The Best Plantation in Charleston 2025
The best plantation in Charleston is hard to name. Charleston is famous for its plantations and there are numerous options all within a small radius of the city centre itself.
When we arrived in Charleston it was one of the first things I rushed to do (after eating of course!) and the plantations here didn’t disappoint. We were there in the middle of summer so the gardens were the perfect place to find some cool and they weren’t busy like Charleston itself.
Each plantation in Charleston SC has something unique to offer, but they all have one thing in common – stunning gardens and a whole lot of history.
If you’re looking for the best plantation in Charleston then we’ve narrowed it down for you. Now it’s just up to you to pick your favourite and book your trip!
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What are the Charleston Plantations?
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Charleston then you’ll almost certainly have seen visiting the best plantation in Charleston listed someone (if not everywhere!) But what are the Charleston plantations?
The plantations were basically grand estates that used slave labor to grow cotton, indigo, rice, and tobacco. The estate was usually huge, with everything from grand houses and beautifully manicured grounds down to the slave quarters and the areas for livestock.
Charleston Plantations were a huge part of Charleston’s history and a big part contributor to its economy before the civil war.
After the abolition of slave labor, many of these plantations collapsed, but the grand estates have been turned into museum-type attractions where you can learn about the past and educate yourself on Charleston’s unsavory practices back in the day.
The Best Plantation in Charleston
Each of Charleston’s plantations has something unique to offer so it’s almost impossible to pick the best plantation in Charleston! What we can do, however, is give you an overview of their individual features so that you can choose what you’re most interested in seeing.
Or you can visit them all if you have time! You won’t be disappointed!
Boone Hall Plantation: Most photographed!
Magnolia Plantation: Best for wildlife
Middleton Place: The most beautiful landscaped gardens
Drayton Hall: Best for architecture
Where to stay to visit the best plantation in Charleston
The Best Plantation in Charleston for Photography: Boone Hall Plantation
Boone Hall Plantation was founded in 1681 by Major John Boone, an English man who sought his fortune in the Charleston plantations. This plantation is one of the oldest working plantations in America, and has been ‘on the go’ for three whole centuries!
The reason this plantation is so famous is because of the avenue of oaks – a row of ancient oaks that have arched towards each other creating an incredible tunnel of entwined branches. It’s an iconic Charleston image, with the Spanish moss-draped over the branches creating a moody and mysterious scene.
At Boone Hall plantation you’ll find eight original slave cabins full of artifacts that help you to understand life for the slave workers at the time. You can visit the Georgian house which has been modelled to look as it would have done in 1936.
You can take a covered wagon tour across the property if you don’t fancy walking it (this is also great fun for kids!) and of course don’t miss walking the beautiful grounds which will impress in any season. Check out the best time to visit Charleston before you book your trip.
USA Today 10Best has recognised Boone Hall as the best plantation in Charleston, so as you can see it has a pretty amazing reputation, and rightfully so!
Hours & Admission Info
It’s always best to check the website before visiting as Boone Hall plantation often puts on special events.
Opening times: Monday – Saturday – 9AM-5PM, Sunday – 12PM-5PM
Prices: Adult admission is $28, and it is $12 for children
Top tip: Buy your ticket in advance through a tour operator to get a discount.
The Best Plantation in Charleston for Wildlife: Magnolia Plantation
Magnolia plantation is the best plantation in Charleston for wildlife – it even has its own mini zoo! Peacocks roam the grounds and you’ll have fun trying to spot the more scaly creatures in the swamps.
There are several different types of nature tours including a boat tour, where the guide will help you spot a wide variety of local wildlife.
Just because Magnolia plantation has an abundance of wildlife, it doesn’t mean it isn’t as beautiful as the other Charleston plantations. In fact, Magnolia was selected as one of “America’s Most Beautiful Gardens” by the Travel + Leisure Magazine.
Magnolia plantation was founded by the Draytons all the way back in 1676. The plantation has a fascinating ‘From slavery to freedom’ tour where the five former slave cabins serve as the focal point for Magnolia’s deep dive into African-American history in the Charleston plantations.
