Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Come walk with us on The Ghosts of Charleston walking tour, leaving nightly from Buxton Books, Charleston’s independent bookstore located at 160 King Street.
Our licensed guides are expert storytellers who lead you through centuries old alleys and paths while sharing stories and solid history from Julian Buxton’s best-selling book, The Ghosts of Charleston. The true tales of intrigue, tragedy, and lost love reveal a rich underside of Charleston’s character that isn’t apparent during the day.
The highlight of your tour is our exclusive nighttime access to the 18th century Unitarian Church Graveyard, where you will experience something magical. The Ghosts of Charleston is Buxton Books’ signature and most popular book-based walking tour -- a favorite of visitors and locals for over 27 years.
*Travelers may select either a 1-hour Graveyard Only Tour or a 1.5-hour full Ghosts of Charleston tour which includes Unitarian Graveyard and tour of haunted downtown Charleston.
Available options
Graveyard + City Tour
90 minutes guided ghost walking tour which includes exclusive access to the Unitarian Church Graveyard (1772).<br/>Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Graveyard Only (7pm option)
Duration: 1 hour<br/>Unitarian Church Graveyard: Departs from and returns to Buxton Books. After check in, travelers will be lead by tour guide directly to the graveyard. <br/>Graveyard Only: 1 hour tour of Unitarian Graveyard only. Select other option at check out to include city tour portion.
What's included
Professional and Licensed Tour Guide
90-minute Ghosts of Charleston Walking Tour with Unitarian Graveyard
Hear tales of hauntings & supernatural events from the best-selling book, The Ghosts of Charleston.
Exclusive access to the historic Unitarian Church Graveyard
Travelers may select from two tour options: 1hr Graveyard Only or 1.5hr Graveyard + City Tour
Detailed itinerary
1
During our 90 minute walking ghost tour, our City of Charleston licensed tour guides recount hauntings and supernatural events from our best-selling book The Ghosts of Charleston. We are fortunate to have many repeat guests, and lots of tales to share, so we switch things up nightly by varying ghosts stories on every tour. There is no experience like walking enchanted Charleston at night, listening to our supernatural stories, and encountering what you will see and hear in the Unitarian Church Graveyard.
2
The highlight of Tour Charleston's Ghosts of Charleston Tour is entering the lush, spellbinding Unitarian Church Graveyard built in 1772. Real time hauntings occur only a handful of times a year. However, since 1996, when we started what is now Charleston's oldest ghost tour, spirits in the Unitarian Church Graveyard have reached out to many people on our tour in visual, tactile and auditory ways.
3
Start your tour at Buxton Books, and stop in either before or after your tour to purchase a copy of the The Ghosts of Charleston, the book this ghost tour is based off of.
4
Stop 4
Pass by
Historic church located in downtown Charleston
What's not included
Gratuities
No public restroom so please plan accordingly.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
1,298 reviews
5★
1001
4★
107
3★
88
2★
57
1★
45
Tripadvisor
4.7
1,533 reviews
5★
1275
4★
125
3★
65
2★
33
1★
35
Important information
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
*Travelers may select either a 1-hour Graveyard Only Tour or a 1.5-hour full Ghosts of Charleston tour which includes Unitarian Graveyard and tour of haunted downtown Charleston.
Meeting point
Departure Point: Tour Charleston Headquarters (inside Buxton Books)
Address: 160 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Important notes
Where: Please check in 20 minutes prior to departure time at Tour Charleston Headquarters/Buxton Books at 160 King Street. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. We do not have a public restroom. Please plan accordingly.
About Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina, is a historic coastal city known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant food scene. With its cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions, and picturesque waterfront, Charleston offers a unique blend of history, charm, and Southern hospitality.
Top Attractions
Historic Charleston City Market
One of the nation's oldest public markets, featuring local artisans, food vendors, and unique souvenirs. The market is a great place to experience the local culture and history.
Market
1-2 hours
Free to enter, prices vary for goods
Fort Sumter National Monument
The site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Visitors can take a ferry to the fort and learn about its historical significance.
Historical
Half-day
$24 for adults, $15 for children (includes ferry ride and park entrance)
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
A historic plantation with beautiful gardens, nature trails, and a zoo. It's one of the oldest public gardens in America.
Nature
Half-day to full day
$24 for adults, $12 for children
Must-Try Local Dishes
Shrimp and Grits
A classic Lowcountry dish featuring creamy grits topped with sautéed shrimp and a flavorful sauce
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or gluten-free
She-Crab Soup
A rich, creamy soup made with blue crab meat, crab roe, and a touch of sherry
Appetizer
Contains shellfish
Popular Activities
Surfing at Folly Beach
Kayaking in the Charleston Harbor
Sunbathing and swimming at local beaches
Spa treatments and wellness retreats
Visiting historic sites and museums
Attending local festivals and events
Boating and sailing in the Charleston Harbor
Fishing and crabbing
Best Time to Visit
March to May, September to November
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is vibrant with festivals and events.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (ET) - GMT-5 (EST) or GMT-4 (EDT during daylight saving time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Charleston is generally a safe city for travelers, but as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
- • Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas
Getting there
By air
- Charleston International Airport • 12 miles (19 km) from city center
By bus
Charleston Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) operates a network of buses. The system is affordable and convenient for getting around the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Historic District
Mount Pleasant
Day trips
Folly Beach
8 miles (13 km) • Half-day to full day
A popular beach destination known for its laid-back atmosphere, surfing, and seafood restaurants. Folly Beach offers a great escape from the city with its wide sandy shores and ocean views.
Middleton Place
12 miles (19 km) • Half-day
A historic plantation with beautiful gardens, a museum, and a restored rice mill. Middleton Place offers a glimpse into the lives of plantation owners and enslaved people.
Festivals
Spoleto Festival USA • Late May to early June
Charleston Wine + Food Festival • Mid-February
Pro tips
- Visit the Historic District early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the cobblestone streets and architecture in a more relaxed atmosphere
- Take a food tour to sample the best of Charleston's culinary scene and learn about the city's rich food history
- Explore the local markets, such as the Charleston City Market, for unique souvenirs and to support local artisans
- Consider a day trip to nearby attractions, such as Folly Beach or Middleton Place, for a change of pace and to experience the natural beauty of the Lowcountry
- Attend a local festival or event, such as Spoleto Festival USA or the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, for a unique and memorable experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
