MOUNT PLEASANT. The two most impressive sights at this plantation are the Avenue of Oaks, majestically lining the road to the plantation house, and the slave cabins, built in the 1790s and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The main house is a replica, built in the 1930s. The plantation hosts several major festivals throughout the year, including the Lowcountry Oyster Festival in February, the Scottish Games and Highland Gathering in September, Taste of Charleston in October, and a battle re-enactment in November.

MONCKS CORNER. The best time to visit this black water swamp with its towering cypress trees is during the spring, when everything is awash with the vibrant blooms of dogwoods, azaleas, and wisteria. Once part of Dean Hall plantation, the gardens that remain now host four miles of walking trails, a butterfly house, and an aquarium.

NORTHWEST CHARLESTON. This 17th-century plantation has one of the nation's largest collections of azaleas and camellias; plus, a few gardens date back to the 1680s. Two previous main houses were destroyed by fire during a raid by Union troops, and the current house, furnished with period pieces, dates to 1873. The plantation also includes the 60-acre Audubon Swamp Garden with its majestic cypress trees. Children under 6 are not permitted on the House tour.

NORTHWEST CHARLESTON. This 18th-century plantation is listed as a National Historic Landmark and boasts one of the country's oldest formal gardens. Most of the original structures were burned during Sherman's raid, but the 1755 red-brick guest wing still remains, as does a sugarcane mill and working stable. Gift shop and restaurant on-site.