Exploring Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston

There are several plantations in the Charleston area, and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful. This incredible estate was established in 1676 and is full of history.

It was named one of “America’s Most Beautiful Gardens” in Travel + Leisure Magazine. The beauty of the gardens makes it a popular spot for weddings, photoshoots, or a stroll in nature.

I visited in November with my friend Brittney, and we spent hours walking around under the huge trees and among the beautiful flowers. You could probably spend even longer if you took some of the educational guided tours.

If you’re planning a visit to this gorgeous plantation, here are some helpful tips for your trip, as well as plenty of photos to inspire you to add Magnolia Plantation and Gardens to your bucket list!

Admission to the Gardens

At the time I visited in November 2020, the cost of admission to the gardens was $20 per adult. A regular ticket allows you to explore most of the gardens at your own pace.

For an additional cost, you can experience guided tours such as the house tour or the “Slavery to Freedom” tour of the slave cabins.

You can see more details about the prices and current hours on the Magnolia Plantation website.

The Plantation House

The Plantation House was built in 1873 and is located near the garden entrance. I didn’t get to take the guided house tour, but you can go inside to the gift shop underneath the house.

Even if you decide not to take the tour, the outside of the house is still beautiful!

Bridges & Gazebos

There are several beautiful bridges and gazebos throughout the garden. These make great spots for taking photos or taking in the views.

This white bridge is near the back of the gardens and crosses Big Cypress Lake.

In this lake, we even saw a baby alligator, and a full-grown one that I’m assuming was its mother. You definitely don’t want to fall into these waters!

Another white bridge crosses over the nearby Mirror Pond. I’m not sure why it’s called that, but I’m guessing it’s because of the pretty reflections of the bridge in the water.

Mirror Pond

It’s no wonder there are so many weddings in these gardens. Besides the gorgeous scenery, these white bridges make great photo locations!

Of course, not all the bridges are white. This red bridge crosses over Schoolhouse Lake near the front of the gardens.

Reflections on Schoolhouse Lake

Also near the front of the plantation is this cute gazebo hidden beneath the trees.

This was a nice place to stop and rest, but I also loved the other white gazebo that was surrounded by azalea bushes.

Learning About History in the Gardens

If American history is something you’re interested in, you will love exploring Magnolia Gardens. Since this plantation dates back to 1676, it has plenty of interesting stories to tell from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War and more.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens has been owned by members of the Drayton family since 1676. It was quite interesting to learn about some of those family members, such as Reverend John Drayton.

According to information at the gardens, he would sit at this bench overlooking the water and write his sermons back in the 1800s. I can’t think of a better place to pray and enjoy the peaceful quiet of the gardens.

Fun Fact: Reverend John Drayton was the first to grow azalea plants in the United States. These beautiful flowering bushes are the same kind that grow around the gazebo mentioned before and that grow in many Southern gardens!

Ancient Trees

Magnolia Gardens has no shortage of beautiful old oak trees. These trees are often covered in Spanish moss which is so famous in this part of the country.

Some of the trees are even hundreds of years old. Near one of the gazebos, you can find the John Drayton Hastie Tree which is over 300 years old!

J. Drayton Hastie Tree

My favorite spot, perhaps in the whole garden, was the Avenue of Oaks.

This road leading from the entrance of the plantation is lined with huge, Spanish-moss-covered oak trees. We took more photos here than I care to admit. Once the sunlight filters through the branches and moss, it creates the perfect spot for a photoshoot!

If you’re planning a girls’ trip, family vacation, or honeymoon to Charleston, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is definitely a must-see attraction. It’s a perfect stop for history lovers, but even if history isn’t your thing, this estate is a beautiful place that you could easily spend hours exploring.

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