Last Updated on March 12, 2026 by PorchLightReading
Family travel guide to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina. Including nature train, swamp gardens, and more!
Whether you’re here for a quick visit or new to the area, there is a sense of urgency to see everything Charleston, South Carolina, has to offer! From downtown with Rainbow Row, The Battery, Fort Moultrie, and every plantation you can find including the beautiful Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.
I’m not exactly sure what I expected, but I can tell you that it was an adventure that included a tad overreaction when I saw alligators less than five feet from the walking path.
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- Table of Contents: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
- Three Tours They Offer
- Walking Paths and Unique Bridges
- Nature Center and Cafe
- Helpful Tips When Visiting
You might agree with my husband that my nervousness around alligators was a bit of an overreaction, but if you’re new to the area than a nature path in close proximity to such reptiles can make you feel a bit uneasy.
I’ve since recovered and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens has become one of our favorite places to visit on a cool weekend afternoon.
MAGNOLIA PLANTATION AND GARDENS
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens located in Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the oldest plantations in the South. It was founded in 1676 by the Drayton family and started out as a rice plantation. The Drayton’s still own this plantation today, 13 generations later.
In the 1840’s, John Drayton began planting azaleas and camellias for his new wife, Juliana. It was said that these azaleas were the first in America and considered very exotic. They were planted in the romantic style of garden, meaning that they were not planted in a uniform or formal way but more relaxed and as he saw fit.
In 1871, Magnolia Plantation opened its doors to the public, making it the first tourist attraction in Charleston. Over 150 years later people still marvel at this unique experience. From touring the home on the property, taking a nature walk over the long white bridge, or learning a bit more about the history of this plantation from one of their informative tour guides. Visitors of all ages will love exploring the gardens along the Ashley River.
TOURS THEY OFFER
Nature Train- The nature train is a must do while visiting the plantation. This tour will take you around the property while a guide shares the history of the plantation and other information. Learn why the swamp is green, about animals in the area including how many alligators are on the property, and the tree that survived a hurricane and is now thriving in a horizontal position.
This tour is around 40 minutes long, but it’s a welcome relief on a warm summers day. They even stop at certain locations, such as the swamp garden, where you can continue your journey on foot if you choose.
Helpful tip- As you walk through the admission area, the tram/train will be on the right hand side.
From Salve To Freedom Tour- The From Salve To Freedom Tour will transform you back in time to when this was once a working rice plantation. An informative tour guide will bring you through the cabins and living quarters where enslaved men and women once lived and maintained this property. This tour dives deeper into the past to give a better understanding of the difficulties they faced, and when they became a free people. Learn about the family who chose to stay and just how recent one of these cabins were occupied.
Note- Included with price of admission. This tour is approximately 40 minutes long.
Magnolia House Tour- Tour the home of the Drayton family while a guide brings you throughout the different rooms. You’ll touch on the history of the home, furnishing, daily life back when this was a rice plantation, and the changes it went through over the years. Note- Included with membership.
Audubon Swamp Gardens- The Audubon swamp gardens is not a separate tour, but since it is a bit set back from the rest of the property, I wanted to touch on what to expect and how to get there. These swamp gardens offer a walking trail around a large pond on the property and a fair portion of it is elevated boardwalks.
You can either walk from the main parking area to the Audubon swamp gardens, take the tram and get off at the first stop, or drive your vehicle towards the exit where you’ll see a parking area to the left hand side just before leaving the property.
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WALKING PATHS AND UNIQUE BRIDGES
As you explore the gardens at Magnolia Plantation you’ll start to find several walking trails and pathways. It can be a bit confusing at first, but once you get your bearings you’ll find them pretty easy to navigate.
You can also download their app, Magnolia Plantation, right on your phone. This app will include a map, points of interests, and other helpful information.
Historic River Walk- Directly in front of the main entrance you’ll find a few different nature trials to explore. Walk accross the Redwood Bridge and be sure to take the Historic River Walk that hugs its way along the Ashely River.
Long White Bridge- There are several unique bridges on the property, one of the more popular ones being long white bridge that goes over Big Cypress Lake. This bridge offers a unique photo opportunity with a reflection of the bridge in the waters below.
Bamboo Garden Bridge- Continuing down the path away from the Ashley River, will bring you towards Bamboo Garden Bridge. This tall red bridge has a unique arch, making it quite steep to walk over. Something to keep in mind with strollers, wheelchairs, or those not comfortable with taking a bridge quite like that. Although, even if you don’t traverse over it, it’s still pretty special to see and you can easily go around using the path beside the pond.
Wildlife Observation Tower- If you’re looking for more of a walk than a small stroll, make your way over to the Wildlife Observation Tower. There are a few different paths that head in that direction, so take your pick and enjoy the view. If you want to make it a bit longer, continue down the path towards the Wildlife Refuge.
NATURE CENTER AND CAFE
Littles will love exploring the nature center located behind the Peacock Cafe. Alligators, peacocks, ducks, snakes, and more! Allow little ones to choose the path to visit their favorite animals in this fence in area. Be sure not to miss the ponies located out in the field just next to the nature center.
Snack time! After a long morning of exploring grab a small bit to eat or a refreshing drink right at the Peacock Cafe, conveniently located by the main entrance. Or, if your a picnic family like us, grab your picnic basket and enjoy your lunch at one of the picnic tables located nearby.
Picnic area- Although there are a few tables near the Peacock Cafe, we’ve always found it a bit more convient to use the picnic tables located closer to the main parking area. As you’re walking back towards your car you’ll notice a tree line with driveway (entrance and exit) on either side. Just on the other side of that tree line are a few picnic tables under some beautiful live oak trees. Bonus- There are also restrooms near this spot!
HELPFUL TIPS WHEN VISITING
- Garden admission is redeemable for a second visit during a calendar year! Please ask the front deck for exact details or any changes. But this is directly on their website and a great offer you shouldn’t miss. Magnolia Garden Admission and Ticket Information.
- Mosquito spray- Mosquitos are not always a problem, but when they are there is no escaping! I highly recommend bringing a strong mosquito spray with you just in case. Note- Forgot the spray? The gift shop located under the main house sells mosquito spray.
- Sunblock and water are a must.
- Take the nature train when you see a shorter line.
- Bring a picnic and stay a little longer. Picnic tables are located near the parking lot and a few more near the Peacock Cafe.
- Are you a new member? Ask the front desk about their sunrise and sunset hours!
Since moving to the area Magnolia Plantation and Gardens has become one of our favorite places to visit on the weekends. A family membership was a must so we can enjoy the different seasons, events, and flowers in bloom, all year round. We’ll see you on our next adventure!
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