Can I bring my young child with me on the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?

Absolutely! This tour is fun for the whole family!

How many people does the carriage seat during the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?

Our large public carriages can seat up to 16 people, not including the driver who stands at the front. You can purchase an extra seat if you are concerned about having enough space. We also have smaller carriages that seat up to four or eight people.

Can I bring snacks/drinks with me on the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?

Absolutely! We sell drinks and snacks in our Barn Shop, or you can bring your own. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in accordance with the City’s “open container” law.

Can I bring my service animal with me on the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?

Absolutely. We can accommodate service animals with advance notice. Please specify if you would like to bring a dog in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout.

What if the weather is bad on the date of my Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?

We do go out in the rain unless the weather is dangerous. If it does rain we recommend wearing a rain jacket or poncho, as the rain will come in on the sides of the carriage. Umbrellas are not allowed.

Are carriages covered during the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?

Yes, our carriages are covered, which offers shade during sunny weather and some protection from rain–but if it’s raining hard, you may get wet.

Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

Q: Is parking available for the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?

There are multiple parking garages and lots near the City Market. You can also park at the Visitor’s Center and ride the free Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) to the Market.

Q: How long is the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?

The carriage tour is approximately one hour long.

Q: Is the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston narrated?

Yes, we only hire guides who are members of the Palmetto Guild of Certified Tour Guides. In order to be certified, guides must pass an extensive test facilitated by the City of Charleston and attend recertification classes every three years.

Q: What will I see during the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?

Charleston’s historic district is the 2nd largest in the world, so it would take hours to see all of it. There are 5 zones where your carriage tour might go – each one is full of fascinating history and beautiful homes, churches, and gardens.

Q: Is the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston handicap accessible?

Our carriages pull up to a boarding platform in the Big Red Barn which is almost level with the carriages. There is a bit of a gap to step over, but we have a ramp leading to the platform, and we can assist as needed.

Recommended by 95% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Charleston, USA

High interest

Booked 5+ times today.

1 hour (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8

· Donna_M ·

Jul 2026

Great experience. Excellent guide - fun, knowledgeable and professional. Ride was just long enough, lots of historic information. Guide was expert inamaging through traffic and kept our beautiful horse Admiral calm and moving at just the right speed

· Sheree_H ·

Jul 2026

Very friendly atmosphere as soon as you walk in the stable. Our tour guide, Shay was very friendly and knowledgeable about the history of Charleston. I thought this was very impressive since she is from Texas!! The twin horses, BooBoo and Yogi made carriage ride smooth. I will definitely recommend this tour.

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Overview

Embark on a horse-drawn carriage tour through the heart of historic Charleston, one of the most charming cities in the US. Ride along cobblestone streets and take in the antebellum architecture, historic landmarks, and lush gardens. Your knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories about Charleston’s rich history and Southern culture. This is a charming introduction to this part of Charleston.

Choose from several departures throughout the day, to suit your schedule
Learn about local history from your driver–guide
An ideal choice for families or couples
Take great photos from the open-sided carriages

What's Included

Horse-drawn, hour-long carriage tour of historic Charleston
Multiple departures available throughout the day
Licensed Tour Guide
Perfect family-friendly experience
Big Red Barn facility for animal interactions and easy boarding

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

8 Guignard St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Please meet us at 8 Guignard Street Charleston, SC 29401 We are the Big Red Barn!

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Begin your horse-drawn carriage tour of historic Charleston at the Big Red Barn in the heart of downtown, where you’ll meet your knowledgeable, certified guide and settle into a comfortable carriage pulled by one of the lovable horses. Your journey takes you through Charleston’s historic district, passing by elegant mansions, lush gardens, and streets lined with palmetto trees. Along the way, you’ll learn about the antebellum architecture and catch the sweet scent of jasmine from shady porches.

Your driver-guide will share stories about Charleston’s history, from pirate raids to plantation life, Revolutionary War battles, the Civil War, and the city’s Reconstruction. Founded in 1670, Charleston has meticulously preserved its historic buildings, giving you a glimpse into the past. With a mix of humor and history, this Charleston carriage ride offers an engaging and lighthearted look at the city’s iconic landmarks and charm.

The tour concludes back at the original departure point.

Palmetto Carriage Works

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Charleston City Market (Pass By)

St. Philip's Church (Pass By)

U.S. Custom House (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed

Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

Supplied by

Frequently Asked Questions (14)

Q:Where does the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston depart from?

A:All of our tours begin and end at the Big Red Barn at 8 Guignard Street, one block from the City Market.

