If you're a first-time visitor to the Holy City, there's one iconic experience you can't miss: a real-deal carriage tour. It's not hard to find the old-fashioned open-air carriages as they click and clack their way through the historic districts of the peninsula, starting from City Market. Incredibly knowledgeable tour guides point to the humble, infamous, and famous sights for which Charleston is famous. From soaring church steeples and stunning vistas over the harbor to quaint pocket gardens and four-foot-wide streets, a carriage ride provides a nuanced overview of the complex city we love to call home.
The best tour guides also share tragic, fascinating, and hilarious stories of the men and women who made Charleston the beauty that it is today. And when it comes to the very best carriage tours in Isle of Palms, SC, nobody does it quite as well as Carolina Polo & Carriage Co.
Carolina Polo and Carriage Company, the only carriage company in Charleston owned and operated by Charlestonians since the 1600s, is committed to providing the best experience of the historic "Holy City" to its customers. Our horse-drawn carriages, led by highly trained draft horses, offer a tour of the beauty and history of downtown Charleston, accompanied by rich stories from your guide.
What makes us different from other carriage ride companies is that we are truly passionate about sharing our love for the city of Charleston with anyone who visits. Our carriage tours in Isle of Palms, SC, are sure to leave you smiling with a wealth of knowledge about the South's favorite city, whether it's your first or fifteenth time visiting.
Our amazing horses often steal the show, and are highly trained to provide a fun, safe experience. As the stars of our carriage tours, providing them with care, nutrition, and love is our top priority.
What would a tour of Charleston be without a tour guide who immerses themselves in the history of the Holy City? If you're looking for the perfect mix of accuracy and entertainment, look no further than Carolina Polo& Carriage.
Our carriages are designed for modern times and mix comfort and safety for our horses while maintaining an authentic look. Go ahead, take a seat. You'll love riding around Charleston in style!
Our draft horses are easily recognizable by their tall stature and muscular build, equipped with strong hindquarters that make them perfect for pulling heavy loads. They are capable of effortlessly carrying a carriage full of sightseers, which is comparable to a person casually riding a bicycle. Before becoming carriage horses, most of our horses were working animals on Amish farms.
Our horses are known for their gentle nature and are ideal for pulling carriages. They are trained to ignore the sounds of the city streets and follow the directions given through the reins. We ensure that all of our horses receive the best care and lifestyle possible. They are consistently under the care of equine veterinarians.
To prevent exhaustion, our horses are rotated during the day and are given at least 30 minutes of rest between tours. Moreover, we limit each horse to a maximum of 4 tours per day, 5 days per week. Additionally, we take our horses to the pasture outside of town for two weeks after spending eight weeks downtown. This ensures that they get enough exercise and don't become overweight while also allowing them to roam and relax freely.
While our lineup of horses is subject to change, our currents table includes these superstars:
We treat our horses with love and care, because they are more than just workers to us - they're family.
Our horses are fed low sugar, low starch, high fiber diets of grainless horse feed and high-quality hay. Horses can eat more than 40,000calories, and we're happy to provide them with the feed they need to be active and healthy.
Our horses spend time in their stalls, which are bedded with eco-friendly options that are safe and effective.
We make it a point to keep a close eye on each and every one of our horses from the time we open to the time we close. We take their temperatures, keep them fed, and make sure they're watered well. Every one of our horses gets regular veterinarian appointments, which includes dental care, worming, and other preventative health measures.
Like humans, our horses benefit from shoes that provide traction and cushioning, which keep them comfortable throughout the workday. When their horseshoes need to be replaced, we take them to a farrier for new shoes.
There comes a time in every carriage horse's life when it's time to retire. When our horses are old enough for retirement, we work hard to find horse lovers who are committed to providing loving, exceptional care 24/7.
One of the most popular questions we get at Carolina Polo& Carriage Company is what kind of carriage rides we offer to guests. To satisfy every type of visitor, we offer a range of carriage tours, from group options to private rides. Keep reading to learn more about our itineraries and what you can expect from our sought-after historic horse-drawn tours.
Join us for an unforgettable one-hour group tour through the charming streets of downtown Charleston. Our knowledgeable and passionate guides will bring the history and architecture of Charleston to life before your very eyes. You'll witness stunning gardens and parks, grand mansions, historic churches, and buildings while learning about the people and events that shaped the history of this "Holy City." Don't miss out on this incredible experience!
Our public tours begin at the Historic City Market and cover several possible routes, showing you the most notable and historic sites in Charleston. You will get to witness the Old Exchange building, which is one of the most historic buildings in America and was finished in 1771. It was the last building constructed by the British before the Revolutionary War. The Edmonston Allston House and the historic White Point Gardens, popularly known as "The Battery," are also part of the tour.
