FAQ

Q: What is Hopsewee Plantation? 

Hopsewee Plantation is a National Historic Landmark located near Georgetown, South Carolina, on the banks of the North Santee River between Charleston and Myrtle Beach. The historic home was built in the 1740s and was once part of one of the Lowcountry’s major rice plantations. 

Hopsewee was the birthplace of Thomas Lynch, Jr., one of the South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence. Today, visitors can explore Hopsewee through guided historic house tours, the Hopsewee Historic Museum, educational programs and special events. 

Learn more about Hopsewee’s history: www.hopsewee.com/hopsewee-plantation-the-owners/ 

Q: Where is Hopsewee Plantation located? 

Hopsewee Plantation is located at 494 Hopsewee Rd., Georgetown, SC 29440, directly off U.S. Highway 17. Hopsewee is approximately 12 miles south of Georgetown, 48 miles south of Myrtle Beach and 47 miles north of Charleston. The property overlooks the North Santee River in South Carolina’s historic Santee Delta. 

Q: What are Hopsewee Plantation’s hours? 

Hopsewee Plantation is generally open Tuesday through Saturday. Guided historic house tours are offered on the hour from 10:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. The River Oak Cottage Tea Room serves guests from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. 

Hopsewee is closed on Sundays and Mondays and closes for part of the winter season. This year Hopsewee will be open through December 19, 2026, but will be closed through January 18, 2027, reopening to the public on Tuesday, January 19. The property may also close for weddings, private functions or special events. Because schedules can change, we recommend checking current availability before traveling to Hopsewee. 

Q: How much does it cost to tour Hopsewee Plantation? 

Admission prices vary depending on the experience you select and the age of the guest. Hopsewee offers separate admission for the Historic Landmark House Tour, Hopsewee Historic Museum, workshops and other special experiences. Current prices and available dates can be found at www.hopsewee.com/Tickets 

Q: Do I need reservations to visit Hopsewee Plantation? 

Advance reservations are recommended, especially if you want a particular house tour time, museum experience, special program or lunch at the River Oak Cottage Tea Room. 

Booking ahead also allows you to confirm that Hopsewee is open on the day you plan to visit, since the property occasionally closes for weddings, private functions and special events. Visitors booking a tour should plan to arrive approximately 10 to 15 minutes before their scheduled time. Make reservations at www.hopsewee.com/Tickets or for the Tea Room at www.hopsewee.com/Dining. 

Q: How long is the Hopsewee Plantation house tour? 

The guided Historic Landmark House Tour lasts approximately 50 minutes. During the tour, visitors explore the historic home while learning about Hopsewee’s architecture, its owners and families, Lowcountry rice culture and the enslaved people who lived and worked on the plantation. Allow additional time if you plan to visit the Hopsewee Historic Museum, explore the grounds or dine at the River Oak Cottage Tea Room. 

Q: What will I see on a tour of Hopsewee Plantation? 

The guided house tour takes visitors through Hopsewee’s historic 18th-century home, which retains much of its original architectural character, including heart-pine floors, historic woodwork and early glass. Your guide will discuss the people connected to Hopsewee, including the Lynch, Hume and Lucas families, Thomas Lynch, Jr., the Beattie family (the current owners) and the enslaved people whose knowledge and labor were central to the plantation and Lowcountry rice economy. Visitors can also enjoy views of the North Santee River, moss-draped live oaks and the historic plantation grounds. 

Q: Where do I park when I come to Hopsewee Plantation? 

Follow the long road into the property and you will see signs showing you where to park. We have plenty of room to park and all parking is free. 

Q: Can I visit the Hopsewee Historic Museum without taking the house tour? 

Yes. The Hopsewee Historic Museum can be visited as a separate experience. The museum is self-guided and focuses on the lives and experiences of the enslaved West Africans and their descendants who lived and worked at Hopsewee. Archaeological discoveries, artifacts and exhibits help tell a broader story of their knowledge, ingenuity, labor and contributions to the development of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Museum visitors can explore at their own pace and may re-enter during the day with their museum pass. Learn more about the Hopsewee Historic Museum: www.hopsewee.com/museum/ 

Q: Can Hopsewee accommodate large school groups and large group tours? 

Yes, we frequently have large groups taking the tours, visiting the museum and eating lunch with us. We have a basic, maximum capacity of 54 for a group. However, if you have a larger group, please give us a call and we will try to accommodate you. 

Q: Does Hopsewee Plantation tell the history of the enslaved people who lived and worked there? 

Yes. Interpreting the lives and contributions of the enslaved people at Hopsewee is an important part of the visitor experience. The guided house tour includes their history as part of Hopsewee’s larger story. The Hopsewee Historic Museum expands that interpretation through archaeology, artifacts and exhibits. 

Q: Can I eat at Hopsewee Plantation without taking a tour? 

Yes. You do not have to take a historic house tour to enjoy lunch or tea at the River Oak Cottage Tea Room. The Tea Room is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, with seating from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The menu reflects the flavors and traditions of the South Carolina Lowcountry and includes lunch selections, desserts and Hopsewee’s traditional Southern Tea Service. Visitors often combine lunch or tea with a historic house tour or museum visit, so reserving in advance can help you coordinate your day at Hopsewee. Groups of 10 or more should contact Hopsewee directly regarding dining arrangements. Reservations and current menu: www.hopsewee.com/Dining 

Q: Does Hopsewee Plantation have a gift shop? Can you visit the gift shop if you aren’t doing a tour or eating lunch? 

Yes, our gift shop is open to the public without the purchase of a tour or dining in our tearoom. The gift shop opens at 10:00 am and closes at 3:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. 

Q: Is Hopsewee Plantation wheelchair accessible? 

Accessible parking is available at Hopsewee, and the Hopsewee Historic Museum includes ramps and accessible restrooms. Because the historic house was built in the 18th century, access is more limited. The house tour requires guests to navigate seven steps to enter the home and a full interior staircase to visit the second floor. Handrails are provided. Walking assistance devices are welcome, although some larger devices may not fit through all doorways in the historic house. If you have mobility or accessibility concerns, please call Hopsewee before your visit at (843) 546-7891 so we can help you plan the best experience possible. 

Q: Can I take photographs at Hopsewee Plantation? 

Yes. Visitors are welcome to take photographs of the exterior of the historic house, plantation grounds, gardens and scenic surroundings. Photography and video are not permitted inside the historic house or during the guided house tour. Guests are asked to turn off cameras, cell phones and other electronic devices while inside the house. Professional photography sessions and portrait sessions require advance arrangements. For information about professional photography at Hopsewee, contact us at (843) 546-7891 or mail@hopsewee.com. 

Q: Can you have a wedding at Hopsewee Plantation? 

Yes. Hopsewee Plantation is a historic riverfront wedding venue near Georgetown, South Carolina. The plantation grounds overlook the North Santee River and offer several ceremony locations surrounded by live oaks and Lowcountry scenery. The River Oak Cottage provides indoor space for dining and entertaining, while the grounds offer additional options for outdoor celebrations. Hopsewee hosts weddings of different sizes as well as rehearsal dinners, bridal luncheons, showers, private parties and other celebrations. All catering for weddings and special celebrations is prepared on site in our professional catering kitchen and designed to complement your celebration. Couples interested in holding a wedding at Hopsewee can complete our Bridal Event Form or contact our wedding team at weddings@hopsewee.com or (843) 546-7891, extension 103. To learn more about weddings at Hopsewee, go to www.hopsewee.com/weddings.