Experience the South’s Charm by Horse-Drawn Carriage

Clip-clop through time

There’s something about the combination of the rhythmic sound of hooves echoing off cobblestone streets and the slow, steady sway of a carriage that seems to carry you straight into another century. Here in the Deep South, horse-drawn carriage tours are a portal to the past, offering a front-row seat to the ambiance, history and soul of our coastal cities and towns. Whether rolling past grand antebellum mansions, weaving beneath Spanish moss that sways like nature’s own chandelier or plodding through breathtaking nature preserves, these four local tours unveil a perspective no modern vehicle could ever match. It’s history, romance and Southern storytelling — all at a calming pace.

Romance & ghostly legends

Savannah

With its cobblestone streets, moss-draped oaks and centuries-old squares, Savannah seems tailor-made for horse-drawn carriage rides. Whether you’re seeking romance, history or a touch of the supernatural, the city delivers. Tour companies like Magnolia Carriage Co., Carriage Tours of Savannah and Savannah Carriage Tours take visitors through the historic district, past landmarks such as Forsyth Park, the Mercer-Williams House (Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, anyone?) and bustling River Street. Guides spin tales of Savannah’s colonial beginnings, Civil War intrigue and infamous hauntings. For those who love a good ghost story, evening carriage tours reveal the city’s spookiest secrets under the glow of flickering lantern light. Tours can be booked online or in person at designated locations throughout downtown. Prices range from $30 to $50 per adult and $15 to $25 per child, with private tours available at premium rates.

The grand Southern experience

Charleston

A horse-drawn carriage ride through Charleston is the definition of Lowcountry elegance. The rhythmic sound of hooves echoes through the city’s historic district as guides from Charleston Carriage Works, Carolina Polo and Carriage Co., Palmetto Carriage Works and Old South Carriage Co. share the rich history of the Holy City. Depending on your assigned route, you may roll past the iconic pastel facades of Rainbow Row, the stately mansions of The Battery or the bustling Charleston City Market. Along the way, expect stories of pirates, patriots and the city’s storied role in the Civil War. Walk-up reservations are an option, but booking in advance guarantees your preferred time slot. Prices range from $40 to $50 per adult and $25 to $30 per child, with private carriage experiences available for $200 to $300.

A Hollywood-worthy ride

Beaufort

Dripping in Southern charm and framed by waterfront beauty, Beaufort — known as the Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands — feels like a movie set come to life. And in many ways, it is. A horse-drawn carriage ride through its historic district unveils streets lined with centuries-old live oaks and impeccably preserved antebellum homes, all while a knowledgeable guide shares the town’s storied past. You’ll hear tales of Beaufort’s Civil War history, the Gullah culture that shaped the region and the city’s starring roles in films like Forrest Gump and The Big Chill. Southurn Rose Carriage Tours and Sea Island Carriage Company both offer narrated rides past local landmarks such as the John Mark Verdier House and the picturesque Old Point neighborhood. To secure your spot, make reservations, especially during peak seasons. Book online or call for availability. Prices range from $30 to $35 per adult and $15 to $20 per child.

Tourists sightseeing on a horse drawn carriage ride under Spanish moss covered trees

A nature lover’s escape

Hilton Head Island

For those who prefer their carriage rides with a side of nature, Lawton Stables on Hilton Head Island offers a journey through the serene Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Here, beneath towering pines and winding trails, the experience is less about history and more about the tranquility of the island’s natural beauty. Keep an eye out for native wildlife — white-tailed deer, snowy egrets or maybe even an alligator sunning near the water’s edge — as your guide shares insights into the preserve’s ecology and heritage. Unlike city-based tours, this is a quiet retreat into nature, making it the perfect choice for those who want to unwind. Reservations are required, with a maximum of four riders per carriage. The cost is $85 per person and bookings can be made by calling 843-671-2586.