Middleton Place Admission with Self Guided Tour and Lunch

Charleston , United States

Middleton Place Admission with Self Guided Tour and Lunch

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About this experience

Explore historic Middleton Place on this all-inclusive 5-hour excursion from downtown Charleston, SC. Home to two of America's Founding Fathers and boasting the oldest landscaped gardens in the country, Middleton Place is a must-see for those seeking to be immersed in American history and culture.

This exclusive tour includes round-trip transportation from Charleston aboard a luxury, air-conditioned motorcoach. Enjoy scenic views through the plantation's Gardens; a Narrated 45-min House Museum Tour; and self-guided tours through the Plantation Chapel, Butterfly Lakes, Plantation Stable Yards, Eliza's House, and the Museum Shop & Garden Market. Don't forget the Low Country lunch at Middleton Place Restaurant. Selection includes she crab soup, shrimp & grits, fried chicken, pulled pork, sides or a salad, and dessert. Guarantee your seat on this popular luxury tour to Middleton Place by booking today.

Available options

Middleton Place Day-Trip

What's included

Self-Guided Tour of Eliza's House

Narrated 45-minute House Museum Tour

Three-course Low Country Lunch at Middleton Place Restaurant included

Access to the Plantation Stable Yards featuring Water Buffalo, Gulf Coast Sheep, Guinea hogs, Dominique Chickens and Cashmere Goats

Luxury transportation aboard an air-conditioned bus with included power outlets

Access to the Museum Shop & Garden Market

Self-Guided Tour of the Gardens & Grounds

Professional Driver/Guide

A short, introductory video at the beginning of your tour

Self-Guided Tour of the Plantation Chapel

Middleton Place All-Access Admission & Guided Tour with Lunch from Charleston

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Two of America’s Founding Fathers called Middleton Place home: Henry Middleton, a president of the First Continental Congress, and son Arthur Middleton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Now a National Historic Landmark, it is home to America’s oldest landscaped gardens; a House Museum filled with Middleton possessions; Plantation Stable Yards with heritage breeds; and Eliza’s House, a freedman’s dwelling that serves as the centerpiece of Middleton Place’s interpretation of the lives of the enslaved people who built the property.

Sit back and relax on a luxury, air-conditioned motorcoach as you enjoy a short video provided by the Middleton Place Foundation on your way to the plantation. Upon arrival to Middleton Place, you will have the opportunity to explore all of the historic sites on this 65-acre plantation such as the House Museum, Gardens, Plantation Chapel, Parterre, Plantation Stable Yards, and Eliza's House.

Enjoy a three-course Low Country Lunch at the Middleton Place Restaurant during your visit. Inspired by the recipes and spirit of former resident chef and renowned southern chef Edna Lewis, The Middleton Place Restaurant offers traditional Low Country favorites made from fresh, local, organic ingredients, harvested from the on-site organic farm and gardens. Lunch options include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, collard greens, and dessert.

9:15am Morning Departure Itinerary

9:15am - Tours depart at 9:15am from the Charleston Visitor's Center

10:00am - Arrival to Middleton Place, 30-minute Self-Guided Tour of the Gardens & Grounds

10:30am - Narrated 45-minute House Museum Tour

11:15am - Restroom break, Self-Guided Tours of Plantation Chapel, Parterre, and the Butterfly Lakes

11:30am - Three-Course Low Country Lunch at the Middleton Place Restaurant

12:30pm - Self-Guided Tour of Eliza's House and the Plantation Stable Yards

1:30pm - Return to parking adjacent to Museum Shop & Garden Market

1:45pm - Departure from Middleton Place

2:30pm - Approximate arrival to Charleston Visitor's Center

12:15pm Afternoon Departure Itinerary

12:15pm - Tours depart at 12:15pm from the Charleston Visitor's Center

12:45pm - Arrival to Middleton Place, travelers head directly to Middleton Place Restaurant for Lunch

1:00p - Three-Course Low Country Lunch at the Middleton Place Restaurant

2:30pm - Narrated 45-minute House Museum Tour

3:15pm - Self-Guided Tours of the Gardens, Plantation Chapel, Parterre, and the Butterfly Lakes

3:45pm - Self-Guided Tour of Eliza's House and the Plantation Stable Yards

4:30pm - Return to parking adjacent to Museum Shop & Garden Market

4:45pm - Departure from Middleton Place

5:30pm - Approximate arrival to Charleston Visitor's Center

Access to the Middleton Place Stable Yards featuring Water Buffalo, Gulf Coast Sheep, Guinea hogs, Dominique Chickens and Cashmere Goats

Stop 3 Pass by

Pass by entrance to Magnolia Plantation on way to Middleton Place.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available for purchase at Lunch)

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

112 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.7

229 reviews

5★

186

4★

3★

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please plan to arrive 15-30 minutes prior to your reserved departure time to allow for check-in and boarding.

