Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Embark on a captivating 1-Hour Daytime Palmetto Carriage Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour through Charleston's historic downtown district. Explore the streets of this historic city with a licensed tour guide who will gladly answer questions and offer insight into what makes Charleston so unique. Discover the city's stunning houses, lush gardens, grand mansions, charming churches, and picturesque parks while learning about its rich history, unique architecture, and vibrant flora. As the oldest carriage tour company in Charleston, Palmetto Carriage Works has crafted an exceptional experience that combines knowledge, wit, and humor. This tour offers an exciting and dynamic exploration, seamlessly blending 19th-century conveyance with the charm of a 21st-century city. Don’t miss your chance to explore the “Holy City” in this unforgettable way!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Palmetto Carriage Works
Meet your certified tour guide at Palmetto Carriage Works (AKA the Big Red Barn), the starting point for your horse-drawn carriage tour. Enjoy a brief 15-minute orientation and look at our barn before embarking on your journey through historic Charleston.
Charleston City Market
Our Big Red Barn is conveniently located just off the Charleston City Market. Here, you’ll meet your certified tour guide before departing on your hour-long horse-drawn carriage ride. Your carriage will pass through the city gate at the market, where your guide will assign a unique tour route. Experience approximately 30 blocks of the historic district, showcasing stunning architecture, beautiful churches, gardens, and more. The tour concludes back at the Big Red Barn.
What‘s Included
Multiple departures available throughout the day
Charleston’s most highly-rated carriage tour
Learn about Charleston’s rich history and iconic landmarks with expert guides
Horse-drawn carriage tour of historic Charleston
Perfect family-friendly experience
Gratuities
The City's mandated lottery system determines the tour routes. Landmarks are not guaranteed.
Options
Daytime Carriage Tour
Reviews
3,636 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Our tour guide Bill and Melody -our
Chrys C,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bill and melody -the horse - very knowledgeable and provided informative and entertaining information in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.
Amazing Carriage Tour!
lisakoo,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fantastic tour with an amazing guide. Highly recommend!!
Charleston is great!
StellaIda S,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Hylton of Palmetto Carriage Works gave a great overview of the city of Charleston, it was a great experience!
A Must Do Sight in Charleston
Lynn Y,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The only issue that we observed was the amount of people were able to sit in each row. Older folks could need more room than allowable. That should be addressed when you book online. Other than that, it is a very well run program. Horses are well taken care of and drivers are well informed. We had “Hilton” and he guided America through the streets of this beautiful Charleston town. Highly recommended.
It is great. A lot of...
Gary G,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is great. A lot of fun. Great driver. Very historic city. Lots if information. I recommend it to everyone
Horse drawn carriage ride
nancyeG938SE,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bill was our driver and guide and Mellody was our horse. Bill was excellent. We had fun and he gave us alot of interesting facts about the history of Charleston and it's historic district. It is a Great way to see the historic sights!
Palmetto carriage ride.
Holly T,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We thought our ride would have gone further around Charleston than a few city blocks. Our driver was soft spoken and not easy to hear. This carriage ride could have been much better. We took it years ago and enjoyed it much better then.
Great!
mkg1106,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great tour with Bill and Melody today! Bill had a fun personality and is very knowledgeable about the history of the city. Best tour we had while we were here in Charleston! Highly recommend to anyone visiting the city :)
Fun tour!
LisetteW 12,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a nice tour with Brian and “Deuce”. The direction of the tour and what you will see is assigned to the driver, so you may see different things if you were to take the tour more than once. Horses seemed well taken care of. Was a fun outing!
Nice way to get a quick...
Barbara M,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Nice way to get a quick history of city. Would recommend.. very well organized and horses seemed well cared for..
From US$49.95
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