Magnolia Plantation tour from Charleston: Tram ride & gardens

A 45-minute tram ride past slave cabins, swamps and wildlife on nearly 600 acres

This 4.5-hour guided tour of Magnolia Plantation departs from Charleston with round-trip air-conditioned coach transport and includes admission, a narrated tram ride through the Audubon Swamp Gardens, and a guided walk through the plantation's Romantic Garden. The tour covers nearly 600 acres where you'll see alligators, egrets, herons and turtles, plus a 30-minute tour of the historic home. Arrive 15 minutes before departure. Moderate walking is required and the tour is not recommended for children under 3.

Step-by-step itinerary

Magnolia Plantation tour and transportation

• Travel from Charleston by air-conditioned coach
• Enjoy 45-minute narrated tram ride on plantation
• See slave cabins, swamps, rice fields, wildlife
• Take guided walk through Romantic Garden
• Return to Charleston by coach

The experience

How do you see a plantation that survived the American Revolution and the Civil War without spending the day arranging transport? This tour picks you up in Charleston and handles the drive, so you step off the coach ready to walk into one of the oldest plantations in the South. Magnolia Plantation has stood since 1676, and the 4.5-hour itinerary moves through three distinct parts of the grounds: the narrated tram, the gardens, and the historic home.

The tram ride lasts 45 minutes and covers nearly 600 acres. You'll pass slave cabins, move through swamps and rice fields, and watch for alligators, egrets, herons and turtles that live on the property. The narration gives the history as you move, so the landscape itself becomes the story. After the tram, a guide leads you through America's last large-scale Romantic Garden on foot. This is the part that requires moderate walking, and it's where the plantation's design choices become visible in the layout and plantings.

The 30-minute tour of the historic home rounds out the morning. You'll be back in Charleston by early afternoon. Drinks are available for purchase on the grounds. Bring water or plan to buy it there. The coach is air-conditioned, and you'll need to arrive 15 minutes before the departure time listed at checkout.

What’s included

• Round-trip transportation aboard an air-conditioned coach from Charleston.
• admission to Magnolia Plantation.
• a 45-minute narrated tram ride through the Audubon Swamp Gardens.
• a guided walk through the Romantic Garden.
• a 30-minute tour of the historic home.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Adventure Sightseeing

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see the plantation grounds and swamps without driving yourself: the coach transport and fixed schedule mean the day holds together without you building it. The tram ride is the core of the experience, so choose this one if you want to cover the 600 acres and spot wildlife without walking the entire property.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What will I see on the tram ride through the swamps?

The 45-minute narrated tram ride passes slave cabins, swamps, and rice fields across the nearly 600-acre plantation. You'll see alligators, egrets, herons, and turtles in their natural habitat on the grounds.

Is this tour suitable for someone with limited mobility?

The tour requires a moderate amount of walking, especially through the Romantic Garden. Wheelchairs cannot be accommodated, but those with limited mobility can participate if assisted by a companion.

What's included in the 4.5-hour tour from Charleston?

Round-trip transport in an air-conditioned coach, admission to Magnolia Plantation, the 45-minute narrated tram ride, a guided walk through the Romantic Garden, and a 30-minute tour of the historic home are all included.

Can I bring my pet on this tour?

Pets are not allowed. Service animals are permitted.

How much walking is involved in the garden section?

The guided walk through America's last large-scale Romantic Garden involves a moderate amount of walking. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the tour is not suggested for those with limited mobility who cannot be assisted.