The Angel Oak Tree stands in Angel Oak Park at 3688 Angel Oak Road on Johns Island, a City of Charleston park. Admission is free. The park opens 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, with last entry at 4:50 p.m. It closes on holidays.
The tree is a Southern live oak, and the city has owned the park around it since 1991. The hours, rules and measurements below come from the city's own pages, checked on October 27, 2026, so you can plan the visit before you go. Because the park is a drive from downtown, we also list CHC homes with off-street parking, so you can book a base that suits the trip.
What are the Angel Oak Park hours?
The park is open seven days a week: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Last entry is 4:50 p.m., and the gift shop closes at 4:30 p.m. every day.
Day | Park hours | Gift shop |
Monday to Friday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Closes 4:30 p.m. |
Saturday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Closes 4:30 p.m. |
Sunday | 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Closes 4:30 p.m. |
Last entry | 4:50 p.m. every day | |
Holidays | Closed | Closed |
The hours are published on the city's Angel Oak Park facility listing. The city says the park closes on holidays but does not list which ones, so call the park at 843.559.3496 before a holiday visit.
SUNDAY MORNINGS ARE OUT
On Sunday the park does not open until 1 p.m. If Sunday is your only free day, plan the morning elsewhere and drive out after lunch.
Is it free to see the Angel Oak Tree?
Yes. The City of Charleston charges no admission. It accepts donations to help preserve the tree, and the gift shop on site sells Lowcountry keepsakes.
The city estimates about 400,000 people visit each year, according to the City of Charleston Angel Oak page.
How big and how old is the Angel Oak?
The City of Charleston gives its height as 65 feet, its trunk circumference as 25.5 feet and its shade as about 17,000 square feet. The city estimates its age at 300 to 400 years.
Measure | City of Charleston figure |
Height | 65 feet |
Trunk circumference | 25.5 feet |
Area of shade | About 17,000 square feet |
Largest limb | 11.5 feet around and 89 feet long |
Estimated age | 300 to 400 years |
WHY THE AGE YOU SEE ONLINE VARIES
Other published sources give older ages, some past 1,000 years. Estimates of the tree's age differ, and none is exact. This guide uses the estimate from the City of Charleston, which owns the park.
The Angel Oak was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on May 21, 2026, according to the South Carolina Historic Properties Record.
What can you not bring near the tree?
The city does not allow blankets, drinks, food, props or tripods on or around the tree. Leashed pets are allowed only in designated areas, which include the picnic area.
Eat in the picnic area, then walk over to the tree with empty hands. The limbs rest low and spread wide, so give them room and keep children close.
PHOTO SHOOTS NEED A PERMIT
Weddings, wedding and engagement photo shoots and other special events need a city permit. Call the City of Charleston Recreation Department at 843.724.7327 for the process, dates and times.
How long is the drive from downtown Charleston?
Plan on around half an hour from the downtown peninsula. When we checked Google Maps at midday on a Tuesday from our office at 6 Tully Alley, the drive was 28 minutes and 11.1 miles. Check live directions before you leave.
The park is on Johns Island, off the peninsula, so plan on a car or a rideshare. Our guide on whether you need a car in Charleston covers the options. If you drive, staying in a home with its own parking saves hunting for a space when you get back. Leave enough time to arrive before the 4:50 p.m. last entry.
When should you visit the Angel Oak?
Any open day works if you arrive before 4:50 p.m. For the most time at the tree, go Monday through Saturday, when the park opens at 9 a.m., and skip holidays, when it is closed.
Where should you stay for an Angel Oak day trip?
Book a downtown home that comes with off-street parking, so the car you drive to Johns Island has its own space overnight. Every CHC listing below includes at least one off-street parking space.
CHC home | Sleeps | Off-street parking | Good for |
118 President, entire home | 16 | 6 spaces | Family reunions and large groups |
179 St. Philip E | 10 | 2 spaces | Groups of up to 10 |
118 President A or B | 8 each | 3 spaces each | Two families, each with its own unit at 118 President |
33 B Cannon | 8 | 1 space | A group with one car |
3 Tully | 6 | 1 space | Smaller groups |
Pool House | 4 | 1 space | Couples or a small family |
Suite One, Suite Two, Cannon 407 | 2 | 1 space | Couples |
A big group with more than one car fits 118 President, the entire home, which lists six off-street spaces, or 179 St. Philip E with two. Couples can choose from our one-bedroom rentals for two, and a couple or small family can book the Pool House. To compare every larger home, see all CHC homes with three or more bedrooms.
CHECK YOUR CAR FITS THE SPACE
Several CHC listings suggest an economy size car, and some spaces have size limits. Suite Two lists a space of 6.5 by 16.5 feet, and Cannon 407 lists 8 by 18 feet. Check the listing before you drive in with a large SUV.
FAQs
Yes. Angel Oak Park is a City of Charleston park, and the city charges no admission. Donations are accepted to help preserve the tree. The park opens 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The City of Charleston, which owns the park, estimates the Angel Oak at 300 to 400 years old. Much older ages circulate online, but the city's estimate is the figure this guide uses. The city gives its height as 65 feet.
Every CHC home listed in this guide includes off-street parking, from one space at the couples suites to six at 118 President, which sleeps 16. That leaves your car parked overnight for the drive to Johns Island. Check open dates on our availability page.
Leashed pets are allowed only in designated areas of the park, which include the picnic area, according to the City of Charleston. Blankets, food, drinks, props and tripods are not allowed on or around the tree itself, so leave those in the car or at the picnic tables.
For ordinary visitor photos, follow the park rules, which bar tripods and props near the tree. Weddings, wedding and engagement photo shoots and other special events need a city permit. If you are unsure about a shoot, call the Recreation Department at 843.724.7327.
How do you book a CHC home for your Angel Oak trip?
Check open dates on the availability page, or call or email the CHC team with your dates and group size. CHC Vacation Rentals owns and manages a growing portfolio of boutique rentals across Charleston, from one-bedroom units to a home that sleeps 16.
Tell us how many cars you are bringing, and we will match you to a home with enough off-street parking. Call 843.329.2040 or email bookings@chcvacationrentals.com.