Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a 400-acre property that was founded in 1678 by the Drayton family. It is Charleston's most visited plantation, and it's easy to see why. There's a lot there! It's home to America's oldest garden - The Barbados Tropical Garden. Other gardens on the property include a Biblical garden, a topiary garden, a maze of camellias, and a swamp garden that spans 60 acres. Bald Eagles, egrets, otters, and of course, alligators, can be seen in the swamp garden. Visitors can enjoy a variety of bog plants, ornamental grasses, and wildflowers.
Additional attractions include a petting zoo, Old African American Cabin, and a conservatory.
The gardens are open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The cost of admission for adults is $15.00, and for children, $10.00. There is an additional cost for the plantation house tour, nature boat tour, and the Audubon Swamp Garden. All-inclusive tickets are available, but those are rather costly - $47.00 for adults, $43.00 for children.