The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens was founded in 1676 by the Drayton Family. Magnolia is the oldest tourist site in the Lowcountry and the oldest public gardens in America. The Plantation has survived for centuries and witnessed the history of our nation from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. The Drayton family home dates back to 1873 and is the third home on the site. The two former homes were destroyed by fire during a raid on Union troops. The plantation has remained in the same family for three centuries. Ten rooms of the house are open to the public, and the house is furnished with early American antiques, porcelain, quilts and other Drayton family heirlooms. Basic garden admission gives you access to the historic gardens, petting zoo, conservatory, theater, Peacock Cafe, garden center, and gift shop. Additional paid guided tours include plantation house tour, nature train, nature boat, slavery to freedom tour, and the self-guided Audubon Swamp Garden tour. Allow about 4-5 hours if you plan on doing everything.
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Click Photos to Enlarge
Hours:
Wed. - Mon. 9 am - 5 pm; Tuesday 1 pm - 8 pm
Ticket Sales stop at 4 pm
Open 365 days a year
Admission: Prices below are for tickets purchased online. Add $3 per person for tickets purchased onsite.
Adults (13+) $35
Senior (62+) & Military (with ID) $32
Child (6-12) $21
Children (Under 5) $3
Online House or Wildlife Boat Tour Add On: $12 (onsite add $3 per person)
The new Garden Admission pass, available online, in the Magnolia Plantation app, and onsite at the Welcome Center, allows guests to customize their day however they please. Admission now includes entry to 66 public acres of gardens, 6 miles of walking and biking trails, hop-on hop-off Nature Train, Audubon Swamp Garden Walk, the From Slavery to Freedom Tour and historic cabins, and admittance to the Wildlife Center. Previously these tours were add-ons to Garden Admission tickets. The Magnolia House and Wildlife Boat tours will stand alone as add-on timed specialty tour tickets. The Magnolia House tour is the only tour available for online purchase as our capacity driven tours are weather dependent.
Magnolia Plantation
3550 Ashley River Rd
Charleston SC 29414
(843) 571-1266
Magnolia Plantation Website
What: Piazza Paint and Sip
When: Dec. 1, 2024
Time: 3 pm - 5 pm
Where: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Admission: $75
Learn to paint magnolia flowers on your own set of stemless wine glasses on the Piazza of the Magnolia House. Join us for a class with artist Kristen Cauble-Morse at golden hour for an al fresco class with refreshments, art, and fun!
What: Seasonal Delights: Home for the Holidays Magnolia House Tour
When: Dec. 6, 2024
Time: 9 am - 4:30 pm
Where: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Admission: $75
Experience the magic of the season at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens! From December 6 to January 6, our Magnolia House tour transforms into Home for the Holidays.
Immerse yourself in the charm of the 1920s with festive decorations and an intriguing new narrative. Discover the evolution of Santa Claus, explore vintage ornaments, and delve into Southern holiday traditions. Special items loaned by the Charleston Museum enhance your experience, bringing the era to life with relevant artifacts on display.
As you stroll through the beautifully decorated house, our expert tour guides will be available to answer your questions about both the standard antiques and artifacts in the home, as well as the history of the Drayton family.
What: Sweetgrass Basket Class
When: Dec. 8, 2024
Time: 11 am - 4 pm
Where: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Admission: $100
Create your own one-of-a-kind sweetgrass basket in a special class with Jennifaye of Geechee Gyal Baskets at 11 am or 2pm (two classes being held).
Jennifaye has been making baskets since 1990, an art she learned from her aunt. Sweetgrass basket sewing is viewed as a gift from God. The craft, handed down from generation to generation is usually learned from childhood. Baskets require a great deal of patience and creativity, as there are no set patterns. Each piece is unique, and each artist develops his or her own style.
Light refreshments provided. This event will take place in our Carriage House and is limited to the first 25 tickets sold per class. All materials provided to create your own basket!
What: Holiday Meet & Mingle with Santa Claus & Santa Paws
When: Dec. 15, 2024
Time: 1 pm - 4 pm
Where: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Admission: Included with Garden Admission
Get ready for a festive afternoon filled with joy and laughter at our scenic waterfront Carriage House! On December 15, bring the whole family for a Yuletide celebration that promises fun for all ages. Capture the magic with photo opportunities featuring Santa Claus and adorable adoptable dogs from Dorchester Paws—perfect for both kids and pets!
While the little ones dive into holiday crafts, parents can relax with a warm cup of holiday cheer. Explore our delightful local vendors to check off everything on your holiday shopping list, all while soaking in the beautiful surroundings.
This special event is included with your garden admission for the day, and it's complimentary for Magnolia members!
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