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Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston
Badge of ExcellenceCharleston, USA
- 1 hour
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
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
What's Included
- 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”
- 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.What To Expect
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.
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.
Charleston City Market
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Palmetto Carriage Works
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Joe Riley Waterfront Park (Pass By)
Battery & White Point Gardens (Pass By)
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon (Pass By)
Rainbow Row (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
Cancellation Policy
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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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
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Reviews
4.5
2,097 reviews
Charlotte_G, Apr 2024
The tour was definitely not worth $50 a person when it is only an hour and only takes you to one part of the town. Wouldn’t recommend it to others
Debbie_B, Apr 2024
Love the residential areas! Would have gladly paid more for a 1 1/2 hour tour. Our horse was “Ronald” and that means our guide was excellent. Very knowledgeable. We could tell he loved his topic of Historical Charleston.
June_M, Apr 2024
Loved learning about Charlestown history. I have previously taken a carriage tour. Everyone has a different story to tell.
jillaugust, Apr 2024
Guide was excellent. Being there with my parents and husband and having the experience together, was very special
Carol_C, Apr 2024
Our guide, David, was informative and very personable. We enjoyed the relaxing tour of your beautiful city.
Lori_K, Apr 2024
Second time to use this company to take a carriage tour. Guides are so well versed on the history of the area - houses, buildings, people. Very professional and we always enjoy the trip.
Karlin_B, Apr 2024
Good history. Guide very knowledgeable. Just wasn't a lot to see where we went. Apparently you have a lottery to see which route we would take.
Mary_S, Apr 2024
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and informative. Our horse was amazing and had a great personality 😊
SUSAN_k, Apr 2024
This was a wonderful way to start the visit to Charleston. Hit some history and left you see things that you might to make a better look at.
Dorothy_L, Apr 2024
Loved the history, humor, and fun! Tour guide was awesome. Love hearing about the horses and their daily routine. Comfortable seats
...
From $49.95
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston
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