Cypress Gardens
One of the true treasures of Berkeley County is Cypress Gardens. Cypress Gardens features boat rides on a black water swamp amidst blooming azaleas, camellias and other native flowers and flora featured in the gardens. Cypress Gardens has long been a draw for groups and visitors of all ages. Cypress Gardens has hosted over 16 major movies including The Patriot, Cold Mountain and The Notebook, along with the television mini-series North and South and one of its first movies, Swamp Thing.
Take a serene boat ride on the black water swamp, and then visit the Butterfly House, the Reptile Center and aquarium. Call ahead to book variety of tours which can be customized for your group. Students and adults alike can enjoy a variety of educational programs: HERPS ALIVE features a hands-on lecture featuring reptiles and amphibians through the use of live animals, bones, skins, and discussion. BIRDS OF A FEATHER teaches about the wide variety of adaptations in birds and their use in identification. Visitors are then led on an outdoor bird search using binoculars. FOSSIL DIG defines fossils and their formation in the changing South Carolina landscape. Visitors are then able to search outside in the sand for real fossils and keep their finds. FROM WORMS TO WINGS examines the life cycle and ecology of butterflies using both live and preserved specimens. The lesson continues at the giant butterfly sculpture and includes a tour of the Butterfly House. FISH STORY, using skulls and mounts, explores the various features of fish necessary for their existence underwater.
Visitors are also given a tour of our Aquarium to see live examples. FLOWER POWER explores why plants have flowers and fruit and why some are carnivorous. Visitors then take a tour of the gardens in and around the Butterfly House to find examples of what they have learned. BIG BUG HUNT allows visitors to look at a fallen log and discover native arthropods at work in the food chain. Guests then observe exotic examples such as tarantulas, giant millipedes, and hissing cockroaches. SWAMP SAFARI offers the rare opportunity to explore a real life swamp. Enjoy a safe ride through the black water as our staff paddles large flat-bottom boats among the cypress trees. Look for alligators, turtles, birds and other active wildlife. CREATURE FEATURE which provides a guided tour of the Butterfly House, Aquarium, Crocodile Isle, and/or Reptile Center, is another group favorite.
Garden Clubs, Bird Watchers and nature enthusiasts also love to come and enjoy these wonderful natural gardens and explore the parks vast nature trails. And, before you leave, don’t forget to stop by our gift shop.
Holiday Events
This Christmas will be one for you to remember at Cypress Gardens’ Santa in the Swamp on Saturday, Dec. 5. Santa will arrive by swamp boat — a memorable sight that can only be seen here in the lowcountry! Santa will stay and visit to take photos with the children and pets. And don’t miss the local vendors selling unique items and handmade crafts, just great for Christmas gift giving! Start a new Christmas tradition this year at Cypress Gardens’ Santa in the Swamp. Walk among butterflies and be amazed at the beauty and serenity of the cypress swamp. While exploring Cypress Gardens, enjoy flat-bottom boats, a butterfly house, an aquarium, an International Reptile Center and hiking trails.
Admission price includes all attractions and boating access. Parking is free and adults are $10, children six to 12 are $5 and children under five are free! Cypress Gardens is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm. For directions and more information, visit cypressgardens.info.
Berkeley County has over 21 hotels eager to welcome you. Many of our hotels have received awards and offer a variety of services to ensure your stay in Berkeley County is most comfortable and enjoyable.
Our year-round visitors and groups come to Berkeley County to enjoy attractions, events, tours, activities on the water, horseback riding, racing on the mountain bike trails, camping, hiking and benefit from the vast historical, environmental and scientific educational experiences.