The Angel Oak tree is one of the most visited and recognizable sites in the Charleston area. It’s believed be between 400-500 years old and has survived a number of hurricanes and natural disasters (and of course, human interference).

According to the City of Charleston’s website:

Live oaks are not particularly tall trees, but have wide-spreading canopies. Only in the very old specimens do you find massive limbs resting on the ground, as you do the limbs of the Angel Oak.

We visited on a cool but sunny Sunday in February and it wasn’t too crowded. There is no admission fee and dogs are allowed within the picnic area, which made it a super easy stop for us on our way up to Charleston from Beaufort.

I’ve seen a lot of trees in my day and this was definitely one of the most impressive!