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: Lights of Magnolia
When: Nov. 15 - March 15, 2020
Time: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Where: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Admission: Adult (13+) $26, Children (6-12) $11, Children (0-5) Free

Step inside a unique blend of Chinese Culture and Southern hospitality. Lights of Magnolia is a 9 acre experience of larger-than-life Chinese lanterns in the shapes of flowers, animals, traditional Chinese symbols, and more.

What: Spring Market and Symposium
When: March 14, 2020
Time: 9 am - 4:30 pm
Where: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Admission: Admission to the spring market and plant sale is free. Attendance to the workshops, demonstrations and children's activities requires garden admission, which is $20 for adults, $10 for children 6-12 years old, and free for children 5 and under.

Spring is in the air. Welcome the new season in Magnolia's blooming gardens at the Annual Spring Symposium and Market. This year's theme is "A Fresh Perspective: Gardens with a World of Inspiring Plants". Enjoy workshops, demonstrations, a market and plant sale. The incredible line-up of guest speakers will introduce you to some new plants and concepts from around the world that will liven up your Lowcountry Garden. This event is a great way to get motivated and jump into the spring gardening season with new information and refreshed enthusiasm.

The Spring Market and Plant sale will occur in conjunction with the workshops in the lower parking lot from 10 am - 4 pm. Shop at the market from numerous specialty vendors offering artisan products, garden decorative items and local food. Head to the Gilliard Garden Center to fill your garden with beautiful blooms and textures. Knowledgeable staff will be there to guide you and help you make the perfect choice for your home and garden. Choose from camellias, azaleas, figs, quince, iris and so much more.

What: Shaggin on the Ashley
When: March 21, 2020
Time: 11 am - 2 pm
Where: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Admission: The event is free with paid garden admission. If you wish to purchase a wine ticket there will be an additional charge of $6.

Shake those winter blues and come to Magnolia Plantation & Garden's first ever shag event. The event includes wine and cheese pairings, a live band and lessons from professional shaggers. Even if you don't shag, bring a lawn chair, sit back with a glass of wine and enjoy live music featuring the band Vinyl Daze. The event will take place on the lawn behind the Conservatory overlooking the Ashley River and surrounded by the blooming azaleas.