Choosing which plantations to visit in Charleston, SC, can be quite a challenge. With so many unique options, each offering different experiences and perspectives, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. As a native of Charleston, I’ve been lucky enough to explore these historical gems many times and experience their various tour offerings.
In this post, I’ll be highlighting five of the best plantations to visit: Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, Middleton Place, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Drayton Hall, and McLeod Plantation Historic Site. Having walked the grounds, learned the stories, and soaked in the beauty of each, I’m here to help you navigate your choices.
Whether you’re curious about how long each visit will take, who might enjoy it most, or what to expect during your tour, I’ve got you covered. Plus, if you’re considering visiting two plantations, I can recommend which ones pair well together. Read on to learn all about the best plantations Charleston has to offer!
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Short on Time? Here’s a Quick Guide to the Plantations in Charleston:
- Boone Hall Plantation: Famous for its iconic Avenue of Oaks and live Gullah presentations; a working farm with rich history. Great for kids.
- Middleton Place: Known as America’s oldest landscaped gardens and a restored historic home; offers insights into the Middleton family and enslaved lives.
- Magnolia Plantation & Gardens: Renowned for its romantic-style gardens and Audubon Swamp; great for families and garden enthusiasts.
- Drayton Hall: The earliest unrestored example of Palladian architecture; an active archaeological site with a focus on preservation.
- McLeod Plantation: Highlights Gullah-Geechee culture and the history of slavery; offers tours focused on lives of the enslaved and their transition to freedom.
How much time do you need at each plantation? You’ll need at least 3 hours to fully enjoy each Boone Hall, Magnolia Plantation and Middleton Place. Drayton Hall and McLeod Plantation are a bit smaller in scale and can be visited in 1.5-2 hours depending on your pace. These times do not include travel times to reach the plantations.
Continue reading to learn more about each Charleston plantation!
1. Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
Best Known For | The stunning Avenue of Oaks, immersive Gullah experiences, a tractor tour of the farm, its role as a filming location for The Notebook, and being America’s oldest working farm.
>>Get tickets in advance here. This tour includes transportation from downtown Charleston!
A Bit of History
Founded in 1681 by Englishman Major John Boone, Boone Hall Plantation began as a lucrative operation on the banks of Wampacheone Creek.
In 1743, Major Boone’s son planted the iconic live oak trees, arranging them in two evenly spaced rows. These trees now form the breathtaking Avenue of Oaks that greets visitors upon arrival.
The mansion we see onsite today was only constructed in 1936 by Canadian ambassador Thomas Stone during the Second Wave of Reconstruction.
Spanning 738 acres, Boone Hall remains a working farm, historically producing indigo, cotton, and rice. Notably, the plantation also featured a brickyard that supplied bricks for many of Charleston’s historic buildings.
Fun fact: Boone Hall was a filming location in Charleston for The Notebook! It served as the backdrop of Allie’s summer home and the iconic scene where Noah drives into the gate (which was actually an accident, not part of the script!)
Tours and Experiences
Boone Hall offers a variety of tours to enhance your visit:
- Live Gullah Presentation: Experience a unique presentation that highlights the vibrant Gullah culture and its contributions to the Lowcountry.
- House Museum Tour: Explore the mansion’s rich history and architectural significance.
- Tractor Tour: Gain insight into the workings of the farm and its operations.
- Self-Guided Tour of Slave Cabins: Discover the stories and lives of those who lived in the nine original slave cabins.
While I would definitely suggest that you see it all, personally, I would skip the house museum tour if you are short on time. It was only built in 1936 so it’s not that historic. I would instead spend time exploring the original slave cabins, taking the tractor tour around the farm, and you absolutely can not miss the live Gullah presentation as it’s a highlight at Boone Hall.
If you have kids, Boone Hall is a great option for families as children will LOVE the tractor tour.
Throughout the year, they host many community events like the pumpkin patch, wine under the oaks, strawberry picking, and the Lowcountry Oyster Festival!
The Basics
Important details on locations, hours and cost.
- Address: 1235 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
- Distance from Downtown Charleston: 10 miles, ~30 minutes drive
- Ticket Cost: Regular Adult Admission – $28, Children (6-12) – $12, Children under 5 are free
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 9AM-5PM, Sunday 12PM-5PM
- Dining Option: The Butterfly Cafe offers light options like hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches, and more.
