Horse-drawn Carriage Tours in Charleston

Famed for its Colonial history, Charleston beautifully represents the state of South Carolina with its many faces. From 18th-century architecture to tranquil parks and historic marketplaces, there’s something to excite any traveler in this buzzing metropolis.

Horse-drawn carriage tours in Charleston provide an unforgettable experience while on vacation. A unique way to navigate the city, these excursions transport you to the city’s most significant attractions.

Read on for everything you need to know about horse-drawn carriage tours, one of the most unique sightseeing activities in Charleston.

What are the best horse-drawn carriage tours in Charleston?

Historic horse-drawn carriage tour in Charleston

The first spot you’ll pass by on this horse-drawn carriage tour in Charleston is the 18th-century Charlestown City Market, which spans four blocks and has been named a National Historic Landmark.

Here, you’ll be assigned a route through the city and set off on your journey through its most spectacular monuments. As routes vary from day to day, the attractions you will see can never be guaranteed. However, you’ll pass by more than 30 blocks of the downtown area, and all routes cover some of the same sites.

These include the 19th-century home of the city’s former governor, William Aiken Jr. You’ll also have the opportunity to admire grand mansions built in classic Antebellum style, as well as perfectly manicured gardens and historically significant attractions, all the while being pulled along by a faithful four-legged friend.

Evening horse-drawn carriage tour in Charleston

Those who have less time to spare or who simply wish to escape the heat of the day may consider booking an evening city tour in Charleston. While this excursion is shorter than others, it still offers an in-depth introduction to the city, passing by a multitude of sights and learning about the destination’s colorful past along the way.

You’ll tour what remains of the Old Walled City — a once-fortified part of Charleston — as well as the Joe Riley Waterfront Park, which received an award for its landscaping in 2007 and features a pineapple-shaped water fountain. You’ll end this tour at the operators’ barn, which you can wander at your leisure, meeting even more majestic equines.

Haunted horse-drawn carriage tour in Charleston

Anyone seeking a thrill can climb on board a historic carriage and experience the terrors of the “Holy City” as they travel through Charleston's unsavory past on this ghost tour. You’ll pass by the Mills House, where several individuals have reported sightings of Confederate soldiers running through the halls in search of water to extinguish the Great Fire of 1861.

Another destination on this horse-drawn carriage tour in Charleston is the Circular Congregational Graveyard, which originally housed over 700 graves, approximately 500 of which remain. Paranormal activity in this resting place includes sightings of a Revolutionary soldier, as well as ghostly whispers.

Provost Dungeon is also a popular landmark to see on one of these excursions. This jail was once used to imprison soldiers and pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard, and the screams of several inmates can still be heard today. Before returning to your tour providers’ stables, you’ll see St. Michael's Church, the home of a ghostly bell ringer.

Private horse-drawn carriage tour in Charleston

If you’re looking for greater personalization than a group excursion can provide, consider opting for a private horse-drawn carriage tour in Charleston. You’ll benefit from the undivided attention of your guide, with whom you can discuss each landmark in more detail. You can also choose between a daytime or evening ride through the city, making this an ideal tour to slip into your itinerary.

While a route has been pre-planned by your guide, you’ll have total flexibility in the destinations visited, meaning that you can ensure this tour piques your group’s interest. Suggested attractions include Rainbow Row — a street featuring 13 candy-colored houses from the Colonial era — as well as the Powder Magazine building, which is the oldest public building in the state and today houses a museum.

The White Point Garden is another spot popular with travelers on a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Which places are visited?

Gov. William Aiken House

The Gov. William Aiken House is the former home of William Aiken Jr. who served as the 65th governor of South Carolina between 1844 and 1846.

Built in 1820, the house is famed today as the best-preserved example of Antebellum architecture in the city and secured its place on the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s. The governor was no stranger to slaves and kept 19 inside this property during the 1860s.

However, this number of household servants is just a fraction of the more than 800 enslaved African Americans that served at his plantations across Charleston and Colleton.

More than 10,000 artifacts related to slavery in the U.S. have been found in the Gov. William Aiken House, an act that swept through the nation from 1776 until owning slaves was outlawed in 1865.

