Charleston has a rich history dating back to 1670 and is famous for its elegant architecture, beautiful streets, and captivating tales.
A carriage tour is a wonderful way to explore Charleston’s historic districts and enjoy the city’s charming beauty.
You can soak up the city’s aura while relaxing on a warm carriage drawn by majestic horses, taking in its architectural marvels, well-preserved streets, and beautiful gardens.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for Charleston Carriage Tours.
Table of contents
- What to expect
- Where to book tickets
- How do online tickets work
- Cost of Charleston Carriage Tours
- Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour tickets
- Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Tickets for Historic Charleston Tour
- Historic Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston tickets
- Evening Horse-Drawn Carriage Tickets for Downtown Charleston Tour
- Charleston’s Historic Residential Horse and Carriage Tour tickets
- Private Historic Carriage Tour Tickets for Charleston
- Myrtle Beach to Charleston with Horse & Carriage Ride, Harbor Cruise, Boone Hall tickets
- Meeting point
- Timings
- Best time to go on carriage tours
- How long does the tour take
- FAQs about Carriage Tours in Charleston
What to expect
Prepare to embark on a delightful, exciting tour to transport you back in time!
The Charleston Carriage Tour offers a fascinating experience as you travel in a horse-drawn carriage through the ancient streets of Charleston.
As you ride through the streets, your guide will share captivating stories and historical insights about Charleston’s past. Learn about significant events, influential figures, and the city’s role in shaping American history.
During the tour, you’ll pass by iconic landmarks like Rainbow Row, Battery Park, and the famous Market Street. Learn the stories behind these sites and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s historical significance.
Charleston is known for its captivating legends and ghostly folklore. Listen to intriguing stories about haunted houses, pirates, and the city’s tumultuous past.
The carriages are pulled by beautiful and well-cared-for horses. These majestic creatures add to the charm and authenticity of the experience.
The tour operators ensure your comfort and safety during the tour. The carriages are well-maintained and designed to provide a pleasant experience.
Also, the carriages are made to resemble those from the 19th century, maintaining the authenticity and timeless appeal of the experience.
Where to book tickets
Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour tickets can be bought online or offline.
Online tickets are significantly cheaper than the ones you buy at the counter. To save time and money, we suggest buying your tickets online.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.
Because some tours sell a limited number of tickets, booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointment.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
How do online tickets work
Visit Charleston’s Historic Horse & Carriage Tour booking page, select the number of tickets, preferred date, and time slot, and buy the tickets immediately.
After making the purchase, you will receive the tickets in your email.
There is no requirement to bring any printouts. You can get access to the tour by showing the ticket on your smartphone.
Cost of Charleston Carriage Tours
Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour tickets cost US$50 for visitors above 12 years.
For visitors between four and 12 years, the tickets cost US$40.
Tickets for the Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston costs US$40 for visitors above 12 years.
Tickets cost US$32 for visitors between four and 12 years. Infants below the age of four get free admission.
You can also opt for 7-Day Unlimited Daytime Trips, which cost US$65 per person.
Tickets for Charleston’s Historic Horse and Carriage Tour cost US$45 for visitors above 12 years.
Tickets cost US$35 for visitors between four and 12 years. Infants below the age of three get free admission.
Tickets for the Private Historic Carriage Tour of Charleston cost US$300 for visitors of all ages.
Tickets for Myrtle Beach to Charleston with Horse & Carriage Ride, Harbor Cruise, and Boone Hall cost US$192 for visitors of all ages.
Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour tickets
On this narrated carriage tour of Charleston, learn about more than 300 years of history.
Explore beautiful houses, churches, and gardens during your 2.5-mile (4 km) horse-drawn carriage tour of historic Charleston.
While you learn about this “Holy City” and its significance during the Civil War, draft horses from Belgium and Percheron will pull your carriage through the streets.
Admire majestic ancient mansions and learn about their past. You’ll have plenty of photo chances in gardens with beautiful wrought iron gates.
Your tour will cover approximately 30 blocks and over 300 years of history. Though precise locations vary by route, all tours pass through attractions contributing to Charleston’s distinct beauty.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (12+ years): US$50
Child Ticket (4 to 12 years): US$40
Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Tickets for Historic Charleston Tour
Your tour starts in the heart of Charleston, where you will meet a local driver-guide and board a carriage pulled by a pair of majestic horses.
You will be taken on a scenic route that showcases the charming beauty of the historic downtown district, stopping to admire some of the most elegant mansions and gardens.
As you ride along, your guide will share fascinating facts and insights about the architecture of each place, making the experience enjoyable and informative.
When you arrive at Palmetto Carriage Works, you will meet your tour guide and board your horse or mule-drawn carriage.
During your tour, you will see Joie Riley Waterfront Park, a bright green public space that overlooks the Charleston coast.
You will also pass by Battery & White Point Gardens, a public garden and outdoor space in the Battery.
Another stop on your tour will be the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon.
This historic building was completed in 1771 as the New Exchange and Customs House and is recognized today as South Carolina’s most historic building.
