If you’re searching for the top tours in Charleston, SC, Old South Carriage Co. is for you. Founded in 1983, we’ve given Charleston tours to millions of guests–all from the comfort of our state-of-the-art carriages. Join one of our historic or haunted carriage tours for an authentic Charleston experience through historic downtown with our Palmetto Guild certified guides.
Explore historic downtown Charleston with a friendly, engaging guide, a beautiful horse, and a comfortable carriage for a memorable 1-hour carriage ride through history.
Ride in the twilight hours to see famous landmarks and hear surprising stories of ghosts, pirates, and patriots that make Charleston one of the most haunted cities in America.
Why an Old South Carriage Tour is the Quintessential Downtown Charleston Experience
Exploring Charleston on a horse-drawn carriage tour is the most authentic, immersive way to experience over 300 years of Lowcountry history. Traveling at a relaxed pace through cobblestone streets and historic districts lets you absorb the city's architectural details, grand antebellum mansions, and lush private gardens that are easy to miss on foot or behind the wheel.
Old South Carriage Co. stands apart as Charleston’s premier carriage tour operator, combining deeply rooted local history with an unsurpassed commitment to animal care.
100% Licensed Charleston Tour Guides
Every historic tour is narrated by a guide fully licensed by the City of Charleston after rigorous testing on local history, architecture, and historic preservation.
Our draft horses are the heart of our company. We go well beyond city regulations, giving our horses a shorter work week, plenty of 30-minute breaks throughout the day, regular vet care, custom fitted harnesses, and generous pasture rotation on our 112-acre farm.
Our carriage tours take you by many historic sites, but there's so much more to explore in Charleston.
Charleston Harbor Cruises
See more than 75 landmarks while you cruise the scenic Charleston Harbor on the 80-foot Carolina Belle. This 90-minute, narrated tour also gives you up-close views of the historic Fort Sumter.
Get an immersive look into American military history centered around the famous World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. You can explore historic warships, a collection of vintage aircraft, and much more.
Spanning four historic city blocks, the Charleston City Market is one of the nation's oldest public markets and a cultural hub. Stroll among the more than 300 vendors, including handmade sweetgrass baskets crafted by local Gullah artisans.
Accessible only by ferry, Fort Sumter marks the historic site where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired in 1861. Explore preserved brick ruins, view original Civil War cannons, and examine museum artifacts.
The historic Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon offers a fascinating look into early American history as the site where South Carolina ratified the U.S. Constitution and where British forces imprisoned American Patriots and pirates in the dungeon during the Revolutionary War.
This famous series of 13 pastel-colored historic Georgian townhouses dates back to the 18th century. Lining a section of East Bay Street, it's one of the most photographed spots in Charleston.
Step back in time and experience the Holy City the way it was meant to be seen—at the rhythmic pace of a horse-drawn carriage. The tours let you cover more attractions in less time than you would on foot—all while an expert guide shares rich Lowcountry history with you. Covered carriages keep guests of all ages comfortably shaded as our magnificent draft horses lead a relaxing journey through Charleston’s most charming downtown streets.
Charleston Tour FAQs
How long does a Charleston carriage tour take?
Our Historic Charleston Carriage tour is one hour while our Haunted Carriage Tour and Charleston’s Founding to Independence Tour are both forty minutes long. All of our tours fit seamlessly into a full day of sightseeing, leaving plenty of time for dining, shopping and visiting other attractions.
Are Charleston carriage tours kid-friendly?
Yes, horse-drawn carriage tours are one of the most kid-friendly activities in Charleston. Children of all ages love meeting our draft horses, and the gentle pace keeps young kids entertained without walking fatigue. With comfortable, shaded seating and engaging storytelling from certified guides, a carriage ride offers an enjoyable, stress-free experience for the entire family.
What will you see on a downtown carriage tour?
Because the City of Charleston assigns carriage routes via a municipal lottery at dispatch, every tour offers a distinct, authentic journey. Depending on your route, you will view historic antebellum mansions, colonial churches, wrought-iron gates, lush private gardens, or coastal vistas along Rainbow Row and the Battery. Each route ensures a rich overview of Charleston’s history and architecture.
Is a carriage tour better than a walking tour in Charleston?
For most travelers, a carriage tour is the best way to see Charleston because it balances comfort, speed, and depth. Riding elevated above street level gives you superior views over historic walls and garden gates. Plus, covered carriages shield you from the sun, allowing you to relax while a licensed guide shares fascinating stories about Charleston’s past.
