South Carolina is famously popular for all the “proper” southern plantations you’ll find around the state. And while thousands and thousands of visitors flock to Magnolia Plantation each year, it’s still a little known secret that this famous plantation has an add-on tour you can take through a jungle-like swamp.
TripAdvisor/TK0083 Having been through the jungle in Central America I’d say there are quite a few similarities. But lets avoid making direct comparisons. This jungle swamp has its own unique, North American, signature - starting with gorgeous water that appears opaque green but is really covered with a striking bright green growth.
TripAdvisor/cheryl h The Audubon Swamp Garden covers 60 sprawling acres at Magnolia Plantation in Charleston. It was named for that famous American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter, John James Audubon, who spent some time in this swamp studying subjects he would later paint.
Yelp/Michael U From the moment you enter the swamp, you’ll know you truly made the right decision to spring for the extra eight bucks for this add-on tour at Magnolia. (Children under 6 are free.)
TripAdvisor/cheryl h The walk through the swamp encompasses some man-made dykes and walkways like the one shown above, and some boardwalks - you know, so you don’t get your feet wet.
TripAdvisor/LarchFoodie And there is plenty of water with Cypress and Tupelo trees somehow magically and heartily growing right out of that green-laced swamp.
TripAdvisor/LarchFoodie You can wander along at your own pace until the park closes.
TripAdvisor/Angeles Expect to stop often to take in all the wildlife. Spring is the perfect season to possibly catch a mother heron feeding her young.
TripAdvisor/Angeles Don’t be surprised if you feel as if you’re standing in the middle of the film location set for one of those amazing wildlife shows on National Geographic.
TripAdvisor/WorldwideHustle79 And birds…well, they won’t be the only thing you’re likely to see in this jungle swamp.
TripAdvisor/Laura A The turtles love popping out of the water for a bit of sun when they get the chance.
TripAdvisor/cheryl h This is one jungle walk you’re likely to never forget. As you pass over the boardwalks and land bridges you can even get the group you’re with to play a little game…
TripAdvisor/Kristen T a game called “Spot The Gator.” (Of course some jungles have crocs, but this jungle swamp - it has gators.)
TripAdvisor/cheryl h If you’re playing that “Spot The Gator” game, then some of them will be easy points - like this guy being lazy and hamming it up for the camera.
TripAdvisor/Laura A Or these guys. Who ever took this photo just got three points!
TripAdvisor/Laura A Here’s a closer look.
Flickr/JJG53 Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is one of the top outdoor attractions in South Carolina. The Audubon Swamp Garden also features native South Carolina flora, as well as some exotic non-native plants. Next time you go, plan this add-on tour you’re likely to love. A trip through the Audubon Swamp Garden is like a trip to the jungle.
More information can be found on the official website for Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. The plantation is located at 3550 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414.
TripAdvisor/TK0083
Having been through the jungle in Central America I’d say there are quite a few similarities. But lets avoid making direct comparisons. This jungle swamp has its own unique, North American, signature - starting with gorgeous water that appears opaque green but is really covered with a striking bright green growth.
TripAdvisor/cheryl h
The Audubon Swamp Garden covers 60 sprawling acres at Magnolia Plantation in Charleston. It was named for that famous American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter, John James Audubon, who spent some time in this swamp studying subjects he would later paint.
Yelp/Michael U
From the moment you enter the swamp, you’ll know you truly made the right decision to spring for the extra eight bucks for this add-on tour at Magnolia. (Children under 6 are free.)
The walk through the swamp encompasses some man-made dykes and walkways like the one shown above, and some boardwalks - you know, so you don’t get your feet wet.
TripAdvisor/LarchFoodie
And there is plenty of water with Cypress and Tupelo trees somehow magically and heartily growing right out of that green-laced swamp.
You can wander along at your own pace until the park closes.
TripAdvisor/Angeles
Expect to stop often to take in all the wildlife. Spring is the perfect season to possibly catch a mother heron feeding her young.
Don’t be surprised if you feel as if you’re standing in the middle of the film location set for one of those amazing wildlife shows on National Geographic.
TripAdvisor/WorldwideHustle79
And birds…well, they won’t be the only thing you’re likely to see in this jungle swamp.
TripAdvisor/Laura A
The turtles love popping out of the water for a bit of sun when they get the chance.
This is one jungle walk you’re likely to never forget. As you pass over the boardwalks and land bridges you can even get the group you’re with to play a little game…
TripAdvisor/Kristen T
a game called “Spot The Gator.” (Of course some jungles have crocs, but this jungle swamp - it has gators.)
If you’re playing that “Spot The Gator” game, then some of them will be easy points - like this guy being lazy and hamming it up for the camera.
Or these guys. Who ever took this photo just got three points!
Here’s a closer look.
Flickr/JJG53
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is one of the top outdoor attractions in South Carolina. The Audubon Swamp Garden also features native South Carolina flora, as well as some exotic non-native plants. Next time you go, plan this add-on tour you’re likely to love. A trip through the Audubon Swamp Garden is like a trip to the jungle.
While you’re in the Charleston area, check out this restaurant that Condé Nast Traveler rated as “one of the best restaurants around the globe.”
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