Beaufort Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

Beaufort sits roughly 30 minutes north of Hilton Head on US-21, a small historic town whose Antebellum architecture and waterfront character provide a contrast to the island's resort atmosphere. Horse-drawn carriage tours operated by Sea Island Carriage Company and Southurn Rose Buggy Tours cover the historic district in narrated loops of 55 to 75 minutes, with small groups capped at 16 passengers.

The tours cover Antebellum homes, Civil War history, and film locations. Beaufort has served as a set for several notable productions, and the guides weave those references into the historical narrative. The pace is slow by design, and the format is low-effort, making it accessible to visitors of all ages and mobility levels.

At $20 to $37 per person depending on operator and tour type, the carriage tour is among the most affordable activities in the Hilton Head area. The 4.8-star rating from 868-plus reviews on Viator is the highest of any activity profiled here.

Know before you go

Located in downtown Beaufort, SC, approximately 30 minutes from Hilton Head Island. Combine with lunch at one of Beaufort's waterfront restaurants for a half-day excursion. Twenty-four-hour free cancellation applies. The drive to Beaufort on US-21 passes through classic Lowcountry landscape, which is part of the appeal.

What stands out

Beaufort is a genuine small Southern town, not a tourist construct. The carriage tours access that authenticity at a price point that barely registers on a golf trip budget. For companions looking for a morning or afternoon away from the island, or for golfers on a rest day, the combination of the carriage tour and a Beaufort lunch provides one of the better off-course half-days available from Hilton Head.