Walk Charleston after dark with licensed guides from Buxton Books and gain exclusive access to the 1772 Unitarian Church Graveyard. Choose a 1-hour graveyard visit or the full 1.5-hour city tour for a lively mix of history, folklore, and atmospheric nightwalking.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Night falls and Charleston changes pace: gaslight pools along brick alleys, the tide-breathed air threads through live oaks, and the city’s narrow streets take on a quieter, sharper edge. On the Ghosts of Charleston night walking tour, licensed guides lead small groups from Buxton Books at 160 King Street into that altered city, telling well-researched stories drawn from Julian Buxton’s best-selling The Ghosts of Charleston and local archival records.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Light walking ability; able to stand for short storytelling segments and navigate uneven sidewalks
Wildlife
History
Charleston was founded in 1670; the Unitarian Church Graveyard dates to 1772 and reflects the city’s colonial-era burial customs and shifting waterfront development.
Conservation
Downtown preservation focuses on protecting historic fabric and graveyards; visitors should stick to paths and avoid touching or leaning on fragile headstones to limit wear.
Reserve your spot on the Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive early to check in
Plan to arrive 20 minutes before departure at Buxton Books (160 King Street) to check in and secure a good spot near the guide.
Wear sturdy, quiet shoes
Cobblestones and narrow alleys mean closed-toe, comfortable footwear helps with traction and keeps your feet happy through 60–90 minutes of walking.
Bring a small flashlight
A dim headlamp or phone light helps on uneven sidewalks and through darker graveyard paths but keep it low to avoid disturbing others.
Respect the graveyard
This is an active historic burial ground; no touching headstones and follow the guide’s boundaries to preserve the site.
Comfortable walking shoes
Good traction and support for cobblestones and uneven sidewalks.
Light jacket or windbreaker
Coastal evenings can be breezy; a layer keeps you comfortable during stationary storytelling.
fall
Insect repellent
Summer nights in Charleston can be humid with mosquitoes in low-lying areas.
summer
Small flashlight or headlamp
Useful for uneven paths and reading plaques without disturbing others.