Camellias along the Ashley River, swamp boardwalks at dawn.
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2 hr
Guided 90-min tour of Versailles Palace with skip-the-line entry, plus free time in the royal gardens.
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Skip the queues and roam the royal palace, glittering Hall of Mirrors, and sprawling gardens at your own pace.
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9 hr 30 min
Round-trip coach from central Paris plus admission to Versailles' palace and gardens — explore at your own pace.
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7 hr
Skip the lines at Versailles and explore the palace, gardens, and Marie Antoinette's private retreat with a guide.
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3 hr
Glide through Versailles' grand gardens by golf cart, then skip the line into the legendary palace.
ReservePrices from verified partners. Availability updates in real time at checkout. Free cancellation policies apply where shown.
The Drayton family planted their first camellias here in the 1840s, making magnolia plantation and gardens home to America's oldest unrestored Romantic-style gardens.
Founded in 1676, the estate has passed through ten generations of a single family, surviving fire, war, and Reconstruction along the banks of the Ashley River.
Today the grounds matter as a living archive of Lowcountry horticulture. The Audubon Swamp Garden threads cypress boardwalks past nesting herons; the Wildlife Center shelters native species; restored rice fields trace the labor that built the South. Visitors weighing magnolia plantation tours from charleston, a guided tour magnolia plantation, or a fuller magnolia plantation day trip charleston find the same draw: 500 acres where azaleas, Spanish moss, and tidal marsh fold history into landscape. A magnolia plantation charleston tour reveals what photographs flatten — the slow geometry of magnolia plantation and gardens.
"Five hundred acres where azaleas, Spanish moss, and tidal marsh fold history into landscape."
A step-by-step walkthrough of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens tickets — what you'll see, how long each stage takes, and the details that matter.
You arrive at 09:00, when the gates open and the morning light still hangs low over the Ashley River. You walk the long oak allée first, then cross the white footbridges that arc over the reflecting ponds, camellia petals drifting on the water.
By 10:00 you reach the Audubon Swamp Garden, where the boardwalk carries you past alligators and roosting egrets.
Your combo tour includes the Wildlife Center, so you pause to watch otters before the house tour begins. You climb the worn porch steps, trace four centuries of Drayton history room by room, then end at the petting zoo. Arrive in this 09:00–11:00 window and the swamp belongs almost entirely to you.
Pick up same-day tour tickets at the Welcome Center, then walk the main garden loop past centuries-old live oaks, azalea allées, and reflecting pools.
Follow the 13-acre blackwater boardwalk through the former rice-paddy wetland, watching for resident alligators, great blue herons, wood ducks, and anhingas.
Board the open-air tram for a narrated circuit of the outer property, rice fields, and Ashley River shoreline — the most efficient way to cover the full 600 acres.
Join a docent-led walk through the historic Gullah-Geechee cabin complex, placing the plantation's rice economy within the broader context of American slavery and Reconstruction.
Visit the native-species enclosures and rescued-animal exhibits, then stop at the Peacock Café for lunch before departing.
The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on Magnolia Plantation and Gardens tours remember — all visible on a single visit.
A 60-acre blackwater wetland originally engineered as rice paddies by enslaved African workers; today 13 acres of elevated boardwalk wind past resident alligators, anhingas, wood storks, and nesting great blue herons.
A canopied avenue of centuries-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss leads to the Ashley River shoreline, the same approach that 19th-century steamboat visitors used when the gardens first opened to the public in 1870.
A native-species center housing rescued animals including turtles, owls, and birds of prey; resident bald eagles have been documented fishing along the adjacent Ashley River, which is among the few such sightings in the Lowcountry.
Built during the Reconstruction period and never fully modernized, the house contains Drayton family heirlooms, early American antiques, and original porcelain; it has been in continuous Drayton family ownership for 12 generations since 1676.
A cluster of original and restored Gullah-Geechee cabins that formed the domestic quarters of the antebellum rice plantation; the award-winning docent-led tour contextualizes the lives of enslaved workers within the broader history of the Lowcountry rice economy.
Every Magnolia Plantation and Gardens tour side-by-side — duration, what's included, how you redeem.
| Experience | From | Duration | Transfers | Pickup | Lunch | Tax inc. | Free cancel. | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Skip-the-line Most popular
Versailles Skip-the-Line: Palace Tour & Gardens Access
|
— | 2 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €62 | Book → |
|
Premium Combo
Versailles Palace & Gardens: Full Access Day Pass
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | €25 | Book → |
|
Standard Entry
Versailles Palace & Gardens Trip from Paris with Transport
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Paris | 9 hr 30 min | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €58 | Book → |
|
Guided Experience
Versailles Guided Tour: Palace, Gardens & Queen's Estate
|
— | 7 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €145 | Book → |
|
Luxury / Private
Versailles Private Golf Cart Tour: Palace & Gardens
|
— | 3 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €699 | Book → |
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3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414
Main ticketing and tour-booking hub; free parking adjacent
Open in Google MapsTake US-61 (Ashley River Road) northwest from downtown Charleston; the entrance is at 3550 Ashley River Road, approximately 13 miles from the city center.
