There's only one large-scale, working tea plantation in the US, folks, and this is it. A trolley tour takes visitors around the property, offering plenty of information on the history and process of growing tea plants, while a free tour of the production facility gives insight into the magic behind green, oolong and black tea. The gift shop has lots of goodies and souvenirs, including free, bottomless hot and cold tea.
© Joseph Creamer/Shutterstock
Charleston Tea Garden
Lowcountry
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
15.87 MILES
Opened to the public in 2015, this James Island plantation offers an honest and frankly devastating account of the lives of the enslaved and later …
18.86 MILES
The only surviving urban town-house complex, this 1820 abode gives a fascinating glimpse into antebellum life on a 45-minute self-guided audio tour. The…
Guardians of Charleston Harbor
20.32 MILES
The first shots of the Civil War rang out at Fort Sumter, on a pentagon-shaped island in the harbor. A Confederate stronghold, this fort was shelled to…
9.14 MILES
Some folks reckon this Southern live oak tree is 1500 years old (others says it's 400 to 500 years old). Whatever the case, it's one of the oldest living…
18.57 MILES
Formerly called Ryan's Mart, this building once housed an open-air market that auctioned African American men, women and children in the mid-1800s, the…
21.41 MILES
This layered fort encapsulates the history of US coastal defense spanning nearly 200 years and four wars. Aspects of the fort have been restored to help…
18.42 MILES
As the name hints, this 1772 Georgian-style town house is kind of a big deal because George Washington rented it for a week, and visitors can stand in…
18.65 MILES
This 500-acre plantation, which has been owned by the Drayton family since 1676, is a veritable theme park. Enjoy a tram tour, a petting zoo and a guided…
Nearby Lowcountry attractions
3.81 MILES
This idyllic stretch of sun-toasted sand at the southern end of Kiawah Island has been called one of the top 10 beaches in the USA and is the only…
2. Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area
5.93 MILES
An avenue of regal live oaks flanks the entrance to this 4687-acre wildlife preserve, where a mix of pine forests, agricultural fields, coastal islands…
6.9 MILES
Around 50 years of reptile obsession by owners Ted and Heyward Clamp culminate in this serpentarium, which differs from most in that you can see snakes…
9.14 MILES
Some folks reckon this Southern live oak tree is 1500 years old (others says it's 400 to 500 years old). Whatever the case, it's one of the oldest living…
5. ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
11.56 MILES
Formerly occupied by large rice plantations, this area fell out of use after the Civil War and was bought up by sportsmen who turned it into a hunting…
12.76 MILES
At the far west end of Folly Beach, this scenic county park features a serene swimming beach and a pelican rookery. Public changing areas and beach-chair…
15.87 MILES
Opened to the public in 2015, this James Island plantation offers an honest and frankly devastating account of the lives of the enslaved and later …
18 MILES
South Carolina's military-college campus is set in historic buildings and is replete with uniformed cadets and various memorials. There's a small museum…