During your horse-drawn carriage tour, your guide will enlighten you on the significance of several points of interest along Meeting Street, including the Calhoun Mansion, the Historic House Museum (The Nathaniel Russel House), and First Scott's Presbyterian Church. These highlights are just a fraction of all the incredible historic sights you will see on one of our tours around Charleston, depending on which route your tour takes.
Finally, all our tours end in the Historic City Market, where you are free to enjoy your next Charleston adventure. When you ride with our carriage company, you can be confident that you will have an unforgettable experience of Charleston's rich history and heritage.
When planning to take a tour, please note that tours depart from the Historic City Market every half an hour. To join the tour, you will need to check in at the ticket office located at 45 Pinckney St on your preferred day and indicate your preferred departure time. However, please be aware that during peak season and on weekends, wait times may vary.
Once you are cleared for departure and have boarded the carriage, the City of Charleston Tourism Officials require that all guests check in at the gate before departure. Additionally, for traffic flow and tax reasons, the city randomly assigns one of four routes for each carriage to tour through the historic district of Charleston. This assignment is determined by a spin of a bingo ball machine, with the color that comes up indicating the route or "zone" that the carriage is allowed to tour.
What does Vis-A-Vis mean, you might be asking? In French, it means "face-to-face" and pertains to the way guests were seated in their carriages back in the day. During this memorable carriage tour, you will get to see stunning gardens and parks, grand mansions, historic churches, and other significant buildings. Additionally, you'll learn about the individuals and occurrences that have influenced the history of the "Holy City" that we call home.
As you embark on your tour, you'll be pleased to know that it starts near the Historic City Market, a 200-year-old public market that spreads across four blocks. Though routes vary, you'll get to see some of Charleston's most notable sites, including Rainbow Row. A collection of pre-revolutionary buildings, Rainbow Row is an iconic landmark in Charleston that spans an entire block.
During the tour, you'll also hear about the fascinating history behind several historic homes and mansions, like the Villa Marguerite, the William Washington House, and the Famous #2 Meeting Street Inn. The latter overlooks White Point Gardens and is a popular spot for photography in the southeast.
As you pass through Meeting and Broad Street, you'll come across the Four Corners of Law, which Robert Ripley named the Four Corners of Law in his famous Ripley's Believe It or Not. There are many possible routes for your tour, and these are just a few examples of the sights you could see!
Finally, all tours end in the Historic City Market, leaving you free to explore Charleston's many other adventures.
Please note the following information before your tour begins. Once you have boarded the carriage and are ready to depart, it is mandatory that you check in at the gate, as per the City of Charleston Tourism Officials' regulations.
The city has designated four different routes for the carriages to follow through the historic district of Charleston. To ensure fair traffic flow and for tax purposes, the city randomly assigns each carriage one of these routes through a bingo ball machine. The color that comes up on the machine determines the route or "zone" that the carriage will tour.
To get the necessary information and directions, please approach an attendant at the Carolina Polo & Carriage ticket office, located at 45 Pinckney Street, at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour start time.
There's no better way to experience the sights and sounds of Charleston than with your friends and family on a horse-drawn carriage! This private tour is ideal for large groups and provides you with an unforgettable look into the city.
Your tour will commence close to the Historic City Market, which is over 200 years old and is one of the oldest public markets in the USA. Depending on the zone you are given, some of the tour highlights may include the French Quarter, where your guide will bring the area to life with stories of the Dock Street Theatre, the French Huguenot Church, and St. Philips Church. You can also visit the Miles Brewton House on King Street, which is famous for its Georgian architecture, the Swordgate House, and St. Michael's Episcopal Church, which is the oldest church building in the city.
If your guide takes you through the streets nearest the Battery, you may catch a glimpse of Fort Sumter and hear the captivating history behind the attack on the fort and the beginnings of the "Late Great Unpleasantness." These are just a few of the sights that you may experience on our various detailed routes around beautiful Charleston. All tours will finish in the Historic City Market, where you can explore and enjoy your next Charleston adventure.
Our carriages are capable of accommodating up to 16 adults or a combination of adults and children. Pricing is per carriage and includes a fully narrated hour-long horse-drawn carriage tour of the historic district. If you have any special requests, please feel free to contact us. After the guests have been loaded onto the carriage and cleared for departure, it is mandatory to check in at the gate prior to departure, as per the City of Charleston Tourism Officials.
