Best Haunted & Paranormal Travel Destinations in Charleston, South Carolina, United States
1. Old City Jail
A former prison built in the late 1800s that's said to be haunted by spirits of inmates who died here.
- Historic Building: Old City Jail is one of the oldest structures in Charleston.
- Paranormal Activity: Visitors have reported unexplained noises, cold spots, and apparitions.
- Ghost Tours: Join a guided tour at night to learn about the jail's haunted history.
2. The Unitarian Church
A beautiful church built in 1854 that's rumored to be home to a spectral organist.
- Architectural Beauty: The Unitarian Church is an impressive example of Gothic Revival architecture.
- Ghostly Organist: People claim to hear the sound of a ghostly organist playing hymns at night.
- Wedding Venue: Despite its haunted reputation, The Unitarian Church is also a popular wedding venue.
3. The Battery Carriage House Inn
A bed-and-breakfast inn located in a historic house that's believed to be haunted by its former owner.
- Historic Accommodation: The Battery Carriage House Inn offers unique, historical lodging.
- Ghostly Encounters: Guests have reported experiencing paranormal activity within the inn.
- Romantic Getaway: Stay at this haunted B&B for a spooky and romantic getaway.
4. The Powder Magazine
A gunpowder storage building from the late 1700s that's said to be haunted by soldiers who died in explosions.
- Historic Structure: The Powder Magazine is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Charleston.
- Paranormal Activity: Visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures and hearing strange noises.
- Self-Guided Tours: Explore the site on your own or join a guided tour during the day.
5. The Nathaniel Russell House
A stunning mansion built in the late 1700s, where visitors have reported seeing ghostly children and hearing strange sounds.
- Historical Mansion: The Nathaniel Russell House is a great example of Federal-style architecture.
- Ghostly Presence: Visitors and staff have reported experiencing paranormal activity.
- Historic Tour: Learn about the house's history on a guided tour, day or night.
6. The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
A historic building dating back to the 1700s that houses a dungeon where pirates were once imprisoned and executed.
- Historic Site: The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is one of the most important historic sites in Charleston.
- Haunted Dungeon: Visitors have reported hearing strange noises coming from the dungeon below.
- Museum and Gift Shop: Explore the museum exhibits and shop for unique souvenirs.
7. St. Phillips Churchyard
A cemetery dating back to the late 1600s where many notable Charlestonians are buried, and visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures.
- Historic Cemetery: St. Phillips Churchyard is one of the oldest cemeteries in Charleston.
- Ghostly Apparitions: Visitors have reported seeing the spirits of buried soldiers and other historical figures.
- Guided Cemetery Tour: Join a guided tour to learn about the lives and deaths of those buried in the churchyard.
8. The Dock Street Theatre
A theatre built in 1736 that's said to be haunted by actors who performed there centuries ago.
- Historic Theatre: The Dock Street Theatre is the oldest continuously operating theater in the United States.
- Paranormal Activity: Visitors and staff have reported seeing ghostly figures on stage during performances.
- Performing Arts Center: Catch a show or take a tour of this historic theatre.
9. The Cistern Yard
A central gathering place on the College of Charleston campus that's rumored to be haunted by students who died during a yellow fever epidemic.
- Campus Landmark: The Cistern Yard is a central part of the College of Charleston campus.
- Ghostly Presence: Students claim to see the spirits of their deceased peers gathered on the yard.
- Student Life and Events: Join in campus events, or simply enjoy a picnic on this historic lawn.
10. The Joseph Manigault House
A stunning mansion built in the late 1700s that's said to be haunted by its former owner and his wife.
- Historical Mansion: The Joseph Manigault House is a great example of Georgian architecture.
- Ghostly Encounters: Visitors have reported hearing strange noises and feeling cold spots within the house.
- Historic Tour: Learn about the house's history on a guided tour, day or night.
11. The Gadsden's Wharf
A historic wharf that served as the point of entry for enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade and is said to be haunted by their spirits.
- Historic Site: Gadsden's Wharf played a crucial role in Charleston's history.
- Haunted Memorial: Visitors have reported feeling a heavy, emotional presence on the wharf.
- Museum and Shopping: Explore museum exhibits or do some shopping at the various stores along the wharf.
12. The Heyward-Allen House
A beautiful house built in the late 1800s that's rumored to be haunted by its former owner and her children.
- Historical Mansion: The Heyward-Allen House is an excellent example of Victorian architecture.
- Ghostly Encounters: Visitors have reported hearing the sound of children playing and seeing apparitions within the house.
- Historic Tour: Join a guided tour to learn about the house's history, day or night.
13. The Middleton Place Ruins
The remains of an antebellum mansion that's said to be haunted by its former owner and her family.
- Historic Site: Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark.
- Ghostly Encounters: Visitors have reported seeing apparitions and hearing strange noises within the ruins.
- Historic Gardens: Explore the stunning gardens surrounding the ruins.
14. The Magnolia Cemetery
A large cemetery established in the mid-1800s that's said to be haunted by its interred residents.
- Historic Cemetery: Magnolia Cemetery is one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in Charleston.
- Ghostly Presence: Visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures wandering throughout the cemetery.
- Cemetery Tour: Join a guided tour to learn about the lives and deaths of those buried in the cemetery.
15. The White Point Gardens
A picturesque park located on Battery Promenade that's rumored to be haunted by the spirits of those who died in battles along the harbor.
- Historic Park: White Point Gardens offers beautiful views of Charleston Harbor.
- Ghostly Encounters: Visitors have reported hearing unexplained sounds and feeling a heavy presence in the park.
- Scenic Walking Tour: Take a leisurely walk through this historic park and enjoy the scenic views.