Adults: $37 | Children: $27 | Reserve in advance!

Bulldog Tours offers the very best history, culinary, and ghost tours in Historic Charleston, SC. From enchanting graveyards and cobblestone streets to its hidden gardens of antebellum mansions, Bulldog Tours helps you experience all the charm the Holy City has to offer with points of views that you cannot get from a carriage or motor coach.

We’ll give you a taste of Charleston’s best kitchens, a few friendly ghost stories, or a glimpse in time via The Battery, Rainbow Row, and so much more. With a variety of walking tours operating 365 days a year, we have plenty to explore for foodie and history buffs alike. Contact us today to learn more about our culinary, history, ghost, historic graveyard and a variety of other themed walking tours.

Adult - $37.00 + tax

Adult - 8pm onward - $37.00 + tax

Child - $27.00 + tax
Ages 4 to 12

Wee One - $0.00 + tax
Ages 3 and under

Adult (Harbor Tour Combo) - $55.00 + tax
Ages 12 and over

Youth (Harbor Tour Combo) - $35.00 + tax
Ages 4 to 11

Private Tour Buyout - $510.00 + tax
Private Group - Bring Up to 15 People

The Charleston Haunted Jail Tour

Join us for a behind the scenes tour that is sure to frighten all who dare enter the Old City Jail. Dark and sinister, this jail housed some of Charleston's most heinous convicts, slaves and Civil War prisoners. On this exclusive tour, you'll discover where Charleston's worst criminals lived, died and are rumored to reside today.

Waitlist

Want to experience The Charleston Haunted Jail Tour but don't see a date and time that works for you? Join the waiting list for sold out tours by clicking here and a representative will reach out to you if a spot opens up!

Rates

• Adults (Ages 13+): $37
• Child (Ages 4 to 12): $27
• Wee one (Ages 3 & Under): FREE

Duration

45 minute tour

Tour Details

You'll hear about (& possibly encounter):
• The beautiful Miss Lavinia Fisher, quite possibly America's first woman serial killer. She suffered so much in Charleston's all-male jail even the devil wouldn't take her when she died. She remains in the jail to this day.
• The remaining black Union soldiers of the Massachusetts 54th (whose story was the basis for the 1989 blockbuster Glory). The jail was the last place they were together after the Battery Fort massacre.
• Slaves worked into submission or to death when beatings were no longer effective in the Jail's "work house". Thousands of slaves died here. Many still haunt the grounds seeking revenge for injustices.
• This is the only Charleston ghost tour giving you exclusive, behind the scenes access to Charleston's Old City Jail.

Step into the realm of the supernatural with Bulldog Tours. Along the way, you'll discover haunted Charleston sites only we can show you!

Don't forget your flash camera! You never know what spirit images you might capture...

FAQ

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Advanced purchase is strongly recommended, as tours often sell out well in advance. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance.

What if it rains?

Tours will go on rain or shine. If there is a hurricane in Charleston at the time of the tour, there is no need to show up. We will be busy boarding up windows or throwing a Hurricane Party. (Seriously though, we run in every kind of weather.)

Are restrooms available?

Unfortunately, there are no designated restroom stops along the tour route.

Is there an age limit for the tour? Do I have to purchase a ticket for my young child?

You know your children better than we do, so there is no official age limit for the tour. For children ages 7 to 12, you should purchase a reduced price Child ticket. Children ages 6 years and under may attend for free, but you’ll still need to enter the appropriate number of Wee One tickets labeled “Free” when purchasing. All guests, regardless of age, must have a ticket, so please make sure your entire party is accounted for in this way.

What is the difference between your tours? Are they appropriate for children?

Each tour goes to a unique location. The Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Tour and The Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Tour are family oriented but if your child screams the entire trip, we do ask you keep that child at least 100 feet from the other guests. And if your child freaks out from hearing ghost stories, it is probably your fault, not ours. The Haunted Jail Tour may be too scary for young children or easily frightened adults. The Darkside of Charleston tour is rated R and not suitable for children because it contains adult content.

