The world-renowned Magnolia Plantation has been tied to the Drayton family since its founding in 1676. Over the centuries, it has withstood the tides of history—surviving the American Revolution, the Civil War, and generations of change. Nestled along the Ashley River, it holds the distinction of being the oldest plantation site in the area.
Step into a world of history, beauty, and enchantment at Magnolia Plantation, home to America’s last large-scale romantic-style garden—where nature shapes the landscape. Today, Magnolia continues this legacy across 60 acres of year-round blooms. Internationally celebrated, the garden features a historic camellia collection that flourishes in winter and bursts into brilliant azaleas each spring.
Unlike most formal American gardens that aim to control nature, Magnolia embraces it—creating a serene, Eden-like landscape where people and the natural world exist in harmony. The plantation presents a romanticized glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of Charleston’s elite before the Civil War, blending historical ambiance with attractions that appeal even to those less interested in the past. If Epcot had a Plantation Pavilion, Magnolia would be its living, breathing version.
With 60 acres of cypress and tupelo blackwater swamps and an additional 125 acres dedicated to a waterfowl refuge, Magnolia Plantation is a thriving wildlife and nature sanctuary in the heart of Charleston County. Steeped in history and deeply rooted in the region’s culture, a walk through its gardens quickly reveals why Magnolia remains such a treasured Lowcountry landmark.
The gravel and dirt trails at Magnolia Plantation wind through breathtaking scenery, often shaded by arching canopies of oaks and vines that form a lush, green tunnel overhead. These easy, scenic hikes guide you through some of the most picturesque paths in the Lowcountry. Be sure to explore the 60-acre swamp as well—you might even spot an alligator or two along the way.
If your legs need a rest or you just want a moment to soak it all in, settle onto one of the many benches scattered around the plantation and take in the magic around you. For a different kind of escape, hop on a boat and drift through Magnolia’s historic, flooded rice fields along the Ashley River—it’s like stepping back in time. And don’t forget your camera—this is easily one of the most picture-perfect spots in all of Charleston.
Alligators still glide silently through the canals, while egrets stalk the shallows, hunting fish and frogs along the shore. After your boat ride, take time to explore the Audubon Swamp Garden—a hauntingly beautiful world where trees rise from the water, islands seem to float, and wildlife moves quietly through the shadows. With an incredible diversity of species, it’s one of the most ecologically rich landscapes in the country.
As I wandered along a trail in the Audubon Swamp, snapping photos, I wasn’t paying close attention to what was right in front of me. I was focused on capturing a small alligator floating in the water and completely missed a much larger one resting on the bank just steps away. A massive shrub growing from the water (pictured below) perfectly camouflaged the creature. Suddenly, I startled it—and it definitely startled me—when its tail whipped through the air, sending a breeze my way before it vanished beneath the surface. That’s when I truly understood why they made me sign a waiver before entering the plantation.
I quickly turned and hurried back the way I came, only to unexpectedly come across a cluster of slave cabins dating back to the 1850s. These cabins have been carefully restored to showcase African-American life on the plantation during various periods between 1850 and 1969.
Magnolia Plantation has appeared on Scariest Places on Earth and Ghost Hunters.
The property is said to be haunted by many restless spirits. Neighbors report hearing the anguished screams of a murdered overseer and sensing his chilling presence. Enslaved blacksmiths secretly engraved voodoo symbols onto Christian crosses marking LeComte graves, using these hidden signs to cast curses on their oppressive masters. Inside the main house, there is a room known as “The Dying Room,” where it is believed that many of Magnolia’s residents spent their final moments.
Legend has it that Confederate soldiers who died in the slave cabins are buried in shallow graves nearby, though no thorough search has ever been conducted. It’s said their restless spirits whisper the names of the living—and on rare occasions, attempt to possess them in a quest for the revenge they crave.
TOURS AVAILABLE
MAGNOLIA PLANTATION HOUSE The house tour is a 30-minute guided tour, giving history of plantation life and Drayton family ownership, still current through twelve generations since 1676.
NATURE TRAIN The Nature Train is a 45-minute tram tour of the Plantation’s diverse landscapes, lakes, woodlands, marshes, and rivers while guides describe plantation history and wildlife.
NATURE BOAT The Nature Boat is a 45-minute boat ride that explores the Plantation’s 125 acres of rice fields while guides describe plantation rice and river culture. This tour offers excellent wildlife viewing, including up-close looks at alligators.
AUDUBON SWAMP GARDEN The Audubon Swamp is a black water cypress and tupelo swamp, lovely, mysterious, and unique to the area. Once a freshwater reservoir used for rice cultivation, the entire 60 acres is traversed by boardwalks, bridges, and dikes, featuring all varieties of local mammals, birds, and reptiles, including bald eagles, herons and egrets, otters, turtles and yes, alligators. Allow at least 45-minutes for a self-guided walk. (BEWARE OF ALLIGATORS! The staff will tell you that alligators are present and warn people about getting close, but they fail to tell you that some alligators may be right on the path! BE AWARE of your surroundings, especially in the Audubon Swamp.)
The Romantic Gardens at Magnolia are believed to be among the last of their kind in the United States. Magnolias and live oaks stretch lazily beside alligator-filled waters, silently reminding visitors that they stood here long before us—and will remain long after. As one of South Carolina’s most visited plantations, Magnolia captivates with its blend of stunning beauty and rich history. It’s a truly breathtaking gem in the heart of the Lowcountry.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is open year-round, welcoming visitors every day—including major holidays. From November through February, hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with ticket sales ending at 4:00 p.m. Starting in mid-March through October, spring hours shift to 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Audubon Swamp Garden follows the same schedule as the plantation. Basic garden admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 6 to 12, and is required to join any guided tours or the self-guided Audubon Swamp tour.
3550 Ashley River Rd.
Charleston, SC 29414
Call (843) 571-1266
http://www.magnoliaplantation.com/
Summary: Saturated in history and beauty, Magnolia Plantation is worth the steep admission fee.
Wander Woman 