Charleston: Small Group Ghost Walk & Haunted Graveyards Tour

Summary

Walk Charleston’s shadowy streets past graveyards dungeons & whispered stories

You’ll walk Charleston’s haunted mile after dark with just twelve people and a local guide who knows every alley’s story. Feel goosebumps by graveyards and dungeons as real tales of pirates, lost lovers, and duels unfold around you. It’s not just history — you’ll sense something in the air long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We started moving down the cobblestones right after sunset, our group of twelve shuffling together near the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon. I could smell that mix of river air and old brick — kind of damp, but not in a bad way. Our guide, Marcus (he wore this battered hat that somehow fit the mood), started off with a story about pirates who never really left the dungeon. He paused in front of a heavy wooden door and grinned, “Some nights you hear them.” I didn’t hear anything except my own heartbeat, honestly, but someone behind me swore they felt a chill.

We wound through narrow alleys where the streetlights flickered just enough to make you wish they wouldn’t. At St. Michael’s Churchyard, Marcus pointed out a spot where apparitions have been seen — he said it so casually I almost laughed, but then he told us about the young woman who wanders there looking for her lost love. There was this moment when everyone went quiet; even the city noise seemed to drop away. Not sure if it was nerves or respect or both.

I kept catching little things — the uneven crunch of gravel underfoot, how one guy in our group kept nervously glancing over his shoulder (I think his name was Dave). When we stopped at St. Philips Churchyard, Marcus mentioned duels and doctors who never made it home. He whistled softly and said sometimes people still hear that tune on empty nights. I tried to imagine living here three centuries ago; honestly, I’m not sure I’d have been brave enough.

The tour ended somewhere near an old pub where apparently even the ghosts have regulars — including a dog, which made us all laugh for a second before we drifted apart into the night air. Walking back alone past those same gravestones felt different than before; maybe it’s just stories getting under your skin. Or maybe something else lingers here — hard to say.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Charleston haunted sites walking tour

• Start at Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
• Hear pirate ghost stories
• Pass by St. Michael's Churchyard
• Pass by haunted Charleston favorite spot
• Walk through haunted alleyway
• Pass by St. Philips Churchyard
• Listen for ghostly doctor's whistle

Top questions

How long is the Charleston ghost tour?

The guided walk lasts about 90 minutes and covers just over one mile.

Where does the small group ghost tour start?

The tour begins at the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon in Charleston.

Is this Charleston ghost tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible for this tour.

How many people are on each ghost tour group?

Group size is limited to about 12 participants per tour.

What haunted sites do we visit on this Charleston ghost walk?

You’ll pass haunted graveyards, churches like St. Michael’s and St. Philips, alleys, dungeons, pubs, hotels, and restaurants.

Are children allowed on this Charleston ghost tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome.

Is public transportation nearby for this tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the starting point.

What’s included

Your evening includes a 90-minute guided walk led by a city-licensed professional guide through haunted dungeons, graveyards, churches like St. Philips and St. Michael's, eerie alleyways and even pubs—plus real stories from Charleston’s 350-year history shared in an intimate small group setting.