Charleston is not only steeped in history and charm, but it also harbors some of the South’s spookiest ghost stories. The cobblestone streets and historic buildings hide tales of restless spirits, eerie occurrences, and tragic histories. During your stay at The Restoration Hotel, why not take a ghostly tour of the city’s most haunted locations?
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Distance from The Restoration Hotel: 0.8 miles
Address: 122 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401
The Old Exchange is one of Charleston’s most historically significant buildings, but beneath it lies the infamous Provost Dungeon, where prisoners of war, pirates, and even enslaved people were once held. The dungeon has a dark past, with reports of ghostly apparitions and eerie voices. Some visitors claim to see the spirits of long-dead prisoners who never escaped the dungeon’s harsh conditions. Cold spots and sudden feelings of dread are common, making this one of Charleston’s most haunted locations.
The Battery and White Point Garden
Distance from The Restoration Hotel: 1.2 miles
Address: 2 Murray Blvd, Charleston, SC 29401
The picturesque Battery and White Point Garden may look peaceful, but this area has a dark history as a site for pirate executions. In the 1700s, many pirates, including the infamous Stede Bonnet, were hanged here, and their bodies were left to sway in the wind as a warning to others. Visitors today report seeing shadowy figures and hearing phantom footsteps around the garden. Some claim to have spotted ghostly pirates wandering the park at night, searching for their lost treasures or seeking revenge.
The Unitarian Church Graveyard
Distance from The Restoration Hotel: 0.6 miles
Address: 8 Archdale Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Known for its romantic beauty and overgrown flora, the Unitarian Church Graveyard is said to be haunted by the ghost of Annabel Lee, the subject of Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem. Poe spent time in Charleston and is believed to have fallen in love with a local woman, who died young. Visitors claim to see a ghostly figure matching Annabel Lee’s description wandering the graveyard.
Distance from The Restoration Hotel: 0.3 miles
Address: 135 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Charleston’s Dock Street Theatre is not just a beloved performance venue—it’s also said to be one of the most haunted places in the city. The ghost of Junius Brutus Booth, father of Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth, is rumored to haunt the stage, along with the spirit of Nettie Dickerson, a woman who met a tragic end on the theater’s balcony. Many visitors and actors alike have reported ghostly sightings, strange noises, and objects moving on their own during performances.
Distance from The Restoration Hotel: 0.4 miles
Address: 79 Cumberland Street, Charleston, SC 29401
As one of the oldest public buildings in the Carolinas, The Powder Magazine was used to store gunpowder during colonial times. With its long history of war and conflict, it’s no surprise that it’s also said to be haunted. The spirits of soldiers who fought during the Revolutionary War are believed to still linger here. Some have claimed to see figures in old military uniforms, hear disembodied voices, and feel sudden cold drafts while exploring this small but significant building.
Charleston’s haunted history is all around you during your stay at The Restoration Hotel. Whether you’re intrigued by eerie encounters or just curious about the city’s darker past, these haunted spots are sure to give you a thrilling experience. After your ghostly adventure, return to the comfort of your room for a warm drink and a cozy night, far away from the city’s restless spirits. Book Now
