georgetown sc plantation tours

494 Hopsewee Rd., Georgetown, SC 29440 | Phone: (843) 546-7891

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Join us TUESDAY, Jan. 16 AS WE REOPEN FOR the 2024 Season!

Photo by Alan Sherlock

Experience Southern History at Hopsewee Plantation

Built circa 1740, some 40 years before the American Revolutionary War, Hopsewee Plantation was one of the South’s major rice plantations and the birthplace of Thomas Lynch, Jr., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Now privately owned, this National Historic Landmark—midway between Myrtle Beach and Charleston in the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry—reopens to the public for the 2024 season Tuesday, Jan. 16 until mid-December. We close for weddings and special events , so please check our calendar when booking for availability.

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Take two popular tours together and save with our new package deal!

Brand new hopsewee house tour and gullah geechee presentation package deal 1 hour 45 minutes; tues–sat at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:15 pm &  2:15 pm.

Historic House Tour Explore the home from room to room, including the two original slave cabins that still stand on the grounds. Learn about the rich history of Hopsewee, its previous families as well as its current owners, the Beatties, and the enslaved who lived and worked on the plantation.

Gullah Geechee Presentation Join us as we expand the narrative about the experience of the enslaved West Africans on this historic plantation to include their contributions to the wealth and influence of colonial South Carolina through their knowledge, ingenuity, and labor that helped build our nation.

Buy tickets online or call (843) 546-7891 . Please contact us for groups of 10 or more.

Hopsewee Historic Landmark House Tour 50 minutes; Tues.–Sat., 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, & 3 pm

Explore the home from room to room, including the two original slave cabins that still stand on the grounds. Learn about the rich history of Hopsewee, its previous families as well as its current owners, the Beatties, and the enslaved who lived and worked on the plantation. During your visit, make sure to enjoy the mossy oaks and river vista. Afterwards, enjoy lunch or tea at our River Oak Cottage , ranked as one of the state's top tea rooms. Buy tickets online or call (843) 546-7891 . Please contact us for groups of 10 or more.

NEW ! Hopsewee Historical Museum Self-guided; Tues.–Sat., 10 am-4 pm

Learn about the enslaved individuals who lived here as we present some of Hopsewee’s missing history through archaeological investigation and research. What we have learned is presented here so that all may have a better understanding of what life was like for those who were forcefully brought here, who were born here, who lived, loved, labored and died here and even, perhaps, sometimes laughed here. Click to learn more or make a reservation .

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Gullah Geechee presentation 30 minutes; Tues.–Sat., 11:15 am, 12:15 pm, 1:15 pm, & 2:15 pm Takes place in our Slave Cabin Dwelling

Join historians Vennie Deas Moore as we expand the narrative about the experience of the enslaved West Africans on this historic plantation to include their contributions to the wealth and influence of colonial South Carolina and how their knowledge, ingenuity, and labor help to build this nation.

Folklorist and cultural preservationist Deas Moore is the 2020 winner of South Carolina’s 2020 Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award recognizing the work of those in the state keeping traditional arts alive. Her presentation focuses on the experience of the West African enslaved rice growers in the plantation’s fields.

Sweetgrass Basketweaving CLASS

3 hours; Thursdays at 1:00 pm

Sweetgrass baskets are a Lowcountry tradition dating back to the 1700s, when they were brought to the United States by West African slaves. Handmade of tightly coiled strands of bundled grass, these strong yet supple baskets played an important role on southern rice plantations and today are treasured for their artistry and cultural significance.

Discover more about sweetgrass baskets and learn this unique craft in a hands-on class with instructor Vera Manigault . An eighth-generation weaver and Gullah descendant, Manigault is from Mount Pleasant, SC, one of the main areas where baskets are still made, and has been featured in national magazines and on television shows. Read more about her in an article about this important art form .

Hopsewee Ghost Tours

50 minutes; Wednesdays at 5:00 pm

Go back in time and experience Haunted Tales at Hopsewee Plantation, presenting stories of author and storyteller Elizabeth Robertson Huntsinger . She’s given hundreds of programs on the history and ghostly legends of Georgetown County as a Historical Interpreter for over 25 years. She has several books to date as author of Ghosts of Georgetown , More Ghosts of Georgetown , and Georgetown Mysteries and Legends , which you can buy in our gift shop or in our online shop .

Arrive a little earlier for Wine by the River Wednesdays ! Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres as you browse the Hopsewee gift shop and get your book purchases signed by the authors.

Art of Indigo Dyeing Workshop 2.5 hours; Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00 am

Experience the magic of creating with all-natural indigo! Learn more about this important part of Lowcountry culture and history, right here at the Hopsewee, built by indigo baron and Winyah Indigo Society’s first president Thomas Lynch, Sr.

