at the end of a godforsaken, pot holed riddled road. And it's huge! Angel Oak is 400 years old and will probably live another 500 years. It's branches are like giant tentacles and you can take lots of nice photos next to the enormous trunk. There is a small (very small) gift shop and some port-o-potties if needed. I did see a soft drink machine but not sure if it was working. It's really a quick stop along the way to Kiawah Island if you're going that way. I must warn you though that the side road to the tree is just horrific. You really can't avoid the huge holes in the unpaved road. If you have a Jeep, go for it. If you don't, you'll be bouncing around in your car. Why they haven't paved this road is beyond me. The tree has so many visitors. Ok so it's a free attraction but if they charged a small fee a person, they probably would be able to pave the road in the near future. Despite the road, Angel Oak is something to see.

100000000% recommend seeing this beautiful tree
It is one of a kind. It’s peaceful and never crowded. I took my 80+ Parete’s and they loved it

A beautiful tree in a park like setting. You can walk right up to it, but no climbing or setting on the limbs.

Easy access. Handicap parking is inside the gate. Not well marked. Fun adventure and easy to take pictures.

This is a must see. Absolutely beautiful. Cant touch or climb the tree. There is seating there if you just wanted to sit and look at it. There is a bathroom (port a potty), there is also a gift shop. There was a guy who was selling his paintings he has done of the tree. So glad we went

How old is Angel Oak Tree? Some say it is 300 to 400 years old. Some say it is 400 to 500 years old. One historian estimated it could be 1,400 years old. Another claimed it could be as old as 1,500 years. Judge for yourself. Located in Angel Oak Park at 3688 Angel Oak Road on Johns Island, South Carolina, off Main Road near the intersection with Maybank Highway, 12 miles northwest of the Ashley River and downtown Charleston, it is known as a "Lowcountry Treasure" and one of the most beautiful trees in the world, one of the oldest living oak trees in the South, the oldest tree east of the Mississippi River, one of the oldest living things in North America. Historically, the ownership of the tree and he land on which it sands has been traced to 1717. It is as big as it is old. It stands 65 feet high with a diameter of 25.5 feet and a canopy of 160 feet shading an area of 17,000 square feet. Perhaps the most awe-inspiring feature of the tree is the span of its longest branch, which reaches a staggering 187 feet from tip to tip. It has survived floods, earthquakes, three hurricanes and human abuse. Admission to the general public is free from 9 to 5 Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 on Sunday. But permits are required for weddings and special events. Blankets, drinks, food, pops and tripods aren't allowed on or around the tree. In 2023, the City of Charleston purchased the 17 acres surrounding the Angel Oak, ensuring that it will not be damaged by future development and will be a landmark for centuries to come.

This is a tree. A very old tree. It’s cool and I would have liked to have seen more history of the tree instead of so many signs telling us not to sit on it. Skip the gift shop.

The Angel Oak is located in the middle of nature preserve and accessible via a dirt road. A trip here is definitely an amazing experience.
The Angel Oak tree is estimated to be 400 years old and could live as long as 900 years.
There is no admission to this amazing site and the gift shop has a nice selection of items for both adults and children.
This is a natural wonder that every age group finds amazing. Due to the crowds and limited parking on the dirt road to the Angel Oak, you may have to walk some distance to get to the entrance.

We had time to spare on our drive to the airport on departure day, so we decided to do a few excursions for the day. Decided to drive to see the Angel Oak Tree and it was worth it to see this giant of God's majestic creation. Just sad that the view of the tree had to be ruined with the artificial barrier and signage warning not to harm the old beauty due to past visitors violating and abusing this historic specimen. It stands in a serene plot and it a perfect spot for a picnic. Port-a-potties and a toilet trailer were available as well as a small gift shop.

This is a must see. The tree is magnificent. Don’t be discouraged by the reviews that talk about the amount of signs…I interpreted that as a testament to how dedicated these people are to preserving this beautiful tree. It is an absolute treasure!

We got the tip to visit this tree when we were visiting the Charleston Tea Garden. We decided to go and see. Unfortunately it was so busy we decided not to stop.

Presumably 400 years old, but looking like a much older one. The tree is huge, with multiple branches sitting on the ground.

Freakin Beautiful! Hard to wrap your head around how much this tree has seen!! Storms, Native Americans, Wars...the list goes on!!

Wonderful place to visit. It is an unbelievable tree. Well worth visiting.
A little tricky to park, small dirt road.

Wow, I have been around and seen a lot of natural wonders on 3 continents and this took my breath away. The size and scope of this Oak tree is simply awe inspiring. When you think it has been there from before Europeans ever settled the area, through a revolution, civil war, 2 world wars and 4-5 centuries and she still stands tall and proud it is simply amazing. There is not much parking but there is a small gift shop and portable toilets for your visit. There is also a strict set of rules to protect this treasure so please make sure you see them and adhere to them so we can enjoy this as long as possible

Awesome part of nature. One of the neatest trees I’ve seen. It’s over 400years old. It is amazing to see how this oak has grown. Well worth a stop if you’re in the area!!

