Beaufort: Horse Carriage Tour of Historic District & The Point

Summary

Old live oaks spanish moss and carriage wheels echoing stories

You’ll ride through Beaufort’s historic district by horse-drawn carriage, hearing stories from a local guide as you pass antebellum homes and centuries-old churches. Feel the slow rhythm under live oaks draped with Spanish moss and catch glimpses of everyday life along quiet backstreets. It’s a gentle way to see Beaufort — and you might find yourself thinking about those old houses long after.

What’s the experience like?

“You hear that?” our guide asked, grinning, as the horse’s hooves clopped over the old brick. I was still fiddling with my phone, but that sound — it just sort of pulled me into the moment. We’d barely started rolling through Beaufort’s historic district when I caught the smell of something sweet and green in the air, maybe magnolia or just the moss after yesterday’s rain. There were locals waving from porches, one woman with a mug who looked like she’d been watching this street for decades. I tried to wave back but probably looked awkward — I’m not used to being part of the scene like that.

The carriage moved slow enough that you could really see things — peeling paint on an old Victorian, gardenias tangled in iron fences, sunlight flickering through those huge live oaks. Our guide (I think her name was Miss Janie?) had this way of telling stories where you weren’t sure if she was joking or not. She pointed out St. Helena’s Anglican Church and said some folks buried there “never quite left,” then winked at us. I didn’t expect to feel so much history just sitting in a blue carriage, but you do — it’s everywhere here, even in how people say hello.

I kept thinking about how quiet it felt once we left the main drag and turned down smaller streets in The Point. All you heard was birds and that steady clop-clop — no car engines or anything. The houses looked almost too perfect, draped in Spanish moss like they’d been waiting for someone to notice them. There was something about seeing it all at horse pace that made me want to stay longer, or maybe just come back again someday when it’s cooler out. Anyway, if you’re looking for a day trip in Beaufort that isn’t rushed or shiny-perfect, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Historical horse drawn carriage tour

• Hear church's historical role
• See graveyard from carriage
• Pass by founding fathers' graves
• Ride through Old Beaufort backstreets
• View live oak trees with moss
• See Antebellum and Victorian houses
• Enjoy gardens from carriage
• Learn Beaufort's 300+ years history
• Meander through Old Point neighborhood
• Pass Antebellum, Victorian houses, cottages

Top questions

How long does the Beaufort horse carriage tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 55 minutes.

What historical sites are included on the tour?

You’ll pass by St. Helena’s Anglican Church and explore The Point neighborhood with its antebellum and Victorian homes.

Is there narration during the carriage ride?

Yes, your local guide narrates throughout the entire tour sharing history and stories about Beaufort.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the carriage ride.

Is this tour suitable for young children or infants?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap during the ride.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at the designated starting point in Beaufort.

Are entry fees or taxes included in the price?

All fees and taxes are included with your booking.

Will we see Hollywood movie locations on this tour?

The guide may share tales about Hollywood movies filmed in Beaufort as part of their narration.

What’s included

Your day includes a fully narrated 55-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through Beaufort’s historic district and The Point neighborhood, passing major historical sites like St. Helena’s Anglican Church; all fees and taxes are covered so you can just sit back and listen to your local guide share three centuries’ worth of stories as you roll along beneath live oaks draped in Spanish moss.