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 6 miles of walking and biking trails throughout our historic property. Walk the Audubon Swamp Garden, a serene and preserved portion of the Ashley River. Check out the Magnolia Blooms station and historic river walk. Don’t miss the Wildlife Center, home to many native species and rescued animals. Step back in history with a guided Magnolia House tour, enjoy scenic views on the Nature Train tour, and gain perspective on the "From Slavery to Freedom" tour.
We know there’s so much to see, do, and explore. Learn more about each tour below and plan your visit - we can’t wait to welcome you!
Magnolia House Tour
Step back through time and history through the lens of the third Magnolia House on property. Originally built as a country cottage, the Magnolia House has transformed quite a bit over the past 150 years. Here, you will learn about the Drayton family, whose presence at Magnolia dates back to the late 17th century. You'll also discover the history of the two earlier homes on the property and gain insight into the lives of the African Americans—both enslaved and free—who lived and worked here over the centuries. Enjoy this unique opportunity to see the evolution of a place through physical space.
The Magnolia House Tour runs daily at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00. Tickets can be purchased with admission for an additional fee.
Nature Train Tour
The Nature Train Tour circumnavigates Magnolia’s wetlands, forests, marsh, and swamp. While riding you’ll learn about the native plants and animals of the Lowcountry, as well as the history of rice cultivation and phosphate mining at Magnolia. Your guide will point out birds, alligators, turtles, and more.
The Nature Train Tour operates daily, departing every half hour from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m and is included with admission pricing.
To ensure a comfortable experience for all, capacity is limited. Add on tickets after purchasing admission to secure your spot as this tour is first come, first served.
“From Slavery to Freedom” Tour
Before Magnolia was a public garden, it was a working rice plantation. Four restored and preserved enslaved cabins are still present on property, and can be viewed on this tour. Dedicated conservation work continues to ensure we are able to honor those who labored in the rice fields, house and garden at Magnolia Plantation. The tour provides a focal point for education and discussion about the history of slavery and African American culture.
The “From Slavery to Freedom Tour” is included with admission and operates daily at our historic cabins at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00. Additional tours are offered at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30, subject to availability.
Audubon Swamp Garden
The Audubon Swamp Garden 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 runs daily at 10:30, 11:30, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00. Tickets can be purchased for an additional fee on site.
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.
The Discovery Tour is available Thursday through Monday at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., based on docent availability. It is included with your garden admission. Be sure to inquire 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.
The Café is open daily from 9am - 5pm.
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.
The Magnolia Shop is open daily from 9:30am-5pm.
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. The Wildlife Center is open daily from 10:00am-4:00pm.
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!