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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
DoubleTree by Hilton Charleston Mount Pleasant
The Ryder Hotel
Water's Edge Inn - Adults Only

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
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
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
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
DoubleTree by Hilton North Charleston - Convention Center

DoubleTree by Hilton North Charleston - Convention Center

4 out of 5
5264 International Blvd, North Charleston, SC
DoubleTree by Hilton North Charleston - Convention Center
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
Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Airport

Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Airport

3 out of 5
5265 International Blvd, North Charleston, SC
Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Airport
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
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 guided garden tours and nature walks that showcase the stunning flora. Birdwatching is also a popular pastime, allowing guests to observe diverse wildlife. Consider joining walking tours led by knowledgeable tour guides to fully immerse yourself in the rich history and beauty of this picturesque setting.

Shopping

For shopping near Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, visit Charleston Tanger Outlets, only 6.4km away, offering a variety of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Northwoods Mall and Citadel Mall are both 9.7km away, providing additional shopping and entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, consider exploring further malls in the area.

Recreation

At Shadowmoss Plantation Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf amidst beautiful landscapes, just 3.2km from Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. For relaxation, Wannamaker County Park offers serene walking trails and picnic spots, located 12.9km away. Experience local sports at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, 14.5km away.

Adventure

Experience thrills at Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark, located 11.3km from Magnolia Plantation, perfect for family fun and excitement. For a scenic hike, explore the West Ashley Greenway, 14.5km away, offering beautiful outdoor views. Engage in water sports at Tidal Trails, 16.1km from the gardens, for an adventurous day.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Magnolia Plantation and Gardens with a visit to Frankie's Fun Park for arcade fun, or enjoy a romantic evening at either Woolfe Street Playhouse or PURE Theatre, both offering captivating performances and a cultural atmosphere, just a short drive away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

While visiting Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina, you can explore a variety of attractions including urban parks, historic colleges, and marinas. These points of interest provide a rich blend of cultural, family-friendly, and outdoor experiences. Don't miss the beautiful gardens in Charleston and nearby attractions that further enhance your travel itinerary.

  • North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center: Located 6.4km from Magnolia Plantation, this vibrant arena hosts a variety of family-friendly events, from concerts to ice shows, providing a lively atmosphere for entertainment lovers.
  • Charleston Area Convention Center: Situated 6.4km away, this modern venue focuses on business and conferences, offering a professional environment ideal for networking and corporate events, with convenient amenities and spacious facilities.
  • Middleton Place: Just 4.8km from the plantation, this historic site features beautifully preserved gardens and a rich cultural heritage, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history and artistry of the American South.

Best time to go to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 on your trip to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, consider visiting between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your stay for a Tuesday can also help you save, as Fridays tend to be the priciest. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotel options by sorting results from lowest to highest price and checking for Eco-certified stays. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal for additional savings. Don’t forget to explore free activities in the area to maximize your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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 Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. 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, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.

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