The Oak Tree has my heart.
Her majesty. Her grandiosity. Her history.
Maybe it’s because I’ve grown up here in Charleston and have practically been raised by the oak trees. I mean, they are truly breathtaking – the Spanish moss that hangs from their branches, the shade they provide from the hot Charleston sun, and the twisting and winding of their long limbs.
I don’t think I need to convince you of their pure beauty, but I can help you find some really amazing ones in the Charleston area.
My Favorite Oak Trees Around Charleston
Angel Oak on Johns Island:
If you’ve ever traveled to Charleston on vacation and looked for “things to do” in the area, you’re going to come across the Angel Oak Tree. It’s the most popular oak tree in Charleston, ranging from 400-500 years old and a massive 28 feet in circumference. This tree will literally engulf you when you visit it – its sprawling branches that hit the ground and bounce back up to the sun are stunning. This tree is very well taken care of by the Park and includes a gift shop at the site.
Hampton Park, Downtown:
The Charleston Parks Conservancy and the City of Charleston have done an amazing job at keeping this park absolutely beautiful with flowers and foliage aplenty. But possibly the most stunning part of this Park is the oak trees that surround the pond. These oak trees are located around the walking path and once you come upon one, you simply can’t look away. The kids are drawn to the long branches that are perfect for climbing on, and the park has even added picnic tables under the oak trees for a perfect place to take a break.
White Point Garden, Downtown:
If you want to take a trip downtown, be sure to go to White Point Garden and walk through its beautiful oak trees. This grassy park is home to many, many oak trees that provide the most perfect shade. Be sure to take a look up when you are there and see the amazing wildlife that lives in the trees as well!
Charles Towne Landing, West Ashley:
I can’t say enough amazing things about this park, so if you haven’t been, be sure to put it on your bucket list. Charles Towne Landing has some amazing historical aspects, and a fun animal forest, but something that most people don’t know about is their 700-year-old oak tree. This tree is located near the Legare Waring House on the property and is such a site to see. It’s not as large and sprawling as some of the other oak trees, but you can see the age on it. It’s stunning.
Boone Hall Plantation, Mt Pleasant:
Located in Mt Pleasant, Boone Hall Plantation provides possibly the most beautiful drive through the Avenue of the Oaks where oak trees line the roads and history comes to life. This .75-mile stretch of oak trees was planted in the 1740s and really makes an impression on visitors when they come to the site.
McLeod Plantation, James Island:
Charleston County Parks has done an amazing job at opening the McLeod Plantation property to visitors, and one of the most amazing things on the site is the 600-year-old oak tree that is located near the plantation home. This oak tree is gnarly, literally. It’s probably one of my personal favorite oak trees here in Charleston, just because it has so much character and has for sure seen so much history.
There are so many places to see oak trees in Charleston, and you may even have one in your backyard that you love. Their symbolism of strength and durability is visible when you cross paths with one – you can almost feel their power.
