magnolia plantation train tour

Historic City Tour & Magnolia Plantation

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 6.5 hours
• Map Marker Departure Location: 375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC

Checkmark Easy Cancellations!

Enjoy One of America’s Best Gardens

Combine our historic city tour with a tour of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, selected as one of “America’s Most Beautiful Gardens” by Travel Leisure Magazine .

Take a guided tour of the Drayton family home founded in 1676. Take in the beauty of the plantation’s wetland, lakes, forests, and marshes with a nature train ride. See everything from alligators and turtles to herons and egrets on this 45-minute tram ride.

Your Ticket Includes

• Tour lasts 6 1/2 hours from start to finish.
• 45-minute guided house tour
• 45-minute nature tram tour
• Transportation to and from plantation
• Historic City Tour – 2:30 p.m. that same day
• Nature Center & Zoo
• The Tropical Conservatory
• Orientation Theater
• The Peacock Café
• From Slavery to Freedom Cabin

Please Note

• Please confirm date and times before submitting the reservation.
• Please note that booking times are exact and not an arrival window.
• Departs from the Visitors Center at 375 Meeting Street.
• Please note the City of Charleston does not allow hop-on-hop-off services.
• Must cancel scheduled tour 24 hours prior to tour departure time in order to receive a full refund.
• Changes may be made on a space-available basis.
• We are committed to responsible tourism and traveler safety.
• Changes may be made on a space available basis

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Charleston's Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

In this post, we share everything you need to know about visiting Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. There are several plantations in the Charleston area, but few are as historic and notable as Magnolia.  Updated for 2024.

Admission Price

Hours and directions, additional guided tours.

• Visiting other Charleston Plantations

Open 364 days a year, including all major holidays EXCEPT Christmas Day.

• Hours : 9 AM until 5 PM

Magnolia is located at 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414.

To get to Magnolia, click here  for exact directions from your starting point. For written directions from a variety of starting places such as Downtown Charleston and the many area beaches, visit Magnolia's website .

This inspiring garden and home are still welcoming visitors. For one low price, you can explore the grounds at your own pace.  Guided tours and activities are available at an additional cost.  

• Basic Admission Ticket (2024):  $35 for Adults;  $21 for Children; $3 for Children under 6

What's included in the Basic Admission Ticket?

The Magnolia Gardens   You can enjoy a self-guided tour through the historic gardens. Some sections are more than three centuries old, allowing you to see what the plantation looked like hundreds of years ago. Allow at least 45 minutes to look around the gardens.

Now included in the Basic Admission Ticket is the From Slavery to Freedom Tour

The Magnolia Cabin Project Tour is a 45 minute experience that discusses Magnolia’s unique street of slave cabins which were occupied well into the 20th century.

These cabins have been carefully preserved and restored to document the full arc of African-American life at Magnolia Plantation. Each cabin reflects a different period of the African-American experience at Magnolia – from slavery to reconstruction and on through the 1920s and the Civil Rights era providing an extraordinary perspective.

A shuttle is provided to take visitors to the cabins and allow them to explore. Timed tickets are still required and they book up fast as they are first come-first served.

Also, included is access to the Garden Maze, Petting Zoo, Conservatory, the Old African American Cabin, and the Orientation Theater which shows a 30-minute film to watch before you explore the grounds.

You can also visit the Peacock Cafe and Gift Shop.

Each of the 5 below tours costs $10-15 per person (children under 6 are free).

The Plantation House Tour

This house is the third to stand here, though the original core structure was built elsewhere and floated down the river after the Civil War. Ten rooms are available to view on a half hour guided tour that shows you what life was like in the 19th century. In addition to the period pieces on display, you’ll also have the opportunity to see real family heirlooms from the original owners. If you want to learn about the Draytons and their home, this tour is an absolute must.

Tour starts on the front porch of the Plantation house. Tour begins at the top of every hour, beginning at 10:00 AM and ending at 4:00 PM.

Audubon Swamp Garden

The Audubon Swamp Garden features thousands of plants and animals living in the cypress and gum trees deep in the blackwater. Uniquely wild vistas this beautiful aren’t often found in the low country, and this is an area you can easily traverse on boardwalks and bridges. The swamp garden is so large and extensive that you’ll want to set aside at least an hour to explore its length.

Once you have purchased your ticket, you are free to stay and enjoy this special garden until dusk. 

