plan your visit
There’s so much to do and see at Magnolia, don’t miss a thing!
Welcome to the Lowcountry’s ultimate garden experience! With your admission, explore more than 6 miles of walking and biking trails throughout our historic property. Walk the Audubon Swamp Garden, where 13 acres of scenic boardwalk strolling meet a wildlife sanctuary. Visit the Magnolia Blooms station and stroll beneath centuries-old live oaks along the historic river walk. Don’t miss the Wildlife Center, home to many native species and rescued animals.
Several guided experiences are offered daily, including the Magnolia House Tour, “From Slavery to Freedom” Tour, Nature Train Tour, Discovery Tour, and seasonal Wildlife Boat Tour.
All tours are scheduled and ticketed on site only, based on same-day availability, weather conditions, and operational capacity.
Magnolia House Tour
Journey through history on the Magnolia House Tour. Built in 1874 as a country cottage, this third iteration of the Drayton's home takes you from the Reconstruction Era through Prohibition and into modern-day Magnolia. Inside, you’ll step into the stories of the families who lived here, discovering how their lives shaped the gardens and the guest experience. As you explore each room, you’ll also see the passage of time reflected in the architecture itself—showing how styles and spaces evolved across generations. Don’t miss this chance to experience Magnolia’s history through the home that brought it to life!
Nature Train Tour
The Nature Train Tour winds through miles of wetlands, forests, marsh, and swamp, immersing you in the ecological landscapes of Magnolia. Along the way, you’ll learn about native and invasive plant species, the evolution of Magnolia’s picturesque gardens, and how this landscape was shaped over time. As the train moves through the property, the tour introduces the Indigenous communities who first lived here and the people who later lived and labored at Magnolia, connecting human history to the natural world around you. Offering a rich overview of Magnolia’s history, horticulture, and nature, this tour is a meaningful and memorable way to experience the property and shouldn’t be missed. The Nature Train Tour operates daily.
“From Slavery to Freedom” Tour
The From Slavery to Freedom Tour places Magnolia’s history within the broader context of slavery in Charleston and the United States before turning to what life was like on a Lowcountry rice plantation. This guided experience explores the institution of slavery, the domestic slave trade, and the systems that sustained plantation life, providing essential background for understanding the lives of those who lived and labored here. Guests are then invited to examine daily life on a rice plantation, before being encouraged to explore the historic cabins on their own. By connecting national and local history to the physical spaces that remain, this tour offers a thoughtful and grounding introduction to one of the most important stories at Magnolia.
Audubon Swamp Garden
The Audubon Swamp Garden, named for John James Audubon, is a magical world where trees grow from the water and wild creatures go about their secret lives through channels and ponds that have evolved from the rice paddies engineered by the enslaved. Thousands of plant and animal species coexist amongst the cypress and tupelo gum trees, surrounded by blackwater. You can explore this unique and otherwise inaccessible landscape on boardwalks, bridges, and dikes. In spring, hundreds of egrets, herons, and other waterfowl nest within feet of the walking path. Throughout the rest of the year, it is host to a variety of migratory and resident wildlife species, including wood ducks, yellow-bellied turtles, and alligators.
Access to the Audubon Swamp Garden is included with your admission purchase.
Explore Magnolia's wildlife along the Ashley River. The boat tour is a great way to see alligators, herons, egrets, anhingas, coots, and other marsh-dwelling creatures up close. Keep your eyes peeled for ospreys, hawks, and other birds of prey—you might even be lucky enough to see one of Magnolia’s resident bald eagles fishing for food!
The Wildlife Boat Tour is currently closed for the season. Please check back soon for the 2026 opening date!
Seasonal
Wildlife Boat Tour
Discovery Tour
Explore the enchanting Magnolia Plantation & Gardens on our Discovery Tour, where beauty and history intertwine. Led by our knowledgeable volunteer docents, you’ll wander through iconic landscapes, including the historic Oak Alleé and picturesque Magnolia Walk, while learning about the gardens' unique horticulture and vibrant heritage. Discover the fascinating stories behind our plants and wildlife as you soak in the tranquil surroundings.
Inquire about availability at the Welcome Center when you arrive!
Peacock Café
Our Peacock Café offers an assortment of house-made sandwiches, salads, drinks and sweet treats, all with locally sourced ingredients! It’s the perfect spot to start your day with a morning coffee, eat a quick lunch between tours or enjoy a cold local beer in the afternoon after a stroll around the gardens.
Gift Shop
The Magnolia Shop can be found in the former kitchens of the Magnolia House. Come inside to find a selection of locally sourced products including candles, home décor, books, jewelry, local food items, Magnolia souvenirs and much more.
Please visit our online Gift Shop or call if you are looking for something special. We ship worldwide!
Wildlife Center
Exhibits in the Wildlife Center feature indigenous species, including the red fox, bobcat, alligator and various birds of prey, allow visitors to view animals not easily seen in the wild. Many of these animals have been rescued by our partner organization, Keeper of the Wild, and have found a home at Magnolia. The Wildlife Center also features a reptile house, allowing guests to safely encounter some of the Lowcountry’s native turtles and snakes.
Group Tours
Groups of 15 or more are welcome at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens at a group rate! We offer customizable admission options, tours, and activity packages tailored to meet your group’s needs. Special pricing is available for school groups, making it an ideal destination for educational field trips. Let us help you create a memorable experience surrounded by the beauty and history of Charleston’s most iconic garden destination!