Guests will receive a guide and itinerary for their selected tour on the date of travel

Guests are encouraged to follow the provided itinerary on their date of travel, however are free to explore the property as they please (NOTE: Lunch and House Museum Tour times are fixed times and cannot be rescheduled)

A moderate amount of walking is required

Not recommended for participants with back problems, heart complaints or other serious medical conditions

Please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required. Shuttles are collapsible-wheelchair accessible, however the driver is unable to assist passengers boarding and disembarking due to insurance regulations. Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels may be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark

The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Meeting point

Departure Point: The Charleston Visitor's Center
375 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29403

Important notes

• Please plan to arrive 15-30 minutes prior to your reserved Departure Time to allow for check-in and boarding.
• Guests will receive a guide and itinerary for their selected tour on the date of travel
• Guests are encouraged to follow the provided itinerary on their date of travel, however are free to explore the property as they please (NOTE: Lunch and House Museum Tour times are FIXED and cannot be rescheduled)
• Guests will be dropped off upon arrival and picked up at the Middleton Place Welcome Center and escorted into the plantation
• Shuttles are collapsible wheelchair accessible, however the driver is unable to assist passengers boarding and disembarking due to insurance regulations
• Please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required or by calling ahead at +1 877-553-1670
• Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Car seats are not permitted on the bus
• Gratuities are not included
• Please contact Tour Operator with any additional questions at +1 877-553-1670

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

About Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina, is a historic coastal city known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant food scene. With its cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions, and picturesque waterfront, Charleston offers a unique blend of history, charm, and Southern hospitality.

Top Attractions

Historic Charleston City Market

One of the nation's oldest public markets, featuring local artisans, food vendors, and unique souvenirs. The market is a great place to experience the local culture and history.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for goods

Fort Sumter National Monument

The site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Visitors can take a ferry to the fort and learn about its historical significance.

Historical Half-day $24 for adults, $15 for children (includes ferry ride and park entrance)

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

A historic plantation with beautiful gardens, nature trails, and a zoo. It's one of the oldest public gardens in America.

Nature Half-day to full day $24 for adults, $12 for children

Must-Try Local Dishes

Shrimp and Grits

A classic Lowcountry dish featuring creamy grits topped with sautéed shrimp and a flavorful sauce

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or gluten-free

She-Crab Soup

A rich, creamy soup made with blue crab meat, crab roe, and a touch of sherry

Appetizer Contains shellfish

Popular Activities

Surfing at Folly Beach Kayaking in the Charleston Harbor Sunbathing and swimming at local beaches Spa treatments and wellness retreats Visiting historic sites and museums Attending local festivals and events Boating and sailing in the Charleston Harbor Fishing and crabbing

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is vibrant with festivals and events.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) - GMT-5 (EST) or GMT-4 (EDT during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Charleston is generally a safe city for travelers, but as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Charleston International Airport • 12 miles (19 km) from city center

By bus

Charleston Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) operates a network of buses. The system is affordable and convenient for getting around the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic District Mount Pleasant

Day trips

Folly Beach

8 miles (13 km) • Half-day to full day

A popular beach destination known for its laid-back atmosphere, surfing, and seafood restaurants. Folly Beach offers a great escape from the city with its wide sandy shores and ocean views.

Middleton Place

12 miles (19 km) • Half-day

A historic plantation with beautiful gardens, a museum, and a restored rice mill. Middleton Place offers a glimpse into the lives of plantation owners and enslaved people.

Festivals

Spoleto Festival USA • Late May to early June Charleston Wine + Food Festival • Mid-February

Pro tips

Visit the Historic District early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the cobblestone streets and architecture in a more relaxed atmosphere
Take a food tour to sample the best of Charleston's culinary scene and learn about the city's rich food history
Explore the local markets, such as the Charleston City Market, for unique souvenirs and to support local artisans
Consider a day trip to nearby attractions, such as Folly Beach or Middleton Place, for a change of pace and to experience the natural beauty of the Lowcountry
Attend a local festival or event, such as Spoleto Festival USA or the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, for a unique and memorable experience