The Nature Train Tour

The Nature Train is a 45-minute tram tour of the Magnolia Plantation’s diverse landscapes, lakes, woodlands, marshes, and rivers while guides describe the estate’s history and wildlife. It’s entirely possible that you will see wild animals such as an alligator or blue heron while on this train. Take a break from walking through the garden and let a guide drive you around instead. Discover what made this land so desirable as you enjoy the natural splendor on display!

The Nature Train departs from a train depot near the main parking area. Departure is every half hour, but could be delayed for various reasons.  Check with the Admissions Gate or Office when you arrive.

Rice Field Boat Tour

The Rice Field Boat Tour is roughly an hour long boat ride that explores the plantation’s 125 acres of rice fields. As you float down the river, guides will explain the culture and history behind the area. This tour also offers excellent wildlife viewing, including potential encounters with alligators and egrets. Take a break after a long day of walking the grounds and enjoy a nice trip down the Ashley River as you learn about the rice fields.

Tour departs from a dock in the Magnolia gardens.  This tour is available every day of the week from March-October.

Related posts:

• Where to Stay in Charleston
• Charleston on a Budget
• Historic Charleston | A Self-Guided Tour

Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, this plantation has been welcoming visitors since 1870. It is the oldest public garden in America and some sections remain in their original state for over 325 years. Not only has this estate been in operation for over three centuries, but they were actually one of the first locations to welcome visitors after the Civil War. 

Today, Magnolia Plantation is a house museum that has been restored to look as it did during the Civil War. 

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Why You Need to Visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

And maybe it is.

But it’s still worth a visit.

One of the oldest plantations in the country, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens was founded in 1676 by Thomas and Ann Drayton. And 15 generations later, their descendants, the Drayton family, still own the plantation. This beautiful and extensive plantation was the site of many firsts in Charleston, and the country, over the centuries. As such, it should be at the top of your list when visiting Charleston, South Carolina. While the history of the plantation is fascinating, the gardens are world-renowned and worth a visit in their own right.

The Most Fascinating Parts of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens History

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is one of the first plantations in America . Its history stretches back to the colonial era of Charleston (back when locals called it Charlestowne) . And yet, it didn’t become famous until Reverend John Grimke-Drayton inherited the property and went to work on improving the gardens.

Grimke-Drayton’s wife was an abolitionist, and found slavery abhorrent. The couple’s plan was initially for the couple to settle in her hometown of Philadelphia. But when his older brother passed, plans changed.

As was typical of second-borns, Grimke-Drayton trained as an Episcopal minister. But Grimke-Drayton inherited the plantation and became a Southern planter. That was, on the condition that he adopt the Drayton family surname.

Union troops burned the original manor house in the Civil War. The current main house on the property was built after the Civil War and expanded over several decades of renovations.

In this writer’s opinion, it’s not as impressive as some other Charleston plantation homes. It is still gorgeous with wide porches and fantastic gardens surrounding it.

The plantation was originally opened to the public after the Civil War to help raise funds and has remained open ever since.

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

So aside from hearing ghosts (more on that later), what are the best reasons to visit Magnolia Plantation of South Carolina?

The Gardens

The gardens have been in existence since the early 1700s, and today they cover more than 70 acres. The gardens are made up of a variety of different styles, including the formal gardens, the romantic gardens, and the nature gardens.

The formal gardens

The formal gardens are located in front of the main house. They feature a wide variety of flowers and plants, including azaleas, camellias, and roses.

The romantic gardens

The romantic gardens are located at the back of the main house and feature winding paths, bridges, and a pond with a waterfall. The nature gardens are located throughout the property and feature a wide variety of plants and animals, including:

• And plenty of birds

Garden structures

The gardens at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens are also home to several historic structures, including:

• A tea house
• And a summerhouse

Take a guided tour of the gardens to learn more about the different types of plants and flowers in each garden. You’ll also get to learn the history of the gardens themselves.

The gardens are open year-round. And the best time to visit is either:

• In the spring when the azaleas and camellias are in bloom
• Or in the fall when the garden is ablaze with fall colors

The azaleas

And speaking of azaleas, this is the first site on which gardeners grew them in America. From here they spread throughout Charleston, the South, and eventually America. There are varieties of azalea not seen anywhere else in America, and possibly the world. And azaleas, camellias, and live oaks scattered in the swampy terrain, mixed with white bridges, make ideal photo opportunities. This is, after all, a highly romantic Charleston attraction .

Audubon Swamp Garden

For those looking for more of a hike, there are trails through the Audubon Swamp Garden. Be sure to bring bug spray in the warm parts of the year.