Rice was the second major crop at Hopsewee. Indigo was the first cash crop for the plantation, the dye from which was used to color the uniforms of English soldiers. All-natural indigo dyeing basics are covered as you create a bandanna, a tea towel and a tote to take home.

Eat and Drink

English tradition meets southern charm at the  River Oak Cottage Tea Room , with a full menu of Lowcountry favorites, sweet and savory treats and a variety of teas. Reservations recommended.

Plan an Event

With beautiful and bucolic wooded grounds along the peaceful North Santee River, historic Hopsewee provides the picture-perfect backdrop for private parties or your special bridal occasion .

#1 of 51 Things to Do i n Georgetown, SC

According to TripAdvisor Travelers as of November 2023

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Hopsewee Plantation

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Visit These 9 Historic Plantations In South Carolina For An Unforgettable Experience

Robin Jarvis

More by this Author

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, South Carolina has several historic plantations that are open for tours. You may recognize a few of these and others may be newly added to your radar. Each wonderful property has major history behind it, as well as just being beautiful and interesting to visit. Tour all of these historic plantations in South Carolina for unforgettable experiences.

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South Carolinians have done a wonderful job of preserving so much of the plantation history in the Palmetto State. Visit any one, or ALL, of these historic plantations for an experience you’ll never forget.

Have you toured any of these yet? And which is your favorite? We’d love to know in our comments.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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• Plantation River Tours
• Airboat Tours

Private Charters

Cruise along the historic Waccamaw River on the Waccamaw Lady.

Tour where no ordinary boat can take you on the waccamaw cooter airboat, two tours, three rivers- infinite possibilities for sightseeing and fun., experience the thrill of a backwater excursion on an airboat tour, relax on a river tour of historic plantation homes on the waccamaw river., sit back, relax and enjoy the ride., view nature at its finest..

Our cruise boat is a 60’ Pontoon Boat that cruises at 15 knots. Our Plantation River Tour provides you with a safe and comfortable cruise with shaded deck seating and clean restrooms.

• Airboat Rides

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind airboat tour along the Waccamaw, Black and Pee Dee Rivers. The pristine surroundings offer up close encounters with some of nature’s most awe-inspiring creatures.

• Private Charters or Need a Special Time Request?

Contact Us!

Private charters are available by special request. For more information, please contact us!

Contact Us! Private charters are available by special request. For more information, please contact us!

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Welcome Aboard

Gift cards are now available! Gift cards are available in any denomination and are valid for any of our tours.

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Be sure to check out our Gift Card Calculator if you want to purchase a gift card for a specific tour!

What People are Saying

“Best way to spend the afternoon. The airboat tour was fun and informative. Our family plans to come back the next time we’re in Myrtle Beach!”

– Greg S., Baltimore, MD

“Highly recommend an outing on the Waccamaw Lady. We got to see beautiful plantations in a relaxing setting. The historian was very informative and fun!”

– Beth F., Denver, CO

“The airboat tour was a blast! We zipped along the rivers and got to get up close with nature!”

– Mike R., St. Marys, PA

“My family and I booked tickets for the Waccamaw Lady Plantation Tour to get a better respect for the area’s diverse history and this tour did not disappoint! I highly recommend it! Beautiful sights, relaxing setting- we had a wonderful time!”

– Becky R., Pittsburgh, PA

Our scenic views.

Plantation River Tours offers scenic boat tours along historic plantations of South Carolina's beautiful Lowcountry rivers. Departing from Wacca Wache Marina in Murrells Inlet, SC you'll see rice plantations, trunk gates, slave cabins, moss-laden oak trees, alligators, eagles and osprey. You will also see transit yachts on the Intracoastal Waterway. Your narrator will be a local historian and will educate you on the history, mystery and legends of the Rice Plantations. So sit back, relax and enjoy the cruise!

• Local Weather
• Sunset Cruises
• Photo Gallery

Get in touch

843-446-5826

[email protected]

Plantation River Tours Wacca Wache Marina 1950 Wachesaw Road Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Shelling, Lighthouse, Wildlife & History

Lighthouse Shell Island Tour

Plantation River Tour

Sunset Eco Cruise

Private Charters

What are people saying about captain rods.

Tour of Historic Plantations & Homes

By prince george winyah church women, frequently asked questions.