Are cameras & video recorders allowed on the tours?

YES!! In fact, we highly recommend taking pictures during the tour. We often get pictures of some eerie stuff from our guests – especially from The Dungeon (Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Tour) and the Jail (Haunted Jail Tour)!! We would appreciate you sending anything out of the ordinary to us. You can e-mail us any photos.

Are we gonna see a ghost on the any of the tours?

Maybe. However, there is a minimal charge of $3 per person if we see a ghost. That is, if you stick around to actually PAY the $3!!

Why is The Dark Side of Charleston Rated R?

The Darkside of Charleston is an adult history tour. Topics include brothels, scandals, murder, crime, bootlegging, and prostitution. It is only suitable for people who are at least 17 years old, even if your child has watched an obscene amount of cable TV!

What about ghosts in the Old City Jail?

Let's just say that if you get scared easily, do not take The Haunted Jail Tour!! The Jail is not quite as scary if it is light outside. Perhaps the 7pm depending on the time of the year.

Where does the tour end?

The Charleston Haunted Jail Tour ends at the Old City Jail in Charleston's Historic Market District.

How much walking is involved?

This tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and covers about 3/4 mile. Some of the tour does involve walking up some steps. There are frequent stops along the way and the tour is far from strenuous unless you are grotesquely out of shape, in which case, the walk did you some good. Your doctor and our boss thank you for taking the tour.

Can I buy food or drinks along the way? What about souvenirs?

Unfortunately, because of time constraints, we make only scheduled stops. You may want to bring a bottle of water as it can get fairly warm in Charleston.

Are these tours only for tourists?

Of course not. All Bulldog Tours are chock full of facts and stories even the oldest Charlestonian couldn't tell you. Tourists and locals alike all learn things about Charleston they didn't know before and have a great time in the process.

Are there other ghost tours that go into the Jail?

No, The Haunted Jail Tour is the ONLY tour in town that goes into the Jail! Bulldog Tours has EXCLUSIVE access to Charleston’s most haunted building!!

Is the tour wheelchair- and/or stroller-accessible?

Only if you are able to climb stairs. This tour does require participants to walk up some steps, so if this is not a possibility, you will not be able to participate in this tour.

I have a group of more than 20 people. Will we all be able to attend the tour together?

Unfortunately, Charleston law prohibits us from leading walking tour groups larger than 20 participants. If your group exceeds 20 people, please keep in mind that we will have to split you into smaller groups in accordance with the law.

Do we guarantee the tours?

Yes, if you are not 100% satisfied with the tour, your money will be refunded.

Are the tours conducted in English only?

Yes. But you don’t need to understand every word out of the tour guide’s mouth to see the historic and supernatural sights.

Can I arrange for a private event?

Yes! A private Bulldog tour can make any occasion more memorable. Please click “Contact Bulldog” to the left of the page to find out more. Advanced notice is required.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HARBOR TOUR

Where/when can I pick up my Harbor Tour voucher?

Guests must pick up their Harbor Tour vouchers at the Bulldog ticket office located at 18 Anson St. They can pick up the voucher either before or when they attend the Charleston Haunted Jail Tour

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Advance purchase is highly recommended and tours often sell out in advance. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

What type of ticket should I buy if I'm bringing a very young child?

We have reduced price tickets for children ages 4 to 11. Children ages 3 and younger are free with an accompanying Adult ticket.

What exactly do we see on the tour?

You will see the profile from the water of one of the oldest cities in the United States. Specific sites you'll see and hear about include: the stately homes along the Battery, Customs House, South Carolina State Ports Authority, churches including: the white steeple of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, the three forts – Moultrie, Sumter, and Johnson, Patriot’s Point, the home of the Yorktown, the famous “Fighting Lady” of World War II, Charleston’s landmark Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

Is the viewing equally good on both levels of the vessel?

Yes, you will have a panoramic view from either level.

What happens if it rains?

