Johns Island, South Carolina: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Are you looking for a coastal getaway with outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and delicious food? Look no further than Johns Island, a beautiful spot near Charleston, South Carolina. This Lowcountry gem offers a wide range of attractions for all kinds of travelers. From water activities to nature preserves and historical sites, there’s something for everyone.

Get ready to be amazed by the island’s Southern charm, rich Gullah heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty.

• Explore the diverse array of water activities, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing excursions.
• Discover the island’s natural wonders, such as the ancient Angel Oak and various wildlife-rich preserves.
• Immerse yourself in the Lowcountry’s vibrant cultural heritage, from historic sites to local cuisine and festivals.
• Enjoy family-friendly attractions, including scenic photography spots and seasonal events.
• Easily access the nearby city of Charleston, renowned for its rich history, culinary scene, and vibrant arts.

Johns Island is a special place in South Carolina, known for its history, beauty, and culture. It’s the biggest island in the state. Visitors can dive into its history and enjoy its charm.

Native Americans first lived on Johns Island. The first Europeans came in the late 1600s. Today, you can see old buildings and learn about its past.

Johns Island is between the Stono and Kiawah Rivers. It has marshes, forests, and beaches. The Angel Oak Tree, over 400 years old, is a must-see.

The best time to visit Johns Island depends on what you like. Spring and fall are popular for their weather and events. But, the island is beautiful all year.

Visiting Johns Island is unforgettable. It has history, beauty, and culture. It’s a gem in the Lowcountry.

Getting around Johns Island is easy with many transportation choices. The Charleston International Airport is just a 20-minute drive from most spots. Renting a car is great for exploring the island’s beaches and remote areas. Uber and Lyft are also available for a convenient ride.

The CARTA bus system is a green and affordable way to travel. It includes the Tel-A-Ride paratransit program for those with mobility issues. This service takes passengers to the Charleston peninsula, James Island, West Ashley, and Mount Pleasant.

• Tel-A-Ride fare is $4.00 per one-way trip, payable when boarding the vehicle with exact fare or pre-paid ticket.
• Reservations can be made up to 14 days in advance, with passengers advised to schedule at least a day before their desired travel day due to limited space.
• A personal care attendant may accompany a passenger if needed, and children under six years travel free with a parent.
• Passengers are allowed to carry up to four bags or packages on Tel-A-Ride vehicles.
• Routine travelers like individuals commuting to school or work may apply for subscription service for their regular trips.

Johns Island has many transportation options for a smooth trip. Whether you choose a car, ride-share, or public transit, you’ll enjoy exploring the island’s beauty.

Johns Island is a paradise for water lovers. It boasts beautiful waterways and stunning coastlines. You can enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or sailing here.

Take a guided kayak tour through Johns Island’s calm creeks and marshes. Charleston SUP Safaris offers lessons for beginners and experts. Prices are from $60.00 to $80.00 per person.

As you paddle, you’ll see the Lowcountry’s peaceful beauty. Keep an eye out for local wildlife.

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a hit on Johns Island. FB Water Sports rents SUPs for all ages. Prices start at $50.00 for a day and go up to a week.

For a guided tour, join a SUP trip. You’ll see the island’s beautiful coast and marine life.

See Johns Island from the water with a sailing tour. Sandlapper Water Tours offers trips that highlight the island’s history and stunning views. Prices are from $40.00 to $56.00 per person.

Johns Island is perfect for water sports fans. It offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Each activity promises a memorable experience on this beautiful island.

Johns Island is a gem along South Carolina’s Lowcountry coast. It has beautiful beaches and coastal spots to explore. From Folly Beach’s white sand to Seabrook Island’s calm shores, there’s something for everyone.

Folly Beach is just 11.5 miles from Charleston’s center. It’s famous for its beach bars, restaurants, and surfing. Kiawah Island, a bit south, has a 10-mile coastline and the Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

Seabrook Island offers over three miles of sand for quiet beach days. Isle of Palms, 12 miles from Charleston, has six miles of public beach. It’s great for families and beach lovers.

Sullivan’s Island is a 3.3-square-mile island with a rich history. It’s a place to experience the Lowcountry culture. Johns Island and its areas are perfect for sun, beachcombing, and coastal views.

“The Lowcountry’s beaches are truly a hidden gem, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and endless opportunities for coastal exploration.”

Johns Island, South Carolina, is a haven for nature lovers. It’s filled with wildlife and stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore its nature preserves and see amazing wildlife.

Johns Island is great for birdwatchers. The ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge has over 350,000 acres. It’s home to ducks, geese, and herons.

Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area covers 4,000 acres. Here, you can see bald eagles, wood storks, and roseate spoonbills.

