Have you ever wanted to travel through time while exploring stunning landscapes? Driving between Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, isn’t just a scenic road trip, it’s a journey into the heart of the Lowcountry, where historic plantations tell stories of wealth, work, and culture. Each estate has a unique tale: from elegant houses and gardens to the lives of enslaved people who worked the land, all framed by centuries-old oaks draped in Spanish moss.
You might wonder, “Are these plantations just museums and gardens?” The answer is yes…and so much more. While you’ll admire breathtaking landscapes, many plantations openly share difficult truths and the cultural legacy that survived despite hardships. Visiting them isn’t just about taking photos, it’s a lesson in history that entertains, educates, and encourages reflection. Each site blends beauty, culture, and learning in ways that leave a lasting impression. Get ready to explore, learn, and enjoy the combination of elegance and storytelling that these plantations continue to offer.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens (Charleston, SC)
Ever dreamt of stepping into a fairy-tale garden? Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, founded in 1676, offers exactly that with romantic gardens filled with azaleas, camellias, and centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The house, rebuilt after a fire, displays furniture and artwork from the Drayton family, while guides share stories of the enslaved people who maintained the estate.
This combination of splendor and historical truth allows visitors to admire nature while learning about the region’s past. Interactive tours include details about gardening techniques and cultural heritage, making history tangible. Magnolia is also one of the most photogenic sites in South Carolina, perfect for history buffs and photographers alike. Visiting here leaves a lasting impression for all ages because it blends education, emotion, and visual delight.
Boone Hall Plantation (Mount Pleasant, SC)
Did you know Boone Hall is often called “America’s most photographed plantation”? Its famous Avenue of Oaks stretches over a mile, creating a truly cinematic entrance. The Georgian-style mansion exudes elegance, but the preserved brick slave cabins are the estate’s most compelling feature, now serving as museums with interactive exhibits on African-American life and culture. Here, visitors can experience Gullah storytelling, songs, and traditions passed down through generations.
Boone Hall is still a working farm, allowing guests to participate in seasonal festivals or purchase fresh produce. Touring this plantation is both educational and immersive, giving a sense of how history and modern life coexist in the Lowcountry. Its combination of beauty, culture, and community makes Boone Hall a must-visit stop.
Middleton Place (Charleston, SC)
Did you know Middleton Place has the oldest landscaped gardens in the United States? Its symmetrical terraces, reflecting pools, and manicured hedges make it feel like a European estate transplanted into the American South. The Middleton family, among the most influential in colonial America, left behind a mansion that showcases furniture, silverware, and portraits highlighting elite life.
What gives the site depth are exhibits on the enslaved workers who maintained the gardens and fields, emphasizing their essential contributions. Middleton Place combines visual beauty with education, letting visitors understand the complex history of the region. Walking through the gardens is a chance for photography, reflection, and learning about lives that shaped the estate. This plantation is both inspiring and enlightening, offering lessons alongside scenery.
Drayton Hall (Charleston, SC)
What would it feel like to enter a nearly 300-year-old house that has never been renovated to follow modern trends? Drayton Hall, built in 1738, offers that rare authenticity with original woodwork, walls, and architectural details that capture colonial America. Guides explain life for both wealthy owners and enslaved people, providing a balanced perspective on plantation life.
Visiting Drayton Hall allows you to experience history without modern reconstruction, preserving the estate’s original character. Archaeological finds and exhibits illuminate the daily lives of enslaved workers, giving depth and humanity to the story. This plantation emphasizes truth over romance, making the visit both educational and moving. Drayton Hall is a place where history feels real and unforgettable.
Hampton Plantation (McClellanville, SC)
Hampton Plantation combines architectural elegance with serene surroundings of tidal marshes and tall trees. The Georgian-style house, now unfurnished but carefully preserved, illustrates the lifestyle of wealthy rice planters. Visitors can stroll the grounds and learn about the challenges of rice cultivation and how enslaved labor shaped the estate’s success.
George Washington even visited Hampton, adding a fascinating historical note. Walking the trails offers peaceful views while guides share stories of both the planter family and the people who worked the land. Hampton Plantation feels quieter and more reflective than larger estates, offering a meditative history experience. The blend of natural beauty and honest storytelling makes it a memorable stop for travelers seeking authenticity.
Wormsloe Historic Site (Savannah, GA)
Wormsloe Historic Site is instantly recognizable for its mile-long live oak avenue, a dramatic entrance framed by Spanish moss. Established in the 18th century by Noble Jones, one of Georgia’s colonial founders, the site features the tabby concrete ruins of the original house, the oldest structure in Savannah. Nature trails, colonial reenactments, and informative exhibits give visitors a mix of history and outdoor adventure.
