The backyard garden
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Heyward-Washington House

4.6
·463 reviews·Charleston, United States

Step into 18th-century Charleston at the Heyward-Washington House, a Georgian gem once home to a Declaration of Independence signer and President Wash...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more immersive

CrowdLow
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The backyard garden

Heyward-Washington House

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more immersive

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into 18th-century Charleston at the Heyward-Washington House, a Georgian gem once home to a Declaration of Independence signer and President Washington.

4.6
(463 reviews)

"A beautifully preserved 18th-century home with a remarkably immersive self-paced audio tour. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎧 Don't Miss the Audio Tour

Choose between history or house tours; bonus content is highly recommended! 🎧

🎟️ Value Ticket Package

Bundle with Charleston Museum & Manigault House for a comprehensive experience. 🎟️

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 481 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Holmes Bookcase

The Holmes Bookcase

Permanent exhibit

Admire one of America's finest pieces of antique furniture, made circa 1770.

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Presidential History

Presidential History

Throughout the house

Step into the rooms where George Washington stayed during his 1791 visit to Charleston.

InstagramReddit
Georgian Architecture

Georgian Architecture

Exterior and interior

Experience the elegant symmetry and order of this 1772 red brick Georgian-style home.

InstagramReddit
Archaeological Digs

Archaeological Digs

On-site excavations

Witness history being uncovered by students and curators during active archaeological digs.

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Planning Your Visit

Audio Tour is Key

Don't skip the audio tour! It's self-paced and offers two versions: historical context or house/artifacts. Allow at least 45 minutes, or up to 75 minutes for bonus content. Reddit

Bundle Your Tickets

Consider a package deal for the Charleston Museum and Joseph Manigault House. Save the Heyward-Washington House for a separate day to fully savor its history. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Catch student digs
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This restaurant is a hidden gem in Charleston I dont think a lot of people know about yet …so make sure to head over soon! #travelbucketlist #thingstodoincharleston #bestrestaurants
@kristinacors
33.6K likes • 940.6K views

🎧 Don't Miss the Audio Tour

Choose between history or house tours; bonus content is highly recommended! Reddit 🎧

🎟️ Value Ticket Package

Bundle with Charleston Museum & Manigault House for a comprehensive experience. Reddit 🎟️

Black Cultural Things to Do in Charleston I did some research and asked around during my time in Charleston. Obviously there are historical landmarks but there are also elements of Gullah culture and iconic black-owned businesses that are part of the culture as well. I had a fantastic time in Charleston and I hope this little guide helps you navigate or plan your trip! #charleston #charlestonsc #c...
@cococamillee
32.3K likes • 538.4K views
Our final weekend at the Heyward-Washington House field school in partnership with @charlestonmuseum is approaching! There is still time to pay us a visit on Friday 2-5pm or Saturday 10-5pm, included with museum admission. - For a preview of what we have been up to, check out this video one of our students, @cofchistorydept major Jordan Harder, put together for her public history assignment! ...
cofc_socyanth
22 likes • 545 views

🚶‍♀️ Self-Paced Exploration

Take your time, especially with the audio tour's extra details. Reddit 🚶

🏛️ See Original Artifacts

Discover furniture and items that were part of the house's original story. InstagramReddit 💎

Stepping back in time at the historic Heyward-Washington House in Charleston, a gem built in 1772 and famously hosting George Washington during his 1791 visit! This beautifully preserved Georgian-style home offers a glimpse into Charleston’s past, with its antique furniture, lush gardens, and incredible architectural details. Perfect for history buffs or anyone looking to dive deeper into the sto...
charlestonsolewalkingtours
20 likes • 352 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎧 Don't Miss the Audio Tour

Choose between history or house tours; bonus content is highly recommended! Reddit 🎧

🎟️ Value Ticket Package

Bundle with Charleston Museum & Manigault House for a comprehensive experience. Reddit 🎟️

🚶‍♀️ Self-Paced Exploration

Take your time, especially with the audio tour's extra details. Reddit 🚶

🏛️ See Original Artifacts

Discover furniture and items that were part of the house's original story. InstagramReddit 💎

🌱 Explore the Gardens

Enjoy the serene gardens and the historic kitchen area. Reddit :seedling:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(463 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors highly recommend the Heyward-Washington House, praising its well-preserved 18th-century architecture and immersive self-paced audio tours. The option for two different tour themes and bonus content is a significant draw, allowing for a deep dive into history or artifacts. The bundled ticket with other Charleston sites offers excellent value and flexibility for planning your visit.

"TL;DR: Highly recommend visiting the Heyward-Washington House. This beautifully preserved 18th-century home offers a self-paced audio tour in two versions—one focused on historical context and the other on the house and its artifacts. Plan for at least 45 minutes per tour, or 60–75 minutes if you listen to the optional extra content (worth it!). There is a great admission package that also includes entry to the Charleston Museum and the 19th-century Joseph Manigault House. I suggest visiting the Charleston Museum and Joseph Manigault House on the same day, and saving the Heyward-Washington House for another day to fully enjoy the experience.