This tree was amazing. We spent about an hour just walking around it and taking pics, letting the kids out to run around. Worth a stop

Kind of in the middle of nowhere but totally worth it. It's majestic and stunning. And I appreciate that it's still free!

If you are driving between Savannah and Charleston it's an easy stop. Free and only takes 15 minutes. Stop at tattooed moose for lunch. It's awesome.

The tree didn’t disappoint. It’s a 400 year old tree. And it will be there long after we’re gone. So that alone makes it worth visiting. It really isn’t until you are up close, walking along the massive limbs that you really appreciate the awe of it all. I like how you just park and walk up to it and then you are free to leave. No fees no nothing. You just go and appreciate the beauty of it then go about your way. Wish everything was this simplistic.

Heard about this oak that is about 500 years old and had to check it out. It was well worth the 30 minute trip from Charleston to stand in front of something that has been alive and growing since the 1500s is amazing. You have to go here if in the area.

Totally amazing. Sooo worth the trip to see! You will not be disappointed. Just one of nature’s winders.

This is a must if in the area. We had never seen anything like this beautiful 400 year old Angel Oak! Free and worth the short time needed. I highly recommend.

It’s quick. Not a lot of walking (unless parking is full). It’s free. We got to witness a proposal today beneath the big branches. Just made me wonder how many events have taken place here. The stories this tree could tell.... it was a nice stop for something different to take in.

What an absolutely great opportunity to view one of the oldest and beautiful trees in our nation. There are some picnic tables if you want to plan a lunch and just enjoy this majestic tree. The visit is free but be sure to check the visitor hours prior to going. There is not a paved parking lot and there are no walkways to this could be tough for a person who has mobility issues. There is handicap parking close to the gift shop. The gift shop is rustic but does have some artworks, photos and post cards available for purchase.

This is a tree that is 600 years old, amazing to see how huge and spread out it is. There is no parking fee or entrance fee, gates open at 9 am sharp.

This is a must see when in the Charleston area. We always come back each time we are in town. Take the time to visit this 400 year old landmark. You will not be disappointed.

Although the entrance was closed, this is a magnificent old live oak some 400 to 500 years old. Certainly worth a visit if you are in the area

We had read about the tree before our trip and went there. A giant tree, 300-400 years old, with branches spreading out in all directions.
It was closed when we were there so we had to look through the fence.

Angel Oak was pretty amazing to see! It would be a beautiful place to picnic! There is a gift shop with local products!

The Angel Oak is a magnificent tree. Pictures cannot do it justice. You need to see it in person to appreciate it. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the tables while you enjoy this old beauty.

Amazing is all I can say. The tree is just amazing. Definitely worth the stop especially if your headed to Kiawah Island. Remember the hours, closes at 5pm

Absolutely beautiful. It’s definitely worth the drive if you’re nearby the area. I wasn’t sure if driving out of the way to see a tree would be worth it but I was definitely mistaken. The tree is absolutely gorgeous. Photos don’t even do justice.

Been a long time since I last visited--still amazed when seeing it. The branches are stunning and quite haunting. Does get busy and parking does get tricky. Well worth stopping to see this beauty....and its FREE!!

The tree is absolutely beautiful, majestic and wonderful. It was an amazing site to see. Unfortunately, the staff ruins it. The “tree dictator” screams at children, adults or any living creature that moves. The artist sitting at the picnic table was completely rude, asking us to move away from him because our visiting with another family was distracting him. The gift shop workers are rude. If you want to buy a sweatshirt, do not even think about trying one on. They have a big sign in the store about “if you try it on, YOU BUY IT!” The bathrooms and port a potty’s are absolutely filthy. We didn’t feel welcome to view the most beautiful tree I’ve ever seen!

It is a beautiful old oak tree, but the people who work there seem irritated by the visitors. There are signs everywhere of what you cannot do. The excessive signs spoil the natural beauty of the tree.

What a breathtaking tree!! The park is free to visit, but be advised it is closed on Wednesdays currently. There is parking along a dirt path and a few spots. They have a small gift shop on site.

Amazing 300-400 year old live oak tree. Canopy is 17,000 square feet. The area is not easy to get to, but well worth the effort.

Always worth a quick stop while in Charleston. This tree is magnificent! And a free attraction about 30min south of the city. Be sure to wear a mask and adhere to the rules to preserve this tree for generations to come.

The tree was amazing!!! However, it feels like you are being screamed at the second you arrive until the second you leave due to the aggressive signage posted every two feet. It stole attention from a magnificent attraction and left us worn out and ready to leave.

Worth a drive to see this Stunning Tree. Lots of photo opps. as the tree is branched out all around. The tree is supported with some wires but does not take away from the beauty of this special site. There are places to sit to just enjoy the view. Parking is Free there are Restrooms available. I would definitely stop in the gift shop to pick up a post card or to just make a donation to keep the tree going.

We made the Angel Oak a stop after visiting Charleston, driving south to Savannah. Worth the short distance, quite impressive tree. Maybe 30 mins is all you need. Glad we stopped, incredible!

