Are tours suitable for children?

Yes. Daytime tours are family-friendly. Haunted tours may be intense for very young children.

Do tours run in the rain?

Yes, carriages are covered. Severe weather may require rescheduling.

Will I see specific landmarks?

Routes vary by city assignment, but all tours explore major historic neighborhoods.

Are horses treated ethically?

Yes. Operators follow strict city welfare regulations and rotate horses regularly.

Should I book in advance?

Yes, book at least a week in advance, especially for spring weekends and October haunted tours.

Charleston Historic Horse Drawn Carriage Tours

Savannah’s darkest secrets await

Step into one of America’s most haunted cities. Explore eerie cemeteries, shadowed squares, and chilling legends on a guided night tour through Savannah’s storied past.

Group listening to a storyteller in a dimly lit room on the Savannah Ghosts & Gravestones tour.

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

Taking a carriage tour in Charleston, at a glance

Tour options
Daytime historic rides cover the French Quarter and South of Broad. Night tours spotlight haunted legends. Tours typically last 60 minutes with seated comfort and live narration.

Pace and comfort
Leisurely, smooth ride with regular narration pauses. Ideal for all ages and mobility levels who prefer seated sightseeing over walking.

Routing efficiency
Carriages access residential streets and historic lanes where buses can’t go. Expect close-up views of pastel homes, iron gates, and church spires.

Time of day advantages
Morning (9am–11am): Cooler air, quieter streets.
Late afternoon (4pm–6pm): Golden light on historic façades.
Evening (after dark): Best for haunted storytelling ambiance.

Weather plan
Carriages operate rain or shine. Covered seating protects from light showers. Severe weather may prompt rescheduling per operator policy.

Booking window
Spring and fall weekends sell out 1–2 weeks ahead. Book sunset and haunted tours early, especially October.

Why explore Charleston by carriage?

Effortless sightseeing: Stay seated while covering more ground than a walking tour. Perfect for warm Southern afternoons.
Authentic Southern charm: Horse-drawn carriages reflect the city’s 18th-century roots and slower pace of life.
Access narrow historic lanes: Carriages navigate residential streets buses can’t enter, offering closer views of architecture.
Storytelling that sticks: Licensed guides share curated history, local legends, and hidden details beyond guidebooks.

Horse-drawn carriage on a street in Charleston, South Carolina, passing historic buildings.

What to expect from carriage tours in Charleston

1/5

Licensed guide narration

Every tour includes a certified Charleston guide who blends colonial history, Civil War context, and modern-day insights with engaging storytelling.

Rotating district routes

Routes are assigned by the city to manage traffic. Each loop explores a different part of the historic district, ensuring preserved neighborhoods and varied perspectives.

Relaxed pacing

Expect a steady clip-clop rhythm with narration breaks for photos. Tours move slowly enough to admire ironwork gates, piazzas, and pastel façades.

Day vs night atmosphere

Day tours highlight architecture and civic history. Night tours emphasize legends, folklore, and Charleston’s reputed hauntings under lantern glow.

Comfort and care

Carriages are shaded and spacious. Horses are professionally cared for and rotated regularly, following city welfare guidelines.

Carriage tour comparison

Experience	Effort	Best for	Atmosphere
Daytime historic	Fully seated	Families, first-timers	Bright, architectural
Haunted night	Fully seated	Couples, thrill-seekers	Spooky, lantern-lit
Savannah Ghost Tour	Light walking + ride	Paranormal fans	Cemetery visits

Popular areas covered on carriage tours

Historic District & French Quarter

Ride through the heart of Charleston past Rainbow Row, waterfront views, and hidden gardens.

Typical time: 1 hour
Best time: Morning or golden hour
Terrain: Flat, cobblestone streets
Crowds: Moderate; quieter on weekday mornings

Haunted Charleston Routes

Lantern-lit alleys and historic burial grounds set the stage for chilling tales.

Typical time: 1 hour
Best time: After sunset
Terrain: Smooth city streets
Crowds: Popular in October

Weather & seasonality guide

Season	Morning	Midday	Evening	Tips
Spring (Mar–May)	Cool & blooming	Pleasant warmth	Golden light	Wear light layers
Summer (Jun–Aug)	Best comfort	Hot & humid	Cooler breeze	Carry sunhat, water
Fall (Sep–Nov)	Crisp air	Mild & bright	Ideal for haunted	Book early
Winter (Dec–Feb)	Quiet streets	Cool temps	Early dusk charm	Wear a light jacket

Frequently asked questions about Charleston horse-drawn carriage tours

Most historic and haunted tours last about 60 minutes. Savannah ghost tours may run up to 2 hours.

What to bring

Take along a valid photo ID and your mobile voucher.
Wear weather-appropriate layers since the tours operate rain or shine.
You can bring along a rain poncho in case it looks like it's going to rain. There are ponchos available on-site for a fee.

Accessibility

Boarding is via an inclined ramp and deboarding via an elevated platform with three steps and a handrail. Assistance will be provided during boarding/deboarding.
Restrooms available at the meeting location only.
Seating is in shared carriages.

What’s not allowed

You cannot bring alcoholic beverages on the carriage.

Additional information

There are no scheduled breaks during the tour.
Arrive 10 minutes early for check-in and boarding.
While the tour operates most evenings, it may be canceled for lightning or by city ordinance.
Each carriage has the capacity to seat up to 16 passengers.
Only non-alcoholic drinks are permitted on board.

Inclusions #

40-min haunted carriage tour
Live narration by a Palmetto Guild certified guide
Route past haunted alleys, graveyards, churches, hotels, the Provost Dungeon, and the Old Exchange
Indoor meeting area with seating and restrooms (14 Anson St.)
Comfortable carriages with foam-padded leather seats, backrests, ample legroom, and a covered rooftop
Accessibility ramp and assisted deboarding

Exclusions #

Gratuities
Parking fees
Food and beverages
Rain ponchos (available on-site for an additional fee)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Savannah’s darkest secrets await

Step into one of America’s most haunted cities. Explore eerie cemeteries, shadowed squares, and chilling legends on a guided night tour through Savannah’s storied past.

1-hour horse-drawn carriage tour of historic Charleston led by Guild-certified guides.

Everything you get: Enjoy a 1-hour horse-drawn ride through historic downtown Charleston with a Palmetto Guild certified guide. Settle into comfortable carriage seating (up to 16 passengers) as you hear engaging stories and facts about the city’s past. A family-friendly way to see key streets and landmarks.
Why choose this: Expert-certified narration, classic carriage comfort, and a relaxed pace make this a smart, story-rich way to explore Charleston’s historic core.

Inclusions #

1-hour horse-drawn carriage ride
Palmetto Guild certified guide
Guided tour of historic downtown Charleston
Stories and facts about Charleston’s history
Comfortable, modern carriage seating (up to 16 passengers)

Exclusions #

Gratuities
Food and beverages
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Personal expenses

What to bring

Bring your booking confirmation and a valid photo ID for check-in.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing since the carriage is open-air.
Comfortable footwear is recommended for boarding and disembarking.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

What to bring

Take along a valid photo ID and your mobile voucher.
Wear weather-appropriate layers since the tours operate rain or shine.
You can bring along a rain poncho in case it looks like it's going to rain. There are ponchos available on-site for a fee.

Accessibility

Boarding is via an inclined ramp and deboarding via an elevated platform with three steps and a handrail. Assistance will be provided during boarding/deboarding.
Restrooms available at the meeting location only.
Seating is in shared carriages.

What’s not allowed

You cannot bring alcoholic beverages on the carriage.

Additional information

There are no scheduled breaks during the tour.
Arrive 10 minutes early for check-in and boarding.
While the tour operates most evenings, it may be canceled for lightning or by city ordinance.
Each carriage has the capacity to seat up to 16 passengers.
Only non-alcoholic drinks are permitted on board.

