THE VISITOR'S GUIDE TO THE BEST CHARLESTON EXPERIENCES

Magnolia Plantation

The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens was founded in 1676 by the Drayton Family. Magnolia is the oldest tourist site in the Lowcountry and the oldest public gardens in America.

The Plantation has survived for centuries and witnessed the history of our nation from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. The Drayton family home dates back to 1873 and is the third home on the site. The two former homes were destroyed by fire during a raid on Union troops. The plantation has remained in the same family for three centuries. Ten rooms of the house are open to the public, and the house is furnished with early American antiques, porcelain, quilts and other Drayton family heirlooms. Basic garden admission gives you access to the historic gardens, petting zoo, conservatory, theater, Peacock Cafe, garden center, and gift shop. Additional paid guided tours include plantation house tour, nature train, nature boat, slavery to freedom tour, and the self-guided Audubon Swamp Garden tour. Allow about 4-5 hours if you plan on doing everything.

Magnolia Plantation Photos

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Magnolia Plantation Hours and Admission

Hours:
November - February 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
March - October 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Open 365 days a year

Admission:
Adults (13+) $20
Child (6-12) $10
Children 5 and under Free
The basic Admission ticket gives visitors access to historic gardens, petting zoo, the conservatory, orientation theater, The Peacock Cafe, Gilliard Garden Center, and the Gift Shop.
Additional Guided tours are $8 each in addition to the general admission. These tours include Plantation House Tour, Nature Tram, Nature Boat, Slavery to Freedom Tour, and Audubon Swamp Garden Tour.

All inclusive passes (when available) include basic admission and all the additional guided tours are:
Adults (13+) $52
Child (6-12) $42
Children 5 and under free
The all inclusive passes represent a savings of $8 off the combined individual rates, but no other discounts may be used.

Magnolia Plantation Address and Map

Magnolia Plantation
3550 Ashley River Rd
Charleston SC 29414
(843) 571-1266
Magnolia Plantation Website

Current and Upcoming Events
at Magnolia Plantation

What: 7th Annual History Fair
When: Saturday July 6, 2019
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Where: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Admission: The History Fair exhibits are free to attend but basic garden admission is required to enter the gardens.

The 7th Annual History Fair at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens will showcase 30 historic organizations in education, religion, social services, the arts and tourism. The event is designed for amateur and serious historians and children who want to touch the past.

Guests who purchase garden admission will also be treated to a living history program “Living History Through the Eyes of the Enslaved”, an outreach of the The Slave Dwelling Project. African American historians in period dress will share stories and provide blacksmithing and outdoor cooking demonstrations from 10 am to 3 pm in the former slave cabin area.

What: 6th Annual Ladybug Release
When: Saturday July 20, 2019
Time: 9 am - 2 pm
Where: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Admission: Paid garden admission is required

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens invites Lowcountry families to participate in the 6th Annual Ladybug Release. On Saturday, July 20th, 200,000 ladybugs will be released in the gardens in an effort to help control other small, more harmful insects such as aphids and scale insects.