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Best ghost and graveyard tour in Charleston, SC
Known for its beauty, charm, food, and history, many claim that Charleston S.C. is one of the most haunted cities in America. And one of the best tours in Charleston is the Ghost and Graveyard Tour with Bulldog Tours. During this 90-minute walking tour of the Historic District, you’ll learn about the darker side of Charleston. What’s unique about this tour is that you’ll actually go inside the locked gates of graveyards that date back to the 1600s and 1700s.
While Bulldog Tours provided my husband and me complimentary tickets to this haunted tour, opinions are always my own. And my opinion is that you should add the Ghost and Graveyard Tour to your itinerary when visiting Charleston, S.C.
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The Ghost and Graveyard Tour focuses on the most haunted places in the Charleston Historic District. To avoid any spoilers (and because each tour guide’s route is unique), I won’t divulge the specific story details. However, here are some of the highlights you can expect on the Ghost and Graveyard Tour:
Exclusive access to Charleston’s oldest burial grounds and graveyards after dark (you can only look through the locked gates in other tours)
St. Philip’s Graveyard where a dare went tragically wrong
Washington Square – ghostly apparition on the porch and the legend of Edgar Allan Poe and his forbidden love, Annabel Lee (buried in a secret grave at the Unitarian Church).
Mills House Inn – pretty in pink hotel with paranormal activity
Poogan’s Porch – named after a dog who is buried here as well as a female ghost
Buildings and streets built on top of forgotten cemeteries and unmarked graves
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Ghost and Graveyard Tour in Charleston, S.C.
The following features some of the most frequently asked questions about the most haunted places in Charleston, S.C. and the Ghost and Graveyard Tour.
What’s the difference between a graveyard and a cemetery?
A graveyard is a burial ground next to a church. And people used to believe that the closer you were buried to the church, the closer you were to God.
Where do you meet for the Ghost and Graveyard Tour? What’s the location of the Ghost and Graveyard Tour? Where does the tour end?
Meet at Bulldog Tours at 18 Anson Street in Charleston, S.C. for the Ghost and Graveyard Tour. Check in at the office. You’ll also find refreshments (including water) and modern restrooms here.
The tour ends within walking distance of Bulldog Tours. Our tour ended at what’s known as Charleston’s Four Corners of Law – across from St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. Which I understand may also have a bellringer ghost.
How long is the Ghost and Graveyard Tour?
The Ghost and Graveyard Tour takes 90 minutes. While you are not walking the entire time, you should expect to stand for long periods. This tour covers about 1.5 miles.
What time does the Ghost and Graveyard Tour begin and end?
The Ghost and Graveyard Tour begins at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The tours end at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Are there stairs or inclines on the Ghost and Graveyard Tour?
Charleston, S.C. is not very hilly. I don’t recall any stairs or inclines on the Ghost and Graveyard tour. However, the terrain (sidewalks, streets, and ground) is a little uneven. So wear comfortable and sensible walking shoes. Or you may be doing what’s known as the Charleston Shuffle.
Is the Ghost and Graveyard Tour offered year-round? Are tours canceled if it rains?
Yes. The Ghost and Graveyard Tour in Charleston is available all year long. Tours are not canceled because of rain or other inclement weather (with the exception of a hurricane).
What if my plans change? Can I cancel my Ghost and Graveyard Tour reservation?
Yes. Bulldog Tours offers free cancelations and full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.
How much is the Ghost and Graveyard Tour? Where do I order tickets for the Ghost and Graveyard Tour?
Tickets for the Ghost and Graveyard Tour are $37 for adults; $27 for children 4-12; free for 3 years and under. You can purchase tickets on The Bulldog Tours website.
What’s the maximum group size for the Ghost and Graveyard Tour?
The maximum size for a group on the Ghost and Graveyard Tour is 20. However, please note that this is a popular tour. As a result, many tour groups are assigned at the same time. So if you’d like everyone to be in the same tour group, please let Bulldog Tours know in advance.
The tour guides do their best to stagger their routes. However, you may cross paths with other groups during your tour. Please step aside to allow them to pass.
Are children allowed to go on the Ghost and Graveyard Tour?
Yes. Children are allowed to go on the Ghost and Graveyard Tour. Parents should use discretion as stories can be a little scary and eerie as the guide does talk about death. Note that strollers are allowed on this tour. However, they may be difficult to maneuver through the graveyards and the streets of Charleston.
Note that the separate Haunted Jail tour offered by Bulldog Tours is only offered to children 12 or older.
Does The Bulldog Tours offer other tours?
Yes. The Bulldog Tours offers several tours including:
Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Tour
Charleston Harbor Tour and Ghost Tour
Charleston Haunted Jail Tour (only 12 and older)
The Spirits of Magnolia Cemetery Tour
USS Yorktown Ghost Tour
VIP Ghost Package
Are you allowed to take photos or videos during the Ghost and Graveyard Tour?
Yes. You are allowed to take photos or videos during the Ghost and Graveyard Tour.
Note: If you’re taking photos on your mobile device, please remember to turn off your flash and silence your phone.
What should I wear or bring to the Ghost and Graveyard Tour?
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes on the Ghost and Graveyard Tour as you will walk on uneven (and dark) terrain. And dress for the weather. You may want to wear a raincoat and bring an umbrella if it looks like rain. If it’s hot (like when we went over the 4th of July weekend), bring water.
Are restrooms available on the Ghost and Graveyard Tour?
No. Restrooms are not available on the Ghost and Graveyard Tour. However, restrooms are available in the Bulldog Tours office.
What are the other top things to do and see in Charleston?
You will not run out of things to do and see in Charleston, S.C. Here are a few of my favorites and a few on my to-do list:
Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum: USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier, USS Laffey Destroyer, Vietnam Experience Exhibit, aircraft, and the Medal of Honor Museum
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12 comments
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I’d LOVE TO DO THIS TOUR! I’m super into paranormal attractions and haunted tours. Charleston is still on my hubby and I’s bucket list and I’d love to do this tour when I do go.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I’d LOVE TO DO THIS TOUR! I’m super into paranormal attractions and haunted tours. Charleston is still on my hubby and I’s bucket list and I’d love to do this tour when I do go.
Charleston is such a fun and historic city. We loved it! Bulldog Tours offers several ghost tours that look intriguing.
I’ve always wanted to go on a ghost tour. waiting for my daughter to get a little older.
Ghost tours are also a great opportunity to learn more about the history, neighborhoods, and legends. We loved this tour.
These are all so spooky, I felt scared just reading about it! Thanks for this guide 🙂
You’re welcome and my pleasure. I hope you get the opportunity to take this ghost tour when you visit Charleston.
Super fascinating! Not completely sure this adventure is for me, haha, need to work up my courage! 😀
I totally get it. Ghost and graveyard tours aren’t for everyone. Although, I found the eerie stories and legends more intriguing than scary.
The ghost tour looks like fun! What a great way to discover more about Charleston.
That’s exactly why I love taking ghost tours like this one in Charleston. So many eerie stories and legends.
I find cemeteries so interesting and love ghost tours. This looks amazing.
I find cemeteries and ghost tours so fascinating. Love the history…this is a popular tour in Charleston.