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Private Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Charleston

Recommended by 94% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Charleston, USA
Popular pick
Booked 5+ times last week!
  • 1 hour (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8
·
· Elizabeth_A ·
Mar 2026
My husband and I chose to do the private carriage ride and it did not disappoint. Our driver / guide was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Charleston, the buildings, gardens, and more and he was also very entertaining. It is clear that the horses are well cared for and our tour guide spoke to what goes in to their care which we also enjoyed. Well worth it!!
· Yonne_W ·
Dec 2025
Very informative tour. Personalized and our tour guide was very engaging and funny yet gave us lots of history information. I highly recomment

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Overview

    What's Included

    • Private Narrated Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride of Historic Charleston
    • Small-Group for a more personalized experience (1-4 People)
    • See top Charleston sites such as Rainbow Row and Charleston City Market.
    • Experience 25-30 blocks of Charleston’s historic downtown district
    • Professional Driver/Guide
    • Learn about buildings, history, architecture, flora and the people that make up the “Holy City”
    • Pricing at checkout is Per Group (1-4 passengers per group), please select quantity "1" at checkout
    • Gratuities
    • The City's mandated lottery system determines the tour routes. Landmarks are not guaranteed.

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • 8 Guignard St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

      The Big Red Barn 8 Guignard Street Charleston, SC 29401

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Itinerary

    Begin your tour of Charleston at the Big Red Barn, just one block off of Market Street in the heart of downtown, where you’ll meet your knowledgeable, certified guide and settle into a comfortable carriage pulled by one of our lovable horses. Your journey will take you past some of Charleston’s most famous landmarks, including historic churches, theaters, and single family homes.

    Moving at a leisurely pace, you’ll have the opportunity to get a good view of key sites, take photos, and soak in the unique charm of this coastal gem. Whether you’re admiring the intricate wrought-iron details of Rainbow Row or visiting iconic spots like The Battery and Waterfront Park, each moment promises to be enchanting. Perfect for special occasions or simply a day of exploration, our private horse and carriage tour is the ideal way to create lasting memories in this historic city.

    The tour concludes back at the Big Red Barn at the original departure point.

    Palmetto Carriage Works (Pass By)

    1

    Charleston City Market

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    St. Philip's Church (Pass By)

    U.S. Custom House (Pass By)

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Please select (1) during checkout for the group pricing. Can accommodate 1-4 people per group.
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • A maximum of 4 people per group
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
    • Near public transportation
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
    Supplied by

    Frequently Asked Questions (14)

    Q:Where does the Private Horse-Drawn Carriage 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 345 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
    We perform checks on reviews

    A Charleston Must Do

    Pierre_F, Mar 2026
    The carriage driver/tour guide was so knowledgeable about the history of the area and he was very entertaining. We really enjoyed it.

    Private carriage ride - well worth it!!

    Elizabeth_A, Mar 2026
    My husband and I chose to do the private carriage ride and it did not disappoint. Our driver / guide was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Charleston, the buildings, gardens, and more and he was also very entertaining. It is clear that the horses are well cared for and our tour guide spoke to what goes in to their care which we also enjoyed. Well worth it!!

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    We appreciate your 5-star review, Elizabeth! Our team is thrilled to know that your visit with us was a positive one. Your support means a lot to us!

    Charleston Fun with Elliott

    Susan_B, Feb 2026
    Wonderful way to see. Charleston. Our guide, Elliott was amazing. It was a touch chilly but they provided blankets.

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    Thank you for the wonderful review, Susan! We are so happy to hear that the blankets kept you cozy while you enjoyed a carriage tour of Charleston with Eliot. It was a pleasure having you join us on tour!

    Very informative tour....

    Yonne_W, Dec 2025
    Very informative tour. Personalized and our tour guide was very engaging and funny yet gave us lots of history information. I highly recomment

    Response from Host, Jan 2026

    Thank you for recommending us so highly! We are thrilled to hear that you found your carriage tour with us to be informative, engaging, and fun. We hope to welcome you back to our Big Red Barn sometime soon. Thanks!

    Harmony was great.

