Charleston’s sprawling, 18th-century plantations have always been a big part of its history, cultural heritage and natural beauty. As a local, you may think, “seen one, seen ‘em all.” Or you may be concerned about how the full stories of these landmarks are shared with visitors.

In actuality, each site has its own unique attributes, from the oldest gardens in America at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens to the new museum + exhibits at Drayton Hall. And in recent years, many plantations across the South have shifted to paint a more complete picture of the lives of the many enslaved African-Americans who built, maintained + inhabited their spaces – including McLeod Plantation on James Island.

If you’re looking to explore this updated narrative + see some truly beautiful sites, consider planning an end-of-summer picnic on the grounds at Middleton Place, or go ahead and mark your calendar for this year's Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch (Sept. 29-Oct. 31).

Here is your full guide to all five of these historic plantations. Ⓟ