Petting Zoo

There’s also a petting zoo, for visitors looking to be chased around by pushy goats. Actually, this one is likely the most child-friendly of the plantations. The petting zoo and tourist focus makes this a great family friendly Charleston attraction as well.

Historic Buildings at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

The plantation is home to several historic buildings. First is the main house, built in 1873. Visitors can also explore the slave cabins and the plantation’s original kitchen, which date back to the early 1700s. The property also features a blacksmith shop, a smokehouse, and a dairy used by the plantation in the past. Take a guided tour of the main house and other buildings to learn more about the history of the plantation and the life of those who lived and worked there.

Wildlife at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Including alligators!

Nature lovers can enjoy bird watching on the property. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is home to a smorgasbord birds, including egrets, herons, and ibis. You can also take a boat tour on the Ashley River to see the alligators and other wildlife that call the area home.

Gilliard Garden Center

Visit the Gilliard Garden Center to bring a piece of America’s oldest romantic style gardens home with you! They sell a wide range of specialty and seasonal plants, including:

• Heirloom and hybrid flowering plants
• And shrubs for landscaping

The garden center is next to the Magnolia Plantation & Gardens ticket booth and is free of charge.

Magnolia established the Gilliard Garden Center in memory of Tena Lena Gilliard. During the turn of the century, she was a greeter and a beloved employee at Magnolia. Gilliard once lived in the cabin that is now the Gilliard Garden Center.

Special events at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens hosts special events throughout the year, such as:

• Christmas light shows
• Butterfly festivals
• And historical reenactments

Be sure to check the plantation’s website or social media for the schedule of these events and plan accordingly.

One of the most popular events is the Christmas Light Show. It takes place in December and features a spectacular display of lights throughout the gardens.

Civil War re-enactors hold events on certain weekends throughout the year.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens also hosts educational events such as:

• And classes on gardening, bird watching and photography

Check the plantation’s website or social media for the schedule of these events and plan your visit.

African American History at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

The history of slavery and the experiences of enslaved Africans and African Americans at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a difficult and painful one.

As is the case in the broader South.

Enslaved people were forced to work long hours in harsh conditions and were treated as property rather than human beings. Society seprated them from their families and communities, and subjected them to violence and abuse.

And yet, the plantation is working to acknowledge and address that history through its:

• Interpretation
• Educational programs

• The slave cabins
• Blacksmith shop
• And the smokehouse

The property also hosts events and programs that focus on the history of slavery, such as reenactments, lectures and workshops.

Visiting the property can also be an opportunity to connect with nature. And most importantly, to reflect on the past, present and future of the African American community.

Magnolia Plantation Hours and Tickets: What You Need to Know

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and the Audubon Swamp Garden are open every day of the year, including major holidays. Winter months–November to February–the plantation is open 8:30 am until 4:30 pm, while March to October, hours are 8 am until 5:30 pm. Check the website to see prices for admission to the Plantation .

Their address is:

3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414

All the Best Magnolia Plantation Tours

Besides the half-hour tour of the Magnolia Plantation House and Nature Train Tour, there is also a Rice Field Nature Boat Tour. This tour explores the old flooded fields of this former rice plantation. You can also take a tour through five historic former slaves’ quarters on site. The Slavery to Freedom Tour is an award-winning tour of African American history in this part of the South.

After paying general admission, the following tours are extra:

• The Historic House Tour
• Nature Train Tour
• Nature Boat Tour
• Slavery to Freedom Tour
• An unguided tour of the Audubon Swamp

Considering planning a wedding or event at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens?

What better place to declare your undying love than in the oldest Romantic Garden in America? Magnolia Plantation and Gardens offers 4 beautiful wedding venues :

• Carriage House and lawn overlooks the Ashley River
• The Conservatory and School House Pond Lawn offers an intimate indoor venue surrounded by a gorgeous collection of tropical plants
• The Plantation House Veranda and Long White Bridge Lawn is described by many as quintessentially Charleston with its elegant ambience
• The Pavilion is an excellent outdoor venue for any occasion

Is Magnolia Plantation and Gardens Haunted?

The crew from the TV show “ Ghost Hunters ” made a visit to Magnolia Plantation to investigate. After all, the house is considered one of the most haunted locations in America . They heard music, the sound of a young girl’s voice, a cough, even some growling and a woman’s voice asking, “What are you doing?” While there was plenty of paranormal activity, the team could not ascribe the activity to one specific member of the family.

The Best of the Places to Stay Near Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, SC

There aren’t a ton of options very close to Magnolia Plantation.