For tax purposes and traffic management, the city randomly assigns one of four routes to each carriage via a bingo ball machine. The color of the ball decides the zone that the carriage can tour. To begin the tour, please check in with an attendant at the Carolina Polo & Carriage ticket office located at 45 Pinckney Street 10 minutes before your scheduled tour start time.
When visiting Charleston, it's important to wear comfortable footwear, such as sneakers, ankle boots, or dressier flats. The cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks are not ideal for hard-soled shoes or high heels. Proper planning and packing according to the forecast and dress code will help you make the most of your vacation!
If you're looking for the most trusted carriage company in Charleston with deep roots in the Lowcountry, Carolina Polo & Carriage should be on top of your list. We take pride in being the only locally owned carriage operation in town. Our business is not just a business, but a family that is deeply ingrained in the Charleston community. With our unique perspective on the city's rich history and vibrant culture, we promise an authentic and unforgettable journey through the charming streets.
If you're looking for something truly special, we have private carriage tours tailored just for you. Our bespoke tours are crafted to meet your every desire, whether it's a romantic evening, a historical adventure, or a fun family outing.
For those once-in-a-lifetime moments, our elegant wedding carriages are perfect. Imagine arriving at your wedding in a fairy-tale carriage and making your special day even more memorable. Our carriages are also perfect for anniversaries, proposals, or any occasion that calls for a touch of class and romance.
Choose Carolina Polo & Carriage Co. for an experience that's more than just a tour - it's a journey into the heart of Charleston. We look forward to seeing your smile very soon.
Few places in the South have more mystique than South Carolina's Lowcountry. The name itself has an alluring ring to it, even if you have no idea where—or what—it actually is. And like another geographic wonder in its neighboring state, the South Carolina Lowcountry can be as tricky to define as North Carolina's Outer Banks. There's even a ...
Few places in the South have more mystique than South Carolina's Lowcountry. The name itself has an alluring ring to it, even if you have no idea where—or what—it actually is. And like another geographic wonder in its neighboring state, the South Carolina Lowcountry can be as tricky to define as North Carolina's Outer Banks. There's even a Low Country vs. Lowcountry debate.
Generally, it's defined as four counties in South Carolina: Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, and Hampton. However, some sources push it farther up to include Charleston and Pawleys Island (we're fine with that), while others take it all the way up to the geological Fall Line that separates the Appalachian Piedmont from the Atlantic Coastal Plain.
A Lowcountry Christmas: Celebrate the Season on St. Simons Island and Sea Island
Bounded by the Atlantic on one side and the Savannah River on the other, the Lowcountry is one watery place, and the marshlands and sea islands that buffer the mainland coast from the throes of the Atlantic make for the kind of vistas that will have you taking pictures of everything. Geographically it is in the lowest corner of the state, making Lowcountry an obvious moniker.1 South Carolinians refer to the Fall Line or Sand Hills in the central part of the state as the Midlands. The northeastern part of the state is known as Pee Dee and the mountainous northwestern region as Upcountry or Upstate.23
The Lowcountry is identified as much by its character as it is a precise spot on the map. You'll know it when you see it: Saltwater and marshlands thick with cordgrass; live oaks and Spanish moss; sweetgrass baskets; she-crab soup and shrimp and grits and all kinds of seafood deliciousness over rice; raised houses with deep porches and tall shuttered windows; pluff mud and palmettos. The Lowcountry is the heart of Gullah culture, with a strong West African influence on the area's cuisine, crafts, stories, and arts.
The Lowcountry is also a beautiful coastal area with plenty to do. Hilton Head is on every golfer's bucket list. And then there's Charleston and its nearby islands. Enough said. Except for this: You should go.
Whether you're looking to tee off on a carpet of green, spot sea turtles, or chill in a rocking chair on a front porch with watery views to die for, South Carolina has your ideal spot. Take in the rich history, gorgeous homes, charming postage-stamp gardens, and foodie scene in Charleston; or stay nearby at one of 10 peaceful, scenic beach towns and islands. Kiawah Island is a popular destination for riding bikes on the beach, joining oyster roasts, and getting in a game of golf. For a quiet retreat and inspiring natural wonders, visit the wild and windswept Sea Islands near Beaufort.
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ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) — A court hearing has been rescheduled in the ongoing conflict between state health officials and an Isle of Palms homeowner.In February, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) filed a temporary restraining order (TRO) and petition for injunctive relief in the South Carolina Administrative Law Court against Rom Reddy, the proper...
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) — A court hearing has been rescheduled in the ongoing conflict between state health officials and an Isle of Palms homeowner.
In February, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) filed a temporary restraining order (TRO) and petition for injunctive relief in the South Carolina Administrative Law Court against Rom Reddy, the property owner on the Isle of Palms who built a wall to protect his property from beach erosion.
