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Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

3,854 Reviews 4.84 out of 5 stars Based on 3,854 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 96% of reviewers
96% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Charleston, USA
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from $49.95 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston Image 1
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston Image 2
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston Image 3
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston Image 4
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (6.83) days in advance.
1 hour (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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

  • Multiple departures available throughout the day
  • Perfect family-friendly experience
  • Horse-drawn, hour-long carriage tour of historic Charleston
  • Gratuities
See 2 moreSee 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

8 Guignard Street
Charleston, SC 29401, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

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.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Charleston City Market (pass by)

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.
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St. Philip's Church (pass by)

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.
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U.S. Custom House (pass by)

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.
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Show 3 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-40128P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.84
3,854 reviews

Average 4.84 out of 5 stars based on 3,853 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
3,436
4 stars
281
3 stars
84
2 stars
32
1 star
20
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (6.83) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is 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.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • 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
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name