Magnolia Plantation

This plantation is a 464-acre estate in Charleston County with landscaped gardens, walking paths, and bridges distributed across natural areas bordering the Ashley River. The grounds blend cultivated sections with natural landscapes, offering multiple routes for exploration.

The Drayton family founded this plantation in 1679, making it one of the oldest surviving plantations in South Carolina. The property remained in family hands through fifteen generations, growing in significance as a regional estate.

Restored cabins and exhibits here document the lives of enslaved people who created the Gullah language and culture. Walking through these spaces, visitors encounter the stories and daily experiences of this community.

Visitors can explore the grounds through guided tours, a nature train ride, and boat excursions available daily. Multiple options allow you to choose how much time to spend and what areas interest you most.

The grounds hold a collection of 900 camellia varieties, one of the largest in North America with specimens dating to the 1840s. These rare plants have been carefully maintained across decades, reflecting the botanical interests of past owners.

Location: Charleston County

Address: Ashley River Road

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-17:00

Phone: +18435711266

Website: https://magnoliaplantation.com

GPS coordinates: 32.87656,-80.08662

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04