That said, none of the best places to stay in Charleston, SC , are too far of a drive anyway.

The Inn at Middleton Place is located at the Middleton Place plantation , and is the closest inn or hotel near Magnolia Plantation . Rates start at $186 a night, and include admission to nearby Middleton Plantation for couples, an $86 value. You could kill two birds with one stone by staying here: visit both Middleton Plantation and Magnolia Plantation.

There are also plenty of hotels near the Charleston International Airport in North Charleston, a 20-minute drive away. And just as many hotels and inns are in historic downtown Charleston , a 25-minute drive away.

CARTA  also provides service to Magnolia Plantation and the other Charleston plantations on Highway-61 from downtown Charleston.

3 More Amazing Charleston, SC, Plantations to Explore

Magnolia Plantation, SC, isn’t the only choice for plantations near Charleston !

In fact, lining the same Ashley River Road as Magnolia Plantation and Gardens are two other plantations on this list.

And Mount Pleasant, SC, the home of Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens, is an easy drive away.

Some more great options near downtown Charleston include:

Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens

One of America’s oldest still working plantations, one of the highlights of a visit is a tour of the working farmland. This plantation has been featured in more than a few famous movies, including most recently the Notebook. Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens is as idyllic as they come. That is, until you tour the African American exhibit and are reminded of how that idyllic environment came to be for the few.

Drayton Hall Plantation

Drayton Hall features one of the most iconic plantation buildings in the Charleston area. The Palladian architecture home is often what people think of when they see Charleston in their mind. Drayton Hall is also next door to Magnolia Plantation.

Middleton Plantation

The third plantation on Ashley River Road, Middleton Place is tied to the Edmundston-Alston house in downtown Charleston. The Middleton family owned both the historic downtown home and this Charleston, SC, plantation for generations. Ownership passed only recently to the Middleton Place Foundation. The tour of the house is dull, but the gardens and view of the river are spectacular.

And there you have it, plenty of great reasons to visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Seriously, don’t miss the gardens there. And check out our list of the best things to do in Charleston, SC , for even more recommendations on other activities and attractions to see on your next visit!

Updated and republished: January 25, 2023

Related Hipster Charleston Guides You May Enjoy:

• What to Look for at Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens
• McLeod Plantation Historic Site: Evolution From Plantation to Community Center
• Top 20 Charleston Travel Tips and Tricks to Know Before You Visit
• The Best Time to Visit Charleston, SC: Top Choices

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About the author.

An avid traveler, Colin Pearson loves to settle in an area and discover every little bit of that spot. And having lived on various places on three continents, Charleston, South Carolina, is one of his favorite places he's ever lived.

My family has a picture taken of our children playing on the joggling board back around 1990 and you can see a dark figure watching them . We took it to Magnolia around 2001 to show them. The young guy in charge acted like he didn’t believe us and talked down to us. Now they want to push the “haunted” place.

They were probably much more willing to listen to the ghost stories after they realized ghosts could actually be a draw to the plantation.

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COMBO: CITY & MAGNOLIA PLANTATION

Quick Details

• Users Ages: Ages 4+
• Clock Duration: 7 Hours

Explore Charleston & Magnolia Plantation!

Welcome to the South, y’all! Get the true Lowcountry experience with Adventure Sightseeing on this guided tour of one of America’s first tourist attractions and America’s first public gardens, the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

Dating from 1676 and open to the public since 1870, this plantation and its world-famous gardens have been owned by the Drayton family for 12 generations.

On this 4.5-hour, half-day tour:

• Enjoy a guided walk through America’s last large-scale Romantic garden.
• Experience history on a 45-minute narrated nature tram ride through the Audubon swamp gardens.
• See wildlife such as alligators, egrets, herons, and turtles on the nearly 600-acre plantation.
• Go back in time with a 30-minute tour of the Magnolia Plantation Home.
• Round-trip transportation in our climate controlled buses and all gate fees are included in the price of the tour!

When you return from Magnolia Plantation, enjoy our 3:30 p.m., 90-minute city tour. This is usually with the same driver, but they will direct you if not.

On this top-rated city tour, you enjoy:

• Select stories from 350 years of Charleston history
• Beautiful architecture in the historic district
• Drive through The Citadel, the South’s most famous military academy
• The Old City Market, lovely gardens, wrought iron art, and many of the city’s 210 churches
• Tour around the Battery and stop for a photo opportunity with Fort Sumter in the background
• Many other historic sights of Charleston!

