Viator Rating : 5 (3557 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 8.1/10 (Verified Excellent)
Charleston
Charleston Carriage Tour: See Historic Sites!
60
Overview
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston. See Charleston the way it was meant to be seen, on a horse-drawn carriage! This 1-hour tour takes folks through the heart of Charleston's historic downtown. A friendly, licensed guide will share stories and answer questions about what makes this city special.
Imagine clip-clopping past beautiful houses, gardens bursting with color, big mansions, and pretty churches. The tour goes by landmarks like the Charleston City Market, where you can find local crafts and treats, and St. Philip's Church, a beautiful old church with a tall steeple. You might also see the U.S. Custom House, an impressive building with a lot of history.
Palmetto Carriage Works, the oldest carriage tour company in Charleston, provides this family-friendly experience. Folks will learn about Charleston's past, its buildings, and its plants. The tour includes a ride in a horse-drawn carriage with an expert guide. Gratuities are not included, and tour routes are determined by a lottery system, so specific landmarks aren't guaranteed. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Mobility (9 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (8 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Safety (7 - Cautious) : Mostly okay but required alertness
Highlights
See Historic Charleston: Explore Charleston's beautiful and historic downtown in comfort.
Expert Tour Guides: Learn about Charleston's rich history from licensed, local experts.
Family-Friendly Fun: A relaxing and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Iconic Landmarks: Pass by famous sites like the Charleston City Market and St. Philip's Church.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides.
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Many enjoyed seeing the historical sites from a different perspective.
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Families found it a fun and relaxing way to explore the city.
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The horses were well-cared for and added to the charm of the tour.
Some customers felt the tour route was not as scenic as they hoped.
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A few mentioned that the lottery system for routes was disappointing.
The Journey
Palmetto Carriage Works (Big Red Barn)
Begin your Charleston adventure at the Palmetto Carriage Works, affectionately known as the Big Red Barn. More than just a starting point, it's a glimpse into the city's equestrian heritage. Meet your guide and take a moment to explore before stepping into a horse-drawn carriage for an unforgettable journey through Charleston's historic streets.
Charleston City Market
Located near the Big Red Barn, the Charleston City Market has been a vibrant hub of commerce and culture since the 18th century. As your carriage passes through the city gate, prepare to be transported back in time. The market is a gateway to experiencing the charm and history woven into Charleston's very streets, a place where unique tour routes begin and end.
St. Philip's Church
Marvel at the architectural splendor of St. Philip's Church, the oldest religious congregation in the U.S. south of Virginia. Nestled just off the market on Church Street, this iconic landmark boasts a rich history and stunning design. Its graceful spire dominates the Charleston skyline, making it a must-see on your horse-drawn carriage tour.
U.S. Custom House
Witness the grandeur of the U.S. Custom House, an imposing structure that reflects Charleston's complex past. Construction began in 1852 and faced interruptions due to the Civil War. Completed in 1879, this architectural masterpiece stands as a testament to the city's resilience and enduring spirit. Pass by this iconic building to feel the echoes of Charleston's pivotal role in American history.
Know Before You Go
This horse-drawn carriage tour includes multiple departure times throughout the day. It is Charleston's most highly-rated carriage tour, perfect for families wanting to learn about the city's rich history and iconic landmarks with expert guides. Gratuities are not included. Please note that the city's mandated lottery system determines the tour routes, so specific landmarks are not guaranteed.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes! Also, arrive a little early to check in and get settled on the carriage. Some reviewers suggest bringing water, especially on a hot day, and tip your guide if you had a good time!
Review Summary
People usually say the Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour by Palmetto Carriage Works is a charming and informative way to explore historic Charleston, highlighting its beautiful architecture and gardens with knowledgeable guides. Many appreciate the romantic and leisurely pace of the horse-drawn carriage for capturing great photos and the friendly storytelling. Some negative remarks include the lack of wheelchair accessibility and potential variability in tour routes due to the city's lottery system, which can affect seeing specific landmarks. Overall, travelers find it a memorable and family-friendly introduction to Charleston's rich history.
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