Things to do in

Magnolia Plantation

Witness a slice of living history at Magnolia Plantation and its world-famous gardens, owned by the Drayton family for 12 generations. Visit the Historic Gardens and Wildlife Center. Begin your half-day tour by boarding a climate-controlled coach in Charleston. Meet your Gray Line driver and ride to Magnolia Plantation, dating from 1676 and the time of the British colony. Step into one of America's first tourist attractions and first public gardens, which have been open to the public since 1870. Take a guided walk through America's last large-scale romantic garden. Experience history on a 30-minute narrated tram ride through the Audobon Swamp Gardens and visit important locations like Drayton Home (not Drayton Hall), Orientation Theater, and the Old African American Cabin.

Begin your half-day tour by boarding a climate-controlled coach in Charleston. Meet your professional guide and ride to Magnolia Plantation, dating from 1676 and the time of the British colony. Witness a slice of living history at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and get an amazing perspective on Charleston's past and present. The Magnolia Plantation and its world-famous gardens have been owned by the Drayton family for 12 generations. Enjoy your visit to one of America's first tourist attractions and first public gardens, which have been open to the public since 1870. Take a guided walk through America's last large-scale Romantic garden, and experience history on a 30-minute narrated nature tram ride through the Audobon swamp gardens. Step out among the Romantic gardens and Spanish moss to see wildlife such as alligators, egrets, herons, and turtles on the nearly 600-acre plantation. Cap it all off with a 30-minute tour of the Magnolia Plantation Home before boarding your bus back to Charleston. Back in the Charleston, your deluxe, climate-controlled shuttle will take you for a 1.5-hour tour of the city’s historical highlights. Accompanied by a knowledgeable, local guide, visit over 100 of Charleston’s most iconic sights of the past and present whilst listening to amazing tales and anecdotes about the city. On your tour, travel through some of the most historic parts of the city and visit Charleston’s historic homes, The Battery Sea Wall, the Four Corners of Law, and Rainbow Row to name but a few. Other highlights of the tour include a number of historic churches, old markets, and picturesque neighborhoods.

Experience a true Lowcountry experience with a guided tour of the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Walk through one of America's oldest gardens, take a tram tour through the Audubon swamp gardens, and 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 plantation house. Round trip transportation in climate-controlled buses and all gate fees are included in the price of the tour. Return to Charleston and enjoy a 90-minute city tour. Hear select stories from 350 years of Charleston history. Admire the beautiful architecture in the historic district. Drive through The Citadel, the South's most famous military academy. See 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. See many other historic sights of Charleston. Visit the Powder Magazine, South Carolina's oldest public building. Exhibits focus on South Carolina's colonial military history.

Explore historical sights and see breathtaking views of one of America’s most historic cities, Charleston, and the South Carolina Lowcountry. Make stops at lesser-known parts of the city and snap memorable photos on this day trip. See Drayton Hall, Folly Pier, and many more. Visit some memorable points of interest such as Charlotte Street, a street that encompasses several architectural styles, built in the transitional period between the revolutionary to civil wars. Stop by Old St Andrews Parish Church, the oldest surviving church building in South Carolina. Admire Angel Tree Park, which features a 500-year-old tree. Be surprised at the size of the branches and trunk. Pause for lunch and snack on pre-ordered sandwiches. Enjoy some free time to eat and shop in the market. See the Magnolia Plantation and gardens, the oldest public gardens in America. Gaze at the thousands of plant and flower varieties and relax in the tranquil landscape. Visit one of the darkest spots in American history, Fort Moultrie. See the series of fortifications that witnessed the first shots of both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Hear how it temporarily lodged thousands of enslaved Africans transported to the country. Head to the coast and appreciate the Morris Lighthouse, Sullivan’s Lighthouse, and the Charleston Harbor Resort. Finally, embark on a 30-minute water taxi ride across the Charleston Harbor. Complete Itinerary: Charlotte Street, Morris Lighthouse, Folly Pier, Angel Tree, Old St Andrews Parish Church, Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation, Sullivan’s Lighthouse, Fort Moultrie, Charleston Harbor Resort, Water Taxi