DHEC claims the structure is in a critical area and issued Reddy cease-and-desist directives related to the structure. In its Administrative Law Court filing, attorneys for the state agency say Reddy disregarded the directives, and DHEC “has no adequate remedy at law other than to seek judicial intervention to compel the Respondents to immediately cease their unauthorized actions in the critical area.”
In response, Reddy’s attorneys requested the judge deny the motion for a TRO and petition for injunctive relief. They claim Reddy’s structure is not in a critical area and is outside the state’s jurisdiction. Additionally, they say the wall was necessary because of a failure from DHEC and the city of Isle of Palms to protect the beach/dune system and renourish the beaches.
A hearing on the matter was scheduled for Thursday, April 18; however, on April 11, DHEC filed a motion for continuance to push back the hearing “due to its extremely heavy workload and to allow the parties adequate time to prepare for the trial and conduct full discovery.”
Chief Administrative Law Judge, Ralph Anderson, granted that motion on Tuesday, April 16.
In their response to DHEC’s initial court filing, Reddy’s team also requested that the case be removed and handled in circuit court by jury trial, rather than Administrative Law Court. On March 26, Judge Anderson denied that motion. Reddy’s attorneys then filed a separate lawsuit against DHEC and the city of Isle of Palms in Charleston County Circuit Court on March 29.
Additionally, Judge Anderson granted a motion from the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League to intervene in the case, which will allow the group to provide its own arguments against Reddy. Judge Anderson, however, noted their intervention is “limited to the presentation of arguments that are different and unique compared to the Department’s [DHEC] arguments in this case.
The new Administrative Law Court hearing has been rescheduled to Monday, Aug. 12.
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – Isle of Palms residents will have the chance to meet with local leaders on Wednesday to discuss a possible shoal management project that could relocat...
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – Isle of Palms residents will have the chance to meet with local leaders on Wednesday to discuss a possible shoal management project that could relocate sand across the shoreline.
The island has applied for permits to move sand to the northwest side of the island, but local leaders say sand is needed in front of some of the houses at the Wild Dunes Resort. But, where they get that sand is why residents and officials are meeting Wednesday.
With hurricane season approaching, Isle of Palms city leaders say this project is working to prevent erosional issues along the shoreline.
According to the Isle of Palms city council, there are two main options on where sand is pulled from that would be added to parts of the beach surrounding the Wild Dunes.
The first would be from a shoal or sandbank right in front of Wild Dunes. Still, if there’s not enough sand to do that, Isle of Palms leaders say the second option would look at taking sand from a healthier part of the shoreline, possibly between 44th and 53rd Ave, and moving it in front of the needed location.
News 2 heard from Isle of Palms City Councilmember Blair Hahn, who says Wednesday’s meeting is important before any decisions are made surrounding this project’s permits.
“The permits are not without controversy and that’s why we’re having a meeting to get public opinion,” he said. “I think it’s an educational meeting, people need to understand what the permit process is and what the permits are asking for, and once they understand that, they can make their own decisions and can then be vocal through the permitting process.,” said Hahn.
If you want to join in on Wednesday’s community meeting for Isle of Palms residents, it begins at 5 pm at the recreation center on 28th Ave.
Officials say if the shoal management project is approved construction could begin as early as the end of 2024 and early 2025.
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCIV) — The legal battle over a sea wall on the Isle of Palms continues.A judge has granted the Coastal Conservation League’s motion to intervene in the ongoing lawsuit between the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and a homeowner. The hearing was originally scheduled for April 18 but has been pushed back until August.Both agencies want the structure permanently removed, but the Coastal Conservation League explains the two agencies have separate arguments.“I thin...
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCIV) — The legal battle over a sea wall on the Isle of Palms continues.
A judge has granted the Coastal Conservation League’s motion to intervene in the ongoing lawsuit between the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and a homeowner. The hearing was originally scheduled for April 18 but has been pushed back until August.
Both agencies want the structure permanently removed, but the Coastal Conservation League explains the two agencies have separate arguments.
“I think it's DHEC’s job to argue with the laws are in South Carolina; those are the laws they're charged with implementing and enforcing in circumstances like these. Whereas I think it's the league's job in this scenario to argue about the potential impacts or consequences of something like a structure that is in conflict with those laws,” said Emily Cedzo, the league’s director of conservation programs and policy.
READ MORE: "Unauthorized seawall on Isle of Palms sparks DHEC intervention."
Cedzo said these consequences impact all users of our beaches.
