Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

At Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, you can explore the 66-acre (27-hectare) gardens, learn about the plantation’s history on the “From Slavery to Freedom” tour, and access 6 miles (10 kilometers) of walking and biking trails. Along the way, visit the Tropical Conservatory and Wildlife Observation Tower, then stop by the Wildlife Center to see indigenous creatures such as red foxes, bobcats, and alligators, as well as goats, peacocks, and other farm animals.

Additional guided tours are available, including a visit to the late-19th-century Magnolia House, a ride on the Nature Train around the 450-acre (182-hectare) plantation, a wildlife-watching boat cruise along the Ashley River, and a walk around the wildlife-filled Audubon Swamp.

• General admission tickets to the Magnolia Garden include access to the historic gardens, Wildlife Center, Tropical Conservatory, walking & biking trails, the Wildlife Observation Tower, and the “From Slavery to Freedom” tour.

• There is plenty of free on-site parking, plus a café, gift shop, and restrooms.

• The Magnolia Gardens and many of the guided tours are accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

• However, visits to Magnolia House require walking up steps and navigating unpaved paths.

The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens are located in North Charleston, along the Ashley River. There is no public transport to the plantation, so you will need your own transport or to take an Uber, Lyft, or local taxi. It’s about a 13-mile (21-kilometer) or 25-minute drive from downtown Charleston.

The Magnolia Plantation is open daily year-round, from mid-morning until late afternoon, with last entry at an hour before closing. The gardens change with the seasons; visit in early winter for the camellia collection, or in spring to see azaleas and migrating herons and waterfowl in the Audubon Swamp. Summer sees the gardens bursting with daffodils, roses, magnolia, and other flowers, while in fall, trees are ablaze with autumnal colors.

All general admission tickets to Magnolia Garden include the “From Slavery to Freedom” tour, which offers insight into Magnolia’s long history. Learn about Magnolia’s origins as a working rice plantation inside the historic cabins where enslaved workers and their families lived; honor their contribution to the creation and maintenance of the house and gardens; and hear about the plantation’s evolution and the families transition to becoming paid garden staff.

Yes, you can purchase tickets online, in advance for Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. The gardens offer a discount for advance ticket purchases, so plan ahead if you can. Same-day tours and the Wildlife Boat Tour cannot be purchased in advance and must be purchased in person at the ticket office.

Yes, several guided tours are available at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. The Nature Train Tour and From Slavery to Freedom Tour are included as part of the regular admission ticket. The House Tour and the Wildlife Boat Tour require a separate fee. Group, private, and VIP tours are also available.

Yes, certain portions of the property and some experiences are wheelchair accessible, including the Garden Tour, Nature Train Tour, Wildlife Nature Boat, Wildlife Center, Peacock Café, and gift shop. The House Tour is not accessible, and unpaved roads on the property may be difficult for wheelchair users to navigate.

Something is blooming nearly all year, so the best time to visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens depends on what you want to see. Late winter and early spring offer the most variety, including camellias (late January) and azaleas (April). Look for wildflowers over the summer and roses in late fall.

Yes, leashed dogs are permitted on the grounds of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, around the gardens, and in the Audubon Swamp. Dogs are not allowed inside the Wildlife Center or gift shop or on any of the guided tours, including the House Tour, Nature Train Tour, or Wildlife Boat Tour.

Yes, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens includes the Peacock Café, which serves breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, snacks, and beverages, including beer and wine. You’ll also find snacks and drinks at the gift shop, and You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks to eat at picnic tables on the property.