The cruises take place rain or shine, regardless of weather conditions. The Carolina Belle has a glassed-in, enclosed observatory and the upper deck is also partially covered, so you'll be able to get great views of the Harbor's famous sights in any weather!

Is the Carolina Belle covered?

Yes, the Carolina Belle has two decks - A glassed-in “Main Salon,” which is climate controlled and an “Observation Deck,” each providing spectacular views of Charleston Harbor. The Observation Deck is open, however, it does have some roof-covered space.

Can I buy food or drinks on board?

There is a snack bar aboard the Carolina Belle that has soda, bottled water, wine, beer, mixed cocktails, chips, hot dogs, burgers, candy bars, cookies, etc. The snack bar accepts cash or charge on board.

Can I bring my own food or drinks on board?

No, we ask you not to bring any food or drinks on board. You will be able to purchase food and drinks at our snack bar.

Does the tour run year-round?

No, the public Harbor Tour runs from mid-February through Thanksgiving, with weekend cruises in December. Please check the calendar for the most up-to-date schedule information!

What should I wear?

Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Keep in mind that the temperature on the water is significantly lower than on the land, so you may want to bring a sweater in the cooler months.

Are there any stops along the way?

No, there are no stops. We will be cruising for the entire tour.

Is the Harbor Boat Tour safe?

The Carolina Belle is a safe vessel with a normal operating crew of three or four depending on the number of passengers. She is certified for 300 hundred passengers to cruise the inland waterways, harbors and tributaries by the USCG and meets all the US Coast Guard safety requirements.

Will I get seasick?

The Carolina Belle is a steady 85-foot vessel with classic lines. The Charleston Harbor has a mild atmosphere and it is unlikely that you will feel much movement aboard the boat. If you often feel seasick, you may want to consider some light medication before beginning the trip. We cannot officially advise you to take any medication, however.

Is the trip handicapped and wheelchair accessible?

The Carolina Belle is Wheelchair friendly, we are able to accommodate guests with wheelchairs for the most part. Entrance to the boat is via a 30-foot ramp, which varies in steepness depending on the tide. If you're able to enter using the ramp, you'll be able to participate in the tour.

How do you normally board the vessel? Will we have to use the stairs?

Normally stairs are not required for boarding or disembarking from the Carolina Belle, we use a ramp to load passengers directly on to the upper deck, where the boat's restrooms are located. Stairs are required to get to the lower level which is enclosed and climate controlled. Please make sure you consult with our staff before boarding if having to use the staircase will pose problems for you.

Is there any narration on the tour?

Yes, the Harbor Tour is fully narrated.

Do we see dolphins and other sealife or birdlife?

We often catch a glimpse of dolphins skimming the surface as they feed or a pelican as he nose dives into the water in search of a tasty tidbit.

Is parking available near the departure point?
Yes, a limited amount of free parking is available at the Charleston Maritime Center for Harbor Tour guests. If the lot is full, you may also park at meters or in a City Parking lot nearby, however you must pay for those parking spaces.

Is there a restroom on the boat?
Yes, the boat is equipped with clean restrooms.

Can I stow anything during the cruise?
We do have limited closet space for wheelchairs and strollers on board. If you have a backpack or other item, we ask that you keep it under your seat. We are not responsible for lost or missing items.

Where does the Harbor Tour finish?
The tour finishes in the same place that it departs from, the Charleston Maritime Center, near Calhoun and Concord Streets.

Is smoking allowed on board the Carolina Belle?
Smoking is not allowed on the Carolina Belle per the City of Charleston ordinance against smoking in restaurants, bars, and other public areas.

Are dogs allowed on board?

No, Department of Health regulations prohibit animals on board with the exception of service animals.

Booking Notes

Thank you for choosing Bulldog Tours! We can't wait to see you and show you why we love Charleston so much!

PS: We love seeing our tours from the eyes of our customers! Be sure to snap photos on your tour and share them to social media with the hashtag #BulldogTours for a chance to win 2 free tickets in our monthly social media giveaway!

