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
3,563 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour of this...
David G,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour of this beautiful historic city! Lots to see. Horse drawn carriage is the perfect way to see all that there is to see. Value can’t be beaten.
Excellent tour. Out your took us through the amazing streets and historic scenery of Charleston.
Sharon S,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Guide was very knowledgeable about the history of Charleston. Tour was very well organized. Parking near the Red Barn is very expensive.
Don’t miss out!
Jeanette B,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Exceptional guide. Extremely knowledgeable. Knew quite a bit of the history of Charleston after an hour. Driver was also phenomenal. His relationship with our horse “Admiral “ was gentle and kind— spot on.
Enjoyable tour
Katherine K,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Michael is a 5th generation Charlestonian and Charlie is a retired Amish plow horse! Blankets were provided for the passengers as the temp was around 50. The carriage ride was surprisingly smooth. Michael was enthusiastic about his city. The route we were given, determined by the City, was around many of the churches of Charleston. We took Michael up on a few of his recommendations and were not disappointed. Next time in town we’ll meet you at Henry’s!
Best time
Gail P,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Plan it when visiting charleston for a day stay. Go first thing in the morning less traffic in charleston
Fun times
TheDeacon87,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a great excursion that exposes you to almost all of the main sites in Charleston. Knowledgeable drivers, who make it fun and the beautiful views of Charleston are well worth taking this excursion.
Great introduction to Charleston!
Carolyn B,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great company and guide! Our guide was very knowledgeable about Charleston, its history and shared a wealth of fun facts!
"Seniors with mobility issues see Charleston"
ELEANORA W,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great way to learn facts and see a part of Charleston, especially if you have mobility challenges.
Fun Tour Around Town
rich527,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bronson & Jennie gave our tour with Clint leading the way. We got tour route 5a which was just ok. Bronson was awesome in his knowledge but the tour went through some sketchy areas and one of the areas had a bunch of questionable kids unsupervised and the kids starting chasing the horse and us with water guns and ended up spraying us. I only wish the horse would have taught the kid on a bike a great lesson about FAFO. Bronson handled it well but it was a deterrent to a perfect experience. Highly recommend Bronson & Jennie.
Great tour and fun information! Ask for Josh- he was great!
F8216QDandrean,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved this informative tour and horse-drawn carriage ride. Josh was a great host and was engaging and fun to listen to and learn from. We would recommend this tour to anyone. He gave us food recommendations and also gave us fun history about the neighborhoods we went through. We had fun and enjoyed the ride and the information. Thanks, Josh, A and J
From US$49.95
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Operated by Palmetto Carriage Works