Best Ghost Tours in Charleston: A Spooky Exploration of the Historic City With The Best Haunted Walking Tours
There might not be another US city as rich in history and as willing to embrace it as the port of Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1670 and christened Charles Town after King Charles II, the city played a major role in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. It’s location on the mid-Atlantic attracted pirates (most notably Blackbeard himself) and Charleston’s intricate involvement in the slave trade lead to a formal acknowledgement and apology in 2018.
Best Haunted Tours in Charleston
Check out Charleston's most popular tours.
A Spooky Walk Through Charleston's History
Charleston, South Carolina, is a city steeped in rich history and folklore, making it a hotspot for ghost tours. This city, known for its pre-Revolutionary heritage, centuries-old tombstones, and ghost-centric stories, is considered one of the most haunted in America. This article will take you on a virtual journey of the most popular Charleston ghost tours, delving into the city's spooky past and the haunted places that make it a favorite destination for ghost hunters and enthusiasts.
Charleston: A City of Ghosts
Charleston, often referred to as the "Holy City," is no stranger to tales of hauntings and eerie sightings. Its history is a tapestry of war, slavery, natural disasters, and financial prosperity, all contributing to its reputation as a city of ghosts. From the spirits of civil war soldiers to haunted pubs and the old haunted jail, the city is teeming with ghostly tales and haunted locations.
The Dark Side of Charleston
Despite its charm and beauty, Charleston has a dark side that is revealed in its numerous ghost tours in Charleston. These tours explore the city's haunted places and share chilling tales of hangings, serial killers, love triangles, and murders. As you walk the city's streets and back alleys, you'll discover that the spirits of the past still linger, adding a spectral dimension to the city's allure.
Top Charleston Ghost Tours
Charleston offers a plethora of ghost tours that cater to varying interests and scare-tolerance levels. Whether you're a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or simply curious, there's a Charleston ghost tour for you. Here are some top-rated tours that promise an unforgettable journey into Charleston's haunted past.
Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour
This tour, operated by Tour Charleston, takes you through the city's most historic and haunted areas, including the exclusive after-hours access to the Unitarian Church graveyard. Participants often report encounters with local spirits during the tour while listening to captivating and sometimes chilling stories. Despite the presence of ghosts, the tour isn't overly frightening, making it suitable for the whole family.
Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston
If walking isn't your thing, consider this horse-drawn carriage tour that takes you around Charleston while sharing the city's spooky history. As you pass by some of Charleston's most haunted locations, you'll learn about the city's dark past in the comfort of the carriage. The tour is family-friendly and offers a unique way to explore haunted Charleston.
Charleston's Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour
Led by podcaster Mike Brown, this tour is known for its excellent storytelling. You'll hear tales about Charleston's history, ghost encounters, and gruesome folklore. The tour includes a visit to the Charleston Library Society, where you'll discover the building's creepy history. This tour is ideal for those looking for a good scare and captivating storytelling.
Bulldog Tours' Ghost and Graveyard Walking Tour
This unique walking tour takes you to one of the city's oldest graveyards after dark. As you walk through the cemetery, your expert tour guide will tell you about notable graves and some of the city's spookiest paranormal stories. You'll learn about Charleston's past residents who may have been buried alive, making this tour both captivating and spooky.
Haunted Locations in Charleston
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is one of Charleston's most haunted locations. The building, which has served various purposes throughout history, is believed to be haunted by the spirits of former war prisoners who were held in the dungeon. Ghost tours offering exclusive access to this location promise an eerie and chilling experience.
The Unitarian Church Graveyard
This graveyard is known for its ghostly sightings and is one of the stops on the Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour. As you walk through the graveyard, you'll hear tales of those who were laid to rest here and perhaps encounter a few spirits.
The Old City Jail
The Old City Jail, now a historical landmark, was once home to Charleston's worst criminals. The spirits of those who lived and died here are said to haunt the building, making it a must-visit for any ghost tour.
Ghost Tours for Every Interest
In addition to walking and carriage tours, Charleston also offers boat tours, pub crawls, and prison visits, each providing a unique perspective on the city's haunted history. Whether you're interested in pirates, wars, or the city's seedier history, there's a Charleston ghost tour for you.
Making the Most of Your Charleston Visit
While the city's ghost tours are a highlight, don't miss out on the other attractions that Charleston has to offer. Explore the city's beautiful architecture, rich history, and delicious cuisine to get a well-rounded Charleston experience.
Charleston's ghost tours offer an intriguing glimpse into the city's past, sharing chilling tales of its haunted places and ghostly inhabitants. Whether you're a believer in the paranormal or simply a history enthusiast, a ghost tour in Charleston is a memorable way to explore this historic city's darker side. So, unless you're scared, join us on a spooky exploration of the haunted Charleston!
Other Ghost Cities
Haunted Charleston
The city blends traditional southern culture with West African, French and English influences. To stroll through downtown is to inhale the scent of magnolias and take in all Charleston offers. Indulge your senses with colorful art displays, outdoor theatre, strains of jazz drifting from the clubs and, of course, the aroma of delectable seafood.
Whether you are looking for historical museums, colonial architecture or maybe just the best bowl of jumbo ever, Charleston has it and then some. It’s worth your time to book a tour to sample what’s available. Especially recommended: Old Charleston Walking Tours and Bulldog Tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best ghost tours in Charleston?
Charleston is one of the most haunted cities in the U.S. with a lot of spooky ghost stories. Ghost City Tours and Bulldog Tours are considered the best Charleston ghost tours, with their ghost hunting adventures and spooky storyteller presentations. Notably, their Downtown Charleston and Charleston Historic District tours are especially popular.
Are there any haunted pub crawl tours in Charleston?
Yes, there are several haunted pub crawl tours in Charleston. One of the most popular ones is the Charleston Haunted Pub Crawl tour conducted by Ghost City Tours. This tour links the history of Charleston's historic district with the ghost stories associated to each pub visited during the tour.
Can I take a walking tour around Charleston’s haunted sites?
Absolutely! Old Charleston Walking Tours provides one of the best ghost walking tours in Charleston, allowing you to explore Charleston's haunted historic district at a leisurely pace.
What can I expect during a haunted pub crawl in Charleston?
You can expect a mixture of ghost stories, history of Charleston and a chance to explore Charleston's most haunted sites. The haunted pub crawls often stop at various pubs and taverns in old Charleston known for their haunted tales, while a storyteller unveils the chilling past linked with each establishment.
Are there any carriage tours to explore the haunted places in Charleston?
Yes, Old South Carriage company in Charleston offers a unique haunted carriage tour. These tours allow you to explore the city of Charleston, including haunted spots like the old Charleston Jail and St. Philip’s Church, from the comfort of a carriage ride.
The Best Ghost Tours in Charleston
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