Hours & Admission Info
Open everyday 9:00-5:00
Admission is $29 for adults and $15 for kids aged 6-12.
You’ll pay an extra $10 for the tours, to visit the house and entry to the swamp. The ‘Slavery to freedom’ tour is included in your entrance price.
This is one of the more expensive plantations in Charleston so bear this in mind before planning a trip here! It might be worth booking through a tour company like this, as they often include transport and add on some tours so you get a much better price.
The Best Plantation in Charleston for Landscaped Gardens: Middleton Place
If you’re after beautifully landscaped gardens then Middleton Place is the best plantation in Charleston. 65 acres of America’s oldest landscaped gardens is quite a boast, and their gardens date all the way back to 1741.
The grounds make clever use of land a water to create fairy tale surroundings. They change throughout the year, but each season brings something new and spectacular to marvel at.
As with most Charleston plantations, Middleton Place relied on the work of African American slaves. Much research has been done into the lives of the slaves at Middleton Place plantation and there is a ‘Behind the fields’ tour that’s very informative.
You can also find out about the lives of some of the individual slaves who lived and worked at Middleton Place, which we loved, and they have even published a book about the slavery here from extensive research.
The house at Middleton Place is also really interesting and you can tour inside where there are artifacts delving into the lives of the families that lived there. We thought the Middleton Place house was one of the prettier and certainly has a unique style compared to the other plantations.
Middleton Place plantation even has its own award-winning hotel and restaurant, and you have complimentary access to the estate for the duration of your stay.
Hours & Admission Info
Open every day from 9am to 5pm.
It costs $29 for adult entry and $15 for children. A lot of the tours are included in the price but you’ll have to pay extra for the self-guided house tour.
This tour is a great option, and includes transportation and a lunch of traditional low-country cuisine served at their award-winning restaurant!
The Best Plantation in Charleston for Architecture: Drayton Hall
Drayton Hall is the earliest example of Palladian architecture in the US. It has never been restored, meaning that architects have been able to study the exact materials and designs used from every period of the history of the house.
Bring your own headphones so you can tune into an audio tour through the house and find out all about the house and grounds in depth.
Alongside the fascinating house, Drayton Hall has beautiful grounds including beautiful 18th-century oaks and an alley of azaleas. It also has a small exhibition in the caretaker’s house where you can learn about the African American slaves who lived and worked at Drayton Hall.
Hours & Admission Info
The plantation is open from Wednesday to Monday from 9am till 3:30pm, and closed on Tuesdays.
It costs $26 for an adult and $10 for children aged 8 to 14. Top tip: book in advance and get your ticket for a discount.
Where to Stay to Visit the Best Plantation in Charleston
The Inn at Middleton Place
The Inn at Middleton Palace is the only accommodation available on the site of one of Charlestons’ best plantations. It’s a unique opportunity to stay somewhere so historically rich, and it helps that the hotel is award-winning!
Even if you don’t fancy staying here, it’s worth checking out the photos. The Inn at Middleton Place is one of a kind and has been designed to almost blend straight into its natural surroundings. It’s very unusual.
If you’re here to visit Charleston and not just the plantations then we would recommend you just book a night or two here and spend the rest of your stay based in Charleston itself at one of the options below.
Find out more information and check availability and prices here.
John Rutledge House Inn
The John Rutledge House Inn is the former home of John Rutledge and one of the best places to stay in Charleston.
The building has been designated a National Historic Landmark and maintains its historic charm while still being modern and comfortable. Guests can stay in the main house or carriage house. Every room is slightly different but all feature period details that make them feel grand and romantic.
You can find out more information and check availability and rates here.
The Dewberry
The historic Dewberry Charleston is a mid-20th-century boutique hotel and is the top pick for location. It’s central to everything including some of Charleston’s best restaurants and bars.
It’s one of the grander places to stay in Charleston and is fitted out with all you could want from a hotel, so your stay will be memorable.
Find out more information and check availability and prices here.
These four options are some of the best plantations in Charleston, and a visit to any of them will leave you wanting more. Which isn’t so bad, because you have a lot of other great options!
Let us know which one you’ll be visiting in the comments section below, and join us on social media for more travel inspiration and top tips.
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