Boone Hall Plantation offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the oldest working plantations in the United States. The comprehensive small-group tour takes visitors on a journey through the plantation’s rich history, from its beautifully manicured gardens to the enslaved community’s slave cabins. With round-trip transportation from Charleston, the experience is both educational and hassle-free. Guests can explore the complex past of the plantation, gaining insights into the lives of both the owners and the enslaved people who once called this place home. But what truly sets this tour apart is the Gullah theater presentation, which promises to leave a lasting impression on all who witness it.
Key Points
-
The Boone Hall Plantation tour includes round-trip transportation from Charleston, all gate fees, a self-guided garden tour, and a guided tour of the historic slave cabins.
-
The tour offers a tram tour (when available), a guided plantation house tour with costumed interpreters, and a Gullah theater presentation to immerse visitors in the plantation’s history.
-
The meeting point for the tour is 375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, providing a convenient starting point to explore the historic property.
-
Visitors can stroll through the plantation’s picturesque gardens, admiring the centuries-old live oak trees and vibrant azalea blooms.
-
The tour provides a comprehensive experience, offering insights into the plantation’s complex history and the resilient Gullah culture that thrived in the region.
Overview of Boone Hall Plantation
Boone Hall Plantation, founded in 1681, is one of the oldest working plantations in the United States and a popular tourist destination near Charleston, South Carolina.
This 4.5-hour small-group tour allows visitors to explore the historic property, which features beautifully manicured gardens and slave cabins that provide insight into the plantation’s past.
Guests can take a self-guided tour of the grounds, hop aboard a tram for a guided ride, and explore the plantation house with a costumed guide.
The tour also includes a Gullah theater presentation, where a costumed performer shares the cultural history of the Gullah people.
With round-trip transportation from Charleston provided, this immersive experience offers a glimpse into the South’s complex history.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Charleston.
Inclusions and Exclusions of Tour
The Boone Hall Plantation tour includes all gate fees, pickup and drop-off from a designated meeting point, air-conditioned buses, and a professional driver.
The tour also includes a self-guided garden tour, historic slave cabins, a tram tour (based on availability), a plantation house tour with a guide in historical dress, and a Gullah theater presentation by a costumed performer.
However, food, drinks, and hotel pickup and drop-off are excluded from the tour.
The tour provides:
- All gate fees
- Pickup and drop-off from a designated meeting point
- Air-conditioned buses
- Professional driver
- Gullah theater presentation
Meeting and Pickup Location
The meeting point for this tour is 375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA.
Guests will be picked up and dropped off at this central location in downtown Charleston. This convenient location makes it easy for visitors to access the tour, which departs from the heart of the city.
The tour provider offers round-trip transportation aboard air-conditioned buses, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience for guests.
Whether you’re visiting Charleston or a local, this meeting point provides a straightforward starting point to embark on the Boone Hall Plantation tour. The tour’s transportation services make it accessible for a wide range of travelers.
Self-Guided Garden Tour
Across the sweeping grounds of Boone Hall Plantation, guests are invited to embark on a self-guided tour of the picturesque gardens. Meticulously maintained and brimming with a diverse array of flora, the gardens offer visitors a chance to stroll at their own pace, taking in the serene beauty and historical significance of this iconic Southern estate.
Some highlights of the self-guided garden tour include:
- Centuries-old live oak trees draped in Spanish moss
- Vibrant azalea blooms in the spring
- Formal gardens with intricate designs and manicured hedges
- Scenic walking paths winding through lush greenery
- Glimpses of the plantation’s slave cabins and other historic structures
Historic Slave Cabins and Tram Tour
Visitors tour the historic slave cabins, which offer a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who lived and worked on the plantation.
The slave cabins, dating back to the 1850s, have been preserved to showcase the harsh realities of plantation life. Guests can explore the modest dwellings and learn about the daily struggles of the enslaved community.
Plus, a tram tour provides a rundown of the expansive property, highlighting key landmarks and points of interest. The tram tour, when available, allows visitors to cover more ground and gain a deeper understanding of Boone Hall’s rich history and stunning natural surroundings, from ancient oak trees to meticulously maintained gardens.
- Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour
- Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston
- Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston
- Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour
- Charleston Marsh Eco Boat Cruise With Stop at Morris Island Lighthouse
- Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour With Roundtrip Ferry
Plantation House Tour With Guide
A guided tour of the Boone Hall Plantation house offers visitors a glimpse into the grand antebellum architecture and furnishings that characterized the lifestyle of the plantation’s former owners.
Costumed interpreters lead the tour, providing historical insights and anecdotes that bring the property’s rich past to life.
