Best Ghost Tours in Charleston, SC
Charleston, South Carolina, is a city where the past lingers in the present. With its cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and rich tapestry of history, it’s no wonder that Charleston is often regarded as one of the most haunted cities in America. From pirates and patriots to plague victims and Civil War soldiers, the spirits of Charleston’s past are said to still walk among us.
For those intrigued by the supernatural, ghost tours in Charleston offer a unique way to explore the city’s haunted history. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or looking for a family-friendly adventure, Charleston’s ghost tours cater to all interests. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best ghost tours Charleston has to offer, helping you choose the perfect one for your next eerie excursion.
Why Take a Ghost Tour in Charleston?
Charleston’s haunted past is as rich and varied as its history. The city has witnessed numerous events that have left behind restless spirits. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Charleston was a bustling port city, attracting pirates, traders, and travelers. The infamous pirate Blackbeard is rumored to have frequented the city’s taverns, and his ghost is said to haunt certain waterfront areas.
The Civil War also left its mark on Charleston. The city was a strategic location during the war, and many soldiers met their untimely demise on its soil. The Old City Jail, once home to some of the most notorious criminals, is now a site where visitors report eerie encounters.
In addition to its war-torn past, Charleston has experienced devastating events like fires and plagues, further contributing to its haunted reputation. These tragedies have given rise to numerous ghost stories and legends that continue to captivate visitors.
What sets Charleston apart from other cities is the seamless blend of its rich history with the supernatural. Ghost tours here don’t just tell tales of hauntings; they immerse you in the stories of the people who lived and died in this historic city. It’s a cultural and historical experience wrapped in a shroud of mystery and intrigue.
What to Look for in a Great Ghost Tour
When selecting a ghost tour in Charleston, consider the following factors to ensure an enjoyable and memorable experience:
- Authentic Historical Storytelling: A great ghost tour should weave together historical facts with ghostly legends, providing context and depth to the stories.
- Knowledgeable and Engaging Guides: The best guides are those who can captivate their audience, making history come alive with passion and enthusiasm.
- Tour Duration & Group Size: Depending on your preference, you might opt for a shorter, more intimate tour or a longer, more detailed exploration. Smaller groups often allow for a more personalized experience.
- Mode of Transportation: While walking tours are popular, some companies offer carriage or boat tours, each providing a unique perspective of the city.
- Kid-Friendly vs. Adults-Only: Ensure the tour’s content aligns with your group’s preferences, as some tours delve into more mature themes.
- Accessibility & Comfort (Bring good walking shoes like these highly-rated walking sneakers): Charleston’s historic streets can be uneven, so choose a tour that accommodates your physical needs. If you’re visiting during warmer months, a compact water bottle can be a lifesaver for those humid evening walks.
- Price Range and Value: While some tours may be pricier, they often include additional perks like exclusive access to certain sites or refreshments.
Top 7 Best Ghost Tours in Charleston, SC
1. Old South Carriage Ghost Tour – Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour
Quick Summary: A 40-minute carriage ride through Charleston’s historic streets, sharing tales of ghosts, pirates, and patriots.
What Makes It Unique: As Charleston’s only haunted carriage ride, this tour offers a unique perspective of the city’s haunted history.
Duration: 40 minutes.
What’s Included: Carriage ride, professional guide, and visits to haunted sites like the Provost Dungeon.
Who It’s Best For: Those seeking a comfortable and unique way to explore Charleston’s haunted history.
Booking Info: Book the Old South Carriage Ghost Tour on Viator
2. Tour Charleston – Ghosts of Charleston Night Time Walking Tour
Quick Summary: A 90-minute walking tour that dives into Charleston’s haunted history, including exclusive access to the Unitarian Graveyard.
What Makes It Unique: This tour offers a deep dive into Charleston’s supernatural past, with firsthand accounts of hauntings and ghostly encounters.
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
What’s Included: Guided tour, access to the Unitarian Graveyard, and stories from the best-selling book “The Ghosts of Charleston.”
Who It’s Best For: Those seeking a comprehensive
Booking Info: Reserve the Ghosts of Charleston Walking Tour here
3. Old Charleston Tours – Charleston’s Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour
Quick Summary: Join Charleston native and renowned storyteller Mike Brown—host of the Pleasing Terrors podcast—for a gripping nighttime ghost tour filled with suspense and spooky lore.
