Let me be straight with you—Charleston plantation tours aren’t exactly cheap. During my first visit, I was a bit shocked when I added up what we’d spent by the end of the day. Between admission fees, parking, lunch, and a few extra tours, we were looking at well over $200 for two people. That said, I’ve since figured out ways to make these experiences much more budget-friendly without sacrificing the quality of your visit.
The truth is, plantation pricing can be confusing. Some places include everything in one admission fee, others nickel and dime you for every additional tour or experience. Tour companies offer packages that seem convenient but might not be the best value. And then there are seasonal pricing changes, group discounts, and combination tickets that can either save you money or completely blow your budget.
I’ve spent way too much time comparing prices and testing different booking strategies, so hopefully I can save you some headaches. This guide breaks down current 2025 pricing for all the major Charleston plantations, plus the insider tips I’ve learned for getting the best deals. For a complete overview of which plantations are worth your time and money, start there first, then come back here to plan your budget.
Individual Plantation Admission Prices (2025)
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Magnolia’s pricing structure is probably the most complex of all the major plantations, which—honestly—can be frustrating when you’re trying to budget your visit.
Basic Admission:
- Adults: $32 (when purchased online in advance)
- Teens (12-17): $18
- Children (5-11): $14
- Children under 5: Free
Here’s where it gets tricky though—that basic admission covers the gardens, walking trails, wildlife center, and some educational exhibits, but it doesn’t include the house tour ($15 additional) or the popular Nature Train ride (around $10 extra). So if you want the “full experience,” you’re looking at closer to $57 per adult.
Pro tip I learned the hard way: buy tickets online ahead of time. You save a few dollars compared to gate prices, and during peak bloom season (March-April), you might not be able to get tickets at all if you just show up.
Boone Hall Plantation
Boone Hall keeps it simple with one all-inclusive admission price, which I appreciate. No surprises, no extra fees once you’re inside.
All-Access Admission:
- Adults: $30
- Seniors/Military/AAA: $27
- Children (6-12): $12
- Children 5 and under: Free
This includes everything—house tours, wagon tours (weather permitting), the Gullah culture presentations, access to the slave cabins, gardens, and all exhibits. It’s actually one of the better values among Charleston plantations, especially if you plan to spend most of the day there.
Middleton Place
Middleton Place has what I’d call “moderate” pricing, though like Magnolia, some experiences cost extra.
General Admission:
- Adults: Around $29
- Students (with ID): $15
- Children (6-13): $10
- Children under 5: Free
The house museum requires a separate ticket, which runs about $15-20 additional. However, the stableyards with live demonstrations are included in general admission, which is nice. If you stay at the Middleton Inn, you get free admission to the plantation—something to consider if you’re planning a longer Charleston visit.
Drayton Hall
Drayton Hall offers different tour options at different price points, which gives you some flexibility depending on your budget and interests.
Standard Pricing:
- Audio-guided tour: Around $26
- Interpreter-guided tour: Around $32
- Special programs: Varies
Here’s a money-saving tip for locals: through February 2025, Charleston area residents and active military families get $10 admission—that’s a significant discount if you qualify.
Other Notable Plantations
Charleston Tea Garden: Around $20-25 for adults, with trolley tours and factory tours included. One of the more affordable options.
Hampton Plantation State Historic Site: Typically under $10 for adults—it’s state-managed, so pricing is very reasonable.
McLeod Plantation: Around $15-20 for adults, with all tours included in admission.
Tour Company Packages and Transportation Options
Now, let’s talk about tour companies. These can be worth it if you don’t have a car or prefer not to drive, but you’ll pay a premium for the convenience.
Magnolia Plantation Tour Packages
Most tour companies charge around $82-96 per person for Magnolia tours that include transportation from downtown Charleston. This typically includes:
- Round-trip transportation
- Admission to the plantation
- Nature train ride
- House tour
- Professional guide
When you add up individual costs (admission + house tour + nature train + parking + gas), the tour company price isn’t terrible if you’re staying downtown and don’t have a car.
Boone Hall Tour Packages
Boone Hall tours run around $82 per person with transportation included. Since Boone Hall’s individual admission is only $30, you’re paying about $52 for transportation and guiding services—which might or might not be worth it depending on your circumstances.
Middleton Place Tour Packages
Middleton Place tours with lunch included run $120+ per person. The lunch alone at their restaurant typically costs $30-40, so you’re paying roughly $80-90 for admission, transportation, and guiding services.
Multi-Plantation Packages
Some companies offer multi-plantation tours, but honestly, I’ve found these are usually rushed and not great value. You end up spending more money to see less of each place.
Money-Saving Strategies I Actually Use
Buy Online in Advance
This saves you $2-5 per ticket at most plantations, which adds up quickly for families. Plus, you guarantee entry during busy periods.
