When many people think of summer vacations, they think of long walks on the beach, camping out in the woods, or frolicking in the summer sun. However, for those with an interest in haunted history, you might prefer an experience that sends a chill up your spine.

South Carolina is rich with history and centuries-old buildings, perfect for rumors and legends of ghosts and hauntings. Charleston, with its historic heritage and cobbled streets, has many options for ghost tours to learn about the city’s paranormal past. The Ghosts of Charleston and the Ghosts of Charleston II are walking tours that take you through many of the city’s historic sites, while hearing tales of pirates and the darker side of Charelston’s past. Take a Ghost Walk through 18th and 19th century neighborhoods. Or spend a night at Annie’s Bed and Breakfast, a haunted inn that was built as a cotton plantation in the 1830’s.

If you venture outside of Charleston, you’ll find ghost tours in Aiken, Columbia, and Myrtle Beach. On walking tours of historic Aiken, you’ll hear the mysteries, myths and legends on a 90 minute tour. Spirits and Spectres of Columbia is the most popular walking tour in the city, and features ghost stories and legends from Columbia’s past. Even sunny Myrtle Beach has its share of ghostly legends, which you can learn about on a Jeep Tour which takes you through a moss shrouded cemetery and sites where pirates used to roam.

Whether or not you believe in ghosts, these tours are sure to engage you with fascinating tales and visits to intriguing historical sites, making this unique South Carolina vacation a summer to remember.