plan your visit
There’s so much to do and see at Magnolia, don’t miss a thing!
Welcome to the Lowcountry's ultimate garden experience! With your admission, explore 6 miles of walking and biking trails throughout our historic property. Walk the Audubon Swamp Garden, a serene and preserved portion of the Ashley River. Check out the Magnolia Blooms station and historic river walk. Don’t miss the Wildlife Center, home to many native species and rescued animals. Step back in history with a guided Magnolia House tour, enjoy scenic views on the Nature Train tour, and gain perspective on the "From Slavery to Freedom" tour.
We know there’s so much to see, do, and explore! If you don’t finish it all in one day, your garden admission to Magnolia is redeemable for a second visit within the calendar year.
Magnolia House Tour
Step back through time and history through the lens of the third Magnolia House on property. Originally built as a country cottage, the Magnolia House has transformed quite a bit over the past 150 years. Here you will be introduced to the Drayton family who trace their roots at Magnolia back to the late 17th century, the prior two homes, and about the African Americans–both enslaved and free–who have lived and worked here across the centuries. Enjoy this unique opportunity to see the evolution of a place through physical space.
Join us for "Home for the Holidays," a special seasonal tour replacing our regular house tour from December 6 to January 6. Enjoy festive 1920s decorations, vintage ornaments, and Southern traditions. Get your tickets now!
Nature Train Tour
The Nature Train Tour circumnavigates Magnolia’s wetlands, forests, marsh, and swamp. While riding you’ll learn about the native plants and animals of the Lowcountry, as well as the history of rice cultivation and phosphate mining at Magnolia. Your guide will point out birds, alligators, turtles, and more.
“From Slavery to Freedom” Tour
Before Magnolia was a public garden, it was a working rice plantation. Four restored and preserved enslaved cabins are still present on property, and can be viewed on this tour. Dedicated conservation work continues to ensure we are able to honor those who labored in the rice fields, house and garden at Magnolia Plantation. The tour provides a focal point for education and discussion about the history of slavery and African American culture.
Audubon Swamp Garden
The Audubon Swamp Garden is a magical world where trees grow from the water and wild creatures go about their secret lives through channels and ponds that have evolved from the rice paddies engineered by the enslaved. Thousands of plant and animal species coexist amongst the cypress and tupelo gum trees, surrounded by blackwater. You can explore this unique and otherwise inaccessible landscape on boardwalks, bridges, and dikes. In spring, hundreds of egrets, herons, and other waterfowl nest within feet of the walking path. Throughout the rest of the year it is host to a variety of migratory and resident wildlife species, including wood ducks, yellow-bellied turtles, and alligators.
Discovery Tour
Explore the enchanting Magnolia Plantation & Gardens on our Discovery Tour, where beauty and history intertwine. Led by our knowledgeable volunteer docents, you’ll wander through iconic landscapes, including the historic Oak Alleé and picturesque Magnolia Walk, while learning about the unique horticulture and vibrant heritage of the gardens. Discover the fascinating stories behind our plants and wildlife as you soak in the tranquil surroundings. The tour is available Thursday through Monday at 11:30 am and 1 pm, and it's free with garden admission. Be sure to inquire at the Welcome Center when you arrive!
Peacock Café
Our Peacock Café offers an assortment of house-made sandwiches, salads, drinks and sweet treats, all with locally sourced ingredients! It’s the perfect spot to start your day with a morning coffee, eat a quick lunch between tours or enjoy a cold local beer in the afternoon after a stroll around the gardens. The Café is open daily from 9am - 5pm.
Gift Shop
The Magnolia Shop can be found in the former kitchens of the Magnolia House. Come inside to find a selection of locally sourced products including candles, home décor, books, jewelry, local food items, Magnolia souvenirs and much more. The Magnolia Shop is open daily from 9:30am-5pm. Please visit our online Gift Shop or call if you are looking for something special. We ship worldwide!
Wildlife Center
Exhibits in the Wildlife Center feature indigenous species, including the red fox, bobcat, alligator and various birds of prey, allow visitors to view animals not easily seen in the wild. Many of these animals have been rescued by our partner organization, Keeper of the Wild, and have found a home at Magnolia. The Wildlife Center also features a reptile house, allowing guests to safely encounter some of the Lowcountry’s native turtles and snakes. The Wildlife Center is open daily from 10:00am-4:00pm.
Group Tours
Groups of 15 or more are welcome at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens at a group rate! Admission, tours, activities and packages may be customized to suit your group’s unique needs. School Groups receive special pricing.
Seasonal
Wildlife Boat Tour
Explore Magnolia's wildlife along the Ashley River. The boat tour is a great way to see alligators, herons, egrets, anhingas, coots, and other marsh-dwelling creatures up close. Keep your eyes peeled for ospreys, hawks, and other birds of prey—you might even be lucky enough to see one of Magnolia’s resident bald eagles fishing for food!