Palmetto Carriage Works
Frequently Asked Questions Carriage Rides & Tours
We highly recommend making reservations to guarantee your spot. Of course you can come by the Big Red Barn and you might be able to go right away, but usually we sell out early in the day.
We usually have Charleston carriage tours departing every 15 – 30 minutes, but waits can be longer when there is high demand, so we recommend making a reservation.
During Daylight Savings Time (from March - November) residential tours operate 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The rest of the year we operate 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Evening tours may be available depending on demand.
All of our tours begin and end at the Big Red Barn at 8 Guignard Street, one block from the City Market.
Charleston’s historic district is the second largest in the world, so it would take hours to see all of it. There are five zones within the residential area where your carriage tour might go – each one is full of fascinating history and beautiful homes, churches, and gardens.
Parking is available but limited in the downtown area where our barn is located, please give yourself ample time to find parking before your tour. Click here for a live map of the available parking nearby.
Yes, although tour guides are no longer legally required to be licensed, we only hire guides who are members of the Palmetto Guild of Certified Tour Guides. In order to be certified, guides must pass an extensive test facilitated by the City of Charleston and attend recertification classes every three years.
Of course! There are so many beautiful sights to see on tour, and we would love for you to capture those memories for later.
Our public carriages pull up to a boarding platform in the Big Red Barn which is almost level with the carriages. There is a bit of a gap to step over, but you will not need to climb any steps as we have a ramp up to the platform, and we can assist as needed.
Our smaller private carriages do have a few steps to get in, but we have a stool and can assist if needed.
Wheelchairs cannot fit on our carriages, but we have an area to park your wheelchair or walker during the tour. If you have any questions please call us at (843) 723-8145.
Privates Carriages:
There are no refunds given or schedule changes allowed within 24 hours of your scheduled departure time.
Group Carriage Tours:
Group carriage tickets may be canceled up to 24 hours before the tour begins, and you will receive a full refund. Group carriage tickets may also be rescheduled up to 24 hours before the tour begins. Tours rescheduled within 24 hours of your tour time are subject to a $25 rebooking fee. Please call 843-723-8145 to make changes to your reservation.
We will still go out on tour in the rain unless the weather is dangerous. If it does rain we recommend wearing a rain jacket or poncho, as the rain will come in on the sides of the carriage. Umbrellas are not allowed on the carriage. If you would not like to go out in the rain, you are welcome to reschedule or to cancel for a refund.
Yes, we have two restrooms in the boarding area in the Big Red Barn.
Yes!
Dogs are welcome to come on our carriage tours; guests bringing their dog will need to purchase an entire row for themselves (4 Seats).
Absolutely! We sell drinks and snacks in our Barn Shop, or you can bring your own. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in accordance with the City’s “open container” law.
Our large public carriages can seat up to 16 people, not including the driver who stands at the front. You can purchase an extra seat if you are concerned about having enough space. We also have smaller carriages that seat up to four or eight people.
Yes! We have four-seater vis-à-vis carriages for small private groups, which you can book online under “Private Carriage Tours” or over the phone. For private groups larger than 8, call us at (843) 723-8145 to make a reservation. We can accommodate groups of up to 256 people.
We would love to if availability allows! Call us at (843) 723-8145 and we will guide you through scheduling, Wedding packages, pick-up, and drop-off locations, or anything else you may need.
Yes! We can safely keep your walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, or strollers at the barn while you enjoy your tour until you return.