Charleston City Market

The Charleston City Market is the most visited attraction in the city and offers a vibrant selection of souvenirs, arts and crafts, and local foods.

It is often confused with the Old Slave Mart, where African Americans were traded in auctions during the 19th century.  However, no slave trading took place at the Charleston City Market.

Instead, this 18th-century construct was originally used to sell beef, fish and other groceries to residents of the city. Today, visitors can purchase souvenirs that pay a nod to Charleston’s past, including sweetgrass baskets.

The weaving of these baskets has been passed down through generations for over 300 years and the baskets themselves were originally used to separate rice seed, and chaff on the plantations of South Carolina.

Powder Magazine

The Powder Magazine building was first used as a storage center for gunpowder in the 18th century, until 1780, halfway through the American Revolution.

These stores were used to protect the city from attacks by arming its soldiers suitably. In later years, it opened as the Powder Magazine, which went on to house a print shop, carriage house, livery stable and wine cellar.

At the turn of the 20th century, the building was in danger of being demolished. However, it was saved by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of South Carolina, who opened it back up to the public as a museum.

Visitors can still explore the Colonial past of Charleston at this attraction, with thousands of artifacts to discover. The Powder Magazine is one of only 89 remaining constructs built in the 18th century left in the city.

What is the cost of horse-drawn carriage tours in Charleston?

Horse-drawn carriage tours in Charleston vary in price, according to several factors, including group size and duration.

You’ll pay between US$40 and US$50 per adult for an evening ride through Charleston. Children between the ages of 4 and 11 cost US$40 each, while those under 4 incur no additional charge.

Historic horse-drawn carriage rides in Charleston operate in groups capped at 16 guests. Adults cost US$50 each while children aged 4 to 11 benefit from a reduced rate of US$40 each. Children under 4 can participate for free when seated on the lap of their parent or guardian. Haunted Charleston tours cost the same for both adults and children, and also operate in groups of 16.

Private horse-drawn carriage tours in Charleston cost just under US$350 per group of up to four guests. Broken down, with the maximum number of people in your party, you’ll pay less than US$90 per head.

What do the rides include?

Horse-drawn carriage rides in Charleston include a driver-guide who will lead you around the city, educating you on its Colonial history, architectural wonders and everything in between.

Where do the tours start?

Horse-drawn carriage tours in Charleston begin at various spots across the city, often at the stables of your selected tour operator. You can see the exact meeting point before booking, which gives you plenty of time to plan your route and arrange any necessary transportation in advance.

Charleston is home to a convenient and reliable network of public buses, which help you to navigate the area with ease.

When organizing transportation, you should note that it is essential, on many excursions, to arrive at the starting point at least 15 minutes prior to your designated tour time.

How long are carriage rides?

Horse-drawn carriage tours in Charleston typically last around an hour, enabling you to discover many of South Carolina’s most exquisite highlights.

This short time slot means that most travelers will be able to fit a tour of this nature into their itinerary.

However, those with a limited schedule can instead choose an evening or ghost tour of the city, both of which last less than 40 minutes.

When is the best time for a horse-drawn carriage ride in Charleston?

The best time for a horse-drawn carriage ride in Charleston is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these months, the temperatures are mild, and there's less humidity compared to the hot and humid summer months.

To avoid crowds, plan your tour for a weekday or early morning or late afternoon.

Are horse-drawn carriages wheelchair friendly?

The majority of horse-drawn carriages in Charleston are wheelchair friendly, meaning that everyone can enjoy this memorable experience. However, you should consult the booking page of your preferred excursion to double-check that it is suitable for all members of your party before securing your spot.

What other sightseeing tours can you do in Charleston?

• Walking tours in Charleston
• Charleston city tours
• Boat tours in Charleston
• Charleston food tours

Travel tips

• Charleston's weather can be quite variable. Wear comfortable clothing and consider layers if you're touring in the cooler months. Don't forget sun protection (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen) for the warmer, sunnier days.
• Especially during peak tourist seasons, carriage tours can fill up quickly. It's a good idea to book your tour in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
• Carry water, especially during the summer months when it can get very hot and humid.
• Carriage tour guides in Charleston are often well-versed in the history and culture of the city. Pay attention to their stories and insights to enrich your experience.