Uber and Lyft both service the property from downtown Charleston; no public transit reaches the site directly.
Third-party operators including Chicora Tours depart from the Charleston Visitor Center at 375 Meeting Street.
Casual dress is recommended and confirmed by the property. Wear closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals — many garden paths are unpaved dirt and gravel. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is strongly advisable during summer months, when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
There is no bag-screening checkpoint at magnolia plantation and gardens, but large coolers and oversized luggage are discouraged on the trails. Daypacks and small backpacks are standard. Luggage can be stored at the on-site Administrative Office if needed.
Personal photography for non-commercial use is welcome throughout the historic gardens, Audubon Swamp Garden boardwalk, and Wildlife Center. Drone and commercial photography requires a prior permit arranged through the event or operations team at [email protected]. Tripods are permitted in open garden areas.
Handicap parking spaces are available near the entrance, and ADA-compliant restrooms are on site. The self-guided garden tour, Wildlife Center, Peacock Café, gift shop, and Nature Train are accessible. Many garden paths are unpaved gravel or dirt and may be challenging for wheelchairs and motorized scooters; staff at the Welcome Center can advise on the best routes. The historic Magnolia House Tour requires climbing steps and is not wheelchair-accessible due to the structure's protected historic status. Strollers are permitted throughout the 66-acre grounds.
Mobile phones are permitted throughout the grounds. Signal can be weak in the deeper swamp boardwalk areas. The official website at magnoliaplantation.com offers a digital map useful for offline reference. Photography with phones is welcome for personal use.
Magnolia plantation and gardens is one of the most family-oriented plantation sites in the Charleston area, offering a petting zoo, Wildlife Center with native and rescued species, Nature Train ride, and over 6 miles of trails. The Magnolia House Tour has a minimum age of 7; all other tours have no minimum age requirement. Children under 13 enter at a reduced rate. Strollers navigate freely on the main paved paths.
The on-site Peacock Café serves light meals, snacks, and beverages daily. Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks in sealed containers may be brought onto the grounds for picnicking on the lawn areas. Alcoholic beverages from outside are not permitted. No full-service restaurant is on site, so visitors planning a full day may wish to bring additional snacks.
Leashed dogs (leash no longer than 6 feet) are welcome on the 66 acres of grounds, in the gardens, and in the Audubon Swamp Garden. Dogs are not permitted on any guided tours, in the Petting Zoo, or in the Gift Shop. Service animals are welcome everywhere on the property.
Magnolia plantation and gardens participates in the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admissions Program (AHS RAP), offering discounted admission to qualifying AHS members. Annual memberships are available and include unlimited admission plus discounts on tours and events. Groups of 15 or more qualify for group rates — contact the team in advance at [email protected].
3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414
Main ticketing and tour-booking hub; free parking adjacent
Get directions
375 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Departure point for third-party guided shuttle tours to the plantation
Get directionsBest time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.
How crowds, weather, and events shift across the year.
Peak bloom season for azaleas and camellias; the most visually varied time at magnolia plantation and gardens, though tour slots fill fastest and crowds are at their highest.
Wildflowers are in bloom and the Audubon Swamp is lush; mornings are cooler and weekday attendance is lighter, but midday heat and humidity are significant.
Roses peak in late October and fall foliage adds color to the live-oak canopy; one of the least-crowded periods for a Charleston plantation garden visit.
Camellias begin blooming in late January and crowds are at their lowest; the garden landscape is quieter but wildlife sightings in the swamp are excellent.
Small details that turn a good visit into a great one.
Online tickets for magnolia plantation and gardens can be purchased at magnoliaplantation.com, saving time at the gate; guided tour tickets must still be collected on site at the Welcome Center the day of your visit.
All guided tours — including the complimentary Magnolia House Tour and From Slavery to Freedom Tour — are issued on a same-day, first-come basis; arriving at opening at 09:00 is the most reliable way to secure your preferred time slots during peak season.
The swamp boardwalk is the most shaded section of the property and is best visited in the cooler morning hours before the South Carolina summer heat builds after midday.
Drayton Hall is just one mile south on Ashley River Road; a half-day at each plantation is very manageable and gives a contrasting view of plantation architecture versus Romantic garden design.