✅ This tour to Boone Hall includes transportation from downtown Charleston!
2. Middleton Place
Best Known For | Sprawling English-style gardens, the house museum tour, the “Beyond the Fields” tour, and Eliza’s House.
>>Grab tickets here with transportation and lunch at their restaurant! I’ve done this tour and 10/10 recommend this particular company.
A Bit of History
Middleton Place is home to America’s oldest landscaped gardens and was once owned by a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
The plantation was established in 1741 when Henry Middleton married Mary Williams whose dowry included the property that would become Middleton Place. Their son, Arthur Middleton, was one of four South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence for the United States.
In 1786, famed French botanist André Michaux brought the Camellia Japonica, the first of its kind to be planted in America. One of these original plants still survives and hundreds continue to bloom each winter, drawing visitors to the estate. You will definitely not want to miss it if visiting Charleston in January!
The property faced destruction in 1865 during the Civil War, but the least damaged house was restored and still stands today.
Today, Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark that is my personal favorite plantation in Charleston.
Tours and Experiences
Middleton Place offers a variety of experiences that highlight both the Middleton family’s legacy and the stories of the enslaved Africans and African Americans who lived and worked here.
The guided garden tours are a must-see, showcasing America’s oldest landscaped gardens in all their glory. I personally love to simply stroll around the gardens to admire the beauty of this estate. If you’re a flower enthusiast like me, definitely check their events calendar and visit on select evenings for the Garden Strolls & Wine Tasting!
The House Museum features a remarkable collection of artifacts from the 1740s to the Civil War, making it a top choice for history enthusiasts in Charleston. Middleton Place is best for its house museum tour if that’s what interests you.
There is also a guided tour of the historic livestock breeds at the stables. You will also enjoy seeing the sheep that roam the property.
The Basics
Information on hours, tickets, and location.
- Address: 4300 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414
- Distance from Downtown Charleston: 16 miles, ~35 minutes
- Ticket Cost: Adults, ages 14 and over – $29, Children Ages 6-13 – $10, Children ages 5 and under are free
- Hours: Sunday-Saturday 9AM-5PM
- Dining Option: Middleton Place Restaurant offers a sit down option with southern fare.
🎟 I took this tour of Middleton Place which includes lunch and transportation – 10/10 recommend!
3. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Best Known For: Romantic Style Gardens, Audubon Swamp Garden, Wildlife Center
>>> Get tickets here that includes the house museum, nature tram and lunch!
A Bit of History
Magnolia Plantation has a rich history that dates back to the late 17th century when Stephen Fox acquired a 400-acre plantation along the Ashley River. He passed the land to his son-in-law, Thomas Drayton, establishing the Drayton family name in the area. Over the next two centuries, the family expanded the land to include nearly 1,700 acres, creating what we now know as Magnolia Plantation & Gardens.
Originally a rice plantation, the wealth of the Drayton family came from the Carolina Gold Rice cultivated by enslaved individuals. Today, you can still see four restored enslaved cabins on the property, providing a glimpse into its history.
In the 1840s, Rev. John Grimké Drayton planted the beautiful Romantic gardens to help his new wife, Juliana Ewing, acclimate to Lowcountry life.
After the Civil War, the family faced financial hardships and sold much of the land for phosphate mining. However, they came up with a unique opportunity to generate income by opening the gardens to the public, becoming one of Charleston’s first tourist attractions in 1871.
Tours and Experiences
Magnolia is a must-visit for horticulture lovers! The gardens are breathtaking, featuring a world-renowned camellia collection that begins blooming in early winter. In the spring, the azaleas are always a favorite of mine with various shades of pink. Summer brings daffodils, hydrangeas, roses, and gardenias and in fall, the changing leaves of trees like the Japanese Maple provide a a colorful display. There’s always something in bloom!
With your admission, you can explore miles of walking and biking trails throughout this historic property at your leisure. Here’s a look at some of the tours available (note, these usually have an additional fee):
- House Museum Tour: Explore the main plantation home, which dates back to the 17th century. This tour showcases the architecture and stories of the Drayton family, offering insights into their daily lives.
