Charleston Tea Garden Tour — Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina

Discover the Charleston Tea Garden Tour in South Carolina

Located on Wadmalaw Island just south of Charleston, the Charleston Tea Garden Tour offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore the only large-scale commercial tea plantation in North America. This guided experience takes guests through active tea fields and a working tea production facility, showing how tea is grown, harvested, processed, and packaged entirely on-site.

Why it’s special:
Charleston Tea Garden is a true agricultural and manufacturing operation. Visitors can see tea plants growing in the fields and then follow the process all the way through modern production equipment—an end-to-end experience that is virtually unique in the United States.

History/Story of the Charleston Tea Garden

The Charleston Tea Garden traces its roots back to experimental tea plantings in the 1960s. The plantation later became the home of American Classic Tea and the well-known Bigelow Tea brand’s U.S. tea production. Today, the garden spans more than 120 acres and continues to operate as a working tea farm and factory, producing American-grown tea while welcoming visitors from around the world.

What You’ll See & Do on the Charleston Tea Garden Tour

• Ride a guided trolley through active tea fields

• Learn how tea plants are cultivated and harvested

• Visit the on-site tea factory and see processing equipment in action

• Understand drying, cutting, blending, and packaging steps

• Enjoy complimentary tea tastings at the visitor center

Hands-On Elements: Trolley tour and tasting experience
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed throughout the grounds and factory viewing areas
Souvenirs & Extras: Gift shop with teas, tea accessories, and Charleston Tea Garden merchandise

Pricing of the Charleston Tea Garden Tour

Most tours are free of charge.
Special experiences and private tours may carry an additional fee.

Visiting information

Duration: Approximately 60–75 minutes
Format: Guided trolley tour plus factory visit and tasting
Schedule & Seasonality: Open year-round; tours offered regularly during operating days
Audience: Families, food and agriculture enthusiasts, tourists
Accessibility: Trolley and visitor center are wheelchair accessible
Safety & Restrictions: Follow staff instructions; closed-toe shoes recommended
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Group tours available with advance reservation
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable shoes; weather-appropriate clothing
Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, gift shop, parking
Closures & Downtime: Closed on major holidays
Working hours: Monday–Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Sunday closed

Nearby

• Angel Oak Tree

• Charleston waterfront

• Johns Island attractions

FAQs About Visiting the Charleston Tea Garden

Is this a real tea factory?
Yes. Tea is grown, processed, and packaged on-site at the Charleston Tea Garden.

Are tours suitable for children?
Yes. The trolley tour and tasting experience are family-friendly.

Do tours run all day?
Tours run at regular intervals during operating hours; arrival earlier in the day is recommended.

Is tea tasting included?
Yes. Complimentary tea tastings are included with most visits.

Can I shop without taking a tour?
Yes. The gift shop and tasting area are open to visitors during business hours.