FAQ

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Advanced purchase is strongly recommended, as tours often sell out well in advance. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance.

What if it rains?

Tours will go on rain or shine. If there is a hurricane in Charleston at the time of the tour, there is no need to show up. We will be busy boarding up windows or throwing a Hurricane Party. (Seriously though, we run in every kind of weather.)

Are these tours only for tourists?

Of course not. All Bulldog Tours are chock full of facts and stories even the oldest Charlestonian couldn't tell you. Tourists and locals alike all learn things about Charleston they didn't know before and have a great time in the process.

I have a group of more than 20 people. Will we all be able to attend the tour together?

Unfortunately, Charleston law prohibits us from leading walking tour groups larger than 20 participants. If your group exceeds 20 people, please keep in mind that we will have to split you into smaller groups in accordance with the law.

Do we guarantee the tours?

Yes, if you are not 100% satisfied with the tour, your money will be refunded.

Are the tours conducted in English only?

Yes. But you don’t need to understand every word out of the tour guide’s mouth to see the historic and supernatural sights.

Do you provide parking for tours?
Unfortunately, we don't have a designated parking lot for our office. Some of our nightly tours have limited parking like our Haunted Yorktown, Haunted Jail and Spirits of Magnolia tours but our tours leaving from our office don't have parking provided. You can find parking around us as we are located in the very popular Market Street area. Call our office to find the best parking location for the tour you are taking.

GHOST TOURS

Are restrooms available?
Unfortunately, there are no designated restroom stops along the tour route.

Are cameras & video recorders allowed on the tours?
YES!! In fact, we highly recommend taking pictures during the tour. We often get pictures of some eerie stuff from our guests – especially from The Dungeon (Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Tour) and the Jail (Haunted Jail Tour)!! We would appreciate you sending anything out of the ordinary to us. You can e-mail us any photos.

Is there an age limit for the tour? Do I have to purchase a ticket for my young child?
You know your children better than we do, so there is no official age limit for the tour. For children ages 7 to 12, you should purchase a reduced price Child ticket. Children ages 6 years and under may attend for free, but you’ll still need to enter the appropriate number of Wee One tickets labeled “Free” when purchasing. All guests, regardless of age, must have a ticket, so please make sure your entire party is accounted for in this way.

What is the difference between your tours? Are they appropriate for children?
Each tour goes to a unique location. The Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Tour and The Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Tour are family-oriented but if your child screams the entire trip, we do ask you keep that child at least 100 feet from the other guests. And if your child freaks out from hearing ghost stories, it is probably your fault, not ours. The Haunted Jail Tour may be too scary for young children or easily frightened adults. The Darkside of Charleston tour is rated R and not suitable for children because it contains adult content.

Are we gonna see a ghost on the any of the tours?
Maybe. However, there is a minimal charge of $3 per person if we see a ghost. That is, if you stick around to actually PAY the $3!!

Why is The Dark Side of Charleston Rated R?
The Darkside of Charleston is an adult history tour. Topics include brothels, scandals, murder, crime, bootlegging, and prostitution. It is only suitable for people who are at least 18 years old, even if your child has watched an obscene amount of cable TV!

What about ghosts in the Old City Jail?
Let's just say that if you get scared easily, do not take The Haunted Jail Tour!! The Jail is not quite as scary if it is light outside. Perhaps the 7pm depending on the time of the year.

Where does the tour end?
All tours leaving from our office end in the vicinity of Charleston’s Historic Market District. Some of our tours will start and end at the same location, this includes our tours at the Old Jail, Yorktown and Magnolia Cemetery.

How much walking is involved?
This tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours and covers about 3/4 mile. There are frequent stops along the way and the tour is far from strenuous unless you are grotesquely out of shape, in which case, the walk did you some good. Your doctor and our boss thank you for taking the tour.

Can I buy food or drinks along the way? What about souvenirs?
Unfortunately, because of time constraints, we make only scheduled stops. You may want to bring a bottle of water as it can get fairly warm in Charleston.

