Visit Magnolia Plantation

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, nestled along the Ashley River in Charleston, South Carolina, is a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural significance. Established in 1676 by the Drayton family, it’s one of America’s oldest plantations and public gardens, opened to visitors in 1870. Spanning 464 acres, this National Register of Historic Places site offers a window into the Lowcountry’s past, from its romantic gardens to its complex history of slavery and Gullah heritage. Here’s a detailed guide to exploring Magnolia Plantation for an unforgettable visit.

What to Explore

Magnolia offers a variety of experiences, with general admission providing access to its stunning landscapes and additional guided tours for deeper historical insights. General admission includes the historic gardens, petting zoo, Wildlife Center, conservatory, Orientation Theater, Peacock Café, and gift shop. You can wander 6 miles of walking and biking trails, stroll the historic river walk, or immerse yourself in the Audubon Swamp Garden—a 60-acre cypress and tupelo swamp teeming with alligators, herons, and turtles, accessible via boardwalks and bridges.

The gardens, transformed in the 1840s by Reverend John Grimké Drayton, are a highlight, showcasing America’s first azaleas and camellias in a Romantic-style design that emphasizes natural, free-flowing beauty. Key spots include the Oak Alleé, Magnolia Walk, and the Barbados Tropical Garden Conservatory, home to orchids and biblical plants. The Wildlife Center, open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, features rescued native animals like red foxes, bobcats, and alligators, alongside a reptile house with Lowcountry turtles and snakes. The petting zoo delights families with whitetail deer, pygmy goats, peacocks, and exotic birds, complemented by staff-led wildlife presentations.

Optional guided tours add depth to your visit:

• Magnolia House Tour: A 45-minute tour of the 1873 Drayton family home, rebuilt after Civil War fires, showcasing ten rooms of early American antiques, porcelain, and Audubon-inspired artwork.
• From Slavery to Freedom Tour: A 45-minute exploration of five restored 1850s slave cabins, tracing the plantation’s history from slavery through Reconstruction and the Civil Rights era, highlighting the Gullah/Geechee culture of enslaved West Africans.
• Nature Train Tour: A 45-minute tram ride through the plantation’s lakes, woodlands, and marshes, with guides pointing out wildlife and historical sites.
• Nature Boat Tour: A weather-dependent, 45-minute boat ride through rice fields, offering views of alligators, herons, and historic remnants.
• Discovery Tour: A guided garden walk focusing on horticulture and history, led by volunteer docents.