Johns Island also spelled John’s Island is a barrier island off the coast of Charleston County. It’s the largest island in South Carolina and is inshore of Seabrook Island and Kiawah, which makes it great for sea breezes, and it’s west of James Island, east of Wadmalaw Island, and separated from the mainland by the Stono River which is part of the Intracoastal Waterway. Parts of the island have been annexed into the city of Charleston.

The island is home to the venerable Angel Oak, a live oak tree said to be between 500 and 1,500 years old. The tree is 65-feet tall, but the shaded area covered by its foliage extends over 17,000 square feet! The City of Charleston has established a small park surrounding the tree and operates a visitor’s center on the property.

Johns Island seems to have a slower pace, but you are still within 15 minutes of downtown Charleston.