Guests can explore the elegant rooms, stairwells, and porticos, gaining a deeper understanding of the plantation’s pivotal role in the region’s economic and social history.
The plantation house tour includes:
- Guided exploration of the property’s stunning Greek Revival architecture
- Insights into the lives and daily activities of the plantation’s owners and enslaved workers
- Showcasing of period-accurate furnishings and décor
- Opportunities to engage with costumed interpreters
- Appreciation for the plantation’s enduring legacy
Gullah Theater Presentation
The Gullah theater presentation immerses guests in the rich cultural traditions of the Gullah people, whose unique language and heritage have been shaped by the history of enslaved Africans in the Lowcountry region.
Costumed performers bring to life the stories, music, and customs that have been passed down through generations, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into this vibrant and resilient community.
The performance showcases the Gullah’s deep connection to their African roots, as well as the resilience and adaptability that have allowed them to preserve their traditions in the face of adversity.
Guests come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Gullah people’s enduring legacy and cultural contributions.
Round-Trip Transportation From Charleston
This tour conveniently provides round-trip transportation from Charleston aboard air-conditioned buses, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the scenic journey to Boone Hall Plantation.
Professional drivers handle the transportation, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride to and from the historic site.
The included pickup and drop-off from a designated meeting point in downtown Charleston eliminates the hassle of driving and parking.
This service is especially beneficial for visitors who are unfamiliar with the area or prefer not to navigate the roads themselves.
Key benefits of the transportation include:
- Convenient pickup and drop-off locations
- Comfortable air-conditioned buses
- Professional, experienced drivers
- Hassle-free travel to and from the plantation
- Scenic journey through the Charleston countryside
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos Inside the Plantation House?
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the Boone Hall Plantation house. However, flash photography may be prohibited to preserve the historical artifacts. Visitors should check with the tour guide for any specific rules regarding photography during the guided house tour.
Is There Wheelchair Accessibility Throughout the Tour?
The tour offers wheelchair accessibility throughout, with designated areas for entry and movement in the plantation house, gardens, and on the tram. Visitors with mobility needs can fully participate in the self-guided and guided components of the experience.
What Is the Refund Policy for the Tour?
The refund policy allows for full refunds if cancelled up to 24 hours in advance. Partial refunds may be available for later cancellations, but are subject to the tour operator’s discretion.
How Long Do Visitors Typically Spend at the Plantation?
Visitors typically spend 3 to 4 hours at Boone Hall Plantation to fully explore the gardens, historic slave cabins, plantation house tour, and Gullah theater presentation. The self-guided nature of the tour allows visitors to set their own pace.
Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?
Pets are generally not allowed on the Boone Hall Plantation tour. The tour is focused on the historic plantation and its grounds, and the presence of pets could disrupt the experience for other visitors. Service animals may be permitted with prior arrangements.
Recap
Boone Hall Plantation offers a comprehensive exploration of its historic grounds, providing visitors with insights into the lives of both plantation owners and the enslaved community.
The 4.5-hour small-group tour includes a guided plantation house tour, a Gullah theater presentation, and round-trip transportation from Charleston, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Guests can explore the complex history of this iconic South Carolina landmark and gain a deeper understanding of its pivotal role in the region’s past.
More Tours in Charleston
- Get Out of Town! Lighthouses, Beaches and Forts Tour! Folly to Sullivans Island
- Private Luxury Afternoon Harbor Tour On Sailing Yacht Fate BYOB
- Private Afternoon Sailing/Dolphin & History Tours on Mystique
- Charleston Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour
- Charleston Gardens & Architecture 2 Hour Small Group Walking Tour
- Charleston Self Guided Walking Tour
More Tour Reviews in Charleston
- Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston Harbor
- Small-Group Tour: Charleston Old Walled City Historical Walking Tour
- Charleston Haunted Horse and Carriage Evening Tour
- Charleston Haunted Jail Night-Time Walking Tour With Admission to Old City Jail
- Drayton Hall Admission Ticket With Interpreter-Guided Tour
- Storied Charleston Walking Tour by Author Liz Duren
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Charleston we have recnetly reviewed
- 5 Best Dinner Tours In Charleston
- 2 Best Shopping Tours In Charleston
- 6 Best Dining Experiences In Charleston
- 2 Best Jet-Ski Experiences In Charleston
- 2 Best Lunch Experiences In Charleston
- 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Charleston
- 12 Best Food Tours In Charleston
- Jet Ski Rentals
- Half Day Party Bus Brewery Tour of Charleston
- Unique Scavenger Hunt in North Charleston by Zombie Scavengers
- Lowcountry History Strolls
- Charleston City Scavenger Hunt by Crazy Dash