More about: 8 Best Ghost Tours in Charleston
Since the city's founding in the 17th century, the first settlers who arrived in Charleston described it as a place charged with supernatural energy, perhaps because they were confronted in bloody battles with the powerful shamans of the tribes that inhabited the area.
With the passage of time, successive tragedies and numerous stories added to the mystical and even terrifying atmosphere of this charming corner of North America. So, if you enjoy unsolved mysteries and stories to keep you awake at night, a ghost tour is one of the best things to see and do in Charleston.
In this article, I explain all the mystery tours available, highlighting the most popular and unique ones so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
1. Traditional Ghost Tour in Charleston
Listed as one of the best experiences in the city, the traditional ghost tour in Charleston is offered by numerous companies and is one of the most popular experiences among travelers.
It is ideal if you are visiting the city with friends and family, as an expert guide in local history takes the group of travelers on a tour of the most popular haunted places and sites to hear spine-chilling stories and the sad fate of their protagonists.
The specific details of the tour may vary depending on the company you choose for the experience. However, most tour companies take visitors through The Provost Dungeon in the Old Exchange.
This is an old Georgian-style building considered to be the most haunted in Charleston. Among other things, it is said that during the Revolutionary War, its dungeons were prisons and places of torture, which is why the place is now said to be haunted by ghosts.
It is a short experience that usually takes place in the late afternoon, with tours generally starting between 7pm and 9pm. You can plan this adventure even if you only have one day to explore Charleston.
Useful information
- Price: From $37 for adult admission; children ages 4 to 12 pay $27 and children under 3 are free.
- Duration of the tour: You should allow at least 1 hour and 30 minutes for this tour.
- Recommended if... You want to embark on an adventure to discover the city's darkest past. This is the essential tour that every traveler visiting Charleston for the first time should take.
2. Charleston Ghost Tour for adults only
In the city of Charleston, you will also find a type of ghost tour designed just for adults. To participate in most of them, you must be at least 16 or 18 years old, depending on the internal rules of the company you hire for the experience.
It is worth mentioning that this type of tour includes mature themes and language, which is why minors are not allowed. The experience usually takes place at night and is ideal if you are visiting Charleston in July or August ( summer months) to walk through its streets under the cool night air.
The organizing company provides travelers with a local guide who is knowledgeable about the history and customs of the city as well as its most notable legends. You will meet up with a group of tour participants to learn about and listen to macabre tales involving demonic entities, gruesome suicides, and heinous murders.
The result is a glimpse into the darkest side of human nature and the city of Charleston. Some of the places you will see range from respectable mansions to brothels, which served as the setting for these lurid stories.
Useful information
- Price: From approximately $35.
- Duration of the tour: This adventure lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, although this may vary depending on the company you book with.
- Recommended if... you are visiting the city on your own, the ghost tour can be a
great way to meet other intrepid travelers like yourself. Also, if you are visiting the city with friends, you can spend a really fun night discovering the mysteries of this beautiful city.
3. Charleston Historical Character Tour
Are you passionate about history? Would you like to learn about the brave characters who shaped the American nation? Charleston is a city with an impressive historical background that has played an integral role in the formation of the American nation.
For this reason, it is possible to find tours exclusively focused on the men and women who fought in defense of the United States' freedom. This tour is a favorite among families visiting the city and is considered one of the best guided tours in Charleston, combining relevant historical events with spine-tingling ghost stories.
The tour includes an expert guide throughout the tour, and while the itinerary may vary from company to company, some of the places you can expect to see include the Dock Street Theatre (the city's most famous haunted theater) or The Haunted Exchange Building (considered Charleston's most historically significant building).
Useful information
- Price: You will pay approximately €35 for the experience.
- Duration of the tour: Although it varies from company to company, these tours generally take 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete.
- Recommended if... You are interested in American history and want to learn about the lives of the historical figures who fought for the nation's freedom and rights. This tour is ideal for friends and family.
4. Haunted Cemetery Tour in Charleston
Are you tempted to take a ghost tour to the next level with a tour of the city's most famous cemeteries? In Charleston, you'll find companies offering this type of experience in exclusive mystery tours of the city's cemeteries. In Charleston, cemeteries are charming places often referred to by locals as "gardens."
A tour with a specialized guide will take you through the different graves to learn about their occupants as well as the most spine-chilling stories that led them to an untimely grave. If possible, hire a company that offers this tour at the end of the day, as it is one of the best things to do in Charleston at night.
Finally, keep in mind that the itinerary and tour may vary depending on the company you hire. Your guided tour may include an excursion to St. Michael's Church Cemetery. Located on the grounds of the city's oldest religious building, in the heart of the historic center, this place is home to the graves of famous people.
Another possibility is that you may be lucky enough to visit Magnolia Cemetery, a large rural cemetery considered one of the most beautiful in the city.
Useful information
- Price: From €37 for adult admission and around €27 for young people aged 12 to 17.