Visit During Off-Peak Times
Some plantations offer reduced admission during winter months or weekdays. Our seasonal timing guide can help you identify the best times for both weather and pricing.
Look for Combination Deals
Charleston TourPass and similar discount cards can provide savings if you’re visiting multiple attractions. Do the math first though—sometimes individual tickets are still cheaper.
Check for Military and Senior Discounts
Most plantations offer these, but you have to ask. Boone Hall gives $3 off for military and seniors, which isn’t huge but still helps.
Pack Your Own Lunch
Plantation restaurants are lovely but expensive. Most plantations allow you to bring food and have picnic areas. This can save $15-25 per person easily.
Skip the “Extras” at Some Places
At Magnolia, for example, the basic admission gives you access to incredible gardens and trails. The house tour and nature train are nice but not essential, especially if you’re budget-conscious.
Seasonal Pricing Variations
Most Charleston plantations don’t dramatically change their admission prices by season, but there are some patterns worth knowing about.
Spring (March-May): Highest demand, least likely to find discounts, some plantations may charge premium for special bloom tours.
Summer (June-August): Standard pricing, but some plantations offer early bird discounts for tours starting before 10 AM to beat the heat.
Fall (September-November): Standard pricing, some harvest-themed special events may cost extra.
Winter (December-February): Best chance for reduced admission and special local rates. Some plantations offer holiday-themed tours at regular prices.
Group Discounts and Special Rates
If you’re traveling with a larger group (typically 15+ people), most plantations offer reduced rates. You usually need to book in advance and pay together, but savings can be significant—often 10-20% off individual prices.
Educational groups and school trips typically get even better rates, though these need to be arranged well in advance.
AAA and Other Membership Discounts
AAA members get $3 off at Boone Hall, and some other plantations offer similar small discounts for various memberships. It’s worth asking when you purchase tickets.
When to Book in Advance
Here’s when I’d definitely recommend booking ahead:
Always book in advance for:
- Spring visits (March-May), especially weekends
- Any weekend during peak season
- Special events like holiday tours or harvest festivals
- Tour packages with transportation
Usually fine to show up for:
- Weekday visits during summer, fall, or winter
- Most plantations during off-season
The exception is if a plantation is hosting a special event or if weather has been perfect and everyone decides to visit the same day.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Beyond admission prices, here are expenses that can sneak up on you:
Parking: Most plantations offer free parking, but downtown Charleston parking while waiting for tour pickup can cost $10-20.
Food and Drinks: Plantation cafés and restaurants are pricey. A simple lunch for two can easily hit $40-60.
Gift Shop Temptation: These places know how to merchandise. I’ve never left a plantation without buying something.
Photography: Some plantations charge extra for professional photography or wedding shoots, but casual photography is always included.
Best Value Plantation Experiences
If I had to rank the plantations by value for money, here’s my honest assessment:
Best overall value: Boone Hall—one price includes everything, and you can easily spend 4-6 hours there.
Best budget option: Hampton Plantation State Historic Site—under $10 admission for a beautiful house and grounds.
Best splurge: Magnolia with all the add-ons during peak bloom season. Expensive but truly spectacular if gardens are your thing.
Best educational value: McLeod Plantation—reasonable admission price with excellent historical programming included.
Free and Low-Cost Alternatives
If plantation admission prices are stretching your budget, consider these alternatives:
Driving the Ashley River Road: You can see the entrances and some grounds of several plantations for free, plus enjoy beautiful river views.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site: Not technically a plantation, but offers historical context and beautiful grounds for state park admission rates.
Plantation gift shops: Most allow you to browse without admission, and you can often see some of the grounds from parking areas.
Planning Your Budget
For budget planning purposes, here’s what I’d allocate per person for different types of plantation experiences:
Budget day (2 plantations): $60-80 per person including admission, lunch, and gas
Standard day (2-3 plantations with tours): $100-150 per person
Luxury day (tour company, multiple plantations, nice lunch): $200-300 per person
These estimates include transportation, admission, some food, and a modest amount for souvenirs. If you’re planning to spend significant time at places like Magnolia, factor in the full day when budgeting both time and money.
My Final Recommendations
After visiting all these places multiple times and testing different approaches, here’s my honest advice for getting the best value:
If you have a car, skip the tour company packages and drive yourself. The freedom to spend more time at places you enjoy and less time at places that don’t grab you is worth the small hassle of navigation.
Start with one or two plantations rather than trying to see everything. Choose based on your interests—gardens, architecture, history, or a mix.
Buy tickets online when you can, pack your own snacks and water, and don’t feel obligated to do every single tour and activity. Sometimes the most memorable moments happen when you’re just sitting quietly in a beautiful garden, absorbing the atmosphere.
And remember—these are once-in-a-lifetime experiences for many visitors. Yes, they’re expensive, but they’re also irreplaceable. I’ve never met anyone who regretted visiting Charleston’s plantations, even if their wallet felt a little lighter afterward.