The Coastal Conservation League argues that while a structure like a sea wall is made to protect what’s behind it from erosion, it worsens erosion on the ocean side. They fear over time it will eat away at the beach altogether.
“It's making public access incredibly difficult, particularly at high tide. Which also not only makes it difficult for you and I to walk the beach but certainly for wildlife to forage, for sea turtles to nest when they're in season,” Cedzo said.
She said the league worked with the state’s real estate commission last year to better educate beachfront homeowners about the possible risks where they live.
READ MORE: "Coastal Conservation League joins battle over Isle of Palms seawall conflict."
“I think that's imperative that when people first walk into these transactions and buy properties on the beach, they understand the vulnerability of those properties. The fact that beaches can be erosional, you might have these sorts of issues pop up.”
A temporary emergency city ordinance allowing sea walls in a designated area of the Isle of Palms is set to expire on April 19.
In its meeting on April 23, the city council will vote to either extend it or let it expire.
When it comes to ...
When it comes to resorts, South Carolina does it right. Whether you're looking to relax at a luxurious spa, stroll a sandy beachfront, or enjoy memorable meals, there's a resort in the Palmetto State with your name on it. Browse the amenities at these properties, and find what speaks to you. (There's plenty to choose from at each one.) The next step is booking a stay, packing your gear, and—finally—setting out on an adventure to a resort that feels like an oasis, whether a home away from home or just a break from the day-to-day. Rent bikes and pedal the sands. Order room service and enjoy the view from your windows. Find the poolside bar and relax. Memories, and a whole lot of fun, await. Want to continue traveling? Check out some of the best places to stay in every Southern state.
This waterfront retreat is a consistently celebrated stay near Charleston. Palmetto trees welcome you to the property, where you'll find wraparound porches, the serenity-inducing Estuary Spa, and a water taxi for ferrying you to downtown adventures. The abundance of patios and porches means you'll get your fill of harbor breezes (and handcrafted cocktails to enjoy while relaxing outdoors).
charlestonharborresort.com; 20 Patriots Point Rd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Book a stay at The Inn & Club at Harbour Town, part of The Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head, for a warm welcome and rooms with a view. The boutique luxury hotel has 60 guest rooms and offers opportunities for rounds of golf, swings on the tennis courts, and relaxation at the pool. You can also book private fishing charters, cruises, and boat tours at the nearby full-service marina.
seapines.com; 7 Lighthouse Ln., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Find pools galore at this Myrtle Beach resort. Sun, sand, and plenty of bright blue umbrellas and loungers await when you book a beachfront stay at this inviting spot. There are indoor and outdoor pools, beach access, and opportunities for pampering at Hibiscus Spa. Open your windows to the beach air, enjoy a meal at the resort's restaurants, or stroll outside to the pool deck—there is fun all around here.
marriott.com; 8400 Costa Verde Dr., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
This Lowcountry property is situated along the May River in Bluffton, which means it has instant appeal—and a marina on the waterfront. Located between Hilton Head and the Georgia border, this resort is equal parts relaxation and adventure. It has fantastic restaurants, a nature preserve, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.
montagehotels.com; 477 Mt Pelia Rd., Bluffton, SC 29910
Book a stay at The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, and enjoy the sea breezes. This resort has something for everyone, including dining, swimming, golfing, and lounging on the sands. In addition to the resort's amenities, you can book packages (like the Family Fun Package with bike and kite rentals) to complement your stay.
omnihotels.com; 23 Ocean Ln., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Find a barrier island getaway at Kiawah Island Golf Resort—an oasis of sandy beachfront and championship golf courses near Charleston. There's also decadent dining at the resort's many stellar restaurants, including Jasmine Porch and The Ocean Room. With so much to enjoy, you don't want to miss the opportunity to stay at this luxury property.
kiawahresort.com; 1 Sanctuary Beach Dr., Kiawah Island, SC 29455
Head to Isle of Palms for a stay at Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort, a 1,600-acre property near Charleston that's a destination for golfing (the Links Course has Atlantic views) and enjoying the coastline. With plenty of pools, bike rentals, and opportunities to relax (check out the Spa at Sweetgrass, where you can contact the spa concierge to customize your stay), you'll never want your vacation to end.
destinationhotels.com; 5757 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms, SC 29451
While not necessarily classified as a resort, you can find the epitome of South Carolina hospitality at this historic hotel, nestled in the resort town of Aiken. In addition to gracious accommodations, it has fantastic dining offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a relaxing spa, and easy access to the town's shopping, antiquing, arts, equestrian, and cycling opportunities.
thewillcox.com; 100 Colleton Ave. SW, Aiken, SC 29801