Angel Oak Park — Attraction in Charleston

The City of Charleston has taken a step in the right direction by formalizing the protection of the Angel Oak Tree into a park. However, there are not the usual amenities you might expect of a city park. (Please note that this review is about the park, not the tree itself.) Parking, for example, is sort of a scramble along a dirt road with "handicap" spots just the same, but closer to the entrance gate. Don't expect to find a recognizable parking lot / area. There are numerous signs with the many rules required for visitors to enjoy the tree without damaging it. One sign included a cute rap/ poem (see photos). There was a security guard who "greeted" us in an oddly aggressive manner, then later apologized. The gift shop is definitely a unique experience unlike any other gift shop I have encountered. I would characterize it as having a very rural atmosphere. The gift shop attendant was knowledgeable and friendly, and was able to answer questions we had about the Angel Oak. The Angel Oak itself is an amazing wonder of nature that everyone should see if they have the...

The tree is really cool to see, but a bit of a drive out there from downtown. There really is just the tree to see, not much else there.

The gift shop however is someplace you should definitely skip. It was very unwelcoming, never had a store with so many rules and signs up about the rules. Signs everywhere about no pictures are allowed with threats on legal action if they are taken. Seriously, I could understand a simple sign at the entrance that says no pictures allowed due to artist rights, but they had them all over the place. Then there were not allowed signs all over the place about making things dirty, trying things on, picking things up, no credit cards on items.

Just skip the gift store, not worth going through or feeling like you are not welcome to buy...

An absolute must see if you love trees, if you love and appreciate nature, if you value ancient anything, if you like FREE admission and free parking alongside the road, if you are looking for free things to do in/around/near Charleston, SC. If you want to take dogs stay very far back from the tree but they allow dogs in certain areas. We had 3 dogs. They allowed us to CARRY them (if you can) in our arms for photos but they weren't allowed to walk under or anywhere near the tree. It is estimated at 400 years old or more. They have been growing a baby Angel Oak tree since 2018 that came from an acorn off this ancient tree. The baby tree is sitting next to the Angel Oak Tree with a sign on it. There is a gift shop also. We really loved this tree. It...