Charleston: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl

If you’re looking for an evening that combines Charleston’s spooky tales with a relaxed pub crawl, the Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl offers just that. This 2-hour tour is a lively way to experience the city’s darker stories, enjoy some local drinks, and soak up its atmosphere—all with a friendly guide and fellow adventurers. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of ghost stories, or just in search of a fun night out, this tour promises a memorable experience.

What we love about this tour is its blend of storytelling and socializing — you get captivating ghost tales from a knowledgeable guide, plus a chance to sample Charleston’s vibrant bar scene. One thing to keep in mind is that if you’re expecting a full-on drinking tour with included beverages, you might be slightly disappointed since drinks are at your own expense. Still, the atmosphere and stories make up for it. If you’re a traveler who enjoys a mix of history, mystery, and a laid-back pub crawl, this experience is a good fit.

Key Points

• Rich storytelling about Charleston’s haunted spots, legends, and local lore
• Visiting four unique pubs with distinct atmospheres, from historic to modern
• Opportunity to try local beverages but drinks are not included
• Flexibility at each stop, with time to enjoy the ambiance and chat with others
• Knowledgeable guides who share engaging, well-researched stories
• Suitable for visitors comfortable walking and standing for up to an hour or more
• Ideal for those interested in ghost stories and local history with a fun social twist
• Tour runs rain or shine, so be prepared for weather

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Charleston Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl

This tour, organized by US Ghost Adventures, invites you to step into Charleston’s shadowy past while enjoying some of its best pubs. It’s designed to be a two-hour journey that balances storytelling with social moments, making it a great evening activity after a day of sightseeing.

The Itinerary: A Night of Ghostly Tales and Cheers

The tour kicks off at 6:00 PM from a central location on East Bay Street, just next to the Slavers Marker. Your guide, easily identified by a black US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and a lantern, will lead your group through Charleston’s historic streets and into four carefully selected venues:

• The Blind Tiger Pub, known for its historic charm and classic pub atmosphere
• Bar Vaute, offering a modern ambiance and local craft drinks
• The Griffon, a cozy spot with a historic vibe
• Tommy Condon’s, a lively Irish pub with a welcoming feel

Each venue provides its own unique flair, from historic taverns to more contemporary bars. The flexibility in time—ranging from 15 to 60 minutes per stop—allows you to settle into the setting, enjoy a drink, and listen to stories without feeling rushed.

The Stories and Atmosphere

Throughout the tour, your guide will share spooky stories and legends that bring Charleston’s haunted reputation to life. Expect tales of cryptids, demons, and local legends like the Boo Hag and the Angel Oak. The reviews emphasize how guides like Bruce and MJ make history engaging, with vast knowledge and excellent storytelling skills. One reviewer called Bruce “an excellent storyteller” who knew Charleston’s details well.

The Drinks and Social Side

While drinks are not included in the tour price, there’s ample opportunity to sample local craft beers, cocktails, or soft drinks at each stop. Participants generally appreciated the chance to enjoy beverages at their own pace, though some noted that the tour is more about the stories than the booze. One reviewer mentioned wishing there was more liquid spirits involved, but most felt the experience was well worth the cost when considering the entertainment, storytelling, and venue variety.

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Group Size and Experience

Guides seem to adapt well to the group size, whether it’s a solo traveler or a small group. Several reviews mention being the only ones on the tour, which can be both a perk and a drawback. On the upside, you get a more personalized experience, but on the downside, it might feel less lively. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues or those who cannot walk more than a mile, as it involves a significant amount of walking between bars and through the historic district.

Practicalities: Cost, Timing, and What to Bring

At around $40 per person, the tour offers good value for a night combining entertainment, local insight, and a unique ambiance. Remember to bring ID or passport to purchase alcohol and wear comfortable shoes for walking. The tour runs rain or shine, so come prepared with weather-appropriate clothing. It’s advisable to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.

The Authenticity and Authentic Experiences

This tour does a good job of blending history and legend—the stories are detailed and engaging, often backed by the guide’s knowledge. The local legends, such as the Boo Hag or tales about Charleston’s prohibition-era speakeasies, add flavor and context that make the stories memorable. Tour guides like Bruce and MJ are frequently praised for their enthusiasm and expertise, making the storytelling lively and credible.

While the tour’s primary focus is on haunted tales, it also offers a glimpse into Charleston’s prohibition past and local legends, which adds depth beyond just ghost stories. The variety of bars ensures a chance to experience different atmospheres, from historic taverns to modern pubs, giving you a well-rounded feel for the city’s nightlife.

The Value for Money

Considering the price, you’ll mainly pay for the guide’s storytelling, the venue visits, and the social experience. Drinks are additional, but that means you have the freedom to choose your preferred beverages without being tied to a set menu. This flexibility makes the tour accessible to those with different tastes and budgets.

The Balance Between Learning and Fun

Reviews highlight how guides like MJ and Bruce create a comfortable, informative environment where questions are encouraged. The stories are often detailed, with background info that makes the legends more tangible. This approach makes the experience educational but also entertaining, perfect for those who love a good ghost story with some local flavor.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This haunted pub crawl is best suited for adventurers who enjoy storytelling, history, and a social atmosphere. It’s perfect for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers eager to meet others in a relaxed setting. If you’re someone who appreciates history with a spooky twist and doesn’t mind walking and standing, you’ll find this tour engaging.

It’s less ideal for travelers with mobility limitations or those expecting a fully immersive drinking experience—drinks are not included, and the focus is on tales and venues. Also, if you’re looking for a more raucous party, this might lean more towards charming storytelling than wild nightlife.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For anyone interested in Charleston’s haunted stories and local legends, this tour offers a delightful combination of history, mystery, and casual socializing. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and storytelling skills, making the ghostly tales come alive in atmospheric pubs. The variety of venues keeps the experience fresh and interesting, and the flexibility in timing allows you to relax and truly enjoy each stop.

While drinks are at your own expense, the tour’s value lies in the engaging stories and the chance to explore some of Charleston’s historic bars with a friendly guide. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a laid-back, entertaining evening that mixes a bit of the supernatural with local culture.

This experience is best for history lovers, ghost story enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a fun, unique night in Charleston. If you’re happy to walk, listen, and socialize, you’ll walk away with some memorable stories—and perhaps a ghostly tale or two to share back home.

FAQs

What is the duration of the tour? – The tour lasts about 2 hours, starting at 6:00 PM and ending around 8:00 PM, giving plenty of time to enjoy the atmosphere and stories.

Are drinks included? – No, beverages are not included. You can sample craft drinks at each venue at your own expense.

Where does the tour meet? – The meeting point is on the West side of the Exchange building, next to the Slavers Marker, at 122 East Bay Street. The guide wears a black US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and carries a lantern.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues? – No, it’s not recommended for those who cannot walk more than a mile or have mobility impairments, as it involves walking between venues.

Can I cancel? – Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring? – Bring a valid ID, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing since the tour takes place rain or shine.

Will I be the only person on the tour? – Sometimes, yes. Some reviews mention being the only guests, which offers a personalized experience but may feel quieter.

Is this tour family-friendly? – It’s geared toward adults and is not recommended for children, especially considering alcohol consumption and walking.

In essence, Charleston’s Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl provides a spirited evening packed with tales that bring the city’s haunted past to life, all in a relaxed pub setting. It’s a treat for those who love stories, history, and a bit of supernatural intrigue—an experience that’s as charming and mysterious as Charleston itself.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby