Historic and Scenic Downtown Charlotte Carriage Tours
Step back in time and experience Charlotte like never before with AJ Carriage's downtown and Uptown Charlotte carriage tours. Our knowledgeable coachmen guide you through the city's rich history, stunning architecture, and modern landmarks while you relax in the comfort of an elegant horse-drawn carriage. Perfect for visitors, residents discovering their city, and anyone seeking a unique Charlotte experience.
Charlotte's downtown area blends historic charm with modern sophistication, creating the perfect backdrop for memorable carriage tours. From Fourth Ward's Victorian homes to Uptown's gleaming skyscrapers, our tours showcase the best of Charlotte's past and present. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, entertaining out-of-town guests, or simply want to see Charlotte from a new perspective, our carriage tours offer an unforgettable journey through the Queen City.
Our Downtown Charlotte Carriage Tour Routes
Choose from three carefully curated routes designed to showcase Charlotte's most interesting and beautiful areas. Each tour includes narration from experienced coachmen who share fascinating stories, historical facts, and local insights.
Route A: Classic Uptown Charlotte
30 minutes
Individual/Couple: $75-$85 | Group (4-6): $95-$100
Our most popular introductory tour perfect for first-time visitors and quick city overviews. Discover Uptown Charlotte's highlights:
Tour Highlights:
- Bank of America Corporate Center - Charlotte's tallest building
- Bechtler Museum of Modern Art - Contemporary art landmark
- NASCAR Hall of Fame - Racing heritage hub
- Romare Bearden Park - Urban green space
- BB&T Ballpark - Home of the Charlotte Knights
- Uptown Business District - Modern financial center
Best for: Quick city overview, first-time visitors, families with young children, time-limited guests
Route B: Historic & Modern Charlotte
45 minutes
Individual/Couple: $110-$125 | Group (4-6): $140-$150
Our signature tour combining Charlotte's historic charm with modern development. Perfect balance of old and new:
Tour Highlights:
- Fourth Ward Historic District - Victorian-era homes and tree-lined streets
- St. Peter's Episcopal Church - Historic 1895 Gothic Revival church
- Charlotte Convention Center - Modern architecture showcase
- Discovery Place Science Museum - Interactive science center
- Levine Center for the Arts - Cultural district including museums
- Trade Street - Historic commercial corridor
- Marshall Park - Central city gathering space
- Historic City Hall - Architectural landmark
Best for: History enthusiasts, photography lovers, couples, comprehensive city experience
Route C: The Grand Charlotte Tour
60 minutes
Individual/Couple: $140-$160 | Group (4-6): $175-$185
Our most comprehensive tour experience covering Charlotte's greatest hits and hidden gems. For those who want to see it all:
Tour Highlights:
- All highlights from Route A & B, plus:
- Elizabeth Neighborhood - Charming historic residential area
- Charlotte Museum of History - Regional history preservation
- Presbyterian Hospital Historic Building - Medical landmark
- Dilworth Neighborhood - Charlotte's first streetcar suburb
- Freedom Park - Beautiful urban park and lake
- Queens University Area - Academic and cultural district
- Myers Park Architecture - Stunning early 20th-century homes
Best for: Serious history buffs, out-of-town guests, special occasions, comprehensive Charlotte experience
Group Tour Options & Private Charters
Perfect for family reunions, corporate outings, tourist groups, and special celebrations. We offer flexible group tour options to accommodate parties of all sizes.
Historic Sites Featured on Charlotte Carriage Tours
Charlotte's history comes alive through the stories our knowledgeable coachmen share. Learn about the city's transformation from a small trading post to a major financial center:
Fourth Ward Historic District
Preserved Victorian-era neighborhood showcasing Charlotte's late 19th-century architecture. Tree-lined streets and restored homes create a charming atmosphere that transports you back in time.
Trade & Tryon Intersection
The historic center of Charlotte where two Native American trading paths once crossed. Now the heart of Uptown's financial district, this intersection represents Charlotte's growth from humble beginnings.
St. Peter's Episcopal Church (1895)
Stunning Gothic Revival architecture representing Charlotte's religious heritage. This beautiful church has served the community for over a century.
Dilworth & Myers Park
Early streetcar suburbs showcasing early 20th-century urban planning. These neighborhoods feature beautiful homes and tree-canopied streets that remain highly desirable today.
What's Included in Your Charlotte Carriage Tour
- Professional Narration: Knowledgeable coachmen share Charlotte history, architecture, and local stories
- Comfortable Carriages: Well-maintained, clean carriages with cushioned seating
- Photo Opportunities: Stops at scenic locations for photos and questions
- Climate Comfort: Blankets provided in cool weather, shade available in summer
- Safety First: Professional horses trained for city traffic and crowds
- Flexible Scheduling: Multiple departure times throughout the day
Best Times for Charlotte Carriage Tours
Spring (March-May)
Perfect weather with blooming flowers and comfortable temperatures. Very popular season—book ahead. Cherry blossoms and azaleas create beautiful scenery.
Summer (June-August)
Evening tours are especially popular for cooler temperatures and beautiful sunset lighting. Early morning tours also offer comfortable conditions before midday heat.
Fall (September-November)
Peak touring season with gorgeous autumn foliage and ideal temperatures. October weekends book up quickly. Perfect photo opportunities with fall colors.
Winter (December-February)
Holiday season offers festive decorations and special lighting. Enclosed carriages with warm blankets keep you cozy. Less crowded downtown allows for leisurely tours.
Private Tour Customization Options
Make your Charlotte carriage tour uniquely yours with custom options:
Frequently Asked Questions About Downtown Charlotte Tours
Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially for weekends, holidays, and peak seasons (spring and fall). While we sometimes have same-day availability, booking 1-2 weeks ahead ensures you get your preferred time and route.
Yes! Families love our carriage tours. Children find the horses fascinating and enjoy the unique perspective of the city. The 30-minute tour is perfect for younger children with shorter attention spans, while older kids often enjoy the longer, more detailed tours.
Light rain is usually not a problem—our enclosed carriages provide excellent protection. We provide umbrellas for getting in and out. For heavy rain or severe weather, we'll reschedule your tour at no charge. We monitor forecasts and will contact you if weather concerns arise.
Absolutely! All tours include planned photo stops at scenic locations. Private tours offer more flexibility for additional stops. Just let your coachman know if you'd like a photo at a particular spot and we'll accommodate when safe and feasible.
Our coachmen assist guests entering and exiting carriages, and we have a step stool for easier access. However, guests need to be able to climb into the carriage (approximately 18-24 inches high). Please contact us to discuss specific accessibility needs—we'll do our best to accommodate.
Bottled water is always welcome. For private tours, you may bring light snacks and beverages (including champagne for adults). We ask that you avoid messy foods. Champagne service can also be arranged through us as an add-on option.
Tours typically depart from a central Uptown Charlotte location near Trade & Tryon Streets. Exact pickup location is confirmed when you book. For private tours, we can sometimes arrange alternate pickup locations for an additional fee. Detailed meeting instructions are provided with your reservation confirmation.