Charleston Horse & Carriage Tour: 30 blocks of history

The carriage route changes each day based on city assignment, so no two tours cover the same streets.

A one-hour horse-drawn carriage tour of Charleston departs from a stable near City Market, with a certified guide narrating the city's role in American history as you pass historic homes, churches, gardens and the wrought iron gates that define the neighborhood. The tour covers about 30 blocks and 300+ years of history. Specific landmarks vary by route, but all tours pass the church steeples and mansions that give Charleston its character. Carriages hold up to 16 passengers, and children under 3 ride free on a parent's lap. Children 4 and up are welcome. Check in 15 minutes before departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horse-drawn carriage tour of Charleston

• Check in at stable and meet horses
• Watch educational video and prepare
• Board carriage via loading platform
• Tour city gate near Charleston Market
• View historic mansions, gardens, churches
• Return to stable and end tour

The experience

How do you see a city without fighting traffic or planning a route? A horse-drawn carriage moves slow enough that the guide can point out the details (the custom wrought iron gates, the well-manicured gardens, the piazzas tucked behind historic facades) without you missing them as the street rolls past. The carriage is pulled by a Belgian or Percheron draft horse, and the tour starts and ends at the stable near City Market, where you can meet the horses before boarding via an inclined ramp.

The City of Charleston assigns each carriage a route to spread traffic evenly, so the specific landmarks you see depend on which route your guide draws that day. All tours pass the church steeples that earned Charleston the nickname "Holy City" and the historically significant homes and gardens that anchor the neighborhood's character. The one-hour loop covers about 30 blocks and more than 300 years of history, with your certified guide providing context about the city's role in the nation's story. The pace is built for listening and looking, not rushing.

The carriage holds up to 16 passengers, so you might share the ride with other travelers or book it as a smaller group: either way, the guide's commentary carries the same weight. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed. The stable has a restroom and sells bottled water. Arrive 15 minutes early to check in. Missing that window may cancel your reservation.

What’s included

• One-hour horse-drawn carriage tour with a certified guide narrating Charleston's history.
• Belgian or Percheron draft horse and carriage.
• access to the stable with restroom and educational video.
• coverage of approximately 30 blocks and 300+ years of history passing historic homes, churches, gardens and wrought iron gates.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day17 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Old South Carriage

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to sit while someone else navigates: the carriage seats up to 16, works for couples through small groups, and the stable's ramp makes boarding straightforward.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the routes if the city assigns them each day?

The City of Charleston rotates carriage routes to distribute traffic, so the specific landmarks and streets vary by departure. All tours pass the church steeples, historic mansions and gardens that define Charleston, but the exact homes, gardens and blocks you see depend on which route is assigned that morning. The guide will know the history of whatever route you draw.

How long is the actual carriage ride, and what happens at the stable before we leave?

The carriage tour itself is one hour, covering about 30 blocks. Before boarding, you'll check in at the stable near City Market, where you can watch an educational video, meet the draft horses, use the restroom or buy bottled water. You board via an inclined ramp, and your certified guide greets you as you settle in.

What if I'm in a wheelchair or have mobility concerns?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the stable has an inclined ramp for easy boarding. If you have specific mobility needs, mention them when you check in 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

How many people ride in one carriage, and will I be alone or with other travelers?

Each carriage holds up to 16 passengers per departure. You might ride with other travelers or book a smaller group: the guide's commentary and the route remain the same either way.

What's included in the ticket price?

The one-hour carriage tour includes the certified guide's commentary, the draft horse and carriage, and access to the stable facilities (restroom, educational video). Bottled water is available for purchase. Gratuities are not included.