U.S. News rated Charleston, South Carolina, in the top 10 most historic cities in the nation. However, our city’s history goes beyond the events that happened here. It’s also one of the best-preserved cities, meaning visiting historic sites makes you feel like you’ve been transported back in time. Immerse yourself in our city’s history when you visit these Charleston, SC, plantations. From Johns Island to Mount Pleasant, you can tour some of the most impressive plantation houses in America right here in Charleston!
When you’re ready to start planning your trip, request our free Vacation Guide. This visitor’s guide is filled with local recommendations on things to do in the Charleston area, including more historic sites and tours!
5 of the Best Charleston, SC, Plantations
1. Drayton Hall
Drayton Hall is the most popular plantation in the Charleston area. Located on the Ashley River, this property boasts an impressive main house and beautiful landscape. Drayton Hall is open to the public and offers guided tours Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Drive-time from Isle of Palms: 50 minutes
2. Middleton Place
Middleton Place lies just a few miles up the road from Drayton Hall, making it easy to visit both plantations on the same afternoon. Here, you can explore the house museum, stable yards, and gardens. There’s also a restaurant on-site that specializes in classic, Lowcountry cuisine which is the perfect place to grab lunch after your tour! Middleton Place is open to the public daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Drive time from Isle of Palms: 56 minutes
3. McLeod Plantation Historic Site
McLeod Plantation Historic Site is located on James Island. The former slave plantation aims to be, “… not just a place for memorialization and a place of conscience, but a place where the transformation of conscience can occur.” Here, you can tour the slave cabins, learn more about the plantation’s role in the Civil War, and more. McLeod Plantation Historic Site is open to the public from Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Drive time from Isle of Palms: 46 minutes
4. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens was built in 1850, making it one of the oldest plantations in the United States! It’s best-known for its romantic-style gardens, which are filled with beautiful blooms that visitors can purchase or simply view. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is open to the public daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Drive time from Isle of Palms: 53 minutes
5. Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens
Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens is conveniently located in Mount Pleasant, just a short drive from the Isle of Palms. This former slave plantation is now a working farm that grows fruits, vegetables, and fresh flowers for the local community. Occasionally, there are live music, carnivals, oyster roasts, and other events at the property!
Drive time from Isle of Palms: 30 minutes
Stay on the Isle of Palms
Head back to your rental home on the Isle of Palms after a day of touring these Charleston, SC, plantations. East Islands Rentals offers an exclusive selection of Isle of Palms rental homes for all styles and budgets. Plus, our homes on the island are within driving distance of all the most popular historic sites in the city and on the islands, so it’s easy to check each item off your itinerary!
Browse a full catalog of our Isle of Palms rental homes to start planning your trip!