• Where should I begin my tour? This tour is self-guided. If you purchase your tickets in advance during the presale, you can begin your tour at any of the designated tour sites. Otherwise, we recommend beginning at the historic Prince George Parish Hall located at the corner of Highmarket Street and Screven Street. The Parish Hall is the central location for tour operations and opens at 9:00 a.m. on each day of the tour. At this location, you can buy day-of tickets (if available), obtain tour maps/brochures, pick up pre-purchased bagged lunches, and shop at the Art and Food Sale. Then, you can visit the other end of the block to tour the historic Prince George Winyah church building and church yard. The tour brochure will provide a map of the tour sites open each day. When planning your tour, remember that the Afternoon Tea will be held in town each afternoon beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the Winyah Indigo Society Hall.
• How does this tour work? How do we travel to tour sites? This tour is self-guided. We provided a map outlining the location of the sites, and tour guests are responsible for transporting themselves to the sites via non-commercial vehicle (e.g., sedan, SUV, minivan). Tour sites are located throughout Georgetown County, and some sites are accessed by dirt roads with low-hanging limbs or other hazards. Due to the risk of damage to roads and trees, commercial vehicles (such as buses or vans with capacity for more than 8 passengers) are expressly prohibited. Guests must use low-profile, non-commercial vehicles such as sedans or SUVs. Minivans are permitted only if the vehicle capacity does not exceed eight (8) passengers; any vehicle with seating capacity for more than eight (8) passengers is expressly prohibited.
• Which properties will be on tour? We rely on the generosity of private property owners to volunteer their homes, properties, and gardens for the tour. Therefore, the list of tour sites changes from year to year. The list of sites is generally posted after January 1st each year. Follow us on Facebook to get notified when the list of tour sites is published each year. We strongly suggest you review the tour site list prior to purchasing tickets.
• Can we bring our pets? No, pets are not allowed on tour.
• Do you allow buses or other similar large vehicles? No. Due to the risk of damage to roads and trees, commercial vehicles (such as buses or vans with capacity for more than 8 passengers) are expressly prohibited. Guests must use low-profile, non-commercial vehicles such as sedans or SUVs. Minivans are permitted only if the vehicle capacity does not exceed eight (8) passengers; any vehicle with seating capacity for more than eight (8) passengers is expressly prohibited.
• When is the next tour? The 2025 tour is scheduled for March 28-29, 2025, in Georgetown County, South Carolina.
• What should I wear on tour? We recommend attire that is comfortable for walking outdoors and standing for long periods. Spring in the Lowcountry can be unpredictable, so check weather reports to ensure your attire is appropriate for the weather conditions. Do not wear shoes with heels, as the heels can damage floors and rugs.
• What are the lunch options on tour? We recommend planning your itinerary ahead to account for lunch. Georgetown is home to many wonderful restaurants, but if you travel to sites located in the outward part of the county, you may wish to purchase bagged lunches with your tickets. Bagged lunches are $7.00 each and must be purchased in advance during the ticket presale. Each bagged lunch includes a sandwich, chips, apple, dessert, and a prayer. The sandwiches are turkey salad on Friday and pimiento cheese on Saturday. The Friday dessert is a brownie, and the Saturday dessert is a slice of pound cake.
• Can I buy tickets the day of the tour? Tickets are generally available for purchase the day of the tour. However, ticket quantities may be limited depending upon demand. We strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance during the ticket pre-sale window.
• How much are tickets? Single-day tickets (either Friday or Saturday) are $60 per person. Two-day tickets are $110 per person. The prices reflected above are for the 2025 tour. Ticket prices are subject to adjustment each year.
• Do you accept credit cards, Venmo, Paypal, or other electronic payments? No. At this time, we do not accept electronic orders or payments. Pre-sale orders must be submitted via U.S. mail and paid via personal check. We are unable to accept online orders or electronic payments.
• When is the ticket pre-sale? For the 2024 tour, ticket pre-sale orders will be accepted February 12-March 15, 2024. Orders received prior to February 12th or orders postmarked after March 15th will be returned unprocessed.
• How do I purchase tickets? To maximize your time on tour, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance during the ticket presale. For 2025, the ticket pre-sale window is February 12-March 15, 2025. Presale orders must be submitted via U.S. Mail to our P.O. box and paid via personal check. We do not accept electronic orders or electronic payments during the presale at this time. Tickets are also generally available for purchase during the tour. However, day-of ticket quantities may be limited depending on demand.
• Do you allow photography on tour? Photography is permitted on the outside grounds only. No photography is allowed inside the buildings. While we appreciate your appreciation of the tour sites, we respectfully request that tour participants refrain from asking permission to photograph the interior of any tour property.
• What happens in the event of inclement weather? The tours proceed rain or shine. No refunds will be issued for inclement weather. We encourage guests to check weather forecasts and dress accordingly. While the tours will proceed, individual tour sites may close if inclement weather deteriorates road conditions.
• Is the tour handicap accessible? Tour sites are private properties that homeowners graciously open up for our tour each year. Many of them are located in natural settings with dirt roads and uneven paths and feature historic elements (such as stairways and passageways) that are not constructed according to modern standards.
• Can I get a refund? We do not issue refunds once an order is processed. If you are unable to attend, your ticket purchase will be considered a donation for outreach missions at home and abroad.
• Are restrooms available on tour? Restrooms are available at the Prince George Parish Hall and at rest stops as marked on the tour brochure/map.