Apr 2021

The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.8

based on 3,747 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Sort by: Most insightful

Excellent carriage tour

John_A, Jul 2026

If you book 12-5pm and it is very hot, you risk a cancellation due to hot weather. If the temperatures reach 95+, there could be a cancellation depending on several factors.

Fun in Charleston

Muffie_P, Jul 2026

Very historical. Lots of information about fun stuff. Horse(Josh) and driver(alan) were amazing. Professional and a sense of humor.

So much fun!

Brenda_E, Jul 2026

We booked this tour on July 4th for the history aspect and getting to see some areas in Charleston we knew we wouldn't want to miss seeing. The trip did not disappoint! Our guide was a hoot! He had a fantastic personality and was very humorous and knowledgeable about the history of Charleston. Unfortunately, a guy along the route starting taunting and yelling about the horse and abusive use of the carriage. Our guide was extremely professional and polite and addressed the man in a positive manner. The horses here are so loved and cared for and it shows. Our guide also informed us of just how much care and attention goes into these amazing gentle giants everyday. Charlie was our horse and everyone could tell he was very well loved and taken care of. I would absolutely recommend this trip in Charleston!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Wow, thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review, Brenda! We are so pleased to hear that you had such a fantastic experience on your carriage tour with Charlie! On behalf of our entire team, thank you for choosing Palmetto Carriage Works. It was a pleasure having you join us on tour!

D’s ride

Donna_M, Jul 2026

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us, Donna! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your carriage tour with Admiral. We look forward to your next visit to Charleston!

Great tour!

Dana_D, Jul 2026

Great tour! Rob, our human guide and Mr. Beast, our horse were both fantastic. I highly recommend looking for the big red barn and using this company.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

We are very proud of our team and appreciate your kind words. Please come and see us again on your next visit to Charleston!

Very friendly atmosphere...

Sheree_H, Jul 2026

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review, Sharee! We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed having Shay as your tour guide and Yogi and BooBoo as your carriage horses. It was a pleasure having you join us on tour!

Great service and hospitality

Charles_G, Jun 2026

Our tour guide on our ride through Charleston was very knowledgeable about the history of Charleston and very pleasant! Highly recommend this company.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thanks for recommending us so highly, Charles. It was a pleasure having you join us on tour!

Thanks to Kevin and Charlie for a fantastic anniversary tour!

Abby_G, Jun 2026

We really enjoyed our time with Kevin and Charlie for our first carriage tour in Charleston together! They both deserve the week off!

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thanks for the positive review, Abby! We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your carriage tour with Kevin and Charlie. We hope to welcome you back to our Big Red Barn on your next visit to Charleston!

Fun carriage ride through...

Shana_S, Jun 2026

Fun carriage ride through Charleston. Our driver/narrator Ian was a hoot & very knowledgeable. Random routes are given at the time of the ride due to the # of carriage rides in the city. I was hoping we would go down Rainbow Row but it wasn’t on the route we were given that day. Our route was interesting and I recommend this company for a carriage ride!

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thanks for taking the time to write such a nice review, Shana! We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your carriage tour with Ian. Thanks for riding with us!

Really Enjoyed our Tour

Stacy_S, Jun 2026

We toured with Alex and our carriage was drawn by Yogi and Boo Boo.🥰 Alex was informative and entertaining as he drove us through downtown Charleston. We learned a bit about the history of Charleston and enjoyed the beautiful sights. Would definitely recommend.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Your positive review just made our day, Stacy! Thank you for your support and allowing us to show you the beauty of Charleston!

Wonderful experience!

Kristan_C, Jun 2026

Robin and Howard the horse were amazing! It was a wonderful way to be introduced to the historic part of Charleston. After the tour we went back to the areas we wanted to explore further. Wonderful experience. Highly recommend!

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thanks for making us a part of your Charleston visit, Kristan! It was a pleasure having you join us on tour!

Historical and Relaxing

Jon_W, Jun 2026

Great historical tour with Alan and his horse Howard. If you are looking for something to do on a warm vacation day, this is a great idea!

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thanks for recommending us so highly, Jon! It was a pleasure having you join us on tour!

It's a great overview of...

Chris_M, Jun 2026

It's a great overview of a lot of the history of Charleston and information that you wouldn't know just walking around on your own.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you for sharing your positive feedback with us, Chris! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your carriage tour. We look forward to your next visit to Charleston!

Great experience

Pilar_D, Jun 2026

Sam our guide was fantastic and the horse was Bosch. We had a good experience in the history of Charleston. Highly recommend this ride.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you for recommending us so highly, Pilar! We are ecstatic to hear that you enjoyed your carriage tour with Sam and Bosch. Thank you for joining us!

Very informative tour of...

