Explore Johns Island

Johns Island (also spelled John's Island) is, surprisingly, the largest island in the state of South Carolina. It is bordered by the Wadmalaw, Seabrook, Kiawah, Edisto, Folly and James islands. The Stono and Kiawah rivers separate Johns Island from these border islands. It is the fourth largest island on the East Coast, trailing only Long Island, NY, Mt. Desert Island in Maine and Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. Johns Island is a remarkable 84 square miles in area, with a population in excess of 14,000 people. That said, roughly one-third of the Island falls within the Charleston city limits.

Named after the Saint John parish in Barbados by its original settlers, the island is home to the world famous Angel Oak, a Southern live oak tree estimated to be 400-500 years old. It is also known for its farms that produce tomatoes and a variety other agricultural products.

Its proximity to downtown Charleston, its natural beauty and the welcoming lifestyle it offers help to explain its recent explosive growth. Should 526 extend to make access to Johns Island easier? Little consensus exists.