The Islands surrounding Charleston SC. including James Island, Johns Island, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island and Sullivans Island

If you are planning a trip to Charleston, be sure to visit the various islands that surround the city. My husband and I live in Myrtle Beach, and we usually visit Charleston as a day trip. However, we like to spend the night when we are visiting the surrounding islands.

What can you expect to see at the various islands around Charleston?

Don't miss the Angel Oak, one of the largest living trees, located on John's Island, South Carolina. This oak has a diameter reaching 160 feet, a circumference of nearly 25 feet, and a height of 65 feet. It covers 17,100 square feet of ground. Reportedly the oldest thing -- living or man-made -- east of the Rockies, Angel Oak is approximately 1,500 years old. It stands in a wooded area along Bohicket Road of John's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina, and it's free to view.

John's Island is west of the Charleston peninsula where it serves as a gateway island for its more famous neighbors, Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. Technically an island because it is surrounded by the Intracoastal Waterway, the Stono River, the Kiawah River and Bohicket Creek, John's Island is protected from the ocean by the islands surrounding it. Freshfields Village brings neighborhood shopping to the crossroads of Kiawah, Seabrook, and Johns Island. Newton Farms (owned by Piggly Wiggly) , an upscale grocery store where we enjoyed a delicious lunch.

Sullivan's Island is a barrier island north of Charleston Harbor. It is comprised of approximately 2,000 residents in half as many households. These are primarily full or part time citizens that enjoy the relaxed lifestyle of the Island. There are very few short-term rentals and no hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, or other transient lodging. Sullivan's Island has a long military history of protecting the harbor from invaders and there are many wonderful histories which capture those stories. Remnants of the military are abundant in now privately held military housing; even former fortifications are now single family residences. Many of these historic homes have withstood the test of time and ravaging weather

James Island is the home of many historical events and areas. The is where the Civil War began on April 12, 1861. Nearby you'll find Morris Island and Folly Beach. You'll want to see both the beach and the Morris Lighthouse. It's a little walk from the parking lot to the point where you can view the lighthouse, but it is well worth the effort.

Isle of Palms is just above Sullivans Island and it offers a rich history of significance during the Civil War. It served as a point of departure for the CSS Hunley, the first submarine to sink an enemy vessel. Go for the history or go for the beauty. Isle of Palms offers its six miles of white, sandy beaches and is over by locals as well as visitors.

Kiawah Island is the location of Beachwalker Park, located on the west end of the island. It offers ocean frontage and a river view, and it's the the only public beach access on the island.

Charleston City Marina was named National Marina of the Year (Marina Dock Age Magazine), and offers state-of-the-art amenities and facilities to promise an enjoyable stay. The City Marina's MegaDock extends 1,530 feet and is the longest free standing floating fuel dock in the Southeast. For more pictures and information about this lovely marina, visit the Official Website.

For more Charleston photos, please Visit Charleston

The Islands of Charleston, SC
James Island, Johns Island , the Angel Oak, Sullivans Island, Kiawah,
Isle of Palms, and the Charleston City Marina

Also: Enjoy many photos and a helpful city guide to Charleston, SC

Islands surrounding Charleston
New photo gallery 2013

Islands of Charleston
Photo gallery 2007

Charleston Area Web Cams and Panos

Blessing of the Fleet, Shem Creek Fisheries, Mt. Pleasant, SC 4/29/2012