Are there other ghost tours that go into the Dungeon?
No, The Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Tour is the ONLY tour in town that goes into the Dungeon! Many other tours will walk you by the Dungeon, but we are the only tour that can take you inside.

Is the tour wheelchair- and/or stroller-accessible?
Using a wheelchair or a stroller can be very difficult in Charleston due to 300 year-old cobblestone and slate streets. Also, navigating the graveyards and the uneven dungeon floor can be challenging. We recommend our Ghost and Graveyard tour for wheelchairs and strollers as it is the most accessible tour we offer!

Can I arrange for a private event?
Yes! A private Bulldog tour can make any occasion more memorable; Please contact Bulldog. Advanced notice is required.

Is the Spirits of Magnolia Tour downtown?
Yes! Our Spirits of Magnolia Tour starts at Magnolia Cemetery (not the plantation of the same name!) and takes you around the cemetery with a tour guide. This tour requires a car to get to however as it isn't a walkable distance from the historic district.

Is the Haunted Yorktown Tour a walking tour?
In a way, yes! You will be exploring the USS Yorktown for the entirety of the tour so prepare for walking along narrow corridors as well as going up and down ladders!

Can I bring my dog on the tour?
All service animals are welcome on our ghost tours. If you would like to bring a non-service animal dog, they must be on a leash and can only attend out Ghost and Graveyard tour!

CHARLESTON FOOD TOURS

How much food is served on the tour? What sort of food will I be sampling?
The tour includes four to five stops where tastings are offered, but they are not enough to serve as a full meal. Typical tastings include Stone Ground Grits, Benne Wafers, Sweet Tea, pastries, chocolate, Southern Pralines, Collard Greens, and Lowcountry Barbeque.

How many stops are included on the tour?
The tour includes four to five stops.

What type of ticket should I buy if I'm bringing a child?
For the culinary tours, there is only one standard ticket price. Any child 1 year old or above must have a full-priced ticket purchased for them in order to attend. The tour is not recommended for children under 12, but you can bring any children with you, at your discretion, as long as they have a ticket! Infants less than one year old do not need a paid ticket, and you should please just indicate that you’ll be bringing an non-paying infant with you at the time of purchase.

Will I need to buy lunch after the tour?
Although we provide a variety of samples for you to try, please keep in mind that this tour will only include a few tastings. You will still want to buy lunch after the tour, as the tour usually does not include enough food for most people to serve as a meal.

Are there any beverages served on the tour?
Yes! All participants are provided with a bottle of water.

How much walking is involved? Is it a fast-paced tour?
The tour covers approximately 1 mile. We walk at a very casual pace

Where does the tour end?
The tours end about 10 blocks from the original starting point, downtown near Market Street.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
The tour includes a variety of foods at the different locations, so you can choose which foods you are able to sample. Please indicate any allergies or dietary restrictions you have when you are purchasing tickets, but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate you.

What happens if it rains?
Tours run rain or shine, regardless of weather conditions, so be prepared for the day! We will be stepping inside of buildings during some portions of the tour, but be sure to bring an umbrella or poncho, depending on the forecasted weather conditions.

Are there bathrooms along the way?
Yes. There are bathrooms available at several locations throughout the tour.

Is the tour wheelchair- and/or stroller-accessible?
We have had participants with wheelchairs attend the tour in the past. Please keep in mind that many of the streets are not very accessible and some places have stairs, so additional maneuvering and planning may be required. You are welcome to bring strollers and they may be left outside the establishments we visit with stairs.

Who will be leading the tour?
All of our tour guides a licensed by the City of Charleston and have various culinary qualifications and interests.

Are tours offered only in English?
Yes, tours are only offered in English. However, our non-English speaking guests always enjoy the experience of visiting Charleston's lovely historic buildings and sampling delicious food tastings along the way.

May I bring my dog on the tour?
Due to the various shops and historical buildings we visit, pets of any kind are not allowed on this tour.

