Visiting Hilton Head in October around Halloween offers a unique blend of festive fun and mild autumn weather, making it an ideal getaway. The island transforms into a spooky paradise with a variety of family-friendly events, including pumpkin patches, costume contests, and haunted hayrides. Whether you’re seeking thrills or simply looking to enjoy the seasonal charm, a haunted Hilton Head provides an unforgettable Halloween experience for all ages.
Ghosts and Myths of Hilton Head Island
The Heritage Library hosts Ghosts and Myths of Hilton Head Island, an exciting Halloween event for families with kids aged 12 and older. Take the family to the Zion Cemetery and Baynard Mausoleum Outdoor Learning Center on October 18th, 19th, 25th, or 26th to explore the spine-chilling paranormal stories of Hilton Head.
Experience captivating performances by historical figures such as Lydia Davant, Andrew Baynard, Cap’n Jack Stoney, Mary Kirk, Paulson Schwarzer, and Williams Eddings Baynard. This event is a unique opportunity to discover the island’s history as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries, venturing beyond the cemetery gates. You’ll hear eerie ghost stories linked to the Harbour Town Lighthouse, the Baynard Funeral Procession, and the enigmatic Blue Lady.
Beaufort Ghost Walk
Take a stroll with your spectral guide, who unveils their tale of betrayal, treachery, and tragedy from the Golden Age of Piracy, the Colonial and Civil War periods, or the early 1900s.
Experience history as your guide shares an array of supernatural stories about ghost ships, haunted houses, and Civil War apparitions. You’ll learn about the rich history of the Beaufort area, including legends surrounding the notorious pirate Blackbeard. Each story has been meticulously researched and documented, preserving local folklore passed down by storytellers like Grayden Paul, Judge Charles Whedbee, and Nancy Roberts. The Beaufort Ghost Walk is not only entertaining but also one of our most popular attractions—an experience you won’t want to miss!
Remember to bring your camera for potential ghostly captures at the Old Burial Grounds! Established in 1709, Beaufort is North Carolina’s third oldest town. Just offshore lies the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” which has claimed over 5,000 ships since the 1500s.
Their flagship tour, the Beaufort Ghost Walk, has been revamped to include a host of chilling new tales alongside many classic stories that have drawn thousands back to Beaufort year after year. This tour is a hit with couples, families, and groups alike—kids enjoy it too, so feel free to bring everyone along!
Haints and Haunts of the Sea Islands
Explore the haunting history of Beaufort on our Haints and Haunts of the Sea Islands Walking Tour. Here you’ll discover the fascinating intersection of history and the supernatural. The tour begins at the stunning Beaufort Castle, a Gothic Revival marvel with rumored ghostly inhabitants from its colorful past. Experience the eerie tales while taking in the castle’s medieval allure.
Next, visit the Beaufort Courthouse, a pivotal hub for relief efforts during the Great Sea Island Storm of 1893. Listen to chilling accounts of the tragedy and the lingering spectral presence from that devastating hurricane, which has left an enduring mark on the courthouse’s history. Lastly, wander through the serene yet unsettling atmosphere of St. Helena Anglican Church and its ancient graveyard. Dating back to 1712, this historic church is said to be a site of ghostly apparitions and eerie encounters among the weathered gravestones.
Be sure to wear comfortable footwear as this is an approximately 2-mile walking tour on uneven surfaces throughout a historic city.
A haunted Hilton Head is the best kind of Hilton Head if you ask us! From the fun costumes to all the candy from trick-or-treating events across the island, this is a holiday you don’t want to miss.