Last Updated on 17 July, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf

Southern Live Oaks are some of the most beautiful trees in the United States, often decorated with Spanish moss wavering in the breeze. In South Carolina, near Johns Island, one such oak tree outshines everything east of the Mississippi: The Angel Oak Tree.

The Angel Oak Tree in South Carolina stands at 66.5 feet tall, has a circumference of 28 feet, and its longest branch is 187 feet in length! This magnificent specimen is open to the public and well worth a stop along your travels!

In this article, I’ll cover everything there is to know about the Angel Oak tree, including how to see it, where to park, and how it got its name, among other fun facts.

This post includes affiliate links, but rest assured that we only recommend items we would use ourselves. If you choose to make a purchase, we receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. There are no sponsorships; this is just the truth about our favorite finds.

What Is A Southern Live Oak?

Let’s start things off with a little botany to give you some background on this magnificent tree. Southern Live Oaks are long-lived, evergreen trees that are typically wider than they are tall. They are only found in the southeastern coastal plains, from southeastern Virginia down to Florida and over to Eastern Texas.

North Carolina State University tells us that Southern Live Oaks rarely grow over 50 feet tall, but branches often reach out 100 feet wide at maturity. Knowing this, it’s no surprise that the Angel Oak Tree, which stands at 66.5 feet tall with branches nearly 200 feet long, is an impressive specimen!

7 Reasons To Visit Angel Oak Tree in South Carolina

The pictures alone will make you want to visit the Angel Oak Tree in South Carolina, but believe me, the pictures don’t do it justice. Like looking at pictures of Niagara Falls or the Grand Canyon, you have to be there in person to truly appreciate its magnificence.

The Angel Oak Tree is named for the previous estate owners, Justus and Martha Angel. Local legend has it that ghosts of formerly enslaved people appeared as angels around the tree.

We almost skipped this stop in our travels. It was a little out of the way and too close to a city for our liking, but boy, are we glad we stopped! It’s one of our fondest memories while traveling and something that will stay with us for a lifetime.

By the way, if you’re looking for other places to visit in South Carolina, check out some of our guides:

• 5 Best Dog-Friendly National Parks in the South
• Congaree National Park Trails
• Camping at Congaree National Park

1. The Angel Oak Tree Is Just Massive

The first reason to visit the Angel Oak Tree is the most obvious: It’s huge! It’s the largest Live Oak tree east of the Mississippi River. As you stand amongst its gnarled branches that touch the ground, it truly puts things in perspective.

Quick facts about the Angel Oak Tree:

• Age: Estimated at 400 to 500 years old
• Height: 66.5 feet
• Trunk Circumference: 28 Feet
• Spread: 17,200 Square Feet
• Longest Branch: 187 Feet

The branches of the Angel Oak Tree are so massive and heavy that wooden props have been put up in an attempt to discourage damage to the branches and aid the tree’s continued growth.

2. Visiting The Angel Oak Tree Is Free!

If you’re anything like us, traveling on a budget is a priority. We try to avoid expensive State Parks and opt for free National Forests and attractions, which is yet another reason why we loved visiting the Angel Oak Tree: It’s free!

The Angel Oak Tree is owned by the City of Charleston and was designated by the South Carolina Urban and Community Forestry Council as the 2004 Heritage Tree.

While admission is free to the general public, donations are gladly accepted to help continue preservation efforts that protect not only the Angel Oak Tree but also the surrounding land. 

Apartment complexes have been proposed as close as 160 yards from Angel Oak, but thanks to donations and the tireless efforts of the city and conservation groups, the land surrounding the tree continues to be preserved.

Speaking of budgets, we have a fantastic guide on how to afford vanlife in 6 easy steps!

3. It’s Easy To Get To The Angel Oak Tree

Getting to the Angel Oak Tree is simple, and because it’s not a busy National Park or well-known attraction, parking is usually a breeze, too! The Angel Oak Tree is located southwest of Charleston and is far enough away from the city that you don’t have to worry about city traffic.

