Charlotte: Historical City Cart Tour & Southern Stories

Summary

Charlotte’s history comes alive from a comfy cart seat with locals sharing stories, old homes, and stadium views

You’ll ride through Charlotte’s neighborhoods on a cushioned golf cart with a local guide who brings history to life—stories about gold mines, sports legends, old cemeteries, and Victorian homes mingle with laughter and small surprises along the way. Pickup is easy at Market at 7th St., so you can just relax into the ride and let Charlotte show itself to you.

What’s the experience like?

We hopped onto this golf cart right outside the Market at 7th Street — honestly, I was grateful for the extra cushion seats because my legs were still sore from yesterday. Our guide, Marcus, greeted us with that slow Carolina drawl and a grin that made you feel like you’d known him forever. The city buzzed around us but inside the cart it felt almost like floating through someone’s living room — soft seats, breeze on your face, the faint smell of barbecue drifting in from somewhere (maybe RiRa?). I didn’t expect to laugh so much hearing about the “medicine man” and Charlotte’s gold rush days. Marcus kept tossing in little facts — like how Queen City got its name — but never sounded rehearsed.

We rolled past Bank of America Stadium and I swear you could feel the energy even without a game on. There was this moment in Fourth Ward where we slowed down by these Victorian houses; an older woman waved from her porch and our guide just waved back like it was nothing. That small gesture stuck with me more than any museum could. At Old Settlers’ Cemetery, he pointed out names half-swallowed by moss — Revolutionary war heroes and people whose stories are mostly gone now. It felt strangely quiet there, even though traffic was only a block away. I tried to pronounce one of the street names in my best attempt at Southern accent; Marcus just shook his head and laughed.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame looked shiny and new compared to everything else, but somehow it fit right in — Charlotte’s all about layers like that. We zipped by Discovery Place Science (kids pressed up against the glass) and then stopped for photos near Romare Bearden Park where sunlight hit the grass just right. I’m not usually one for tours but this didn’t feel like one; more like riding around with someone who actually cares about their city. The main keyword here really is “historical city cart tour,” but that doesn’t capture how personal it feels when you’re actually there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Charlotte historical city golf cart tour

• Pick up at Market at 7th St
• Visit NASCAR Hall of Fame
• See Bank of America Stadium
• Drive through Fourth Ward historical district
• View Bank of America Corporate Center
• Stop at Old Settlers’ Cemetery
• Pass by oldest Catholic Church
• Explore Romare Bearden Park
• Pass by Discovery Place Science Museum
• Drive down main street to see art and museums
• Stop for pictures and food discounts

Top questions

Where does the Charlotte historical city cart tour start?

The tour starts at 224 E. 7th Street in front of The Market at 7th St., where restrooms are available.

Is pickup included for this Charlotte city tour?

Yes, pickup is included at The Market at 7th St.; validated parking is also available with purchase.

What attractions do we see on this historical city cart tour?

You’ll see Bank of America Stadium, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Fourth Ward historic district, Old Settlers’ Cemetery, Discovery Place Science, Romare Bearden Park, and more.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes; kids aged 0-4 are free but must have a car or booster seat as required by NC law (provided by customer).

Is there a lunch or food stop included?

No full meal is included but you get a meal discount at RiRa; snacks and drinks are available at pickup location.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

If there’s bad weather, the tour switches over to a bus instead of the golf cart.

How long does this Charlotte historical city cart tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but covers multiple major sites across central Charlotte; expect several hours total.

Are pets or service animals allowed?

Service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at The Market at 7th St., comfortable seating on new limo-style golf carts (or a bus if weather turns), non-scripted guiding full of local facts and humor, stops for photos throughout historic neighborhoods and landmarks like Bank of America Stadium and Fourth Ward, plus discounted parking and snacks available before departure. Kids under four ride free if they have their own car seat as per NC law.