“Freshly harvested tea in the heart of the Lowcountry” — what a gift it is to sip and see, a soothing experience beneath the Charleston trees.
Just 30 minutes from downtown, the Charleston Tea Garden gives you a way to slow down and savor the only tea plantation of its kind in North America. This gem is located on the scenic Wadmalaw Island, and this working tea farm offers guided trolley rides through rows of Camellia sinensis, behind-the-scenes factory tours, and wide-open views of sunlit green fields stretching into the distance.
Steps to Spend Your Tea Garden Visit
- Start with the Trolley Tour
A 25-minute narrated ride through acres of tea plants with insights into growing and harvesting techniques. - Step Inside the Factory
A free, self-guided walkthrough with large viewing windows into the tea production process.
– Cindi Bigelow, President of Bigelow Tea
- Browse the Gift Shop
Shop exclusive Charleston Tea Garden blends and locally made goods to take home! - Relax and Picnic
There are cool lawns and open-air seating areas perfect for lunch or a relaxing tea break.
Local Insight
The Charleston Tea Garden's Camellia sinensis plants descend from tea grown in South Carolina since 1888. No pesticides or herbicides are used here, and all weeding is done by hand. If you visit in spring, you might catch the prized First Flush, the garden’s earliest and most delicate harvest!
Plan Your Visit
The tea garden is open year-round with free admission and parking. It opens Monday–Saturday, from 10 AM to 4 PM, and don’t forget to check their website for seasonal or holiday updates. This makes a great stop when exploring Johns Island or heading out to the Angel Oak Tree.
As you plan your Lowcountry getaway, Rentalz is ready to find you a refreshing stay nearby, with places that feel local, peaceful, and close to everything you want to explore.
Sip slow, stay curious, and bring home a little taste of Charleston.