The wetland environment around the Audubon Swamp Garden harbors mosquitoes year-round, especially in summer; repellent is one of the most-cited practical tips from repeat visitors.
The Wildlife Boat Tour along the Ashley River is weather-dependent and has a seasonal schedule; confirm availability on the official site at magnoliaplantation.com before your visit, as it cannot be pre-booked.
Non-bookable sights within a short walk — free to visit, easy to pair.
America's oldest unrestored plantation house, built 1738, a National Historic Landmark on Ashley River Road
America's oldest landscaped gardens, first planted 1741, with formal terraced lawns along the Ashley River
One of South Carolina's oldest surviving churches, consecrated in 1706, still in use
Blackwater cypress swamp garden north of Charleston with flat-bottomed boat tours
Flexible, no hidden fees.
Admission tickets purchased online may be cancelled for a full refund if cancelled at least 24 hours before the visit date. Guided tour tickets (Nature Train, Wildlife Boat) are sold on site only and are non-refundable; the adult gate admission of $35 USD is non-refundable once entry has been taken.
Hand-picked options within walking distance — pick a district for vibe, or a specific hotel for convenience.
Riverside boutique hotel set within Middleton Place plantation grounds, with direct garden access
Cluster of mid-range chain hotels along US-17 in West Ashley, closest budget-friendly accommodation to the plantation
Full range of luxury and boutique hotels concentrated in the historic peninsular district
Magnolia plantation and gardens is open seven days a week from 09:00 to 17:00. The last ticket is sold one hour before closing each day. The site is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Adult gate admission (ages 14–61) costs $35 USD and includes the historic gardens, Wildlife Center, and Audubon Swamp Garden. The House Tour and From Slavery to Freedom Tour are complimentary with admission but require a same-day tour ticket issued at the Welcome Center. The Nature Train Tour and seasonal Wildlife Boat Tour carry an additional fee.
General admission covers access to over 200 acres of grounds, 6 miles of walking and biking trails, the historic Romantic-style gardens, the Wildlife Center with native and rescued species, and the 13-acre Audubon Swamp Garden boardwalk. The Magnolia House Tour and From Slavery to Freedom Tour are included at no extra charge with same-day ticketing.
Handicap parking and ADA-compliant restrooms are available on site. The gardens, Wildlife Center, Peacock Café, gift shop, and Nature Train tour are accessible. The historic Plantation House Tour is not wheelchair-accessible due to steps and the protected nature of the structure. Some unpaved garden paths may be difficult for wheelchairs and motorized scooters.
Late January through April is the most varied flowering period at this historic Charleston plantation destination, with camellias peaking in January and azaleas in full display through April. Summer brings wildflowers and lush swamp vegetation; late October sees rose blooms; winter months offer the smallest crowds and strong wildlife-viewing in the swamp.
Leashed dogs with a leash no longer than 6 feet are welcome on the 66 acres of grounds, in the gardens, and along the Audubon Swamp boardwalk. Pets are not permitted on guided tours, in the Petting Zoo, or in the Gift Shop. Service animals are welcome throughout the property.
Personal photography is welcome throughout magnolia plantation and gardens for non-commercial use, including in the swamp garden and near the wildlife enclosures. Drone use and commercial shoots require a prior permit; email [email protected] to arrange. Tripods are permitted in open garden areas.
Drive northwest on US-61 (Ashley River Road) from downtown Charleston to reach 3550 Ashley River Road in approximately 25–35 minutes; free on-site parking is available. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) cost roughly $25–40 each way from downtown. Third-party shuttle tours depart from the Charleston Visitor Center at 375 Meeting Street.
Magnolia plantation and gardens is well-suited to families: a petting zoo, Wildlife Center, Nature Train ride, and 6 miles of trails keep children engaged. The Magnolia House Tour requires a minimum age of 7; all other tours have no age minimum. Strollers move freely on the main paths.
Daily guided experiences include the Magnolia House Tour, the From Slavery to Freedom Tour (both complimentary with admission), and the fee-based Nature Train Tour. The seasonal Wildlife Boat Tour along the Ashley River is weather-dependent and must be booked on site. A Discovery Tour led by volunteer docents is also offered on most days.
Online admission tickets can be cancelled for a full refund up to 24 hours before the visit date. Guided tour tickets (Nature Train, Wildlife Boat) are sold on site only and are non-refundable once purchased. The $35 adult gate admission is non-refundable after entry.
Yes — Drayton Hall (1 mile south on Ashley River Road) and Middleton Place (approximately 4 miles further south) are both close enough for a combined day trip. All three plantations sit along Ashley River Road within a 15-minute drive of each other, making a two-plantation day very practical.
