America's oldest public garden (open since 1870) pairs romantic antebellum grounds with a wild 125-acre waterfowl refuge and an intimate Nature Boat Tour through blackwater cypress swamps alive with alligators, herons, and turtles.
What to expect
Stroll through romantic Romantic-style gardens where ancient wisteria drapes centuries-old oaks and 900 varieties of azalea bloom in spectacular waves. Then board the intimate nature boat as your naturalist-captain poles silently through Audubon Swamp, spotting alligators basking on logs, great blue herons hunting in the shallows, and painted buntings flitting through the Spanish moss. The wildlife encounter feels wild and unscripted, not staged. A visit to the plantation's Slavery to Freedom exhibit provides essential historical depth.
Good to know
Located ~10 miles from the cruise terminal (20-min private car ride). Book the Nature Boat Tour slot online in advance — small boats fill quickly. Arrive early for the best wildlife activity. Allow 3 hrs. Bring insect repellent April–October.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Charleston — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.