    Christian_H, Sep 2025
    Our horse, Harmony, and our guide Kevin were both spectacular. Unfortunately we drew what is known as the Green route. And we really didn't get to see all that much. It's a lottery through some sort of city agency which route you get when you go on your tour. I would love to do it again and have a different route. The carriage was comfortable, Kevin was entertaining and informational. Harmony was just gorgeous and gave us a smooth ride. We were so glad that we upgraded to the private tour.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thanks for joining us for a Private Carriage Tour, Christian! We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your tour with Kevin and Harmony. We hope to welcome you back to our Big Red Barn for another carriage tour of Charleston sometime soon!

    Private carriage ride in Charleston

    Rivers_B, Sep 2025
    My wife and I absolutely loved this. It gave us an up close and personal look at some of the most iconic sites in historic Charleston. Our tour guide, Bronson, was knowledgeable and engaging and did an amazing job.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thanks for the amazing review! We are thrilled to hear that you and your wife enjoyed your Private Carriage Tour with Bronson. It was a pleasure having you join us on tour!

    Incredible way to see the city!

    Ashlyn_B, Aug 2025
    Amazing experience! We elected a private 1 hour carriage tour and were not disappointed! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. Our kids had a blast and actually learned a ton. 10/10 would recommend!

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you for the wonderful feedback, Ashlyn! We are thrilled to hear that you and your whole family enjoyed your Private Carriage Tour experience so much. Thanks for recommending us so highly. It was a pleasure having you join us on tour!

    Comfortable carriage, ride, beautiful horse Deuce

    LeeAnn_R, Jul 2025
    During this time of the year, it was very hot They did give us water Carriage ride was pleasant. He’d pull over and let the cars go by so we could take our time going down the street.

    Response from Host, Jul 2025

    Thank you for joining us, LeeAnn! We know Charleston can be extra toasty this time of year, so we’re glad the water helped keep you comfortable along the way. It’s great to hear you enjoyed the pace of the ride—we always try to make the experience as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. Hope to see you again on a cooler day!

    Anniversary horse and carriage ride

    Laurie_M, Jun 2025
    What a fantastic hour learning about Charleston History. Jason was very knowledgeable, fun, and easy going. He made the trip perfect. We took a 5pm tour. Weather was amazing. We had the private tour with just my husband and I, and loved having the carriage to ourselves. It was worth the extra mi ey to have a very comfortable and pretty carriage! Our horse was perfect and knew exactly where to go. Loved the entire experience.

    Response from Host, Jun 2025

    Thank you so much for the glowing review, Laurie! We’re thrilled to hear that your private 5pm tour with Jason was such a perfect experience. It sounds like the weather, the carriage, and your horse all came together for a truly special ride. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Jason and the team. We look forward to welcoming you and your husband back for another unforgettable tour!

    Duece and Kevin were the best

    Kathy_T, Jun 2025
    Very relaxing and informative. Great time. Gave us water on a hot day. Walked us through the barn. Assisted with pictures.

    Response from Host, Jun 2025

    Thank you for your kind words, Kathy! We’re so happy you had a relaxing and informative experience with us. It’s important to us to keep everyone comfortable—especially on hot days—so we’re glad the water and barn tour added to your visit. We hope to see you again soon for another great time!

    Awesome experience.

    Rodney_A, May 2025
    Tours are a nice way to spend additional time with family and are very informative. We will definitely be back sometime in the near future.

    Response from Host, May 2025

    Thank you for sharing, Rodney! We’re so glad our tours provide a fun, informative way for families to spend time together. We can’t wait to welcome you back soon for another memorable carriage ride through Charleston!

    Ask Holtz

    Patricia_J, May 2025
    Wonderful tour with Bob and Holtz.! We saw streets and homes that were extraordinary examples of Charleston architecture and style, as well as gardens. Totally worth the investment for a private tour.

    Response from Host, May 2025

    Thank you for sharing your experience, Patricia! We're so glad you enjoyed your private tour with Bob and Holtz. Charleston’s architecture and gardens are truly something special, and it’s great to hear that the tour gave you such a memorable glimpse of them. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back again soon for another wonderful experience!

    Loved the private carriage ride

    alisaholland, Apr 2025
    The private Carriage experience was perfect! Our guide, josh, gave exactly the commentary we hoped for and answered all of our questions taught us a lot too!

