Heyward-Washington House Tours
3 Reviews
The two-story brick Heyward-Washington House takes its name from its original owner, Thomas Heyward Jr., whose signature appears on the Declaration of Independence, and George Washington, who stayed at the home in 1791. The Georgian-style double house offers a veritable portal into 1700s Charleston.
The Basics
Inside the Heyward-Washington House, you can touch the same banister as the country’s first president and explore rooms outfitted with Charleston-made antebellum decor, including a four-poster bed and ornate glass-paneled Holmes bookcase. Walk through the original 1740s kitchen, carriage house, slave quarters, and garden filled with traditional Lowcountry plants. Choose a house admission ticket or a combination ticket, which includes Charleston Museum or Joseph Manigault House. Many walking tours of historic Charleston stop outside the house.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Buy your tickets online ahead of time to skip the line at the entrance.
- Admission to the house museum includes a 30-minute guided tour and a self-guided tour of the house and garden.
- Tours of the historic house require the ability to climb stairs; the Charleston Museum offers photographic tours for those unable to do so.
How to Get There
The Heyward-Washington House is located on Church Street in the South of Broad neighborhood, a short walk from St. Michael’s Church, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, and Rainbow Row. The best way to arrive is on foot or by taking the bus to the stop at Broad and Church streets.
When to Get There
The Heyward-Washington House is open daily throughout the year, with reduced hours on Sunday. Plan to arrive first thing in the morning for the best chance of getting on a tour with fewer people.
The Charleston Museum
The Heyward-Washington House is operated by Charleston Museum, one of the country’s oldest museums. The museum also operates Joseph Manigault House, an antebellum home from 1803 originally owned by a wealthy rice plantation family. Visit the home to learn about life for those who lived and were enslaved there. Inside, you'll see a collection of American, English, and French period furniture from the early 19th century among other artifacts.
Address: 87 Church Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403, USA
Admission: Varies
6 Tours and Activities to Experience Heyward-Washington House
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Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Travel back in time to discover one of America’s most historic cities—Charleston, South Carolina—on this guided walking tour. Visit points of interest including Charleston City Hall; the Dock Street Theatre, America’s first theatre; the Old Exchange Building, South Carolina's most historic building; White Point Garden, in the heart of Charleston’s historic district with a spectacular view of Fort Sumter, and many more.
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From
$21.06
From
$21.06
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Charleston's Alleys & Hidden Passages Guided Small-Group Walking Tour
Travel back in time to discover one of America’s most historic cities—Charleston, South Carolina—on this guided small-group walking tour. Explore some of the city’s most enchanting alleys and hidden passages. Visit the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, a colonial building with a 300-year history; Rainbow Row, the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States; plus historic Philadelphia Alley, and many more.
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From
$25.65
From
$25.65
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour
Get an inside perspective on Charleston's lesser-known black history during this 2-hour walking tour. Listen as your guide tells forgotten folktales and facts about important figures in the city's history.
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From
$29.48
From
$29.48
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Bruce Knows Charleston: Insider Walking Tour of Downtown
Bruce Burris a 7th generation Charlestonian represents a look into Charleston’s past from the inside of Ft. Sumter to South Of Broad Street the tales of by gone years. Please join us everyday in Downtown Charleston for Tours.
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From
$25.65
From
$25.65
Charleston's Most Beautiful Walk Guided Small-Group Walking Tour
Travel back in time to discover one of America’s most historic cities—Charleston, South Carolina—on this guided small-group walking tour. Explore some of the city’s most historic neighborhoods on Charleston’s most beautiful walk. Visit the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, a colonial building with a 300-year history; Rainbow Row, the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States; plus the private gardens along Tradd Street; White Point Garden at the tip of the peninsula; the mansions along East Battery Street; mysterious Stoll’s Alley and many more.
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From
$25.65
From
$25.65
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Charleston Old Walled City Scenic Sunday Walkabout
More than just a walking tour of downtown Charleston, this Sunday walkabout also includes entrance to the gardens at the historic Heyward Washington House, making it a great value for first-time visitors. Take an easy Sunday stroll to top Holy City sights in the French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhood while your guide shares tales of the city’s rich history. Plus, with only 15 people or fewer on each tour, you have plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
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From
$27.50
From
$27.50
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