Welcome to Magnolia
Overview
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, on the banks of the Ashley River near Charleston, SC, is one of the Lowcountry’s oldest public attraction. It is a phenomenal horticultural destination, a significant historic and cultural site, and a place of unparalleled natural beauty.
At Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, the show-stopping attraction is the romantic garden – and it has been for centuries. From the Audubon Swamp Garden to the historic River Walk, Magnolia has something for everyone. We invite you to stroll through these historic gardens, learn about the horticulture and nature thriving in the Lowcountry, survey the wildlife that call Magnolia home, and explore over 300 years of history.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or your 100th time, we look forward to seeing you soon!
history
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens bears witness to 350 years of American history. Here, you’ll learn about the Europeans who colonized South Carolina, the Drayton family that still owns the plantation today, and the enslaved people who worked in the rice fields and in the gardens.
horticulture
In the early 1840s, the Rev. John Grimké Drayton designed a romantic-style garden to showcase his azalea and camellia collections. These gardens were opened to the public shortly after the Civil War, and today, visitors can wander the original paths.
nature
With more than 400 acres of protected wetlands, Magnolia is a nature lover’s paradise. Some 267 species of birds have been recorded here, and the Audubon Swamp Garden is an ideal place to spot native wildlife.