Plantations to Visit Near Pawleys Island

Located just north of Pawleys Island in Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens has been named one of the Top 10 Gardens in the United States and is definitely worth visiting while you’re in town. Brookgreen Gardens is home to vast gardens, a Lowcountry zoo, amazing sculptures, and tours. This is a great place for all ages, and is a wonderful place to learn about the flora and fauna of South Carolina.

Once a functioning plantation, Hobcaw Barony’s aim is to preserve the history of this property for research, education, and historic reasons. Hobcaw Barony is home to the Hobcaw House, which once accommodated visitors such as Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. Hobcaw Barony is also the only place along the Grand Strand with a fully-intact slave village. This plantation offers tours, programs, children’s programs, as well as a discovery center, which is a museum that educates visitors about the history and ecology of the area.

Hopsewee Plantation is just a stone’s throw away from Pawleys Island in Georgetown. This plantation was built around the year 1740, and it was known as one of the South’s largest rice plantations. Hopsewee was also the birthplace of Tomas Lynch, Jr., who signed the Declaration of Independence. This property is a private residence, however, the owners offer tours from 10 a.m until 3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturdays. You can also grab a bite to eat here in the River Oak Cottage Tea Room Tuesday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Just a little over a half an hour away from Pawleys Island is Hampton Plantation. Located in McClellanville, Hampton Plantation was once a working colonial-era rice plantation. Visitors will get a look into the historic system of slavery, as well as hear stories about those who made homes in this region after emancipation. This National Historic Landmark allows guests onto the grounds for free, and also offers tours of the plantation mansion for a small fee.

If you don’t mind driving to Charleston, then Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens is a must-see while visiting Pawleys Island. This historic site is one of America’s oldest working, living plantations. For over 3 centuries, Boone Hall Plantation has been growing crops such as cotton, pecans, strawberries, tomatoes, pumpkins, and more. Guests can visit the farm, or check out the historic plantation that was once owned by Englishman Major John Boone. Tours are available at Boone Hall Plantation, and on these tours staff will educate visitors about the history of the property and about life on a plantation.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is also located in Charleston, but it is worth the drive from Pawleys Island. Along with Brookgreen Gardrens, Magnolia Plantation has also been named as one of America’s Most Beautiful Gardens. This property was founded in 1676, and has survived through the American Revolution and Civil War. Magonlia Plantation & Gardens is the oldest public garden in America, and it offers tours of the gardens, the plantation house, a rice field boat tour, a zoo, and more.