The Charleston region is famous for its many spectacular garden collections. Here is our listing of the best ones to visit.

Audubon Sanctuary & Center at Francis Beidler Forest
Follow I-26W exit 187 and follow the signs; (843) 462-2150;
Open: Tue-Sun 9AM-5PM; Admission: $5 Adult / $2.50 Child (6-18) / $15 Canoe Trip;
11,000 acre preserve containing the world's largest known stand of virgin cypress and tupelo trees. 1.5 mile nature boardwalk lets you see local wildlife and ancient cypress trees 10 stories tall and over 1,000 years old. Guided canoe tripes are offered Fri-Sun (Mar-May). Visitors center has exhibits about the forest and swamp.

Riverbanks Zoo
Cageless wildlife natural habitat is home to more than 2,000 animals is located near the 70-acre Botanical Gardens. Located in Columbia SC.

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The following two sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and were described by Charles Kuralt as "my greatest Charleston pleasure..."

Magnolia Plantation and Its Gardens
Located on Ashley River Rd (SR-61), 10 miles northwest of US-17; (800) 367-3517;
Grounds Open Daily: 8AM-Dusk (Time may vary); Admission: $10 Adult / $8 Child (6-12);
Guided house tour departs every 30 minutes;
America's Oldest Major Garden. 500-acre Drayton Estate dates back to 1676. The 60-acre garden contains 900 varieties of camellias, 250 types of azaleas, and many other flowering plants. The garden collection orginated in the 1680's. The original plantation house was burned during the civil war but since rebuilt. The Greek-Revival style home features early American antiques.
Nature Train - 45 minute na tour past the outskirts of the nature train. Runs daily 9AM-5PM (weather permitting).

• Barbados Tropical Garden
• Herb Garden
• Biblical Garden
• Topiary Garden
• Horticulrtural Maze
• Wildlife Art Gallery
• Wildlife Observation Tower
• Petting Zoo
• Nature Trails - Foot, Bike, Canoe

The Audubon Swamp Garden
Located on Ashley River Rd (SR-61), 10 miles northwest of US-17; (843) 571-1266;
Open: Daily 8AM-5:30PM; Admission: $5 Adult/ $3 Child (6-12);
60-acre preserve of blackwater cypress and tupelo swamp is accessed by boardwalks, bridges and dikes. Hundreds of flowering plant species is also home to alligators, waterfowl and other wildlife.

Drayton Hall
3380 Ashley River Rd (SR-61), 9 miles northwest of US-17; (843) 769-2621;
Open: Daily 10AM-4PM (Mar-Oct) / 10AM-3PM (Nov-Feb);
45-minute guided tour is given daily on the hour;
Built about 1738 by John Drayton, this house is an excellent example of Georgian Palladian architecture. Virtually in its original condition, it was never modernized with electric lighting, plumbing or central heating.

Middleton Place
Located on Ashley River Rd (SR-61), 14 miles northwest of US-17; (843) 556-6020;
Open: Daily 9AM-5PM; Admission: $15 Adult / $7 Child (6-12);

Oldest landscaped gardens in America originated in 1741 by Henry Middleton, later president of the First Continental Congress. Some 100 slaves worked for 10 years to complete the garden terraces, paths and ornamental lakes. Living farm exhibit includes animals typical of 18th and 19th century America. Visitors can also find many artisans at work such as spinning, weaving, blacksmithing, candle making and carpentry.

Middleton Place House - Originally built in 1755 as a guest wing, it became the primary residence in the Civil War after the main mansion was burned. There are many exhibits of early period furnishings including a silk bound copy of the Declaration of Independence. Arthur Middleton, son of Henry had been one of the signers.