Lynn_D, Jun 2026

Very informative tour of Charleston. Bronson answered all questions that were asked. He seemed to have full control over Marley. 😃

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you for the fantastic review, Lynn! It was a pleasure having you join us on tour, and we hope to welcome you back to our Big Red Barn on your next visit to Charleston!

Educational and fun

Joshua_P, Jun 2026

Very good, are guide was funny and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend this tour to anybody visiting Charleston

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you for recommending us so highly, Joshua! We are so happy to hear that you had a good time on your carriage tour. Thanks for riding with us!

Fun and fact-filled

Laurie_N, Jun 2026

We did a tour with our 11-year-old grandchild and all had fun! Our tour guide was Michael C with Teddy as our horse. Michael was very knowledgeable, funny and personable. We learned a lot about Charleston - the city, history and people. We highly recommend!

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Your kind words have brightened our day, Laurie! We are so glad to hear that you and your grandchild enjoyed your carriage tour with Michael C. and Teddy. We hope to have the opportunity to show you more of Charleston in the future!

Sidney was an awesome...

Tracy_L, Jun 2026

Sidney was an awesome tour guide! She was funny, adorable and informative and Isiah was the best and sweetest work horse ever!

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you for making us a part of your Charleston visit, Tracy! It was a pleasure having you join us on tour!

Sam was very...

Rhonda_S, Jun 2026

Sam was very knowledgeable with fun facts sprinkled in! Spoke clearly and a fun sense of humor. Don’t miss.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thanks for recommending us so highly, Rhonda! It was a pleasure having you join us on tour!

Horse and Carriage tour

STEPHANIE_K, Jun 2026

Very efficient set up. Horses so well cared for. Our tour guide Kevin and his horse Josh were a great team and Kevin was so informative. I strongly suggest taking the tour before walking all around Charleston on your own. It gives you a better understanding of the layout of the city.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you for the fantastic review, Stephanie! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your carriage tour with Kevin and Josh. We hope to have the opportunity to show you more of Charleston in the future!

Totally Enjoyable despite the weather

Leslie_A, Jun 2026

Loved this tour! although It was rainy, our tour guide amazing!. He kept us engaged was funny knowledgeable. We enjoyed it, even though it was pouring! Totally recommend

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you for the positive feedback, Leslie. We really appreciate your kind words. Thank you for braving the stormy weather and joining us for a carriage tour of the city. It was a pleasure having you join us!

Well worth the money....

Helen_M, Jun 2026

Well worth the money. This tour was great. Ian was a fabulous guide. It wasn't a particularly nice day but the carriage is covered.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you for the positive feedback, Helen! We really appreciate you braving the elements to join us for a carriage tour of Charleston. It was a pleasure having you join us on tour!

Very entertaining & informative

Sheryl_C, May 2026

We were introduced to Clint by the driver Luke. We were given historical & architecture info in a very humorous way. Loved it!

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you for making us a part of your Charleston visit, Sheryl! It was a pleasure having you join us on tour!

Carriage ride with Michael

Heather_R, May 2026

Absolutely a perfect way to spend an afternoon in Charleston I highly recommend and if you’re lucky you’ll get the tour guide named Michael

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thanks for the positive feedback, Heather! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your carriage ride with Michael. It was a pleasure having you join us on tour!

Highly recommend!

Melisa_B, May 2026

Michael C was very informative & kept your attention the whole time! The tour was simply perfect! I would high recommend this tour!

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thanks for recommending us so highly, Melissa. It was a pleasure having you join us on tour!

Very nice informative...

Robin_H, May 2026

Very nice informative tour. Dick and Boing did an excellant job. Seei g all the amazing houses, churches and gardens was more than expected.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thanks for taking the time to write such a nice review, Robin! We are so glad to hear that you had such a great time on tour with Dick and Boeing. Thanks for riding with us.

Ghost Tour Review

Wanda_R, May 2026

The staff was excellent. They were friendly and professional. The Tour Guide, Big Mike, was exceptional. He was very knowledgeable and answered questions. We will do it again on our next trip to Charleston.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thanks for the fantastic review, Wanda! It was a pleasure having you join us on tour!

A must do

Michelle_B, May 2026

Evan was an amazing tour guide. He provided so much knowledge and history while incorporating fun and humor. Definite would recommend this experience to everyone.

Fun Carriage Tour in Charleston

Jim_K, May 2026

We greatly enjoyed our carriage tour of parts of the Charleston historic district. Luke was a great tour guide and Isaiah (our handsome horse) did a fabulous job pulling us through the city's historic district.

Response from Host, May 2026

Thank you for the positive feedback, Jim! We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed having Luke as your tour guide and Isaiah as your draft horse. We hope to welcome you back to our Big Red Barn sometime soon!