We stopped here to see the tree we had heard about. Easy parking, socially distanced and very nice. The tree is magnificent.

This has to be the most beautiful tree I have seen. Not sure if it was worth the drive from Charleston, but very pretty. You only need about 15 minutes here. There is nothing else to see around the tree as it is gated off. They have a small gift shop at the site and there was not a charge to see the tree. It is amazing how big some of the branches have become. If you are in the area it is worth a quick stop

The tree is amazing. We were there after they closed so couldn't get close but we took a picture through the chain link fence and was able to get a fantastic picture without all the crowds around the tree. It was nice, but not worth spending our very limited time over a 2 day weekend visit.

I would only recommend if you have a rental car or it’s a stop on a bus tour. Otherwise it was really far out and there is nothing else to do besides look at it. Parked and spent all of 5 minutes there. Not worth taking an Uber for visitors.

Disappointed. Small poorly maintained dirt road to get to tight parking area. Filthy full Porta potties with no toilet paper. Staff in gift shop seemed upset people were there bothering her. She was very nasty. Tree was nice.

This tree is absolutely remarkable and stunning to see up close and personal. As others have mentioned though, there is a cranky old guy that has nothing better to do than be very rude and mean to anyone that looks at this tree the wrong way. Oh, and he paints and makes money of this tree. I asked him about his paintings and he mentioned he used the sandy soil from underneath the tree in his paintings. For someone trying to preserve the tree, you would think that taking nutrients from it in the form of soil would be outlandish. The gift shop is a sad attempt at making money, the parking is horrendous and the bathrooms are a rentable trailer potty.

I took my hubby here today. He has not seen it in 40 years. He was amazed how big it grew in 40 years. I have not been there in 10 years. To anyone I would great recommend this as a must see.

Don’t miss this living legend. Lots of people, parking isn’t great, but the Oak is worth the stop. 😊

What a beautiful, magnificent tree to see. This is a must see for those who appreciate trees and nature and it is a great photo op. It's worth a visit before this tree will sadly tumble down someday and best of all, it is a free side trip. There is also a small gift shop for memorabilia located on the premise.

This tree is amazing! You really have to experience it for yourself. I have no words to express the awwwww of this tree.

Sept 28th (Thurs) the tree has a fence around it and is locked up! Nowhere did we find information that is was closed for any reason. Tour buses arrived and left, others drove 2 1/2 hours and looked at it thru a fence.

What a remarkable example of God’s creation. Thanks to the city of Charleston for preserving and maintaining this wonderful tree.

Absolutely stunning, Live Oak!! Extremely Friendly staff inside gift shop and clean restrooms on property. The Angel oak is a must see, pictures doesn't capture all of its beautiful. Also, an acorn fell from the live oak and it was planted now there is a three year old baby angel oak. Visit this beautiful!!

This tree is unbelievable! Photos do not do it justice. Parking was easy and the parking is very close to the tree. Entrance is free. It was worth the drive from Folly Beach.

This is an amazing tree, and if I were rating JUST the tree, I would have given it 6 starts out of 5! It is majestic and beautiful, and standing near it one can just imagine all the history that has unfolded under its branches. The fact that it is FREE to visit makes it even better.
Too bad there are two drawbacks to a visit to the Angel Oak. One is the parking, which is VERY limited. When you drive through the gates of the enclosure because you failed to note the small faded and partially obscured sign telling you that only handicapped parking was allowed inside the fence, you might be "greeted" as we were by a very unfriendly person who pointed to the gate and told us to follow the car that was on its way out. No explanation, No consideration that it was very close to closing, we had an elderly person with us, and the "regular" parking was about half a block away from the actual entrance, along the side of the road, with uneven terrain. Nevertheless, we persevered, slowly making our way back to the entrance. The tree itself is surrounded by signs warning of all the DON'Ts you must attend to, and there are quite a few. I understand it is fragile and they want to protect it, but there are ways to word directions so that they are welcoming, celebrating the wonder that is this tree, and encouraging appropriate behavior, not so off-putting and admonishing in tone.
A very short visit to the gift shop was drawback #2. The sign directs it is a ONE WAY path as you enter through the back door (that is right, the front door sports a sign saying it is NOT an entrance... one must search for another way in. Once inside, the same person who refused our request to park oversaw the gift shop visitors stood with arms folded and a scowl as well made our way through. The items were mostly very overpriced and aged (for example, a cloth patch of the state symbol was priced at $16, much more than I usually pay for a patch, and not even one specific to this location).
So, the visit, while not a complete failure, fell far short of our expectations. Angel Oak is a spectacular tree, and deserves to be surrounded by a site that celebrates its wonder.

I stood in awe of this magnificent tree. You must take the time to check it out! I’m sure the gate attendants have their hands full, but again not the friendliest.
Beautiful living attraction. It’s outside of Charleston (about a 30 min drive) but worth it. The tree is stunning. Just to be there and touch something that has seen and felt so much. Humbling.