What Makes It Unique: Led by a real paranormal expert whose podcast has captivated thousands, this tour offers next-level storytelling that’s both eerie and unforgettable. Mike Brown’s background in broadcast and paranormal media (BBC, HGTV, Voice of America Radio) brings credibility and charisma to every ghost tale he tells.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
What’s Included: A guided night-time walking tour through Charleston’s most haunted spots, packed with real ghost stories, folklore, and local legends, all delivered with cinematic flair.
Who It’s Best For: Fans of true ghost stories, podcast listeners, and anyone who appreciates a well-told, spine-tingling tale. A must-do for lovers of Charleston’s darker side.
Booking Info: Book Charleston’s Pleasing Terrors Tour via Viator
4. Nightly Spirits – Charleston Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour
Quick Summary: Sip your way through Charleston’s haunted history with a pirate guide leading this adults-only ghost tour featuring stops at haunted bars and iconic locations.
What Makes It Unique: This isn’t your average ghost walk—Nightly Spirits blends spooky storytelling with a fun night out. Dressed in pirate garb, your guide leads the way while you enjoy drinks (at your own expense) and spooky tales. It’s part pub crawl, part ghost tour, all good fun.
Duration: About 2 hours and 30 minutes.
What’s Included: Guided ghost tour with bar stops, access to historic spots like the Powder Magazine and Washington Square, and a commemorative cooler or cup to take home.
Who It’s Best For: Adults 21+ looking for a mix of nightlife and ghost stories; great for couples, friend groups, and bachelor/bachelorette parties.
Booking Info: Check out the Booze and Boos Ghost Tour on Viator
5. Ghost City Tours – The Ghosts of Liberty Tour
Quick Summary: A family-friendly ghost tour that delves into Charleston’s Revolutionary War history and the spirits that linger from that era.
What Makes It Unique: This tour focuses on the ghosts of patriots and historical figures from the American Revolution, offering a unique perspective on Charleston’s haunted past.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
What’s Included: Guided tour of haunted locations, including those featured on popular paranormal TV shows.
Who It’s Best For: Families and those interested in the intersection of history and the supernatural.
Booking Info: Book The Ghosts of Liberty Tour on Viator
6. Bulldog Tours – Ghost & Dungeon Tour
Quick Summary: This 90-minute walking tour takes you through Charleston’s historic district, culminating in an exclusive visit to the Provost Dungeon.
What Makes It Unique: Bulldog Tours offers an in-depth exploration of Charleston’s haunted history, providing access to sites not typically open to the public.
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
What’s Included: Professional guide, ghost tour through historic sites, and access to the Provost Dungeon.
Who It’s Best For: History buffs and those seeking a more immersive ghost tour experience.
Booking Info: Reserve Bulldog’s Ghost & Dungeon Tour here
7. Ghosts of the South – Small Group Haunted History Walking Tour
Quick Summary: Walk the haunted streets of Charleston on a deeply researched and spine-tingling tour that covers everything from pirate lore to 17th-century graveyards.
What Makes It Unique: This small-group walking tour takes you to Charleston’s creepiest corners—think haunted graveyards, execution sites, and old homes—while your guide uncovers chilling tales of scandal, murder, and hauntings. It’s spooky and steeped in history.
Duration : About 1 hour.
What’s Included: Expert-led walking tour of haunted spots, including a 17th-century graveyard and the oldest home in Charleston.
Who It’s Best For: History lovers, ghost story fans, and anyone wanting a compact but rich ghost tour experience.
Booking Info: Book Ghosts of the South Tour on Viator
Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known but Awesome Ghost Tours
While the big-name tours are fantastic, Charleston also hides a few spooky secrets off the beaten path. Here are a couple of locally loved ghost tours that fly under the radar:
Tour Charleston With Adam – Charleston Dark History & Ghost Tour
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: This small-group walking tour is led by a local guide who blends Charleston’s ghost stories with rich historical context and a dash of true crime. Adam keeps it friendly, informative, and a little spooky—making it a perfect fit for families, first-timers, and anyone looking to explore Charleston’s haunted past with a personal touch.
What You’ll See: Stroll past historic sites like Hibernian Hall, Washington Park, Chalmers Street, and the iconic St. Philip’s Church, all while hearing tales of hauntings, scandals, and creepy Charleston legends.
Why You’ll Love It: Adam’s warm, engaging style makes you feel like you’re on a private tour with a well-read friend. It’s more about the stories than the scares, making this tour accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
Perfect For: Families, history fans, and travelers who want a chill, authentic ghost tour with local heart
Booking Info: Find it on Viator
Nicholas McGirr – Paranormal Investigation Tour: You’re the Ghost Hunter
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: This tour flips the ghost tour script—instead of just hearing stories, you become the ghost hunter. Nicholas McGirr, author and paranormal researcher, equips you with actual ghost-hunting tools and teaches you how to use them. Think EMF detectors, thermal imaging cameras, and more.
