About
If you're a fan of history, horticulture, nature, and wildlife, then plan a day to visit the timeless Magnolia Plantation & Gardens.
This historic estate dates back to the American Revolution and the Civil War. Today, it welcomes travelers searching for beauty and history.
Our story begins back in the late 1600s, when Stephen Fox acquired 400 acres. He passed the land to his son-in-law, Thomas Drayton, whose lineage worked the land for generations.
We jump ahead in our story to the 1840s, when the land took a pivotal turn. Reverend John Grimké Drayton inherited Magnolia and sought to create a unique garden for his new wife, a Philadelphia socialite.
To help her transition to a simpler life in the Lowcountry, he built the gardens. Unlike those of Europe, Magnolia features winding paths, natural groupings of flowers, and hidden views. The gardens also featured the first outdoor camellias and azaleas.
Following the Civil War, the Drayton family needed a new way to sustain the estate, so they opened the gardens to the public in 1870. In the years since, the Drayton and Leach families have continued to look after Magnolia.
Aside from the gardens, you'll discover a wildlife center, hiking and biking trails, and special annual and yearly events.
The plantation's central location makes it easy to plan an itinerary jam-packed with fun things to see and do. For instance, you're a short drive from Historic Downtown Charleston, which is filled with historic homes, breweries, and restaurants. Speaking of dining, nearby eateries like Rodney Scott's BBQ, Pelato - Charleston, and Lewis Barbeque Charleston are go-tos for top-notch cuisine.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens has something for everyone, making it a must-visit on a South Carolina vacation.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens: Fun Facts & Cool Features
The gardens are the last large-scale romantic gardens in the country, designed to lead visitors through a series of connected scenes. Stroll under live oaks, catch reflections of the trees in quiet ponds, cross wooden bridges, and spot flowers popping up in unexpected places.
The Audubon Swamp Garden is a 60-acre area that showcases native cypress and tupelo trees and attracts its fair share of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, turtles, egrets, and herons on your explorations.
While there are various nature tours, the From Slavery to Freedom tour explores the lives, challenges, and perseverance of enslaved African Americans in Magnolia. You'll see restored cabins, some dating back to 1850, and follow the journey from before emancipation through the late 20th century. These tales offer an honest account of its past, honoring those who lived and worked here.
The Nature Train draws families and explorers with a ride through Magnolia's far reaches. The 45-minute tram tour takes guests beyond what's reachable on foot—past rice fields, deep woods, and broad wetlands. Guides share stories about the land and local wildlife.
The Wildlife Center is home to rescued and non-releasable native animals. Here, you can meet Todd, the red fox, whose leg was damaged by a trap. Fern is the horned owl who was struck by a car and is now blind with neurological issues. There's also Simon and Melvin, the raccoons, and the black vulture, Bart.
Toss in the gift shop, the events, the Peacock Café, and a tour of the home, and you may have to schedule several trips on your Charleston vacation to see and do it all!
Local Tips
- While leased dogs are allowed at the gardens, they're not permitted on any tour.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy at the various outdoor tables.
- Check the website to learn what's in bloom when you visit.
- Allow at least four hours to see the main highlights.
