Historic Charleston & Middleton Place Tour by Charleston History Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves moderate walking outdoors over paved and garden paths.
Overview
Step into America’s oldest landscaped gardens and Charleston’s historic streets on a four-hour journey with Charleston History Tours. Discover verdant design, heritage crafts, and pivotal landmarks that bring the Lowcountry’s story alive.
Middleton Place and Historic Charleston
4 Hours •
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About This Adventure
About
Convenient pick up downtown Charleston. Middleton Place is America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens and home to a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Tour Henry Middleton's original gardens which were planted with trees and shrubs, trimmed to appear as green walls that partitioned off small galleries, green arbors and bowling greens. Sculpture was placed at the end of long vistas and ornamental canals designed with mathematical precision.
Visit the heritage breed livestock, explore our House Museum, meeting the resident artisans in our Stableyards.
At Eliza’s Freed Man Cottage learn about the experiences of the generations of enslaved who lived and worked at Middleton Place.
Charleston sites include: Rainbow Row, Four Corners of Law, Dock Street Theater, St. Phillip's Church, Washington Square, The Battery, Old Exchange Building and Provost Dungeon.
Duration
4 Hours
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
Expect paved and uneven paths—durable shoes will keep your feet comfortable throughout the four-hour tour.
Bring Sun Protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are important to protect against South Carolina’s strong sun, especially in summer months.
Stay Hydrated
Carry a refillable water bottle to stay refreshed during outdoor segments of the tour, especially in warm weather.
Prepare for Historical Sites
Some stops offer shaded seating and indoor spaces, but much of the experience is outdoors—plan accordingly for comfort.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Wading birds like herons near the garden waterways
- Squirrels and songbirds in the oak-draped park areas of Charleston
History
Middleton Place dates back to the 18th century and preserves one of America’s oldest landscaped gardens, while Charleston’s downtown reflects colonial and Civil War-era architecture.
Conservation
Efforts at Middleton Place focus on preserving native plant species and heritage livestock breeds, while Charleston emphasizes maintaining its historic street fabric and urban greenspaces.
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Adventure Hotspots in Charleston
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Supportive shoes will help you cover uneven terrain comfortably during garden strolls and city walks.
Sunscreen
Essential to protect skin during peak sun exposure on outdoor sections of the tour.
summer specific
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is key during this 4-hour experience, particularly when temperatures rise.
Light Rain Jacket
Useful for springtime showers and unexpected rain during the outdoor portions of the tour.
spring specific