Guided tours and walks make exploring Johns Island easy. The Edisto Nature Trail is a 1.5-mile loop. It takes you through maritime forests and freshwater ponds.

The Donnelley Wildlife Management Area has a 11-mile driving tour. It’s perfect for seeing local plants and animals.

Johns Island’s coast is great for seeing marine life. You can spot dolphins, rays, and sea birds. The Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve is perfect for watching seabirds and fiddler crabs.

Shem Creek is famous for dolphin and pelican sightings. It’s a beautiful place to see marine life up close.

Johns Island has marshes, wetlands, historic ruins, and nature trails. It’s a mix of natural beauty and wildlife. Whether you love birds, nature, or just want to explore, Johns Island has something for everyone.

Johns Island, South Carolina, is full of cultural attractions and historical landmarks. It offers a peek into the island’s rich history and vibrant heritage. You can explore centuries-old churches and captivating museums on this enchanting island.

The Angel Oak is a must-see on Johns Island. This live oak tree is over 400 years old. Its massive canopy covers 17,000 square feet, showing the island’s natural beauty and strong ecosystems.

The Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is great for history buffs. You can see the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, a destroyer, and a submarine. It teaches about the region’s role in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

• Take a Gullah Tour to learn about the Gullah people’s culture, traditions, and language.
• Visit the Old Slave Mart Museum to understand the island’s complex history of slavery and its impact.
• See the Rainbow Row, a row of 13 historic homes from the mid-18th century. Marvel at the island’s intricate ironwork gates.

Johns Island also has a lively cultural scene. Local galleries and shops show off the island’s contemporary arts and crafts. They offer a chance to connect with the island’s creative community.

“Charleston has been consistently ranked among the best cities in the United States by Travel + Leisure readers, offering a mix of experiences such as walking tours, historic homes, museums, beaches, yachting, fishing, golf, and shopping.”

Johns Island has something for everyone. Whether you’re into history, culture, or nature, there’s plenty to explore. Dive into the island’s past and present to discover its unique charm.

Johns Island’s food scene is a celebration of the area’s seafood, fresh produce, and Lowcountry heritage. You’ll find seafood restaurants with the day’s freshest catch and farm-to-table experiences that highlight the island’s farms. This coastal community offers a delicious taste of the Lowcountry’s vibrant food scene.

Seafood is a big deal in Johns Island’s dining spots. Places like Mingo Point Oyster Roast & BBQ are great for enjoying fresh oysters. Café Eugenia and Fuze Freshfields also serve up creative seafood dishes.

Johns Island’s farms are celebrated at its farm-to-table restaurants. Java Java and King Street Grille use local ingredients in their menus. They show off the island’s produce in dishes that honor the Lowcountry’s food traditions.

Visiting Johns Island means trying the area’s famous Lowcountry cuisine. Don’t miss out on she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, and Charleston oyster roasts at spots like La Tela Pizzeria and The Harlow. These dishes give you a taste of the island’s rich food heritage.

“Charleston celebrates its local cuisine, boasting a culinary landscape influenced by multiple cultures, including Europe, West Africa, and the West Indies.”

Johns Island, South Carolina, is a great place for families. It has lots of fun activities for kids of all ages. You can see wildlife up close or learn about farming.

Explore the island’s beautiful outdoors with your family. Walk on the beach, kayak, or paddleboard. You can also go on a nature walk to see animals.

The island’s parks and preserves are perfect for picnics and learning. They offer great spots for wildlife watching and educational fun.

Johns Island has many family-friendly farms. These farms offer tours where kids can meet animals and learn about farming. It’s a fun way to learn about the island’s farming history.

When it’s rainy, Johns Island has indoor places for kids. You can visit museums, play mini-golf, or check out shops and galleries. These places are fun for kids and adults alike.

Johns Island is a great spot for a family vacation. You can see nature, learn new things, and make memories. It’s a place where families can have fun together.

Johns Island is a paradise for photography lovers. It boasts stunning sunsets, historic buildings, and varied natural scenes. Join a guided tour to explore the island and take home unforgettable photos.

As the sun sets, Johns Island becomes a haven for photographers. Visit the coast and marshes to see the sky light up with colors. You’ll find perfect shots of water reflections, silhouettes, and the famous Lowcountry sunsets.

Discover the island’s historic homes, churches, and buildings. They offer endless photo opportunities. With their weathered looks, details, gardens, and settings, you can capture the island’s history through your camera.

Johns Island’s natural spots, like wildlife refuges and parks, are full of photo subjects. You can see many bird species, the beauty of marshes, and lush landscapes. It’s a great place for nature photography.