The Best Things to do on Johns Island

Picturesque Johns Island is located about 30 minutes from downtown Charleston and has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Lowcountry. Make your way down Bohicket Road to Sailor's Rest and you will be amazed by the majestic live oaks on either side of the road dripping with ghostly and oh-so-Lowcountry Spanish Moss. There are so many activities on the island which definitely make it worth spending a day or two here in addition to your visit to historic downtown Charleston. I’ll reserve downtown for a future post though.

1) The Angel Oak: According to my research there seems to be a debate over the age of the Angel Oak tree. The website for the park where it is located states the tree is "estimated to be in excess of 400-500 years old." However, some have claimed this tree is over 1,500 years old. Visiting the Angel Oak inspires wonder and appreciation of biological history and reminds us of the mightiness and infinite that is time. This site is about 5 minutes down the road from Sailor’s Rest and we feel humbled to live so close.

2) Kayak or boat tours: A Google search will yield a few results. We did the St. Johns Kayaks boat tour and had an amazing ride out to little-known and deserted beaches. They let you off the boat on one of the beaches to wander and beachcomb for about an hour. You will also likely spot dolphins on your journey and learn interesting history about the area. Many guests report the kayak tour is equally as impressive if not a little bit more strenuous.

3) Kiawah Beachwalkers Park: I made it a point to go to the beach almost every day this past summer. This is a gorgeous well-maintained park with amenities such as public restrooms, changing rooms, showers, and a small kiosk where you can buy snacks, toys, sunscreen and water bottles. It's about a 10 minute drive from Sailor's Rest. Make sure to get there early because there can sometimes be a waiting list where they take your number and text you when there is an available parking spot.

4) The Johns Island Dining scene: Charleston is known for its food scene and for good reason, there is a culinary delight awaiting you downtown. However, you don’t need to leave the island to get excellent food. Heges, Tattooed Moose, Braised in the South, Blackbird Market, Stono Market & Tomato Shed Cafe, Wild Olive and Sunrise Bistro are just a few of the excellent places to chose from. Make sure to tell us what kind of food you are in the mood for when you visit and we’ll be glad to make a Johns Island or downtown Charleston recommendation!

5) The Farmer’s Markets: If you’re in the mood to cook for yourself or pick up some unique souvenirs, visit one of the many fresh markets on the island. Rosebank Farms & Storey Farms are great choices and very close by! Storey Farms has great grab-and-go meals which you can heat up in our full kitchen.

If you’re not in the mood to leave Sailor’s Rest, have Coastal Charcuterie deliver a beautiful board to your door or hire a private chef! Lil Leto Catering is amazing. Give them both a call or send an e-mail to check availability.

6) Visit Charleston Tea Garden: Actually, located on nearby Wadmalaw Island, the facility offers “This is the only brand of tea in the world that is made exclusively with 100% tea grown in America,” per their website. Pack a lunch for a picnic, take a tea factory tour and browse their gift shop. This site makes a great day trip.

7) The Goatery: We first met the kind folks at The Goatery when a a trio of sheep spent a few days wandering around our property and we gave them a call. They came over to bring them to live at their farm animal sanctuary. This is a great place for kids and adults alike as you can meet many different farm animals, taste some local cheese, and learn about agriculture and farm life. Pro tip: Call before you visit.

8) Horseback Riding: A quick Google search will reveal many options but Stono Stables is on Johns Island.

9) Charter a boat or fishing tour: Check out nearby Bohicket Marina. We also have a good captain friend who can likely take you out on the Charleston harbor. Contact us for more info.

10) Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area: Not actually on Johns Island, but if you’re visiting Charleston for a week or more it’s definitely worth a day-trip to Edisto to see this amazing landscape. Think the beaches of Charleston are beautiful? Wait till you see this unique landscape where the driftwood (more like drift-trees) strewn beach meets a jungle of vegetation. You cannot swim here due to the driftwood that can be possibly hidden underwater, nor can you beachcomb as it is illegal to take any shells. However, people who collect shells typically follow this rule and simply leave their treasures organized artistically on the driftwood. It inspires some truly spectacular photos and is very unique from Charleston’s beachscapes. You can also visit nearby Edisto Beach if you’re really craving time in the water on your day trip and grab lunch at The Old Post Office.

Johns Island is full of beauty and fun things to do. I love it so much here. Many guests have told us they never really even had to leave Sailor’s Rest due to all the amenities and nearby attractions. Sailor's Rest is a resort destination unto itself as we are self-sustained with fresh chicken eggs, well water, solar panels to heat the pool, and fresh veggies from our garden. Johns Island is a beautiful and restful vacation and definitely worth considering when planning your Charleston-area vacation.

-Sarah

November 22, 2021