What You’ll Do: Explore Charleston’s haunted locations with a real paranormal investigator. You’ll learn the science behind ghost hunting, hear local legends, and even receive access to your investigation data afterward.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s immersive, interactive, and surprisingly educational. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this tour makes the experience memorable and hands-on.
Perfect For: Families, curious minds, aspiring ghost hunters, and anyone who wants more than just storytelling
Booking Info: Available on Viator
If you’re feeling inspired, you can even grab your own EMF detector and continue the investigation at home!
Holy City Walks – Ghost Tour with a True Crime Twist
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Holy City Walks offers a wonderfully eerie ghost tour that leans into the city’s darker tales of pirates, ghost brides, unsolved murders, and haunted hideaways. It’s history, mystery, and a little bit of horror all rolled into one atmospheric evening walk.
What You’ll See: Explore haunted landmarks like the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, Poogan’s Porch, and other shadowy corners of Charleston’s historic downtown—including some lesser-known spots that even locals walk past without realizing the ghost stories behind them.
Why You’ll Love It: This tour is packed with variety—hauntings, history, folklore, and true crime—all delivered in a way that’s both educational and deliciously creepy.
Perfect For: Horror fans, history nerds, true-crime lovers, and small groups who want an up-close, after-dark look at Charleston’s spine-tingling side
Booking Info: Check out Holy City Walks on Viator
Tips for Booking a Ghost Tour in Charleston
Best Time of Year
Fall, especially October, is peak ghost season (no surprise!). But tours run year-round, and summer evenings can be wonderfully eerie, too—just prepare for the heat.
Evening vs. Late-Night Tours
Earlier tours tend to be more family-friendly, while late-night ones can lean creepier or more adult-themed. Know your group’s vibe and tolerance level!
Weather Considerations
Charleston weather can be unpredictable. Bring an umbrella if rain’s in the forecast, and dress in layers during cooler months. Most walking tours go rain or shine, unless it’s severe.
Book Ahead
Tours can sell out, especially on weekends and during tourist season (spring and fall). If you’ve got your eye on a specific tour, snag your spot early.
What to Bring
- Comfy walking shoes (those cobblestones are no joke)
- Water bottle (especially in warmer months)
- Flashlight or phone light (some paths are dimly lit)
- An open mind and sense of adventure!
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best ghost tour in Charleston?
This depends on what you’re looking for! For historical depth, try Tour Charleston. For spooky storytelling and theatrics, Bulldog Tours or Ghost City Tours are excellent. As for something eerie and researched, check out Black Cat Tours.
What’s the most haunted place in Charleston?
The Old City Jail is often cited as the most haunted. Countless visitors report strange feelings, footsteps, and even ghost sightings. The Unitarian Church Graveyard and Dock Street Theatre are also top contenders.
What is the best tour in Charleston, SC?
Beyond ghost tours, Bulldog Tours offers excellent food and history walks. But if you’re into the haunted side, their Ghost & Dungeon tour is a solid all-around pick.
How much are the Ghost City Tours in Charleston?
Prices typically range from $20–$30 per adult, depending on the specific tour and time. They often offer student, child, or group discounts.
Final Thoughts
Charleston’s ghost tours aren’t just about chills and thrills—they’re a lens into the city’s layered, often tragic, past. Whether you’re walking through the shadows of the Old City Jail or gliding past candle-lit windows in a haunted carriage, each tour offers a different flavor of mystery and storytelling.
So whether you’re a skeptic or a full-on ghost hunter, there’s something in Charleston’s haunted corners for you. Don’t be afraid to try more than one tour—each guide, each route, and each tale adds another layer to the haunted history puzzle.
We’d love to hear from you: Have you experienced a ghost tour in Charleston? Got your own spooky encounter to share? Drop your story in the comments!
Ready to book your ghostly adventure?
Secure your spot now before they fill up—especially around Halloween! Here are a few quick links:
Need a place to stay? Book your Charleston accommodations here — ideally near the historic district so you’re close to all the action.
Love haunted history? Check out our related posts:
- Best Ghost Tours in New Orleans
- Best Ghost Tours in Savannah, Georgia
- Best Ghost Tours in St. Augustine
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