Charleston: Private Horse Carriage Tour & Historic Landmarks

Summary

Charleston’s old streets by carriage, stories drifting through live oaks

You’ll settle into a private carriage and wind through Charleston’s historic downtown with a local guide sharing stories you won’t find in guidebooks. Expect quiet moments by St. Philips Church, glimpses of Rainbow Row’s colors, and laughter as you pass City Market—all at an easy pace that lets you breathe in the city’s old soul.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound—hooves on cobblestones, steady and almost sleepy, echoing between those tall pastel houses near Market Street. We climbed into the carriage at the Big Red Barn (it really is bright red), and our guide—her name was Sarah—handed us a thin blanket even though it was barely chilly. She had this way of talking about Charleston that made it feel like she’d lived every century herself. I caught the faintest whiff of hay mixed with something sweet from a bakery nearby, or maybe that was wishful thinking because I hadn’t eaten breakfast yet.

We rolled past the Charleston City Market, where vendors were just setting up—one woman waved at us with her whole arm like she knew Sarah personally (maybe she did). The city felt slow in the best way. Sarah pointed out St. Philips Church, said it’s the oldest congregation south of Virginia, and told a story about its bell ringing after hurricanes. I tried to snap a photo but fumbled with my phone and missed it; honestly, sometimes it’s better not to get the shot.

I didn’t expect to care much about architecture but found myself tracing window shapes and ironwork with my eyes as we went. The horse—his name was Duke—snorted every time someone laughed too loud nearby. At one point we passed Rainbow Row and Sarah mentioned how people repaint them every so often to keep the colors bright; she joked that “pink always fades fastest.” There was a moment when sunlight hit one of those windows just right and everything looked washed gold for half a second. I still think about that view.

The ride ended back at the barn, but we lingered a bit just listening to Duke munching hay and watching other carriages come and go. It wasn’t grand or dramatic—just honest, slow-moving time in Charleston’s heart. If you’re looking for something gentle with real stories (and group pricing for up to four), this private horse carriage tour is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private horse-drawn carriage tour

• Start at Big Red Barn
• Board private horse-drawn carriage
• Pass through Charleston City Market
• Pass by St. Philips Church
• Pass by U.S. Custom House
• Return to Big Red Barn

Top questions

How long is the private horse carriage tour in Charleston?

The tour covers 25-30 blocks of historic downtown Charleston and typically lasts around 1 hour.

Where does the Charleston horse carriage tour start?

The tour begins at Palmetto Carriage Works’ Big Red Barn, just one block off Market Street in downtown Charleston.

How many people can fit in one private carriage?

Each private carriage can accommodate 1-4 people per group.

Is pickup included for this Charleston horse carriage tour?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at the Big Red Barn starting point.

What landmarks will I see on this private horse-drawn tour?

You’ll pass sites like Rainbow Row, Charleston City Market, St. Philips Church, and the U.S. Custom House.

Are tours available in all weather conditions?

Yes, tours operate rain or shine; guests are advised to dress appropriately for weather conditions.

Is this private carriage ride suitable for families?

Yes, families are welcome as long as the group size does not exceed four people per carriage.

Is public transportation available near the starting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options available nearby downtown Charleston.

What’s included

Your day includes a private narrated horse-drawn carriage ride covering 25-30 blocks of historic downtown Charleston with a professional local guide sharing stories about buildings, history, architecture, flora and people—the “Holy City.” Group pricing covers up to four guests per carriage; simply select quantity “1” at checkout before returning to your starting point at the Big Red Barn.