The Vacation-Ready Charm Of South Carolina's Largest Island May Be Hiding In Plain Sight

Everything that Charleston touches turns to gold. The Holy City’s popular barrier islands of Kiawah Island, Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms have certainly proven that. And time and time again, vacationers name these colorful coastal towns among their favorites in our annual South’s Best reader poll. Though much larger than its southern neighbors of Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island, Johns Island often seems a bit hidden in plain sight. The fact that one-third of Johns Islands’ 84 square miles is actually part of the Charleston city limits seems to further disguise its identity as a destination of its own. Just a short drive from Charleston’s bustling peninsula, Johns Island offers a quieter retreat that’s still an easy shot from all the action. Its picturesque coastal marshland landscapes, waterfront views along the Stono and Kiawah Rivers, and diverse wildlife offer plenty to swoon over. Here’s the best way to spend time on the state’s biggest island of Johns Island.  

What To Do On Johns Island

See The Legendary Angel Oak Tree

California may have the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park, but Johns Island has the Angel Oak, a Lowcountry gem that’s known for being the largest Southern Live Oak tree east of the Mississippi. Located at the Angel Oak Tree Park, which is open seven days a week and also features a gift shop and picnic tables, this is a must-see if you come to the area. At 65 feet high with a circumference of more than 25 feet, the tree is estimated to be between 300 to 400 years old.

charleston-sc.gov/153/Angel-Oak; 3688 Angel Oak Road, Charleston, SC 29402

Go Hiking At Johns Island County Park

This multipurpose site features 783 acres of protected land that offers something for everyone. There are wooded trails for equestrians, walkers, and runners. There’s a six-target archery range and a 3-D archery course, a dog park for furry friends, and a 9-hole disc golf course. Park admission is just $2 so it’s affordable and rewarding to bring the entire family for a day of fun.

ccprc.com/3191/Johns-Island-County-Park; 2662 Mullet Hall Road, Johns Island, SC 29455

Take A River Cruise

Wildlife is abundant on Johns Island and one of the best ways to see the animals who call the area home is on a safari river cruise with Coastal Expeditions. The outfitter’s 2.5-hour tour takes place on the Kiawah River. Bring your binoculars and look out for deer feeding on the edge of the river or marsh sparrows camouflaged in the high grass. Don’t forget to look down into the water where you may catch a glimpse of dolphins headed to the estuary to hunt. Each tour is led by a naturalist who can answer all your wildlife questions and make sure you don’t miss out on any sightings.

coastalexpeditions.com

Sip Your Way Through Wadmalaw Island

Johns Island is surrounded by other scenic barrier islands within easy driving distance. Less than 10 miles down the road, smaller Wadmalaw Island is a great place to spend an afternoon. One of their biggest draws is Deep Water Vineyard, a 48-acre vineyard, winery, event space, and community gathering spot. Sample the muscadine wines. On especially hot days, the wine slushies are the way to go. Another can’t miss destination is the Charleston Tea Garden, the country’s only commercial tea farm. On a visit, you can take a trolley ride through the 127-acre garden, tour the factory, and snag some tea blends and bags to take home.  

Explore Nearby Kiawah Island

Head to Southern neighbor Kiawah Island for some Atlantic coast fun and a few once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Beachwalker Park offers the only public beach access on the island, so it’s the perfect place to post up for a laidback beach day. Amenities like chair and umbrella rentals, restrooms, on-duty lifeguards, and a snack bar make it an easy choice. Any travel buddies looking to shop will want to head to Freshfields Village, where more than 30 shops sell everything from resort wear to handmade souvenirs. Golfers in the group will find a bucket list experience awaiting at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, where there are five breathtaking courses, one of which (the Ocean Course) is consistently named in the top 3 of Golf Digest’s Best Courses in America list.  

Where To Eat On Johns Island

Savor Exceptional Seafood At The Royal Tern

Seafood is the rightfully the star of all cuisine on Johns Island, and one of the best places to get the freshest catch is at The Royal Tern. Inside its bright, airy, coastal-modern dining room, you can dine on dishes ranging from a seafood tower or Scallop Carpaccio topped with caviar to a classic fried shrimp po’boy served with garlic fries. No matter what you decide to dine on, start your meal with a few orders of house bread. Choose between homemade biscuits, hushpuppies, or yeast rolls served with honey or garlic chive butter.

theroyaltern.com; 3005 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, SC, 29455; 843-718-3434

Have Tacos And Margaritas At Minero

If you’re in search of a delicious but casual meal on Johns Island, join the rest of the masses at Minero Mexican Grill & Cantina. Chef Cheyenne Bond’s housemade corn tortillas stuffed with live fire-charred proteins are worth writing home about. The charcoal chicken with mole coloradito is particularly great alongside an order of fresh guacamole and a frozen blood orange margarita.

minerojohnsisland.com; 3140 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, SC 29455; 843-278-8998

Savor Italian Cooking At Wild Olive

This cozy restaurant has long been a beloved dinner destination for those who live and vacation in the area. So much so that when its sister restaurant The Obstinate Daughter opened on nearby Sullivan’s Island in 2014, it too became an instant hit. Make reservations at Wild Olive and then spend the customary time fretting over which of their incredible handmade pasta dishes to order. The Bavette with shrimp, spicy hot Fresno chile tomato, basil, and lemon is a seemingly choice until you see the “Sunday Gravy” Lasagna made with venison, elk, ribeye, mushroom, tomato, and fontina.

wildolive.com; 2867 Maybank Hwy., Johns Island, SC 29455; 843-737-4177 

Where To Stay On Johns Island

Treat Yourself At The Dunlin

The area’s newest accommodation, The Dunlin, is the latest property in the Auberge Resort’s impressive collection. With 72 luxury guest rooms and suites, each decorated in an understated coastal cottage style, you’ll feel perfectly at home and also perfectly spoiled here. Dine at signature on-site restaurant Linnette’s, which specializes in wood-fire dishes and progressive Southern coastal cuisine. Relax under a striped umbrella by the riverfront pool, or embark on a well-curated experience to kayak the river in moonlight or fish the tidal creeks.

aubergeresorts.com/the-dunlin; 6000 Kiawah River Dr, Johns Island, SC 29455; 855-923-7912

Rent A House On Seabrook Island

If you want a little more space to spread out, head south to Seabrook Island and book one of their many waterfront rental homes. You’ll find bungalows and loft spaces just big enough for two, as well as multibedroom homes capable of sleeping a crowd—or maybe just your extended family.

seabrookisland.com/rentals