You will come across Rainbow Row, the lengthiest collection of Georgian-style row houses in the United States.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (12+ years): US$40
Child Ticket (4 to 12 years): US$32
Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free
Historic Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston tickets
On this 1-hour guided tour of Charleston, travel back in time on a horse-drawn carriage and learn about more than 300 years of history.
Enjoy the lovely clip-clop sound as this educational trip winds through the streets, informing you about this ‘Holy City’ and its rich history and part in the Civil War.
Explore the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, two of America’s most historic structures, and much more.
All tours start and finish in the Historic City Market, where you can enjoy your next Charleston adventure. Battery & White Point Gardens stops along the way vary depending on which route through the historic district the City of Charleston gives us.
There are numerous tour options, and the highlights of your tour can include famous locations like the storied White Point Gardens, also referred to as “The Battery.”
On one of our Charleston trips, you might discover many more wonderful historical sites than these highlights.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (12+ years): US$45
Child Ticket (4 to 12 years): US$35
Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free
Evening Horse-Drawn Carriage Tickets for Downtown Charleston Tour
Discover the rich history, architecture, flora, and diverse people that make up Charleston’s “Holy City” on a 35-minute evening carriage tour.
Enjoy a cool breeze while exploring parts of the old walled city, historic churches, public buildings, and the Cooper River waterfront.
This tour is an excellent choice to beat the summer heat. Your certified tour guide will meet you and your horse or mule-drawn carriage at our Big Red Barn at 8 Guignard Street.
You will also see the Old Exchange Building, which George Washington once visited.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (12+ years): US$45
Child Ticket (4 to 12 years): US$40
Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free
Charleston’s Historic Residential Horse and Carriage Tour tickets
For centuries, Charleston has been a hub of culture, class, charm, and national history. In 1670, the British settled here, and the city quickly became one of the most important in America.
Explore the harbor, a beautiful historical site offering breathtaking views and Cobblestone streets; one-of-a-kind shops and vendors charm the city.
Each tour lasts an hour, covering 2-3 miles (4 km) of Charleston’s residential Historic District.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (12+ years): US$50
Child Ticket (up to 12 years): US$40
Private Historic Carriage Tour Tickets for Charleston
On this private, one-hour tour of Charleston, step back to the Colonial era as you ride in a horse-drawn carriage and learn about more than 300 years of history.
Enjoy the lovely clip-clop sound as you follow this instructive journey through the streets and discover this ‘Holy City’s’ rich history and role throughout the Civil War.
Visit the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, two of America’s most historic structures, among many other places.
Ticket Price: US$300
Myrtle Beach to Charleston with Horse & Carriage Ride, Harbor Cruise, Boone Hall tickets
Experience a one-hour carriage tour of the charming and historic downtown Charleston. After the ride, you can enjoy limited browsing time and shopping at the iconic Historic City Market.
Next, board the Carolina Belle for a 90-minute live narrated historic harbor tour. While on the tour, you will be served a delicious boxed lunch.
Finally, explore the beautiful grounds and gardens and tour the house at Boone Hall Plantation before returning to Myrtle Beach. It’s the perfect way to explore this stunning area’s rich history and culture.
Ticket Price: US$192
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Meeting point
The meeting point for Charleston Carriage Tours will be different for different operators.
Remember to check the ticket booking page for the latest departure, and end points information.
Timings
The Charleston Carriage Tours operates from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Sunday.
There are various tour operators, and they all offer multiple tours daily, every 30-45 minutes.
Best time to go on carriage tours
If you prefer a relaxed pace, a morning tour in the city at 9 am, when the tours start, provides a great experience as the streets are relatively quiet.
If you enjoy a warm and magical atmosphere, touring the city shortly before sunset at 5 pm can provide beautiful lighting and enhance the visual appeal of your photos.
If you prefer milder temperatures, you may enjoy visiting during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is generally pleasant.
For a less crowded experience, consider visiting during weekdays, avoiding major holidays and school vacation periods.
How long does the tour take
The Charleston Carriage tours last around an hour, providing enough time to explore various city areas.
These tours operate throughout the day, offering tours at regular intervals.
FAQs about Carriage Tours in Charleston
Here are some frequently asked questions about Carriage Tours Charleston.
Reservations can typically be made online through Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour directly. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred date and time.
Carriages can typically accommodate a maximum of 16 travelers, from couples to larger groups. The exact capacity may vary depending on the specific carriage used for the tour.
The carriages used are wheelchair accessible. There are specific accommodations for individuals with mobility needs.
Carriage tours can be enjoyable for children, offering a unique and educational experience. However, it’s important to consider young childrens’ attention span and comfort during the approximately one-hour tour.
Charleston Carriage Tour operators will have policies in place regarding bad weather. They may offer alternative arrangements or rescheduling options in such events.
Charleston Carriage Tours provides knowledgeable guides who will share interesting information throughout the tour. However, you are welcome to bring your guidebook or audio.
The frequency of tours varies depending on the company and the time of year. During peak season, tours may depart every 15-30 minutes. During the off-season, tours may depart less frequently.
Sources
# Thepinch.com
# Visitnorthcharleston.com
# Tripadvisor.in
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