- Nature Train Tour: This fun ride takes you around Magnolia’s wetlands, forests, marshes, and swamps, providing a unique perspective on the diverse ecosystems that thrive there. You might spot alligators!
- Discovery Tour: Learn about unique horticulture and heritage of the gardens on this guided tour.
- “From Slavery to Freedom” Tour: This important tour focuses on the history of slavery at Magnolia. Visitors can view the four restored former slave cabins on the property, which serve as a focal point for education and discussion about the lives of those who lived and worked there.
You will also have the chance to see the serene Audubon Swamp Garden, the Magnolia Blooms station, and the Wildlife Center, home to many native and rescued animals. You usually get to see peacocks! 🦚
The Basics
Information on hours, tickets, and location.
- Address: 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston, South Carolina 29414
- Distance from Downtown Charleston: 12 miles, ~30 minutes
- Ticket Cost: Adults – $32, Children (ages 5-11)- $14, Children 4 and under are free
- Hours: Sunday-Saturday 9AM-5PM
- Dining Option: The Peacock Cafe offers coffee, salads and sandwiches.
✅ Grab tickets including transportation, the house tour and nature tram!
4. Drayton Hall
Best Known For: Preserved Historic Home Tour, Preservation & Archaeology
>>> Get tickets in advance to Drayton Hall here
A Bit of History
Drayton Hall is America’s earliest unrestored example of Palladian architecture, dating back to around 1738. Unlike many plantations, it was not a working plantation but served as the commercial center of John Drayton’s (who we know from Magnolia Plantation) expansive plantation empire, which totaled 76,000 acres.
Today, Drayton Hall is an active archaeological site, with only 2% of the property excavated—yielding over one million artifacts. The site also has a dedicated preservation department focused on researching its historic architecture, landscapes, archaeology, and decorative arts.
What sets Drayton Hall apart is its preservation philosophy which provides a genuine glimpse into the past.
Tours and Experiences
The highlight of a visit to Drayton Hall is the one-hour guided house tour. This tour takes you through the nation’s earliest example of fully executed Palladian architecture and the oldest preserved plantation house in America that remains open to the public.
If you want to dive deeper, the Grounds & Galleries ticket also grants access to several key areas, including:
- Stephen & Laura Gates Gallery: Exhibitions of decorative arts objects that once belonged to the Drayton family, alongside archaeological artifacts.
- Caretaker’s House: Historic building that offers insights into the lives of those who maintained the property.
- Stephen J. Wood Conservation Laboratory: Learn about the ongoing conservation efforts and techniques used to preserve historical artifacts.
- African American Cemetery: This area honors the lives of those who were enslaved on the plantation.
Drayton Hall is worth a visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, and archaeology.
The Basics
Information on location, hours, and cost.
- Address: 3380 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414
- Distance from Downtown Charleston: 12.3 miles, ~30 minutes
- Ticket Cost: Adults $29 online or $32 on-site, Children (ages 7-15) – $15 online or $18 on-site, Children under 7 are free. Get tickets in advance here!
- Hours: Sunday-Saturday 9AM-5PM
5. McLeod Plantation Historic Site
Best Known For: Gullah-Geechee culture, tours focused on slavery and transition to freedom
A Bit of History
Established in 1851, McLeod Plantation saw significant development between 1854 and 1858 when William McLeod built the Main House. By 1860 it was the largest cotton plantation on James Island.
Built on the wealth generated by sea island cotton, McLeod Plantation relied on the labor of enslaved people, whose contributions are deeply woven into the fabric of Lowcountry history.
A key feature of the site is “Transition Row,” which includes six houses built for the enslaved and was home to generations of African Americans from the late 1700s through the 1980s.
Today, this 37-acre historic site is a crucial Gullah/Geechee heritage site, carefully preserved for its cultural and historical significance. The plantation stands as a living tribute to the men and women who persevered in their pursuit of freedom, equality, and justice.
Tours and Experiences
McLeod Plantation offers guided and self-guided tours that explore the cultivation of sea island cotton, Gullah/Geechee culture, and the impacts of slavery. Here are a few of the tour offerings available at McLeod Plantation in Charleston, SC:
- Guided Tours: These tours delve into the historical context of the plantation, focusing on the experiences of enslaved people and their descendants.
