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
12 and up
Child - $27.00 + tax
Ages 4 to 12
It's been said that no other culture has contributed more to the heritage and history of the Lowcountry than that of West Africa. Join us to explore the influence and experience of African Americans in Charleston from the brutality of slavery, through the struggle and oppression of Jim Crow, to the fight for Civil Rights. Highlighted in this two-hour walking tour are sites of African American significance including: the Aiken Rhett House, Mother Emanuel AME Church and the Philip Simmons Prayer Garden.
The Aiken Rhett House will include an abbreviated tour of the slave quarters and work yard. Hear stories of triumph in the face of oppression with a visit to the Slave Quarters at the Aiken-Rhett House where an abbreviated tour will focus on the lives of enslaved people in an urban setting.
Photo Credit: National Archives
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!
By purchasing a ticket for Bulldog Tours, photographs and/or videos may be taken during the tour, giving Bulldog Tours the right to use these images for promotional and marketing materials without compensation. The customer will release Bulldog Tours from any liability associated with the use of my image for marketing.
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.
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.
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.
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
Tours may be cancelled or rescheduled up to 48 hours before the start of the tour. The tour does require a minimum if four people to run. Should we not meet the minimum, we will contact you ASAP.
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.
- Masks are not required on tour but are available for free, by request, in our office.
- 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 as needed throughout the day. These surfaces include: tables, doorknobs, light switches, counter tops, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets/sinks, and water coolers.
- 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.
- We are encouraging all tour pre-payments to ensure contactless transactions.
