Drayton Hall

Drayton Hall

Museum • Charleston, South Carolina United States

Drayton Hall is a captivating historical landmark and museum in Charleston, South Carolina, rich in American history and architectural splendor. This meticulously preserved estate offers visitors a glimpse into the past, transporting them back to the 18th century. As one of the oldest and most authentic plantations in the United States, Drayton Hall stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Southern heritage.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the stately façade of the Georgian-Palladian mansion, a marvel of colonial architecture surrounded by moss-draped oak trees and manicured gardens. Inside, the well-preserved interior showcases exquisite period furnishings and decorative arts, providing a window into the lives of the Drayton family and the slaves who once toiled on the plantation.

Beyond the main house, visitors can explore the expansive grounds, which feature outbuildings, a riverside bluff, and scenic walking paths. Educational exhibits and guided tours offer a deeper understanding of the site's historical significance and the complexities of plantation life in the antebellum South. Drayton Hall is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, architecture buffs, and anyone seeking to gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural legacy of the American South.

77°F

High: 78°F / Low: 74°F
$

Currency

United States dollar

Stay connected with Airalo

United States eSIM
$175 Tour Provided by Viator
5.00

2 of Charleston's finest plantations in one tour

Visiting both Middleton Place Plantation and Drayton Hall on the same tour offers travelers a richer and more complete perspective of Charleston’s history and heritage. Though located close to one another along the Ashley River, each site tells a very different story. Middleton Place is renowned for its breathtaking landscaped gardens, living history demonstrations, and preserved grounds that highlight the lifestyle and agricultural achievements of one of colonial America’s most influential families. In contrast, Drayton Hall is celebrated for its architectural purity as the finest example of Palladian design in the United States, preserved in its original 18th-century state without modern alterations. Together, these plantations allow visitors to experience both artistic beauty and architectural grandeur, while also engaging with the deeper historical narratives of the Low country, including the lives of the enslaved who made these estates possible.

View on Viator
$145 Tour Provided by Viator
4.91 (57 reviews)

Get Out of Town! Visit 12 Lowcountry Stops with the Complete Charleston Tour!

No other tour captures the Complete Charleston experience like this one. Snap! takes you where no others go on this 6 hour adventure! Spend the day with me on this small group (limited to 8 people), full day adventure and learn what makes the Charleston Lowcountry so historical, controversial and beautiful, all in the comfort of my 2021 Mercedes Sprinter. I am a city certified tour guide that takes you outside the limits. Stroll down Charlotte Street. Hike to Snap! a picture of the Morris Island Lighthouse. Shag down Folly Beach Pier. Behold the Angel Oak Tree. Contemplate Drayton Hall. Magnolia Plantation and Old St Andrew's Church. Salute Citadel College. Learn of Sullivan's Island notorious past. March around Fort Moultrie. Visit Charleston Lighthouse. See the USS Yorktown. Cruise across Charleston harbor on the Water Taxi. This is an active tour (8000 total steps!) with several walks during the day. We will stop for a quick lunch to-go or bring your own.

View on Viator
$35 Tour Provided by Viator
4.61 (146 reviews)

Drayton Hall Admission Ticket with Interpreter-Guided Tour

Discover historic Drayton Hall, the oldest preserved Plantation house in America still open to the public. Founded in 1738, Drayton Hall is the nation’s earliest example of fully executed Palladian architecture. Enjoy a 1-hour interpreter-guided tour of this historic estate and complete your visit with a self-guided tour of the grounds as well as access to two galleries, a conservation lab and an 18th century African-American cemetery. Explore Drayton Hall on this family-friendly excursion from downtown Charleston; guarantee admission to this popular site by booking ahead. Ticket includes admission to all Drayton Hall attractions. Plenty of free parking makes for an easy drive.

View on Viator
$17 Tour Provided by Viator
4.20

Savannah to Charleston Scenic Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Savannah and Charleston are two of the most historic destinations in the American south, and the road connecting the two cities holds just as much history. This self-guided driving tour dives into the history and scenery of that route. Visit the haunting Old Sheldon Church Ruins, snap photos of the Angel Oak Tree, go birdwatching in the ACE Basin Wildlife Preserve, uncover stories of the Underground Railroad, see historic Drayton Hall, and so much more. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, entering your unique password, and accessing your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

View on Viator
$17 Tour Provided by Viator
2.50

Self-Guided Savannah to Charleston Driving Audio Tour

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided driving audio tour of Savannah and Charleston and explore scenic marshlands, historic estates, and coastal beauty. Visit iconic sites like ACE Basin, Angel Oak Tree, Charles Towne Landing, Drayton Hall, Old Sheldon Church Ruins, and Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, enjoy stories of the region’s rich history, culture, and wildlife, all while driving at your own pace. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use No time limits or expiry, and free updates Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.

View on Viator