What locals are saying
Middleton Place is consistently praised by locals and regulars as one of Charleston's crown jewels — a National Historic Landmark featuring America's oldest landscaped gardens, with stunning azaleas, live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and a historic Mill Pond that draws repeat visits. The house museum tour earns strong marks for knowledgeable guides, though some visitors flag the steep admission price. The on-site restaurant is a point of division: its Lowcountry menu has devoted fans, but recent reviews flag slow service and a noticeable dip in food quality compared to its Edna Lewis-inspired heyday.
On socials
Social posts and influencer write-ups frame Middleton Place primarily as a bucket-list scenic experience — creators describe the gardens as 'stepping into The Notebook' — with food content zeroing in on the she-crab soup, the Lowcountry Sampler (BBQ, hoppin' john, okra & tomatoes, buttermilk biscuit), and desserts like pecan pie and Huguenot torte. Food bloggers flag the admission-plus-meal price as worth noting but still call it an 'unforgettable' farm-to-table oasis; a recurring tip is to bring your own food and picnic on the main green with sheep roaming nearby.
Who it’s for & what you get
- Kid-friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free parking
Frequently asked
Is Middleton Place one of the best activitys in Charleston?
Middleton Place is ranked #131 activity in Charleston by community votes.
What is Middleton Place best known for?
Sprawling Ashley River rice plantation dating to the 1730s, with gardens and refined lodging.
Who should go to Middleton Place?
Middleton Place is best for: source:cvb, wedding-venues.
Where is Middleton Place located?
Middleton Place is located at 4300 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, Charleston, SC.
Join the conversation
Have a take?
Sign in to share what you really think.
- No comments yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Similar things to do in Charleston
Governor Thomas Bennett House
Antebellum plantation house on Barre Street, built in 1825, now booked for weddings and private events.
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Self-guided tours offered in a historic building, formerly a Revolutionary prison & City Hall.
The Charleston Museum
America's first museum, founded in 1773, exhibits relics from South Carolina & Confederate history.
South Carolina Historical Society
Private library housing historical state photos & documents, with a Colonial & antebellum focus.
Nearby in Hanahan
Middleton Place Restaurant
Plantation-site dining room on the Ashley River serving lowcountry staples steps from America's oldest landscaped gardens.
The Inn At Middleton Place, LLC
Woodsy quarters in a riverside hotel offering an outdoor pool & a restaurant, plus breakfast.
Charleston Kayak
Guided kayak tours through the tidal creeks and marshes off the Ashley River, with free parking on site.