Inclusions #

40-min haunted carriage tour
Live narration by a Palmetto Guild certified guide
Route past haunted alleys, graveyards, churches, hotels, the Provost Dungeon, and the Old Exchange
Indoor meeting area with seating and restrooms (14 Anson St.)
Comfortable carriages with foam-padded leather seats, backrests, ample legroom, and a covered rooftop
Accessibility ramp and assisted deboarding

Exclusions #

Gratuities
Parking fees
Food and beverages
Rain ponchos (available on-site for an additional fee)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

1-hour horse-drawn carriage tour of historic Charleston led by Guild-certified guides.

Everything you get: Enjoy a 1-hour horse-drawn ride through historic downtown Charleston with a Palmetto Guild certified guide. Settle into comfortable carriage seating (up to 16 passengers) as you hear engaging stories and facts about the city’s past. A family-friendly way to see key streets and landmarks.
Why choose this: Expert-certified narration, classic carriage comfort, and a relaxed pace make this a smart, story-rich way to explore Charleston’s historic core.

Inclusions #

1-hour horse-drawn carriage ride
Palmetto Guild certified guide
Guided tour of historic downtown Charleston
Stories and facts about Charleston’s history
Comfortable, modern carriage seating (up to 16 passengers)

Exclusions #

Gratuities
Food and beverages
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Personal expenses

What to bring

Bring your booking confirmation and a valid photo ID for check-in.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing since the carriage is open-air.
Comfortable footwear is recommended for boarding and disembarking.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Guided Tours

Charleston Haunted Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

What to bring

Take along a valid photo ID and your mobile voucher.
Wear weather-appropriate layers since the tours operate rain or shine.
You can bring along a rain poncho in case it looks like it's going to rain. There are ponchos available on-site for a fee.

Accessibility

Boarding is via an inclined ramp and deboarding via an elevated platform with three steps and a handrail. Assistance will be provided during boarding/deboarding.
Restrooms available at the meeting location only.
Seating is in shared carriages.

What’s not allowed

You cannot bring alcoholic beverages on the carriage.

Additional information

There are no scheduled breaks during the tour.
Arrive 10 minutes early for check-in and boarding.
While the tour operates most evenings, it may be canceled for lightning or by city ordinance.
Each carriage has the capacity to seat up to 16 passengers.
Only non-alcoholic drinks are permitted on board.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr.

Guided Tours

Charleston Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

1-hour horse-drawn carriage tour of historic Charleston led by Guild-certified guides.

Everything you get: Enjoy a 1-hour horse-drawn ride through historic downtown Charleston with a Palmetto Guild certified guide. Settle into comfortable carriage seating (up to 16 passengers) as you hear engaging stories and facts about the city’s past. A family-friendly way to see key streets and landmarks.
Why choose this: Expert-certified narration, classic carriage comfort, and a relaxed pace make this a smart, story-rich way to explore Charleston’s historic core.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr.

Taking a carriage tour in Charleston, at a glance

Why explore Charleston by carriage?

What to expect from carriage tours in Charleston

Licensed guide narration

Rotating district routes

Relaxed pacing

Day vs night atmosphere

Comfort and care

Carriage tour comparison

Popular areas covered on carriage tours

Historic District & French Quarter

Haunted Charleston Routes

Weather & seasonality guide

Frequently asked questions about Charleston horse-drawn carriage tours

How long are carriage tours?

Are tours suitable for children?

Do tours run in the rain?

Will I see specific landmarks?

Are horses treated ethically?

Should I book in advance?

What to bring

Accessibility

What’s not allowed

Additional information

What to bring

What to bring

Accessibility

What’s not allowed

Additional information

What to bring

Charleston Haunted Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

What to bring

Accessibility

What’s not allowed

Additional information

Charleston Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage