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Charleston Carriage Tour: Historic Downtown Ride
4.8
2,271 Ratings
Charleston
Experience the charm of Charleston’s historic downtown district on a 1-hour horse-drawn carriage tour. Discover the city’s rich history, architecture, and culture while enjoying a blend of knowledge, wit, and humor.
Duration:
1 hour
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Palmetto Carriage Works - Begin your horse-drawn carriage adventure with a certified tour guide at Palmetto Carriage Works, also known as the Big Red Barn. Start with a quick 15-minute orientation and explore the barn before setting off on your tour of historic Charleston.
- Charleston City Market - The Big Red Barn is conveniently situated near the Charleston City Market. Here, you will meet your certified tour guide before embarking on a one-hour horse-drawn carriage ride. Your carriage will pass through the city gate at the market, where your guide will determine a unique tour route. Discover around 30 blocks of the historic district, featuring stunning architecture, beautiful churches, gardens, and more. The tour concludes back at the Big Red Barn.
- St. Philip’s Church - During your carriage ride, you will pass by the famous 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 highlight of your Charleston carriage tour.
- U.S. Custom House - The tour route also includes a view of the iconic U.S. Custom House in Charleston, S.C. Construction began in 1852 but was paused due to South Carolina’s potential secession from the Union. The building was finally completed in 1879, contributing to Charleston’s rich history.
What's Included
- 1-hour Horse Drawn Carriage Ride of Historic Charleston
- Experience 25-30 blocks of Charleston’s historic downtown district
- Learn about buildings, history, architecture, flora, and the people that make up the ‘Holy City’
- See a mixture of houses, gardens, mansions, churches, and parks
- Professional Guide
- The City of Charleston determines which tour route each carriage receives
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Join a fascinating 1-Hour Daytime Palmetto Carriage Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour through the historic downtown area of Charleston. Navigate the streets of this storied city with a licensed tour guide who is eager to answer questions and provide insights into Charleston’s unique charm. Admire the city’s beautiful homes, lush gardens, grand mansions, quaint churches, and scenic parks while delving into its rich history, distinctive architecture, and vibrant plant life. As Charleston’s oldest carriage tour company, Palmetto Carriage Works has created an outstanding experience that blends knowledge, wit, and humor. This tour offers an engaging and lively exploration, effortlessly merging 19th-century transportation with the allure of a 21st-century city. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the “Holy City” in this memorable way!
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Location
8 Guignard St
Guignard Street
Please meet us at 8 Guignard Street Charleston, SC 29401 We are the Big Red Barn!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(2271 Ratings)
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Donaldl907
Aug 29, 2024
Fun times in Charleston. - It was very relaxing and informative. Ean and Chester were full of interesting and funny facts. It was a beautiful day and lovely trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y503lflindac
Aug 28, 2024
I would highly recommend this tour company. - Great tour with Ashley and Mr America! She was very knowledgeable and fun and answered all our questions. A most enjoyable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarahhr9208ii
Aug 28, 2024
One day must do - Great overview of the Holy City if you are there for just the day . History, architecture culture and food - win win win!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rose_g
Aug 28, 2024
Excellent tour - The tour was very interesting. The tour guide was excellent. I definitely recommend it.
We went early and that was the best time
Review provided by Viator
Alicialt9589cy
Aug 26, 2024
We will be back! - We loved the horse drawn carriage tour! Our guide was wonderful! We will be back the next time we are in Charleston and hopefully tour a different area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diane
Aug 25, 2024
Informed guides, not just a carriage ride - The guide really knew his history and had interesting historical, cultural and architectural facts to share. Really enjoyed it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janine
Aug 25, 2024
Charleston Carriage Tour - A wonderful way to begin your stay in Charleston. We had an amazing tour guide named Jim. We learned so much on this one hour tour…. starting with how the horses are treated and cared for all the way through to a fun and informative tour of historic Charleston. The tour gave us a glimpse of parts of Charleston that we wanted to explore further. I highly recommend this carriage ride for anyone who is considering a tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mildredcanada2015
Aug 25, 2024
Yes! - I am so glad I took this wonderful tour. Alex our guide was great but more so America, our beautiful horse.
I was hesitant to take this type of tour due to concerns about animal care but I was able to witness how well cared these sweet horses are. It was my privilege to be able to support and enjoy a ride with this company.
If I come back to Charleston, I will definitely do this again.
Thank you Palmetto for all the wonderful work you do and all the love you give your horses.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z5046eyalexo
Aug 25, 2024
Best Carriage Ride in Charleston - The best way to see and learn about historic Charleston is on a narrated carriage ride. The tour guides are so knowledgeable and full of interesting information and fun stories about Charleston.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jmdfly7
Aug 23, 2024
Family trip to Charleston - We happened to arrive in Charleston and parked right next to Palmetto Carriage Company. Out of curiosity we walked in to the garage. The next thing we knew, we were riding, viewing the gorgeous architecture, and learning about the history of Charleston. My wife, our two teenage daughters, and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Wear some sunscreen! I highly recommend this experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
