Boone Hall Plantation, one of America’s oldest working plantations, offers visitors a chance to enjoy a complex and captivating piece of history. The guided tour from Charleston provides an in-depth exploration of the plantation’s rich heritage, from the stately main house to the living quarters of the enslaved population. With round-trip transportation and access to the grounds, this half-day experience promises to shed light on the dynamic legacy of Boone Hall, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the region’s past. Intrigued to learn more?
Key Points
- Provides guided tour of Boone Hall Plantation, one of America’s oldest working plantations, including the historic house, meticulously maintained grounds, and Gullah Theater performance.
- Offers round-trip transportation from the Charleston Visitor Center in an air-conditioned bus, with no large items or luggage allowed.
- Includes plantation entry fees and a comprehensive, immersive experience that provides insights into the complex history and legacy of the plantation.
- Tour not handicap accessible as it requires the ability to climb stairs, and no restrooms are available on the bus.
- Photography allowed on the plantation grounds, except inside the main house, and reservations are highly recommended due to the tour’s popularity.
Activity Overview
This activity provides visitors with the opportunity to explore Boone Hall Plantation, one of America’s oldest working plantations, on a guided half-day trip from Charleston that includes entry fees and round-trip transportation.
The tour allows guests to explore the plantation house and grounds, including the garden with its 100-year-old antique roses.
Visitors will also have the chance to attend a Gullah Theater presentation, which shares the stories and songs of the enslaved people who lived on the plantation.
The transportation is provided via an air-conditioned bus that departs from the Charleston Visitor Center downtown, though large items and luggage aren’t permitted on the bus, and the tour isn’t handicap accessible.
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Plantation Tour
Visitors touring Boone Hall Plantation explore the historic plantation house and meticulously maintained grounds, including a garden showcasing 100-year-old antique roses. At the Gullah Theater, guests are treated to stories and songs of the enslaved people who once lived and worked on the plantation. The tour also includes a visit to the living quarters of the enslaved population, providing a deeper understanding of their daily lives and experiences.
| Plantation Tour Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Tour of House | Garden with Antique Roses | Gullah Theater Performance | Visit to Enslaved Quarters | All-Inclusive Experience |
The plantation tour offers a comprehensive and immersive experience, allowing visitors to gain insights into the complex history and legacy of Boone Hall Plantation.
Transportation
The tour includes air-conditioned bus transfers from the Charleston Visitor Center downtown, providing convenient transportation to and from Boone Hall Plantation.
The buses don’t allow large items or luggage.
Plus, the tour isn’t handicap accessible as it requires the ability to climb stairs.
Once you arrive at the plantation, you’ll find that there are no restrooms on the buses, but they’re available at the Visitor Center.
Photography is allowed on the grounds, except inside the plantation house.
Due to the popularity of this tour, it’s recommended to reserve your spot in advance and take advantage of the pay later option.
Inclusions
The tour package includes pickup and drop-off at the Charleston Visitor Center, along with admission to Boone Hall Plantation and a guided experience. Tips are not required as part of the inclusions. The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, but free parking is available at the Charleston Visitor Center. Photography is allowed on the plantation grounds, except inside the main house.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Pickup and drop-off at Charleston Visitor Center | No hotel pickup/drop-off |
| Boone Hall Plantation entry | No tips required |
| Guided experience | No restrooms on the bus |
| Photography allowed (except inside house) | Not handicap accessible |
Logistics
Free parking is available at the Charleston Visitor Center for those attending the Boone Hall Plantation tour.
While the bus providing transportation doesn’t have restrooms, visitors can use the facilities at the Visitor Center before and after the tour.
Photography is permitted throughout the plantation grounds, except inside the main house.
The tour isn’t handicap accessible, as it requires the ability to climb stairs.
Visitors should also refrain from bringing any large items or luggage on the bus.
Due to the popularity of the tour, it’s recommended to reserve your spot in advance, though payment can be made later.
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Booking Information
Reserving a spot for the Boone Hall Plantation tour is highly recommended, as the experience is likely to sell out. Guests can secure their place by booking the tour in advance, though payment can be made at a later time.
The tour departs from the Charleston Visitor Center downtown, where free parking is available. While restrooms aren’t provided on the air-conditioned bus, they can be accessed at the Visitor Center.
Photography is permitted on the plantation grounds, excluding the interior of the plantation house. Guests should note that the tour isn’t handicap accessible, as it requires the ability to climb stairs.
Cancellation Policy
Guests may cancel their Boone Hall Plantation tour reservation up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time for a full refund. Last-minute cancellations within 24 hours of the tour are non-refundable.
Tour operators recommend booking early, as spaces are limited and the experience often sells out.
Cancellation policies are put in place to ensure the sustainability of the tour program and to prevent no-shows from impacting other guests. Refunds are processed promptly, and guests can easily rebook the tour for another day if needed.
Maintaining a fair and transparent cancellation policy allows the tour operator to provide a high-quality experience for all visitors to Boone Hall Plantation.
Additional Details
The tour typically lasts around 2.5 hours, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in the history and culture of Boone Hall Plantation. Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves navigating the grounds and historic buildings. While photography is permitted outside the plantation house, professional cameras and video equipment are not allowed. Visitors looking to capture high-quality images may wish to bring a smartphone or compact camera. During the warmer months, it’s recommended to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect against the sun.
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Footwear | Comfortable walking shoes |
| Camera | Smartphone or compact camera |
| Weather Protection | Sunscreen and hat |
| Accessibility | Not handicap accessible, requires ability to climb stairs |
| Restrooms | Available at the Charleston Visitor Center |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Gift Shop at the Plantation?
Yes, there is a gift shop at Boone Hall Plantation. Visitors can browse a variety of souvenirs and merchandise related to the plantation’s history and culture after their tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
You can’t bring your own food and drinks to Boone Hall Plantation. The tour doesn’t include any food or beverage options, but there’s likely a gift shop or café on-site where you can purchase refreshments.
How Long Does the Tour Typically Last?
The tour at Boone Hall Plantation typically lasts around 2-3 hours. Visitors can expect to see the plantation house, gardens, and Gullah Theater presentation during this guided experience. The length may vary depending on the pace of the tour group.
Is There an Option for a Private Tour?
The Boone Hall Plantation offers private tours, which provide a more personalized experience. Guests can arrange for a private guide to take them through the plantation house and grounds at their own pace. Private tours must be booked in advance.
Can I Take a Stroller or Wheelchair on the Tour?
Unfortunately, the tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. The itinerary requires the ability to climb stairs, and the transportation does not accommodate large items. Visitors with mobility challenges may want to consider an alternative tour option.
Recap
The Boone Hall Plantation tour offers an immersive experience exploring one of America’s oldest working plantations. The guided half-day trip from Charleston includes entry fees, round-trip transportation, and a comprehensive tour of the historic plantation house, garden, and Gullah Theater presentation.
The tour provides insights into the complex history and legacy of Boone Hall, with access to the living quarters of the enslaved population and the opportunity to photograph the grounds, excluding the plantation house interior.
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