Want more Charleston? Check out what is included with our tours FOR FREE!

The Powder Magazine – South Carolina’s oldest public building. Exhibits focus on South Carolina’s colonial military history!

• Chevron down FAQs

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Advance purchase is highly recommended and tours often sell out in advance. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can be purchased with Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.

What’s not included?

Gratuities are not included, nor required, but always appreciated for a job well done!

Are children allowed?

Yes, and there is a reduced price for children’s tickets.

What type of ticket should I buy if I’m bringing a very young child?

While we welcome children of all ages on the tour, the tour is not recommended for small children. We have reduced price tickets for children ages 4 to 11. Children ages 3 and younger are free with an accompanying adult ticket.

Is there parking?

Yes, there is parking at the Visitor’s Center at the surface lot or in the parking garage next door. There is a fee of $2 per hour.

Is the bus handicap accessible?

At present, we cannot accommodate wheelchairs, but the bus is accessible for those with limited mobility if they can be assisted by a companion.

Can I bring food or beverages on the bus?

Food and drinks are not allowed on the bus. However, lunch will be available for purchase at Magnolia Plantation.

Do you run year-round?

Yes, we operate tours seven days a week year-round except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Seasonal hours apply, so please check our calendar for the most up-to-date schedule information.

Does the tour start and end at the same place?

The tour starts and ends at the same location. There will be the option to get off the bus towards the end of the tour at the Market. Transportation is provided back to the meeting location if you choose to not get off at the Market.

Is the bus air conditioned?

Is the tour narrated?

Yes, the tour is fully narrated by a licensed, professional tour guide.

Is there a restroom on the bus?

No, but restrooms are located at the Visitors Center.

Can I carry luggage or other large items on the bus?

No. We do not have space on the bus for large items such as luggage, wheelchairs, or strollers.

Are pets allowed?

No. Service animals are allowed, however.

Are gift certificates available for the Adventure Sightseeing trips?

Yes, gift certificates are available for purchase and make excellent gifts.To purchase or get information about gift certificates, please click here.

How is my gift certificate delivered? Can I print it out now and give it to the recipient myself?

Yes, you can! When you purchase your gift certificate online, you will be presented immediately with your gift certificate so that you can print it out and deliver it. If you buy it over the phone, a link to your gift certificate will be emailed to you as soon as your purchase is completed.

What if I want the gift certificate emailed to the recipient instead?

That’s no problem, either! When you purchase your gift certificate, just select the option to have the certificate emailed directly to the recipient and provide their email address. You’ll even be able to decide whether you want the email sent immediately or if you’d prefer to schedule it to be emailed on a future date. (For instance, if you want to buy it today so you don’t forget, but you don’t want it emailed to the recipient until their special day!)

Can I book a private tour?

Yes! We can accommodate a variety of special requests.

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Magnolia Plantation & Gardens: A Winter Tour in Charleston

Last month, my mom and I visited Charleston, South Carolina . Of course, the beautiful plantation houses were one of several things we wanted to see most. Although Magnolia Plantation and Gardens was only the first one we visited, this winter tour completely captured me so I knew it was going to be hard to beat by others. There are many reasons why I fell in love with Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and they are all right here!

The Entrance

Driving down the long driveway to get to Magnolia Plantation made the perfect introductory, not to mention a pretty one!

Thankfully, December is a slow month so I could hop out and get shots on the drive in while Mom watched for traffic. I was excited to be able to get these photos because I can think of so many movies where this kind of setting (not necessarily this property) was used. Can’t you see it now? Sigh…

We ran into this sign and it explained it all for me. Romantic. Opposite of formal and control, cooperating with nature for a tranquil landscape. All things that Type A people (like myself) secretly love, constantly crave, but generally fear to execute!

Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, the first thing about the house that grabbed my attention was the double wraparound porch

and its grand columns.

The view from the front porch features manicured front gardens and a circular drive.

As you can see, it was very nicely decorated for Christmas!

That wraparound porch literally wrapped all the way around to the back…

joining together at the back porch staircase that gives this view.

Since photos of the inside of the house aren’t allowed, I headed to the gardens while my mom toured the house. I couldn’t wait to see more of the grounds! The history of the plantation is really interesting though and you can read about it here .

The Gardens

Magnolia opened in 1870 making it America’s oldest public gardens. I wish someone had captured the look on my face when I was walking the grounds. I know my mouth was open because I felt like I was in some kind of fairytale!