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The Heyward-Washington House is a beautiful, history-rich 18th-century home with a remarkably immersive self-paced audio tour. The curators have done an outstanding job recreating the feel of the original space, including featuring one original piece of furniture that once belonged in the house.

Visitors can choose between two themed audio tours:

- History-focused tour – Provides deep historical context of the house, the people that lived there, and its era.
- House/Artifacts-focused tour – Explores the building, furnishings, and material culture.

A single tour takes a minimum of 45 minutes, not including the optional extra tidbits that you can select from. These bonus stories and details are highly engaging and well worth the time, adding about 15–30 minutes. Unfortunately, I only had time for one tour, but would gladly return to do the other.

Estimated Time Commitments:
- One audio tour: ~45 minutes
- One audio tour + most/all extra tidbits: ~60–75 minutes
- Two tours: roughly double the above times

Pricing & Ticket Value:
The ticket can be purchased as part of a package deal granting access to three historic sites: the Charleston Museum, the Heyward-Washington House (18th century), and the Joseph Manigault House (19th century). The flexibility to visit on separate days makes it easy to plan. For the best experience, I recommend visiting the Charleston Museum and Joseph Manigault House on the same day, and dedicating another day to the Heyward-Washington House so you can explore without feeling rushed."

Kevin Chen

"In 1791, the city of Charleston rented Heyward's home for President George Washington's weeklong stay in the city. The association with America's first president has persisted ever since.

Built in 1772, the Heyward-Washington House earned its moniker for two men who figured prominently in its history, Thomas Heyward Jr. and President George Washington.

Heyward, a Revolutionary War officer and South Carolina delegate to the Continental Congress in 1776 is best known for contributing his signature to the Declaration of Independence.

The architecture of the three-story red brick double reflects the Georgian style that spread widely through English colonies for its order and symmetry."

Sanjay Gupta

"Very cool house!!! We had a great time and I highly recommend visiting. When we were done, I elected to take the kids out and let my better half turn in the devices they give you to use during the self-guided tour, due to more staff showing up with very obvious life choices that I don’t agree with. Glad to see the home and see the history of our country!! Very, very cool!!!"

Brett Martin

What People Like

Immersive audio tours
Historical significance
Well-preserved architecture

What People Dislike

Limited parking nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Heyward-Washington House is located at 87 Church Street in Charleston, SC. It's easily accessible by foot if you're exploring the historic district. Parking can be challenging in this area, so consider using ride-sharing services or public transport if you're coming from further afield. Instagram

Street parking is limited and often metered. Several parking garages are available within walking distance, such as the Cumberland Street Garage or the Majestic Square Garage. It's advisable to check parking apps for real-time availability and rates. TikTok

Absolutely! The house is centrally located in the historic district, making it a pleasant walk from many other popular sites like the City Market or Rainbow Row. Enjoy the picturesque streets of Charleston on your way. Instagram

If you're staying downtown, a leisurely stroll down Church Street is a delightful approach. You'll pass by other historic homes and beautiful architecture, setting the mood for your visit. Instagram

Charleston offers a free DASH trolley service that stops at various points throughout the historic district. Check the CARTA website for routes and schedules that might bring you close to the house. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can be purchased individually or as part of a package that includes the Charleston Museum and the Joseph Manigault House. This package offers great value and flexibility to visit on separate days. Reddit

Yes, it's highly recommended to purchase your tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred entry time and avoid queues. Instagram

The house is typically open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Charleston Museum website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit. Instagram

Yes, admission to the Heyward-Washington House is often included with a ticket to the Charleston Museum, especially if you purchase a multi-site pass. InstagramReddit

While the audio tour is self-paced, booking a general entry time online is recommended to manage visitor flow. The audio devices are provided upon entry. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The self-guided audio tour is a highlight, offering two distinct versions: one focusing on historical context and the other on the house and its artifacts. You'll receive a device to use in each room. Reddit

A single audio tour takes about 45 minutes. If you opt for the bonus content or listen to both tours, you could spend 60-75 minutes or even longer. Reddit

The primary experience is a self-guided audio tour. However, knowledgeable attendants are available throughout the house to answer questions and provide additional insights. Reddit

The gardens offer a peaceful retreat and showcase historical landscaping. You can also explore the historic kitchen area, which provides a glimpse into 18th-century domestic life. Reddit

The main floors of the house are generally accessible, but some historic homes may have limitations. It's best to contact the venue directly to inquire about specific accessibility features. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside the Heyward-Washington House, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the historic artifacts and furnishings. Always check for posted signs. Instagram

The elegant Georgian architecture, the Holmes Bookcase, and the serene gardens offer excellent photo opportunities. The exterior brickwork is also very photogenic. Instagram+1

While personal photography is usually permitted, commercial photography or filming may require special permission. Tagging the house on social media is encouraged! Instagram

A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is ideal. For low-light interiors, a lens with a wider aperture can be beneficial. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted in historic districts and around landmarks due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to assume drones are not permitted. TikTok

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