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: Reggae Jerk and Wine Festival
When: Sunday Aug. 24, 2019
Time: 12 pm - 7 pm
Where: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Admission: Regular Admission $40, Designated Drivers and Young Adults $25, Kids under 12 free

This is an epic celebration of Jamaican Jerk foods paired with wine, Reggae Music experience, and self guided stroll of the beautiful world-renowned Magnolia Gardens. Both Jerk and Reggae Music were invented in Jamaica and this festival is an awesome way to experience jerk and Reggae together with a glass of wine. Enjoy a sample of Jerk chicken with a 2 oz sample of wine in a 9 oz commemorative glass upon entry to the festival. During the event learn about the process of making jerk, visit the wine tasting booth for 1 oz tastes of several wines, groove to 6 hours of live reggae music, experience Soca, purchase authentic Caribbean food and arts and craft from the vendors. Enjoy additional wine by purchasing wine tickets. Be daring and enter the pepper eating contest, or play dominoes Jamaican style.

What: Butterfly Bash
When: Saturday Sept. 14, 2019
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
Where: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Admission: Paid garden admission is required

Magnolia's first ever Butterfly Festival will delight all as we celebrate butterflies, bumblebees and other pollinators! Listen to guest speakers, participate in a demonstration, take a guided nature walk, and be dazzled by butterfly stilt walkers. Tagged butterflies will be released at the event as well. There will be lots of activities for butterfly enthusiasts of all ages. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their best butterfly costume.