We got there not too long after it opened. Since it was the offseason, I basically had the gardens to myself as I only saw two other families the entire time. Both of these helped contribute to the serenity and provided great reflection shots-this one is my favorite!

This same shot (zoomed out a bit) was taken right after the above photo but the lighting had changed slightly.

Here, let me set the stage for you.

Cue: Silence (except for the very occasional cricket chirp or a bird flying through-you know the kind of silence where you feel like your thoughts are so loud that someone can hear them? Yes, that silence!). No wind, no one around.

It was really peaceful!

The Bridges

There are bridges all through the gardens. The iconic white bridge was the one I was most excited to see. I was even more excited when I saw they had decorated it for Christmas!

Peaceful beauty, a reflection and decorated for Christmas? Almost too perfect! Seriously though, it really was photogenic. No surprise it’s a popular spot for wedding photos!

After I crossed the bridge, I looked back and was treated to this!

Looks like you can just walk across the water no problem, right?

Unlike the water, you can definitely walk across the bridges!

But again with the reflection-not one ripple in the water! Definitely walk around and notice all the different bridges. They all have a lot of personality!

The Surprise

Okay, so remember how I was setting up “the scene” for you a minute ago? Well, imagine you are standing in this photo looking around, taking it all in. Then imagine an enormous SPLASH that makes you jump (and possibly let out a short, girly scream but nevermind that)! I jumped like something had gotten me!

What in the world??

This guy is what in the world!

He found a snack and came out from the water to get it! Okay, he could have been a she, but I certainly wasn’t going to find out by invading its privacy. I mean we are both southern so I assure you this move was appreciated by both parties. 😉

Thankfully, he was a little ways off to my right and I wasn’t right on the water’s edge. There IS a warning sign for alligators posted, I had seen it and had even looked for bubbles in the water a few minutes earlier, but didn’t see any.

Heads up! They can still be there! He watched me, I watched him. I photographed him (with a zoom). He held still for me to do so. Alright, so the last one is a stretch as they are used to people, but it sounded good! Really though, don’t get too close to the water and watch your kids because you never know where they are.

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The Second Surprise

A bald eagle! Totally unexpected!

One of the groundskeepers got my attention and said “let me show you something.” He walked me a few feet back from where I was and pointed up. I would never have noticed him otherwise. The eagle lives here and is on “his perch” off and on all the time.

Gorgeous isn’t he??

This made me laugh. Even majestic, bald eagles have to scratch the itch!! 🙂

The Regulars

Some wildlife you expect to see…such as this squirrel who looked like he had definitely stored enough nuts for winter. There was a small surprise involved here too.

When I was telling the groundskeeper that I was surprised by how big the squirrels were, the look on his face told me this statement surprised him! He said most of their squirrels were pretty thin. I told him I found the reason. There is one who hoarded from everyone else for the winter!

And lastly, I saw this beautiful butterfly.

Usually, butterflies flit away before I am able to get photos of them. Keeping in line with everything else in these magical gardens, this butterfly was calm and patient. Or hungry. More than likely hungry!

All of this was only around 1/3 of the grounds. Before I knew it, I had spent an hour and a half enjoying the calmness of the morning in just 1/3 of the gardens! All this in the height of winter with peak camellia season coming in January/February, so think how it will look when everything is in bloom in the spring!

1. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is open 365 days of the year and is located at 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston, South Carolina 29414. Hours of operation vary.

2. There is so much to do here for adults and kids! You can buy tickets for basic admission (includes the gardens, petting zoo, and a few other things) or add options to it such as the house or train and boat tours. You can find all of that information here .

3. Go as close to opening as possible. This is when you will get the best chance of seeing those undisturbed reflections and when crowds are at their lowest.

See why I enjoyed it so much? It was a whimsical winter wonderland with a touch of whisper for me! Definitely, something you don’t want to miss out on when visiting Charleston! Have you been? When did you go and what did you like most?

If you are looking for other fun things to do while you are in Charleston , check out the Wandering Queen’s list-she knows what’s up!

Also, see these fun snow activities if you are looking for other winter destination ideas!

‘Til next time…

Trimm Travels,

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23 Comments

Great post! That was a fun trip!

Wow what a great trip! I love how you talk about how peaceful it is and show the beautiful bridges and then suddenly an alligator jumps out from nowhere! Also I would love to see a bald eagle one day.

Hi Anna, yes it was really peaceful! That alligator was something else. He scared the mess out of me! LOL! Bald eagles are beautiful and I wasn’t expecting to see one in South Carolina honestly! They are beautiful, majestic birds! Thanks for reading!

