Charleston, South Carolina
Magnolia Plantation and Its Gardens
Magnolia Plantation is one of the great plantations on the Ashley River Road, begun in the 1680’s by the Drayton family. The gardens were open to the public in the early 1870s and are one of the oldest public gardens in America.
Today the 50 acre-garden of Magnolia Plantation includes a spectacular maze with over 500 Camellia sasanquas, as well as azaleas, daffodils, and much more. The maze is based on one designed by Henry VIII at his country estate, Hampton Court, in 16th-century England.
Once a reservoir for the plantation’s rice fields, the adjacent Audubon Swamp Garden offers 60 acres of blackwater in a cypress and tupelo swamp,with bridges, boardwalks and dikes.
There’s a tram tour of the plantation’s wetlands, lakes, forests, and marshes, along with a boat tour through Magnolia’s flooded rice field along the Ashley River. Also, zoo and nature center and Plantation gift shop.
Open 365 days a year, including all major holidays.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
3550 Ashley River Road | Charleston, SC 29414
(800) 367-3517