- Duration of the tour: 1 to 2 hours depending on the company you hire and the itinerary prepared for the experience.
- Recommended if... you find cemetery architecture and its relationship with the growth of cities interesting. In Charleston, these spaces form an important part of the city's history and culture, so it's well worth visiting one or two during your adventure.
5. Ghost tour in Charleston in a haunted prison
With an impressive façade that looks like something out of a terrifying monster movie, the Old Charleston Jail is one of the city's most significant historic buildings.
You'll find local companies that organize tours of the facilities, provided they are not undergoing repairs or renovations.
The jail was in active use between 1802 and 1939. For over 100 years, it housed some of the most famous and dangerous criminals of the 19th century and later numerous Civil War prisoners. From notorious pirates to true heroes, they spent long nights of torture in damp and depressing quarters.
Join an expert guide to learn about the sad history of famous figures and tour the old building.
Useful information
- Price: From $37 for adult admission.
- Duration of the tour: You should allow between 1 and 2 hours for the experience.
- Recommended if... You want to discover one of the city's most important historical monuments and enjoy a mystery tour with surprising stories.
6. Ghost tour of the U.S.S. Yorktown
The U.S.S. Yorktown is the name of one of the most famous aircraft carriers in American history, which served primarily during World War II. It arrived in Pearl Harbor in 1942 for the historic Battle of Coral Sea.
In Charleston, you can take a tour of this important historical site and also a ghost tour to connect with the spirits and stories of the fallen heroes who once served on the ship.
You'll find several local companies offering this type of experience, including an expert guide who accompanies the group of travelers every step of the way. Children and teenagers who are enthusiastic about warships or boats in general are the ones who enjoy this type of experience the most, so
if you are traveling to New Orleans with children, consider adding this to your itinerary.
This experience is offered to small groups of travelers, and depending on the company you choose, it may be available at limited times and on specific days. That's why I recommend booking in advance.
Useful information
- Price: The guided tour can cost around €70 per adult ticket.
- Duration of the excursion: You will need to book 1 or 2 hours depending on the company you choose.
- Recommended if... the boat is impressive and worth the trip in itself; however, if you enjoy or like stories of wars and heroes, you will find the stories extremely interesting and entertaining.
7. Ghost Tour and Pub Crawl in Charleston for adults only
Few things are as fun as going on a bar crawl to get to know the nightlife of a particular destination. In Charleston, the Pub Crawl experience is taken to the next level by combining this experience with a ghost tour designed to send shivers down your spine.
In the city, you will find several companies offering this type of experience, and the main difference between them is usually the price per person. Keep in mind that the cheapest options usually do not include any drinks, while the more expensive alternatives include a selection of complimentary drinks. I recommend reading the details carefully before booking.
Since the experience involves alcoholic beverages, companies will require participants to be of legal drinking age in the US; you must have a valid ID to prove this.
Useful information
- Price: The cheapest option is available from $29 per traveler.
- Duration of the tour: These types of tours usually take at least 1 hour to complete.
- Recommended if... you are only in the city for a short time, 2 days in Charleston or less, and are looking for a tour to experience the best of the nightlife in this destination.
8. Combined experience: traditional ghost tour and boat tour in Charleston.
Another interesting alternative to consider are the combination tours that include the ghost tour experience with a boat tour to get two of the best experiences in the city at a generally lower price.
Although the experiences are paid for together, you may have to do them separately and at different times.
A boat tour of Charleston includes the services of a certified tour guide who will teach you about the history of the city as you sail through the harbor.
The ghost tour is a walking tour of the old city. The group will walk through the haunted and terrifying places of Charleston to learn about the city's most famous scary stories.
Useful information
- Price: Adults pay approximately €65 for both experiences, while children aged 4 to 12 pay around €40. Children under 3 participate free of charge.
- Duration of the tour: Each experience takes at least 2 hours to complete and is conducted at separate times.
- Recommended if... you are looking for alternatives to save time planning and money during your vacation. Combined experience packages often offer travelers interesting discounts, not to mention the advantages of having a better structured itinerary.
Tips for taking a ghost tour in Charleston
When going on guided tours and adventures around Charleston, there are some general recommendations that all travelers can follow to ensure they have the most enjoyable experience possible. Take note of the following suggestions.
- Wear comfortable shoes Although the tours vary depending on the location, all ghost tours involve walking and require you to stand for long periods of time. Therefore, wearing comfortable shoes is essential to avoid foot pain, injuries, or blisters. Sneakers are usually sufficient.
- Eat a snack before the trip Ghost tours take place at night and you may want to have dinner after you finish, but it is not a good idea to walk long distances on an empty stomach, so I recommend eating a light snack shortly before the scheduled time.
- Bring a backpack: If you are bringing personal belongings on the tour, bring a backpack that you can carry on your back. This will free up your hands and allow you to be more comfortable.