Make your way through historic downtown Charleston on a traditional horse-drawn carriage with a guide. See the mansions, churches, and gardens of the city.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
Duration 1 hour: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English
Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Tour the historic residential district of Charleston
Enjoy a guided tour with a licensed tour guide
Experience the sights of the city and discover places you could visit later
Learn about the 350-year history of Charleston

Full description

This 60-minute narrated carriage tour covers more than 2.5 miles and 30 blocks of historic downtown Charleston. It really is the best way to see the “Holy City” and learn about its rich and vast history. The tour begins at our stables just one block from the city market, where a number of our horses live. Restrooms and water are available as well as a loading ramp to easily board one of the custom-built carriages. Departing from the barn, you will continue to the city gate located in the Old City Market. Historic Downtown Charleston is split up into a number of areas that each tour is directed to travel to. Some highlights of these areas are Charleston Harbor, Rainbow Row, 4 Corners of Law, King Street, White Point Gardens, and the Charleston Battery. A licensed tour guide will be narrating the entire tour with informative and entertaining commentary. At the end of the tour you will arrive back at the stables, where you will get off the carriage using the unloading dock.

Includes

Access to Waterfront Park
Access to Charleston Harbor
Live tour guide
Transport for activity duration: Horse carriage

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask

Meeting point

Arrive 15 minutes early to the local partner's barn. Enter the main lobby area through the front door and check in with one of the customer service specialists at the desk. Restrooms are available in the lobby area along with seating.

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Important information

Know before you go

If inclement weather prevents tours from departing, we can refund your tour or reschedule for another time.
Purchasing your tickets online in advance is highly recommended because it allows you to reserve seats for a particular tour time

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 146 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.9/5
Transportation
4.9/5
Value for money
4.7/5

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Really fun, relaxing and informative way to see the city. Perfect for someone who has never been there before, and it was great for my little kids because they didn’t have to do as much walking to see the sights. Also, our guide was very patient with their questions and wiggles. Great experience! I would 100% come back and do it again!

March 30, 2022

We were not made aware which tour we were getting when we signed up. Although we enjoyed the homes tour, my husband would have preferred a more historical one. Our guide Emily was very knowledgeable and friendly while the horse (Bob/Billy/we forget!) was hilarious. Overall was a very enjoyable excursion.

March 24, 2022

The rides go to different places. If you want to see the houses along the battery area. You might have to specifically request going there. The city gives each carriage ride a particular route. It might be hard to see the areas you preferred. I would have valued the ride higher if we had gone to the other houses.

October 19, 2021

Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

About this activity

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