You may be surprised to learn the age of the oldest garden in the country. How does three hundred and twenty five years sound? Actually, that number falls a little short of how long the oldest parts of the garden at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens have been around. Equally impressive is the fact that America’s oldest public garden has been in the same family for just as long – 15 generations.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston is an informal English garden that lets nature take its course. And it does — in the most magical of ways.
Facebook/Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Facebook/Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
The 544 acres that make up the historic plantation are easily a full day's glorious exploration into the past.
The sprawling live oak trees and colossal Azaleas that line the walking paths are akin to something from a storybook; the kind that follows you into your dreams at night.
Facebook/Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Facebook/Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
The plantation dates all the way back to 1676, when the Drayton family built a small house with a garden here. Fourteen generations later, the house and gardens is still in the Drayton family and the property remains one of the oldest plantations in the South.
The majority of the gardens were shaped around 1840, when owner John Grimke-Drayton began to fashion an English garden.
Facebook/Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Facebook/Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Drayton was an Episcopal minister with a passion for Camillias. It's also believed he was instrumental in bringing Azaleas to America.

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Today, the gardens have much to see and admire, including the Historic Camellia Collection with, at last count, 900 varieties.
Facebook/Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Facebook/Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Visitors can also admire the Biblical Garden, with plants mentioned in the bible. The Barbados Tropical Garden is an indoor garden, and Flowerdale is the oldest section of the gardens, established in 1680 and featuring Camellias that date back to 1840.
If this all sounds like a lot of dates and names to remember, then just know you don't have to be a Master Gardener to enjoy this masterpiece to the fullest.
TripAdvisor/Mike C
Facebook/Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
You'll also enjoy wandering through the Swamp Garden, and visiting the Nature Center and Zoo. Whether you spend and hour or a day, you're sure to love wandering around this Lowcountry paradise.
Magnolia Plantations and Gardens is a must-visit gem in the South. Want to see what's in bloom as you plan your visit? Take a look at their online bloom calendar here.
TripAdvisor/Stephen D
Google Maps/Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
You can easily spend the entire day enjoying all there is to see and do. If you don't want to spend the whole day walking, then book a seat on the Nature Train and rest while you take in the sights, the sounds, and the smells of America's oldest garden.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is open 365 days a year, even major holidays. Hours of operation vary by season: March through October: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., November through February 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

General admission is $20 adults, $10 children 6-12, children under 6 are free. General admission tickets do not include the Historic House ($8), Nature Train ($8), Nature Boat ($8), Slavery to Freedom Tour ($8), or the Audobon Swamp ($8). For the full experience, consider the all-inclusive pass: $52 adults, $42 children 6-12, children under 6 are free.

You’ll find the entrance to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens at 3550 Ashley River Rd., Charleston, SC 29414. Get more information on their official website.

While you’re in town, visit another of Charleston’s historic can’t-miss attractions. Check it out here.

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