Walking through the estate, you can learn about the early colony, daily life on the plantation, and the labor of enslaved people who shaped the land. Wormsloe also highlights ecology and conservation alongside cultural history. Its combination of iconic scenery, education, and interactive experiences makes it a favorite for families and history lovers alike.
Hopsewee Plantation (Georgetown, SC)
Did you know that Hopsewee Plantation dates back to 1740 and is one of the most authentic plantations in the South? Nestled along the peaceful North Santee River, this estate was once a thriving center for indigo production and plantation life, and today it offers visitors a window into the past through its preserved architecture and original outbuildings. Walking through the spacious grounds shaded by Spanish moss, it’s easy to imagine daily life for both the owners and the workers who labored here.
Guides share stories about colonial America, plantation systems, and the cultural heritage that shaped the region, making the visit both educational and inspiring. The estate practically takes care of the photography itself, with its majestic trees and serene river backdrop providing a perfect setting. Hopsewee Plantation isn’t just a pretty view—it’s a place where history feels alive and tangible, perfect for anyone wanting to combine nature, architecture, and storytelling. Visiting leaves a sense of calm, but also respect for the people and stories that shaped this part of the South.
Botany Bay Plantation (Edisto Island, SC)
Ever wondered what it’s like to walk where history meets untouched nature? Botany Bay Plantation on Edisto Island gives you that exact feeling, with sprawling oak trees draped in Spanish moss and serene coastal paths that seem frozen in time. Did you know this estate dates back to the colonial era and was once a thriving rice plantation? While strolling the grounds, guides share stories of the families who lived here and the enslaved people whose hard work made it all possible.
It’s not just a history lesson, Botany Bay is where nature and the past collide, creating an unforgettable experience for every visitor. The beaches, majestic oaks, and sun-drenched landscapes make it practically impossible not to snap amazing photos. Visiting here leaves you with a sense of calm, awe, and a deeper appreciation for the rich history of the Lowcountry.
Hermitage Plantation (Savannah, GA)
Ever wondered what it’s like to explore a plantation steeped in history just outside Savannah? Hermitage Plantation offers a fascinating glimpse into Lowcountry life, with well-preserved buildings and grounds that tell stories from the 18th and 19th centuries. Walking along the estate, you’ll see the elegant main house, original outbuildings, and sprawling gardens, all surrounded by towering oaks draped in Spanish moss.
Guides share engaging stories about the families who lived here, as well as the enslaved people whose labor shaped the land, giving visitors a fuller picture of the past. Photography enthusiasts will love the scenic views, from sun-dappled pathways to historic architecture framed by lush greenery. Visiting Hermitage Plantation feels like stepping into a living history book, where every corner has a story to tell. It’s an experience that blends beauty, culture, and education, perfect for travelers who want more than just a scenic stop.
Neiuport Plantation (Savannah, GA)
Have you ever wanted to explore a plantation where history feels alive at every corner? Neiuport Plantation, located just outside Savannah, offers visitors exactly that, with its historic main house, charming outbuildings, and lush gardens. Walking through the estate, you can imagine the daily life of the families who lived here, as well as the enslaved people whose labor shaped the property for generations. Guides share fascinating stories about rice cultivation, architecture, and local traditions, making the visit both educational and engaging.
Photography lovers will appreciate the scenic backdrops, from towering oaks draped in Spanish moss to sunlit courtyards and winding pathways. Neiuport Plantation combines natural beauty, history, and culture, offering a complete Lowcountry experience. It’s a perfect stop for travelers who want more than just pretty scenery—they get a real sense of the stories that shaped the region.
Wormsloe Nature and History Trails (Savannah, GA)
Beyond its iconic oak avenue, Wormsloe offers extensive trails where history meets ecology. Visitors can hike through marshes, forests, and remnants of colonial infrastructure while learning about the Jones family and early settlers. Informational panels explain both historical and environmental topics, including rice cultivation, colonial life, and marshland ecosystems. The site hosts reenactments and educational events for families and school groups. Walking the trails provides a reflective experience, combining scenic beauty with layered storytelling. Wormsloe’s natural setting makes history immersive and memorable. Every path offers opportunities for learning, photography, and quiet contemplation.
Sapelo Island Plantation (Georgia Coast, GA)
Sapelo Island offers a remote plantation experience where history and nature are inseparable. Accessible only by ferry, the island preserves historic homes, Gullah-Geechee cultural sites, and rice fields that illustrate life along Georgia’s coast. Visitors learn about the land, sea, and people who shaped this unique Lowcountry environment. Guided tours explore both the natural ecosystem and the legacy of enslaved Africans and their descendants.
The isolation of the island enhances the feeling of stepping back in time, offering a deeply immersive experience. Trails, marshes, and historic buildings provide education alongside stunning coastal scenery. Sapelo Island Plantation is a fitting conclusion to the Lowcountry tour, blending culture, history, and nature in a truly unforgettable way.