Last Updated on June 5, 2025 by PorchLightReading
Drayton Hall Plantation Charleston, South Carolina. Family travel guide to visiting this historic home plus other helpful information.
Moving to a new location has you excited to explore the surrounding area. At least that’s how it is for us. We’ve official been here over a year and have explored as a family of four every weekend and day off we can find together.
Beaches, downtown Charleston, boardwalks, forts, and plantations along the Ashely River. Including Drayton Hall Plantation with its live oak trees, Spanish moss, grand staircases, and balconies overlooking the lowcountry.
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- Table of contents: Drayton Hall Plantations Charleston South Carolina
- A brief history
- What to expect while visiting
- Location and hours
- Helpful tips
I knew before our visit that this plantation would be a bit different from the others in the area. Instead of manicured gardens and pristine walkways, it would be a bit more raw and untouched. A plantation stuck in time, with a tour of the house that has been preserved rather than restored.
Drayton Hall Plantation Charleston South Carolina
If you’re planning a trip to Charleston, and love a bit of history, than Drayton Hall Plantation is a must see attraction. Built in 1738, this plantation gives you an authentic glimpse into 18th century life.
No, electricity, no bathroom. During the tour you’ll find out a bit more about that, among other things, but one of the more interesting aspect was hearing that this home was still in use in the 1960’s. That information alone had me pausing to look around. While the world outside these walls was changing with the times, this estate was quickly getting left behind.
Today it’s one of the things that makes it more charming and real. A look into life before everything became so fast paced with a hurry, hurry, hurry, attitude.
A Brief History
Drayton Hall and Magnolia Plantation have a bit more in common than you might realize. John Drayton was the great grandson of Thomas Drayton, the Magnolia Plantation’s founder. He was born right on Magnolia Plantation, but being the third son of the family, it was unlikely that he would inherit Magnolia. So in 1738 be bought the neighboring property and set out to build Drayton Hall.
What To Expect While Visiting Drayton Hall
Drayton Hall and Magnolia Plantation are very much different experiences. While Magnolia has manicured lawns and gardens, Drayton Hall is more untouched and original. You’ll find the home and property to be preserved, giving you a true feel into the past.
While first walking onto the property you’ll head towards the gift shop where you can purchase tickets for touring the grounds. Be sure to make your way across the hall into the museum where there is an informational video that plays every few minutes.
Authentic Historic Experience- Drayton Hall is not furnished like other plantations, but that’s part of the charm. Inside the home you’ll find original woodwork, paint, and architectural details.
Scenic views of the Ashley River- Walking the property you’ll find scenic views of the Ashley River and grand live oak trees covered in Spanish moss.
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Engaging guided tours- The tour guides are incredibly friendly and informative as they paint a picture of life in this home throughout the years. You’ll stop in what you might call the basement but was really the kitchen, then make your way up to the front porch that overlooks the property and pond. Once inside they give you a more detailed history of who once lived here and how this property has survived, and been preserved, all these years.
Towards the end you’ll come to a room with markings around the doorframe showing the year, height, and ages of the Drayton family members as they were growing up. You’ll be surprised just how recent some of these markings are!
Location and Hours
Drayton Hall Plantation is located at 3380 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414.
They are open Wednesday through Monday from 9am-5pm, with the last tour, and gate closing, at 3:30pm. You can purchase tickets either online or in person, with a bit of a discount for purchasing online. Children 7 and under are free! Be sure to check the Drayton Hall website or Facebook page for events and special offers.
Helpful Tips For Visiting
- Arrive early for the best experience- Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in and explore the grounds before your scheduled tour.
- Wear comfortable shoes- Since you’ll be walking on uneven paths, grass, and stairs, it’s best to wear comfortable shoes to explore all the grounds have to offer.
- Bring water and snacks- Be sure to bring water as the summer heat and humidity can be very unforgiving. Just remember that food and drinks are prohibited in the exhibits and main house.
- Things to do nearby-
- Magnolia Plantation and Gardens- Explore gardens, swamp tour, wildlife center, and train.
- Middleton Place- Enjoy the gardens or grab a bite to eat at their restaurant.
- Angel Oak Tree- Just 30 minutes down the road you can visit Angel Oak Tree. Free admission! Short activity.
Drayton Hall is a little different than other plantations in the area, but it still offers a lot of history and charm. Personally, we enjoyed visiting and touring the main house and museum. It’s a bit slower paced but since our children are older, they were able to follow along and ask questions during the tour.
You can see just how much Drayton Hall is loved by everyone who works there. They are friendly, informative, and excited to teach you all about this grand home and how it’s survived throughout history. We’ll see you on our next family adventure!
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