Magnolia Plantation and Gardens Tours and Activities

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens


Turtles, alligators and birds abound in this former plantation, now swampland, gardens, lakes and forest.

The Magnolia Plantations and Gardens feature 600 acres (243 hectares) of gardens, lakes, forest and old, flooded rice fields. Tour historic buildings or take a boat ride through the wetlands. An interesting array of animals are found in the nature center.

The plantation was bought by the Drayton family in 1676. Thomas and Ann Drayton built a house and small formal garden. Dams and dykes were built in fields along the river to irrigate the land. The property has remained in the Drayton family for more than three centuries.  

The restored plantation house that visitors see today is the third built by the Draytons at Magnolia Plantation. The core of the house was built in nearby Summerville, and dates prior to the American Revolution. After the Civil War it was floated along the Ashley River and installed in its current location.

On a tour of the house you’ll see rooms furnished with antiques and heirlooms, providing a glimpse into the lives of wealthy plantation families.

From Slavery to Freedom is an award-winning 45-minute interactive tour of the plantation’s five other historic dwellings, such as the kitchen and stables. These date back as far as 1850 and have been restored to reflect various periods of occupation by African-American workers.

The plantation’s gardens have been open to the public since 1870. They are the oldest unrestored gardens in America. Wander through several themed gardens and along the 14 miles (23 kilometers) of pathways.

Take a Nature Train or Marsh Boat tour of the plantation’s gardens and wetlands to see alligators, turtles, egrets and herons in their native habitats.  

The Nature Center has domestic species and those native to the area, including the gray fox, beaver, bobcat, snakes and birds of prey. There is also a petting zoo.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is about 30-minutes’ drive northwest of downtown Charleston, near the Ashley River. Car is the easiest way to get to the plantation, which is open every day of the year. The admission fee includes entry to the gardens tours and entry to the zoo are extra.

Plan a trip to see Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

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The Ryder Hotel
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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Drury Plaza Hotel North Charleston

Drury Plaza Hotel North Charleston

3 out of 5
West Montague Avenue, 2934, North Charleston, SC
Drury Plaza Hotel North Charleston
Detached Guest Suite

Detached Guest Suite

Charleston
Detached Guest Suite
The Inn At Middleton Place

The Inn At Middleton Place

3 out of 5
4290 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC
The Inn At Middleton Place
2bd 1 bath unit and you can see the golf course

2bd 1 bath unit and you can see the golf course

Charleston
2bd 1 bath unit and you can see the golf course
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charleston N./Ashley Phosphate

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charleston N./Ashley Phosphate

3 out of 5
7535 N Forest Drive, North Charleston, SC
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charleston N./Ashley Phosphate
Hyatt Place Charleston Airport/Convention Center

Hyatt Place Charleston Airport/Convention Center

3 out of 5
3234 W Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC
Hyatt Place Charleston Airport/Convention Center
Crowne Plaza Charleston Airport - Conv Ctr by IHG

Crowne Plaza Charleston Airport - Conv Ctr by IHG

3.5 out of 5
4831 Tanger Outlet Blvd, North Charleston, SC
Crowne Plaza Charleston Airport - Conv Ctr by IHG
Tru by Hilton Charleston Airport

Tru by Hilton Charleston Airport

2.5 out of 5
3331 W Montague Avenue, North Charleston, SC
Tru by Hilton Charleston Airport
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charleston Airport & Convention Center

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charleston Airport & Convention Center

2.5 out of 5
3454 WEST MONTAGUE AVENUE, North Charleston, SC
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charleston Airport & Convention Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

At Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including birdwatching amidst stunning landscapes. Additionally, nearby attractions include a golf course and Pebble Creek Golf Course for golf enthusiasts, as well as a fun park for family-friendly entertainment. The plantation also serves as a great tour location, allowing guests to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the area.

Shopping

The Charleston Tanger Outlets, located 6.4km from Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, offers a vibrant shopping experience with family-friendly vibes. Northwoods Mall and Citadel Mall, both 9.7km away, provide additional options, featuring a mix of entertainment and shopping for all ages.

Recreation

Enjoy a round at Shadowmoss Plantation Golf Club, where you can immerse yourself in the serene outdoor atmosphere. For relaxation, head to Wannamaker County Park, offering peaceful trails and wellness activities. Experience the lively sports environment at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, perfect for active engagement.

Adventure

For a splashing good time, visit Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark, located 11.3km from Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, offering thrilling slides and family fun. Enjoy the scenic trails at West Ashley Greenway, 14.5km away, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. For water sports, Tidal Trails, 16.1km distant, is an exciting choice.

Nightlife

For a fun-filled evening, visit Frankie's Fun Park, a vibrant arcade and adventure zone just 4.8km away, perfect for families. For a touch of culture, check out PURE Theatre or Woolfe Street Playhouse, both offering romantic and entertaining performances, located 11 and 16.1km away, respectively.

Find the best attractions near Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Whether you're seeking culture, family fun, or outdoor experiences, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina, offers a variety of attractions. Explore the beautiful urban park, visit the historic Magnolia House, and enjoy the nearby marina. With something for everyone, your visit promises to be memorable, combining the charm of history with the beauty of nature.

  • North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center: This vibrant arena is a hub for family entertainment, hosting concerts, sports events, and shows. With its modern facilities and diverse programming, it offers a lively atmosphere just 6.4km from Magnolia Plantation.
  • Charleston Area Convention Center: Situated 6.4km away, this venue is perfect for business events and conferences. Its spacious layout and state-of-the-art amenities make it an ideal location for networking and professional gatherings.
  • Middleton Place: Located 4.8km from Magnolia Plantation, this historic estate features beautifully landscaped gardens and rich cultural heritage, providing a glimpse into Southern history and charm.

Best time to go to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Visitor numbers around Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Magnolia Plantation and Gardens falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Magnolia Plantation and Gardens falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June79.3°F (26.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August81.3°F (27.4°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September77.5°F (25.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

To save money during your visit to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, consider free activities like the College of Charleston and Charleston City Market nearby. The best time to visit is from December to February, when accommodation prices drop, with Tuesdays being the cheapest nights. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to check for eco-certified hotels to support sustainability while saving money!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Magnolia Plantation and Gardens are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type. For instance, if you check the "Eco-certified" filter, you’ll see a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.