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Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston

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Charleston, United States
Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston
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Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston
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From $54.95

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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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icon1 hour  (approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds

Overview

Ride a horse-drawn carriage through the heart of historic Charleston on a guided tour through the heart of the city. Soak up the old fashioned charm of cobblestone streets lined with antebellum houses, lush gardens, and landmark churches as you listen to stories about Charleston history, architecture, and culture.
  • Carriage tour of Charleston
  • Several departures throughout the day
  • Learn about local history
  • Ideal choice for families
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From $54.95

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1-hour Horse Drawn Carriage Ride of Historic Charleston
Professional Guide
Learn about buildings, history, architecture, flora, and the people that make up the “Holy City”
See a mixture of houses, gardens, mansions, churches, and parks
Gratuities
8 Guignard St , 8 Guignard St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
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Please meet us at 8 Guignard Street Charleston, SC 29401 We are the Big Red Barn!

This activity will end right where it started.
This tour begins in downtown Charleston, where you meet a knowledgeable driver-guide and settle into a carriage drawn by a pair of horses. Follow a route that takes in some of the historic downtown district’s most elegant mansions and gardens, learning about the architecture of each place as you drive along. Catch the scent of jasmine flowers from deep, shady porches, and pass by rows of bristling palmetto trees.

Get an overview of Charleston’s dramatic history, from long-ago pirate raids to plantations, Revolutionary battles, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. The city was founded in 1670, and Charleston's historic buildings have been meticulously preserved and restored. Guides combine humor with history for a lighthearted experience of Charleston’s atmospheric center.

This tour concludes at the original departure point.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Charleston City Market
Our Barn is located just off of the Charleston City Market. You will meet your certified tour guide here and then you will depart on your hour long horse or mule drawn carriage tour. The carriage will go through the City gate at the market where the tour guide is assigned a tour route. You will see about 30 blocks of the historic district which will include beautiful architecture, churches, buildings, gardens and more. The tour returns to the Big Red Barn.
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Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Palmetto Carriage Works
This is where you will meet your tour guide and your horse or mule drawn carriage.
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Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Pass By:  
Joe Riley Waterfront Park
Bright green public space overlooking the Charleston coast.
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Pass By:  
Battery & White Point Gardens
Public Garden and outdoor space located in the Battery
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Pass By:  
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
Completed in 1771 as the New Exchange and Customs House, and recognized today as South Carolina's most historic building.
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Pass By:  
Rainbow Row
The longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States.
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  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • 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
  • OPERATED BY Palmetto Carriage Works
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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
Q:
Is parking available for the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?
A: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.
Apr 2021
Q:
Can I bring my young child with me on the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?
A:Absolutely! This tour is fun for the whole family!
Apr 2021
Q:
How long is the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?
A:The carriage tour is approximately one hour long.
Apr 2021
Q:
Is the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston narrated?
A: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.
Apr 2021
Q:
What will I see during the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?
A: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.
Apr 2021
Q:
How many people does the carriage seat during the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?
A: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.
Apr 2021
Q:
Can I bring snacks/drinks with me on the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?
A: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.
Apr 2021
Q:
Is the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston handicap accessible?
A: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.
Apr 2021
Q:
Can I bring my service animal with me on the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?
A: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.
Apr 2021
Q:
Can I bring a stroller on the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?
A:We cannot accommodate strollers on the carriage itself, however, we can safely keep your walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, or strollers at the barn while you enjoy your tour until you return.
Apr 2021
Q:
What if the weather is bad on the date of my Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?
A: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.
Apr 2021
Q:
Are carriages covered during the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?
A: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.
Apr 2021
Q:
Can I bring my dog with me on the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston?
A:We can accommodate a dog with advance notice. Please specify if you would like to bring a dog in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout.
Apr 2021

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Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
1,573 Reviews
5 stars
1,318
4 stars
164
3 stars
53
2 stars
24
1 star
14

Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 1,573 reviews
star-5
Enjoyable and Historically Valuable Experience.
Robertq_L
, May 2022
Docent was very articulate and friendly. He made the tour very relaxing and enjoyable, as did Harmony who only acted up once!
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star-5
Highly recommend
Cynthia_G
, May 2022
Our guide was so knowledgeable and entertaining. He told us lots about the houses and history of Charleston.
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star-5
We love this beautiful, historic city!!!
Nancy_B
, May 2022
Rob was excellent, so enthusiastic and informative. And Goober was awesome! We loved seeing and learning about your beautiful city!
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star-5
What a wonderful time!
Nancy_A
, May 2022
We gathered to celebrate Mother’s Day to relax and rejuvenate as we had family time because we live in different states. Charleston was the halfway point and we hadn’t been there before. Part of our time was the carriage ride and tour. The driver and stories were great. Hearing what the area has been through in the last 100+ years was very eye opening. All the staff were extremely courteous, the barn was clean, and all were very nice to both humans and horses!
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star-5
Awesome ride
Grace_H
, May 2022
I want to give a shout out to David (the lawyer) for his excellent knowledge of the city. He made the one hour trip entertaining with his sense of humor.
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star-5
Missouri girl
alan_g
, May 2022
Enjoyed the friendly tour guide and traveling around Charleston. In the horse drawn carriage you had a good view of what the guide pointed out.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Guided By A Great Tour Guide And Horse
Lia_M
, May 2022
The carriage host/tour guide was great! He was super funny and was very knowledgeable. Any questions asked on the tour by the guests were answered. Our horse was beautiful and maintained. The stable was clean, bathroom, etc.
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star-3
Historic Information was great
Gina_B
, May 2022
You don’t get to see the whole city on the tour. Your trolly is given a specific area to drive chosen by a lottery system. I was hoping to see The Battery and Rainbow Row but we didn’t get that route. Gonna tour the city by trolly so I can see the major points I want to see!
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star-5
Lots of fun
allison_v
, May 2022
There was a lot of information and it went really well! Our horse was amazing and the guide was well spoken.
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star-5
First Rate Tour
Kate_S
, Apr 2022
Loved our horse, our guide and all the beautiful., historic houses we saw. The Battery, Gallows and earthquake house repairs were marvelous stories. First rate tour.
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