Can I book a private tour?
Yes, we can accommodate a variety of special requests! Please contact Bulldog to inquire further.

Are gift certificates available for this tour?
Yes! Gift certificates for Charleston Food Tours are great for any occasion. To purchase a gift certificate please contact Bulldog.

HISTORY TOURS

Are restrooms available?
Unfortunately, there are no designated restroom stops along the tour route.

Do you offer any other pick-up locations?
Yes! We offer two courtesy pick-ups that meet half an hour and 20 minutes before the start of the tour. The exact meeting locations will be provided after you purchase tickets.

Are cameras & video recorders allowed on the tours?
YES!! In fact, we highly recommend taking pictures during the tour. You will see so many of Charleston's most beautiful and historic locations, you'll want to remember everyone!

Do I have to purchase a ticket for my young child?
For children between the ages of 7 and 12 you should purchase a reduced price Child ticket. Children ages 6 and younger are free, but you’ll still need to enter the appropriate number of Wee One tickets labeled “Free” when purchasing. All guests, regardless of age, must have a ticket, so please make sure your entire party is accounted for in this way.

What is the difference between your tours? Are they appropriate for children?
The Charleston Stroll - A Walk with History Tour is a great way to spend time with your family, as long as your children like history, of course. Unlike our other tours, we will not visit any haunted locations, so this tour is appropriate for all ages!

Does the Uptown Stroll cover the same area as The Charleston Stroll?
Our Uptown Stroll takes you through the upper area of the peninsula and ends at our office in the Market Street area, so this tour covers a completely different part of Charleston than our Charleston Stroll!

Why is The Dark Side of Charleston Rated R?
The Darkside of Charleston is an adult history tour. Topics include brothels, scandals, murder, crime, bootlegging, and prostitution. It is only suitable for people who are at least 17 years old, even if your child has watched an obscene amount of cable TV!

Where does the tour end?
All tours end in the vicinity of the meeting location in Charleston’s Historic Market District.

How much walking is involved?
This tour lasts approximately two hours. There are frequent stops along the way and the tour is far from strenuous unless you are grotesquely out of shape, in which case, the walk did you some good. Your doctor and our boss thank you for taking the tour.

Are the tours conducted in English only?
Yes. But you don’t need to understand every word out of the tour guide’s mouth to see the historic sights.

Can I arrange for a private event?
Yes! A private Bulldog tour can make any occasion more memorable; Please contact Bulldog to find out more. Advanced notice is required.

Can I buy a gift certificate?
Bulldog Tours does offer gift certificates. To purchase or find out more information, please contact Bulldog.

About Bulldog Tours

Bulldog Tours is the only walking tour company in Charleston that can take you anywhere other than the sidewalks at night! We have exclusive access to historic sites around the city.

Conserving America's rich history and landmarks is one of Bulldog Tours' most important commitments. A portion of everyone's admission is donated to the preservation of Charleston's historic landmarks.

Cancellation Policy

This tour does require a minimum of four people to run. Should the tour not meet its minimum, Bulldog Tours will notify you as soon as possible.

Health and Safety Policy

Bulldog Tours is open and welcoming guests! The safety and well-being our guests is a top priority for Bulldog Tours. We have implemented the following guidelines in accordance with both the CDC and the City of Charleston:

Our current guidelines and policies are walking tour group sizes are twenty (20) participants or less and encourages 6-feet spaces between parties.
While masks are not required, customers are encouraged to bring and wear their own masks or face coverings. Don't have a mask? Don't worry, we have you covered!
All tours follow CDC and DHEC guidelines within the industry.
The office staff has a regulated cleaning schedule that requires all frequently touched areas in our office to be cleaned every two (2) hours as well as between any guest interactions. These surfaces include: tables, doorknobs, light switches, counter tops, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets/sinks, time clocks, water coolers and plexiglass shields.
All employees have been trained on cleaning guidelines as well as protocol for operating tours in a safe manor and have signed off on this training prior to returning to work.
We are encouraging all tour pre-payments to ensure contactless transactions.