• Address: 3688 Angel Oak Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455

The Angel Oak Tree is located off Angel Oak Road, which is a narrow but beautiful road. Fifth wheels, buses, and large tow-behinds are not recommended due to the narrow nature of the road.

We have a Ram Promaster 2500 campervan and felt a little cramped on the road, but we were able to pass cars and trucks if we squeezed all the way over and stopped to let them pass. Traffic is minimal on this road, making it a simple in and out, even for medium-sized camper vehicles.

4. Parking Is Always Available

Except for special events or extremely busy summer weekends, parking is always available at the Angel Oak Tree. Limited parking is available next to the gift shop, but plenty of additional parking is available along Angel Oak Road.

Parking along Angel Oak Road should be done on the northern side of the road only (the same side as the tree is located on). The pull-off lots are dirt, so take care during heavy rains or snow.

5. There’s A Gift Shop On Site!

Angel Oak Tree is considered a Lowcountry Treasure, and what better way to celebrate it than purchasing a gift to remember your time at Angel Oak? Gifts inside include classics like postcards, stickers, and magnets. 

The gift shop also includes candies, professional photographs, paintings, and historical books about the Charleston area. After taking in the grandeur of the Angel Oak Tree, consider stopping in the gift shop and supporting a local marvel while learning about its history.

The gift shop is located right in the parking lot for Angel Oak.

6. Angel Oak Tree Is Located In A Park

The Angel Oak Tree is not just an attraction; it’s located in a park that can be enjoyed for a family picnic, birthday party, artist’s day out, or even a wedding photoshoot. Many come to enjoy the Angel Oak Tree in unique ways.

Angel Oak Park is small but mighty, offering several picnic tables, benches, and trash receptacles for convenience, all located under the shade of trees to stay cool on those hot summer days.

If interested in doing an engagement photoshoot, party, or other gathering, a permit is required and can be obtained by asking on-site staff or by calling the City of Charleston at 843-724-7327.

For accommodations near the park, check out hotels, Airbnbs, and Vrbo homes on Expedia!

7. The Angel Oak Tree Has Convenient Hours

While the Angel Oak Tree isn’t open 24/7, they have convenient hours of operation to make it easy to stop in and see this magnificent tree.

• Monday – Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm
• Sunday: 1 pm to 5 pm

The gift shop closes daily at 4:30 pm, and the last admittance into Angel Oak Park is at 4:50 pm each day.

When thunderstorms occur, the park closes temporarily to ensure safety from lightning. It reopens when conditions are safe for visitors.

Rules and Regulations When Visiting The Angel Oak Tree

The Angel Oak Tree may be mighty, but it is still fragile to damage. When visiting the Angel Oak Tree, it’s important to follow all rules and regulations to continue preserving this outstanding tree for future generations.

• No Tripods
• No Pets
• No Blankets
• No Props
• No Spike Heels
• No Alcohol
• No Food or Drink
• No Sitting, Climbing, Standing, Leaning, Or Pulling On Branches Or Trunk
• No Sitting Purses, Cameras, Or Bags On Branches Or Ground

Visitors are allowed to touch the Angel Oak Tree, but are asked to refrain from doing any damage, such as peeling bark. Carving initials is definitely not allowed!

Angel Oak Tree: Wrap-Up Session

Hopefully by now you’re convinced to visit this majestic tree near Charleston, South Carolina. The Angel Oak Tree is the largest Live Oak east of the Mississippi River and is a spectacle worth visiting if you’re passing through the area.

To recap, this tree stands at 66.5 feet tall, has a trunk circumference of 28 feet, and has a spread of over 17,000 square feet. From tip to tip, the longest branch reaches an astounding 187 feet long!

We couldn’t get enough of this tree, and our only complaint was that we couldn’t bring our dog, Pawdrick, to enjoy it with us. However, knowing how clumsy our tripod is and how mischievous he can be, we can understand why pets aren’t allowed!

For more travel guides and hidden gems like the Angel Oak Tree, check out the Dirtbags with Furbags blog!