
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 3,864 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston worth booking?
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston is a 1-hour experience in Charleston, United States, from $50 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 3,864 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (3,864)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $50 per person
Charleston's oldest carriage company invites you aboard for the tour that started it all. Since 1972, Palmetto Carriage Works has explored the streets of this historic city with licensed guides who bring real local knowledge, wit, and humor to every ride. Discover stunning houses, lush gardens, grand mansions, charming churches, and picturesque parks while learning about Charleston's rich history, unique architecture, and vibrant flora. It's an exciting, dynamic experience — a seamless blend of 19th-century conveyance and 21st-century Charleston charm. With multiple departures throughout the day and open-air carriages built for great photos, don't miss your chance to explore the "Holy City" this way.
What you get
About this experience
Charleston's oldest carriage company invites you aboard for the tour that started it all. Since 1972, Palmetto Carriage Works has explored the streets of this historic city with licensed guides who bring real local knowledge, wit, and humor to every ride. Discover stunning houses, lush gardens, grand mansions, charming churches, and picturesque parks while learning about Charleston's rich history, unique architecture, and vibrant flora. It's an exciting, dynamic experience — a seamless blend of 19th-century conveyance and 21st-century Charleston charm. With multiple departures throughout the day and open-air carriages built for great photos, don't miss your chance to explore the "Holy City" this way.
What's included
Included
- Multiple departures available throughout the day
- Perfect family-friendly experience
- Horse-drawn, hour-long carriage tour of historic Charleston
- Big Red Barn facility for animal interactions and easy boarding
- Licensed Tour Guide
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
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.
15 minutes here
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.
Pass by without stopping
St. Philip's Anglican Church
As you enjoy your carriage ride, you’ll pass by the renowned St. Philip’s Church, the oldest congregation in the U.S. south of Virginia. Located just off the market on Church Street, this beautiful landmark is a must-see on your Charleston carriage tour.
Pass by without stopping
U.S. Custom House
Your route also includes a pass by the iconic U.S. Custom House in Charleston, S.C. Construction began in 1852 but was halted due to South Carolina's potential secession from the Union. The building was finally completed in 1879, adding to Charleston's rich history.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Charleston
Please meet us at 8 Guignard Street Charleston, SC 29401 We are the Big Red Barn!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please meet us at 8 Guignard Street Charleston, SC 29401 We are the Big Red Barn!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 16 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Palmetto Carriage Works
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3,844 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
3,844 verified traveler reviews for Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great way to spend time in town
Great tour of the city and very informative. Michael C was the man!!
via Tripadvisor
Great Tour.
We had a great tour with the tour guide, Fox, and his horse O’Brien. He was very knowledgeable of the city and entertaining.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words, Janice! We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed having Fox as your tour guide and O’Brien as your carriage horse. Thanks for joining us on tour!
via Tripadvisor
Great experience
Jason Looney did a phenomenal job!
Response from the operator: Thanks for the fantastic feedback, Keith!
via Tripadvisor
Fun and educational! It...
Fun and educational! It was our first time in Charleston and a great introduction to the city! Our driver Luke was terrific!!
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to write such a great review, Karen! We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed having Luke as your tour guide. Thank for riding with us!
via Viator
had a great time
Michael C was our guide, he was great. had a wonderful time.
Response from the operator: Thanks for the fantastic review, Scott! It was a pleasure having you join us on tour!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1,352
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Palmetto Carriage Works, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.4.
See everything Palmetto Carriage Works runsWhy this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Charleston.
How much does Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston cost?
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Prices start at $50 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Charleston usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston take?
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Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Charleston is not rushed.
Is Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 3,864 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Charleston, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston?
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Around 1,352 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Charleston can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Charleston and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Charleston within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Charleston?
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Charleston's best experiences are small: house museum tours with an architectural historian, Gullah heritage walks, harbour sails at sunset and Lowcountry food crawls through the market district. Plantation day trips vary enormously in how honestly they handle the history, and our ranking factors that in directly. On Outty we rank every Charleston experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel, Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour, Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Charleston?
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March to May and September to November, the two mild shoulder windows. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Charleston?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston?
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Included: Multiple departures available throughout the day; Perfect family-friendly experience; Horse-drawn, hour-long carriage tour of historic Charleston; Big Red Barn facility for animal interactions and easy boarding; and Licensed Tour Guide. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston?
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Please meet us at 8 Guignard Street Charleston, SC 29401 We are the Big Red Barn! Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston?
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Across 3,864 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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