    Response from Host, Apr 2025

    Thank you for the fantastic review, Alisa! We’re so happy to hear that the private carriage experience was perfect and that Josh provided exactly the commentary you were hoping for. It’s great to know that he was able to answer all of your questions and share some valuable insights. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another memorable ride soon!

    Fun, well arranged, on time

    Jerry_H, Jun 2024
    Great experience! Thoughtfully designed route. Guide Luke was funny, friendly and knowledgeable. They take great care of their horses too. Overall a tremendously enjoyable experience!

    Family trip

    Angela_H, May 2024
    Average private tour. our guide was good. I had seen several carriages on battery. I wanted to see and get history on the old houses around that area. apparently they can’t do that tour after 6:00. I booked a 6:30. I had also booked for an hour. It’s was more like 45 minutes and we were dropped off a block or two from our car. For a private tour it was just lackluster.

    Wonderful time

    Diane_A, May 2024
    Our driver, Mike, was absolutely wonderful. Very informative and very friendly. Our horse, Gary, was also fantastic. Thank you

    Our Horse Carriage ride in Charleston

    Jane_R, Mar 2024
    Our tour guide Bob! He was the BEST! We have a unique situation with my sister-in-law. Several years back she a had a tramatic injury, which left her with many disorders. Mostly she blurts out obscenities and we had no control. I told Bob of the situation and he was so kind to over look the situation and make our carriage ride not only enjoyable but learned so much about Charleston we never knew. Every question we asked he was able to answer with so much enthusiasm. Bob was so genuine he made us feel like friends not just passengers on a carriage ride. I booked the trip over the phone. When we got there my name was on the time slot I booked and they got us loaded up promptly. They provided complimentary water for the trip and were so friendly. Once again I can not stress the absolute pleasure Bob was. Thanking you from all of us Bob! Sincerely, Jane Ryan and Family.

    Recommend Highly!

    Rex_S, Nov 2023
    The architecture of the cities beautiful historic buildings and gardens. We came a little early and they let us go early. It was an unforgettable experience. Thank You!

    Disappointing

    MARCIA_L, Oct 2023
    Our driver and horse were very good (Bubba and Bosch) but rest of trip less than memorable and we paid way to much for a private carriage ride. Just didn’t see any interesting sites.

    Great time

    Michael_S, Oct 2023
    The ride was very relaxing. The guide was very very knowledgeable and friendly. It was a wonderful experience.

    Thanks!

    RachelHurst, Oct 2023
    We would recommend. Jeremy and Dynamite were great. Fun way to see the city and learn some history as well.

    Great experience

    Joe_M, Jun 2023
    We booked a evening tour, as it was our Anniversary. We enjoyed it immensely and will do it again, next time we return. A big shout out to Alex for being very accommodating and really helping us out. We won't forget it.

    Private tour worth the money

    Mark_G, Jun 2023
    Bruce was a great guide. Lots of interesting history in Charleston, wish we did it on our first day here instead of our last. Highly recommend.

    Amazing guided tour in private carriage

    Nathan_M, Nov 2022
    We took the private carriage ride and it was absolutely perfect! Our guid was amazing, knowledgeable, and funny! Highly recommend!

    It was ok. It was not...

    Trish_S, Aug 2022
    It was ok. It was not bad, but it wasn't great either. It was pretty expensive for what we got in 30 minutes.

    Wonderful Experience

    Alicja_W, Jul 2022
    Wonderful experience. Very knowledgeable driver. Highly recommend private tour! Our family really enjoyed it.

    Outstanding carriage...

    William_G, May 2022
    Outstanding carriage tour. The driver was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Fun experience.

    South Carolina here I come!! Home of Shrimp and Grits 💕

    Linda_V, Apr 2022
    Sean our tour guide was very knowledgeable. The one thing we all learned was the fact that Charleston SC is one of the only cities in the country with the most historic history and with the most churches in the community. It is absolutely Beautiful and quaint and can’t wait to come back. Great restaurants too!!

    Recommend this tour

    Faye_K, Oct 2021
    The driver was very friendly and knowledgeable. would highly recommend this tour. Beautiful city and friendly people

    Learned some Charleston history

    HUBERT_H, Jul 2021
    Very knowledgeable carriage driver. Learned a lot about historical sites. Carriages were beautiful and clean. We the loved the horses.

    From $325.00

    per group (up to 1)

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 28 days in advance.

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