Wow, what a beautiful plantation! You captured the serenity of the place in your photos. It has been a very long time since I’ve been to South Carolina and going in the offseason is perfect.

Hi Laura, thank you! Going in the offseason definitely has its pros and cons. Unless there’s something you just have to see in the peak season, I find offseason is more affordable, usually cooler (as I much prefer cold weather to the heat and humidity of the south) and I can get photos without a million people in them and sometimes without any people in them! It was my first time to South Carolina in the offseason and at Christmas and it was gorgeous. Thanks for reading!

What a treat to be able to visit such a beautiful garden and landscaped area off-season. We love to visit botanical and other city gardens anywhere in the world, and will add this one to our list. It sounds superb! And the wildlife is an added bonus — love seeing alligators. If you really want to experience the beauty of the wild AND alligators along with amazing flowers and reflections, try a canoe trip in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. 😉

Hi Michael, I, too love to visit botanical gardens and wildlife refuges so I will definitely add Okefenokee to my list! That alligator surprised me and I squealed like he had me! LOL! Thanks for reading!

Wow! Magnolia plantation gardens do look like they are straight out of a fairytale! That alligator looks quite menacing! Quite a scare. Glad you were not at the waters edge.

Hi Shruti, yes I was glad I wasn’t at the water’s edge too! The gardens were my absolute favorite. Thanks for reading!

Oh wow to think this garden has been here since 1870! Is the house from that era too, or is it newer? And you got some GREAT up close shots of that bald eagle! What a great surprise

Hi Miranda, the plantation as a whole was founded in 1676, but I’m not sure about the house itself. I imagine it or some version of it existed starting then. It’s old!! And I was very excited about the bald eagle! Thanks for reading!

This makes me miss the Spanish moss! The reflections are simply stunning, lovely photos!

Also, I can’t believe they have a bald eagle living there. I’d love to see one.

Hi Jenia, I know the Spanish moss is gorgeous, isn’t it?? I couldn’t believe they had a bald eagle either! They are very majestic creatures! Thanks for reading!

Japanese engage in forest bathing, but i believe gardens have the same impact. They can be so soothing and you found a particularly pretty one. I would have screamed on seeing that alligator!

Hi Punita, I agree, they are soothing and do have a very calming impact. Oh I did scream with the alligator situation. I just knew he had me! LOL! Thanks for reading!

Firstly, I wish Canada looked like that in December! But it is absolutely beautiful. Charlseton is on our list, and this place looks like a fairytale of bridges and gardens and massive front porches. It is so peaceful, I would definitely plan a stop here.

Hi Amy! Well, yes it definitely looks different than Canada in the winter! But ironically enough, while I was on this trip, my hometown of Birmingham, Alabama was getting 5″ of snow. It actually delayed our trip because we couldn’t get home. Could get to Atlanta but not through Atlanta or west of there to Birmingham. We shut down with snow! LOL! But yes, it’s really nice in the winter there. We started the trip at 70 degrees and ended with snow. Welcome to the South! 🙂 Thanks for reading!

The Magnolia Plantations and Gardens look so enchanting. Loved the bridges and the lakes, they lend such an ethereal quality to the premises. I was really impressed by the porch and the Romanesque columns. Could spend hours strolling around the gardens, though would be wary of our friend the Alligator!

Hi Sandy! Yes I could have spent hours in those gardens too! I spent an hour and a half in just 1/3 of the gardens. I want to go back and spend more time. They were beautiful. Thanks for reading!

That wrap around porch is just stunning. I want that in my dream home now! You went on such a beautiful winter day, lucky you!

Hi Carmen, the wraparound porch was pretty spectacular huh?? Thanks for reading!

I love visiting offseason and having the place to ourselves. What a magical trip. My family is from South Carolina and always kept remodeling our house so we looked like landed gentry. We every revision that would add white pillars and expand the wrap around porches. I never thought of it as a thing until I started seeing the plantations of the South. The Magnolia Plantation looks really beautiful.

Hi Jenn-that’s a cool story! Isn’t it weird that we don’t realize things are things until we get out of our surroundings? The Magnolia Plantation is gorgeous, definitely visit if you get the chance! Thanks for reading! 🙂

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Don't do the train tour - Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

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Don't do the train tour

We paid 78$ for 2 kids and 2 adults. Too much! We went to the petting zoo first. Animals were fun and the zoo guide was very friendly and informative. Gracey the deer was also very friendly. In fact, she was so friendly, she ate my receipt out of my hand when I wasn't looking. Next, we did the train tour. Don't' spend the money on this tour. The guide was friendly and narration was easy to hear but it amounted to a boring mosquito infested tour of the swampy grounds with sightings of alligators in the water. I honestly couldn't wait for the ride to be over. We were not allowed to tour the inside of the plantation house since we did not purchase that tour at an additional cost. I'm glad we didn't spend the extra money.

