Magnolia Plantation Tour: Roundtrip Transportation & Three Tours

Charleston , United States

Magnolia Plantation Tour: Roundtrip Transportation & Three Tours

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(61 reviews)

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About this experience

Join Chicora Tours for the Magnolia Plantation Tour, the only Magnolia Plantation tour that includes all major experiences at the plantation. Enjoy round-trip transportation in a luxury Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van from the Charleston Visitor Center (pickup at 10:30 AM, drop-off by 4 PM latest). The day includes time to explore the grounds and grab a snack or lunch, plus three guided experiences: the Nature Train Tour (12 PM), the House Tour (1 PM), and the Slavery to Freedom Tour (2 PM). Chicora Tours caps each group at 10 guests for a more personal experience.

Guests are encouraged to arrive by 10:15 AM to allow time for parking and restrooms; seating is first-come, first-serve. While Chicora doesn’t provide a private guide, the Magnolia Plantation guides deliver rich, engaging tours. Enjoy extra time at the gift shop or walking the gardens—this is the most complete Magnolia experience Charleston has to offer!

*This tour may include other guests going to separate plantations.

Available options

Magnolia Plantation Tour: Roundtrip Transportation & Three Tours

What's included

A guided Slavery to Freedom Tour

Access to Magnolia Plantation's gardens, grounds and gift shop.

All Fees and Taxes

Roundtrip transportation from Charleston to Magnolia Plantation

A guided nature train tour

Air-conditioned vehicle

A guided Magnolia Plantation house tour

A scenic drive from Charleston to Magnolia Plantation through former rice country.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Magnolia Plantation is one of Charleston’s oldest and most spectacular plantations. It is an incredibly beautiful and historical site that includes a variety of botanical gardens and horticulture mixed with immense culture and heritage. Join Chicora Tours in seeing the beauty of Magnolia Plantation! The Magnolia Plantation Tour includes a guided historic house tour, a private nature train ride around the swamps and gardens and a private Slavery to Freedom tour. Transportation is provided from Downtown Charleston at the Charleston Visitor Center at 375 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403. Transportation is provided in our spacious, luxurious and climate controlled Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

35 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

26 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

The Charleston Visitors Center is located at 375 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC. There is paid parking onsite and paid parking garages in walking distance. We pick-up all guests on the bus shed side of the Charleston Visitors Center where all the tour busses are located.

About Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina, is a historic coastal city known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant food scene. With its cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions, and picturesque waterfront, Charleston offers a unique blend of history, charm, and Southern hospitality.

Top Attractions

Historic Charleston City Market

One of the nation's oldest public markets, featuring local artisans, food vendors, and unique souvenirs. The market is a great place to experience the local culture and history.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for goods

Fort Sumter National Monument

The site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Visitors can take a ferry to the fort and learn about its historical significance.

Historical Half-day $24 for adults, $15 for children (includes ferry ride and park entrance)

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

A historic plantation with beautiful gardens, nature trails, and a zoo. It's one of the oldest public gardens in America.

Nature Half-day to full day $24 for adults, $12 for children

Must-Try Local Dishes

Shrimp and Grits

A classic Lowcountry dish featuring creamy grits topped with sautéed shrimp and a flavorful sauce

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or gluten-free

She-Crab Soup

A rich, creamy soup made with blue crab meat, crab roe, and a touch of sherry

Appetizer Contains shellfish

Popular Activities

Surfing at Folly Beach Kayaking in the Charleston Harbor Sunbathing and swimming at local beaches Spa treatments and wellness retreats Visiting historic sites and museums Attending local festivals and events Boating and sailing in the Charleston Harbor Fishing and crabbing

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is vibrant with festivals and events.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) - GMT-5 (EST) or GMT-4 (EDT during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Charleston is generally a safe city for travelers, but as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Charleston International Airport • 12 miles (19 km) from city center

By bus

Charleston Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) operates a network of buses. The system is affordable and convenient for getting around the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic District Mount Pleasant

Day trips

Folly Beach

8 miles (13 km) • Half-day to full day

A popular beach destination known for its laid-back atmosphere, surfing, and seafood restaurants. Folly Beach offers a great escape from the city with its wide sandy shores and ocean views.

Middleton Place

12 miles (19 km) • Half-day

A historic plantation with beautiful gardens, a museum, and a restored rice mill. Middleton Place offers a glimpse into the lives of plantation owners and enslaved people.

Festivals

Spoleto Festival USA • Late May to early June Charleston Wine + Food Festival • Mid-February

Pro tips

Visit the Historic District early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the cobblestone streets and architecture in a more relaxed atmosphere
Take a food tour to sample the best of Charleston's culinary scene and learn about the city's rich food history
Explore the local markets, such as the Charleston City Market, for unique souvenirs and to support local artisans
Consider a day trip to nearby attractions, such as Folly Beach or Middleton Place, for a change of pace and to experience the natural beauty of the Lowcountry
Attend a local festival or event, such as Spoleto Festival USA or the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, for a unique and memorable experience