A Charleston carriage tour is an easy, relaxing way to see downtown Charleston. Standard tours generally last around an hour, and three major carriage companies currently listed by the Charleston Area: Old South Carriage Company, Palmetto Carriage Works, and Carolina Polo and Carriage Company. The city assigns each carriage a route at random, so compare companies by departure point, tour times, tour types, and recent reviews rather than by route.
Charleston Carriage Tour Companies at a Glance
| Company | Departure point | Operating since | Typical tour length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old South Carriage Company | 14 Anson Street | 1983 | About 1 hour |
| Palmetto Carriage Works (Big Red Barn) | 8 Guignard Street | 1972 | About 1 hour |
| Carolina Polo and Carriage Company | 45 Pinckney Street | — | About 1 hour |
How Charleston Carriage Tours Work
Charleston carriage tours generally last around an hour, and the city, not the company, decides which part of downtown you see.
Charleston uses a random route-assignment system for carriage tours. The route is assigned through the city's carriage system, so you cannot choose your exact streets or guarantee specific landmarks before the ride. Most routes include historic homes, churches, and other downtown sights, with narration from the guide as you go.
The Main Carriage Tour Companies
Three major carriage companies currently listed are Old South Carriage Company, Palmetto Carriage Works, and Carolina Polo and Carriage Company.
All three offer narrated carriage tours through downtown Charleston, with standard tour lengths generally around an hour.
Old South Carriage Company
Old South departs from 14 Anson Street, near the City Market, and has been family-owned since 1983. Its guides wear period-style dress, and the tours offer a classic way to see downtown Charleston.
Palmetto Carriage Works
Palmetto is Charleston's oldest carriage company, running since 1972, and departs from the Big Red Barn at 8 Guignard Street. It uses both horses and mules, and the Big Red Barn has its own parking lot, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Carolina Polo and Carriage Company
Carolina Polo and Carriage Company departs from 45 Pinckney Street and is operated by a family with long-standing Charleston roots. It offers narrated tours through downtown Charleston.
What Is the Best Carriage Tour in Charleston?
There is no single best company. Because the city controls the route assignment, the exact streets you see can vary regardless of which company you choose.
Compare the operators based on their departure locations, available tour times, tour types, current prices, and recent customer reviews. If parking matters, Palmetto's Big Red Barn has its own lot. If you want to combine your tour with the City Market, Old South's Anson Street location is near it. Book ahead during busy travel periods, especially if you have a specific time in mind.
How Charleston Regulates Carriage Horse Operations
Charleston regulates carriage operations with heat restrictions designed to protect working animals.
The city requires carriage companies to stop working their animals after four consecutive readings, taken 15 minutes apart, reach either a 95°F ambient temperature or a 110°F heat index, until the readings fall back below those thresholds. Individual companies also publish their own animal-care practices, so travelers concerned about horse welfare can review those policies before booking. Both horses and mules are used.
Tips for Booking and What to Expect
Quick tips:
- Book ahead during busy travel periods and holidays, especially if you have a specific time in mind.
- In summer, check the schedule before you go, since heat can pause tours.
- Arrive a little early to check in at the barn.
- Prices vary by company, season, and tour type, so check the operator's site for current rates.
- Bring water, sun cover, and a camera.
Where to Stay for a Charleston Visit
Staying downtown keeps the carriage barns and the historic sights within easy reach.
The Iris Charleston is a boutique apartment hotel at 84 Line Street, with apartment-style suites and full kitchens, and a central base for exploring downtown Charleston. See the Charleston apartment-style suites or the The Iris Charleston hotel guide, and our Charleston restaurant guide for places to eat nearby.
Charleston Carriage Tours FAQs
There is no single best company. Old South Carriage Company, Palmetto Carriage Works, and Carolina Polo and Carriage Company all offer narrated tours through downtown Charleston. Compare them by departure location, tour times, tour types, current prices, and recent reviews.
Standard tours generally last around an hour and cover part of downtown Charleston.
No. Charleston uses a random route-assignment system, so the exact streets you see are decided by the city, not chosen in advance.
The city requires companies to stop working their animals after four consecutive readings, 15 minutes apart, reach either a 95°F ambient temperature or a 110°F heat index, until the readings drop below those thresholds. Companies also publish their own animal-care practices.
Prices vary by company, season, and tour type. Check the operator's website for current rates.