Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Boone Hall Plantation – Charleston Travel Guide

Boone Hall Plantation is one of the most iconic and historically rich estates in the American South. Located just outside Charleston in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, this 738-acre plantation is best known for its majestic “Avenue of Oaks”—a breathtaking corridor of moss-draped oak trees planted in 1743. Boone Hall offers visitors a window into both the grandeur and the complex, difficult history of the antebellum South, with preserved slave cabins, guided tours, and lush gardens throughout the grounds.

Why Visit Boone Hall Plantation

• Historic Significance: Founded in 1681, Boone Hall is one of America’s oldest working plantations and has continuously produced crops for over three centuries.
• Avenue of Oaks: The plantation’s mile-long oak-lined driveway is one of the most photographed spots in Charleston and a true Southern icon.
• Gullah Culture Experience: Live presentations by Gullah descendants offer insight into the language, music, and traditions of enslaved West Africans in the Lowcountry.
• Slave Cabins: Eight preserved brick cabins, each with informative exhibits, chronicle African-American history from slavery through civil rights.
• Film & Pop Culture: Boone Hall has served as a filming location for “The Notebook,” “North and South,” and other productions.

Best Time to Visit Boone Hall Plantation

The plantation is open year-round, but spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the most pleasant weather and blooming gardens. Weekdays are less crowded, allowing more time to enjoy the exhibits and tours at a relaxed pace. Special events like the Lowcountry Strawberry Festival (April) and Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch (October) are also popular seasonal highlights.

How to Get to Boone Hall Plantation

• Location: 1235 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
• By Car: Just 20–25 minutes from downtown Charleston. On-site parking is free and plentiful.
• By Tour: Many Charleston-area tour companies offer Boone Hall as a half-day excursion, including transportation and admission.

Boone Hall Plantation Tickets & Hours

• General Admission: Adults: $28; Children (6–12): $12; Children under 5: Free
• Included in Admission: Guided house tour, tractor tour of the plantation grounds, Gullah culture presentation, access to gardens, and historic slave cabins
• Opening Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
• Online Booking: Tickets can be purchased on-site or via the official Boone Hall website

Tips for Visiting Boone Hall Plantation

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: The property is large and best explored on foot—expect gravel paths, lawns, and some stairs.
• Respect the History: Boone Hall doesn’t shy away from slavery’s realities—prepare for emotional, educational exhibits in the slave cabins and Gullah presentations.
• Photography Allowed: Feel free to take pictures in most outdoor areas, including the Avenue of Oaks—perfect for Instagram or souvenirs.
• Plan 2–3 Hours: With so much to explore, budget enough time for the full experience.

Nearby Attractions to Boone Hall Plantation

• Shem Creek: A lively waterfront district with restaurants, kayaks, and dolphin-watching opportunities in Mount Pleasant.
• Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum: Home of the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, located nearby on Charleston Harbor.
• Isle of Palms & Sullivan’s Island: Scenic beach escapes just 15–20 minutes from the plantation.
• Historic Downtown Charleston: Explore cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and the Charleston City Market after your plantation visit.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Boone Hall Plantation

Boone Hall Plantation offers an unforgettable journey through Southern history—balancing the beauty of its grounds with powerful educational exhibits on slavery and resilience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, photographer, or first-time visitor to Charleston, Boone Hall is an essential stop that illuminates the complexities of the past while celebrating the enduring spirit of the people who shaped it.