The charge to get into the plantation is $15. When we ask what the fee got us we were told the right to walk all around the garden and go in the conservatory. Everything else was an additional $8. To tour the house $8, the nature train $8, slavery freedom tour $8, the nature boat ride, which was closed this day, was $8. We did the nature train and did enjoy it and Tad was a great tour guide, gave us lots of information. But all in all for $23 you don't get much.

We had a short visit. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the family home with Larry as the guide. Tour was about 45 minutes in length. We did a short trip through the gardens. Not many blooming plants at this time of the year and way too many mosquitoes. Would likely be gorgeous in the Spring.

Beautiful beautiful grounds. But the entrance fee is $15 which allows you to park. Then comes Other fees. The plantation tour was $8 the swamp tour was $10 and on it goes. For 3 adults to tour the house it would have cost $69. Just not worth it

Slavery to freedom tour was an extremely informative tour. Having the opportunity see the "underside" of plantation life was very enlightening.

I visited the beautiful grounds with my mother, mother in law and aunt today. We enjoyed the grounds so much; we only did the house and gardens tours. I would recommend that you bring your own bug spray! The mosquitos like to bite, and there are swamp grounds on the property. Be sure to watch the video in the theater by the ticker booth first, as you get great historical background of the property and it's caretakers. This family is so fortunate to be able to have it after 12 generations, and they are so fortunate to have garden superintendents that have long ties and loyalty to the gardens. The love that has gone into the property is apparent. On top of that, I have had friends get married here! They had their reception at the carriage house. Magnolia Plantation &a Gardens has survived so long thanks to its owners willingness to adapt with the times and tourism industries. I would gladly go again! Attached to my review are som photos I took today. Enjoy!

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Trans-Siberian Railway Prices

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Home » Prices and Trans-Siberian Tickets » Trans-Siberian Railway Prices

Ticket prices for the Trans-Siberian Railway also depend on the current ruble exchange rate.

Is the Trans-Siberian Railway expensive?

Before starting on your Trans-Siberian Railway adventure you naturally want to know what the entire trip will cost. Although this sounds like a simple question, it is pretty difficult to answer. The Trans-Siberian Railway price of travel depends on the following factors:

• Which travel class do I want to use? The price for a first class ticket is about three times the price of a 3rd class ticket
• Am I willing to buy the tickets myself and assume responsibility for the organisation of the trip?
• How many stopovers do I want to make? The more breaks, the higher the total price.
• What sort of accommodation do I want? Will it be a luxury hotel or will a hostel dormitory be sufficient?
• What tours and excursions would I like to go on?
• What is the current exchange rate for rubles?

Basically, everything from a luxury to a budget holiday is available. If you buy yourself a 3rd Class nonstop ticket at the counter, a few hundred Euros will cover the price. All you will experience is a week on the Trans-Siberian train and will see nothing of the cities on the way. There is, however, any amount of room for upward expansion. Everyone makes different choices about which aspects they are willing to spend money on. I personally prefer to save money on accommodation and railcar class, visit as many cities and do as many trips as possible. To enable better classification of your travel expenses I have contrasted two typical traveler types. In the third column you can calculate the total cost of your own journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Please keep in mind that these are only rough estimations and not exact prices.

The all-in costs seem fairly high at first. However, they cover everything and it is quite a long journey taking four weeks. Many people forget to consider that when looking at the list. We should also deduct the running costs for food and leisure at home. I think most visitors to this page will classify themselves somewhere between the two categories, that is around the € 2,000 – € 2,500 range. When comparing these prices with other travel packages, you get the impression that it is hardly worthwhile travelling individually on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Please keep in mind that most packages last no more than 14 days and you are herded like cattle through the most beautiful locations.

If you spend less time on the Trans-Siberian Railway you will, of course, pay less. I chose this particular travel length because I prefer not to do things by halves. If you fulfill your dream of travelling on the Trans-Siberian Railway, enjoy it and don’t rush things. But it’s up to you, of course. Try playing around with the form a bit to find the appropriate price for your trip.

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

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The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.