- Main House Tour: The first floor of the Main House is available for exploration. This is a self-guided experience, but there is a history guide present to answer any questions you may have.
- Self-Guided Tour App: For a more personalized experience, download the McLeod Plantation Historic Site: Transition to Freedom app on your iPhone. This app allows you to take a self guided tour throughout the property at your leisure.
Visiting McLeod Plantation offers a profound understanding of the Gullah-Geechee culture and the enduring legacy of the struggle for freedom and equality. If you are interested in learning more in-depth about slavery in America, this plantation is best to visit.
The Basics
Information on location, hours, and cost.
- Address: 325 Country Club Dr, Charleston, SC 29412
- Distance from Downtown Charleston: 5 miles, ~10 minutes
- Ticket Cost: Adults 13+ – $20, Children (ages 3-12) – $6, Children 2 and under are free. Checkout the Charleston tour pass for a great value!
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9AM – 4PM
Visiting Multiple Plantations in Charleston
If you’re considering visiting more than one Charleston plantation, you’ll be pleased to know that Middleton Place, Magnolia Plantation, and Drayton Hall are all located on the same road, just a couple of miles apart. However, I recommend combining no more than two in one day to fully enjoy each experience without feeling rushed.
Drayton Hall pairs beautifully with Middleton Place. You can start your day by touring the preserved home at Drayton Hall, then head over to Middleton to explore its restored home and wander through the beautiful gardens.
If you’re up for a full day of exploration, spend the morning at Magnolia Plantation. You can take the Audubon Swamp Tour and explore the gardens before heading to Middleton for lunch. Afterward, you can enjoy the house tour, stroll through the gardens, and take the “Beyond the Fields” tour for a deeper understanding of the plantation’s history.
As for Boone Hall Plantation, located in Mount Pleasant, it’s best to plan a visit there on its own to appreciate its unique offerings and avoid the hassle of traveling back and forth.
🎟 Grab a Charleston Tour Pass to visit 40+ attraction to easily visit multiple plantations!
FAQ
Below, I’m providing more insights on questions I commonly hear about plantations to visit in Charleston.
Boone Hall Plantation is the most photographed plantation in Charleston, known for its iconic Avenue of Oaks. These magnificent trees have grown over centuries to create a stunning canopy draped in Spanish moss, making it a favorite spot for photographers and visitors alike.
The best Charleston plantation to visit depends on personal preference. Magnolia Plantation is ideal for garden enthusiasts and families with its engaging nature and wildlife tours, while Middleton Place is perfect for those interested in touring a restored historic home and strolling through immaculate gardens along the Ashley River. Boone Hall is great for families, offering popular tractor tours and insights into Gullah-Geechee culture with live presentations. McLeod Plantation is best for visitors seeking an in-depth understanding of slavery and the transition to freedom.
Whether it’s appropriate to visit a plantation is a personal decision. There are many differing opinions on the matter. Some believe it’s unethical, while others see it as an opportunity to understand the impacts and contributions of the thousands of enslaved people who lived and worked on these sites. Ultimately, it’s important to approach such visits with sensitivity and awareness.
The Wrap Up: Charleston Plantations
Charleston’s plantations each offer unique experiences, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your interests.
Magnolia Plantation and Boone Hall are fantastic choices for families, providing engaging activities and beautiful landscapes.
If you’re eager to see expansive gardens, Magnolia and Middleton Place will not disappoint, with their stunning floral displays and meticulously maintained grounds.
For a deeper understanding of Gullah culture, Boone Hall stands out with its live presentations.
If you’re interested in archaeology and preservation, Drayton Hall is ideal, showcasing its significance as an active archaeological site.
Lastly, for a deeper exploration of the history of slavery in America, McLeod Plantation offers valuable insights into the lives of those who lived and worked there.
And, if you simply want the best photo op, Boone Hall is a great choice for its Avenue of Oaks. Middleton is ideal anytime of year and Magnolia is stunning during the azalea blooms in the spring in Charleston.
No matter which plantation you choose to visit, each one provides an exceptional experience full of history and culture that contributes to Charleston’s appeal.
Be sure to explore more of my Charleston guides for tips like what to pack for Charleston in Spring, where to eat, and top things to do!
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