Charleston: Haunted Evening Carriage Tour & Ghost Stories

Summary

Ghost stories and candlelit streets on Charleston’s haunted carriage ride

You’ll ride through Charleston’s shadowy streets in a horse-drawn carriage as your local guide shares ghost stories by lantern light. Pass historic churches like St. Philip’s and graveyards at dusk, hear tales of duels and restless spirits, and catch those small moments when history feels close enough to touch.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the horse to be so calm, honestly. We’d barely settled onto the carriage bench outside the Big Red Barn when our guide — I think his name was Marcus — grinned and asked if we were easily spooked. Someone behind us said yes (not me), and that set the tone. The air had that sticky Charleston heaviness, but it felt different at night — quieter, except for the clip-clop of hooves echoing down Church Street. I caught a whiff of magnolia mixed with something older, maybe from the graveyard we passed by the Circular Congregational Church. It’s hard to explain, but you could almost feel the history pressing in.

Marcus knew every story — or maybe he just made them up on the spot, I couldn’t tell. When we rolled past St. Philip’s Church, he pointed out a window where someone supposedly saw a lantern swinging by itself during a storm ages ago. He even did this little shiver for effect (which got a laugh out of Li). The stories weren’t all chills though; there were weirdly funny bits too, like about dueling lawyers at the Four Corners of Law who apparently haunt each other more than anyone else. I liked how he didn’t rush — sometimes he’d pause and let us listen to nothing but creaking wood and distant music from the Market.

The haunted carriage tour covered more ground than I expected — 30 blocks or so? We rattled past old mansions with iron gates and gardens that looked almost silver in the streetlights. Passing by the Old Exchange building and hearing about its dungeon gave me goosebumps, but it was seeing people still walking their dogs or chatting on porches that made it feel real, not just some ghost show. There was this moment near Waterfront Park where everything went quiet except for our horse snorting softly; I still think about that silence.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Charleston haunted carriage tour

• Meet at Big Red Barn
• Depart on horse-drawn carriage
• Pass Charleston City Market gate
• See about 30 blocks historic district
• Pass St. Philip's Church
• Pass U.S. Custom House
• Pass Circular Congregational Church and graveyard
• Pass Circular Church graveyard and Four Corners of Law
• Pass Old Exchange building and Provost Dungeon
• Learn haunted stories from guide
• Return to Big Red Barn

Top questions

How long is the Charleston haunted carriage tour?

The haunted evening carriage tour lasts about 45 minutes to one hour.

Where does the haunted carriage ride start?

The tour begins at the Big Red Barn, just off Charleston City Market downtown.

What sites do you see on this haunted tour?

You’ll pass places like Circular Congregational Church, St. Philip’s Church, Four Corners of Law, Old Exchange building, and more historic spots.

Is there a live guide on the carriage?

Yes, a certified local guide narrates throughout with ghost stories and history.

Does this tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, tours run rain or shine; dress appropriately for conditions.

Are children allowed on this evening haunted tour?

Yes, all ages are welcome; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

How many people fit in each carriage?

The maximum group size per booking is 14 people.

Is public transport nearby for getting to the starting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Charleston City Market.

What’s included

Your evening includes a narrated horse-drawn carriage ride with a professional guide covering parts of downtown Charleston’s old walled city — passing historic churches like St. Philip’s and Circular Congregational Church, public buildings such as The Old Exchange Building and Waterfront Park — all while learning about architecture, legends, flora, and people before returning to your starting point at the Big Red Barn.