uss yorktown haunted tour

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USS Yorktown Ghost Tour

Charleston, South Carolina

Step aboard the USS Yorktown and uncover the ghostly tales of American heroes who lived, served, and died on this historic aircraft carrier. Join our exclusive night tour and explore areas of the ship that are closed to the public, including the flight deck after dark

🚢 Step aboard the historic USS Yorktown and explore its haunted history

🌒 Enjoy exclusive nighttime access to areas closed to the public, including the flight deck

🕯️ Hear chilling stories of American heroes, maritime superstitions, and mysterious disappearances

📸 Don't forget your camera – you might capture a ghostly presence!

Availability

After purchase, you can request your preferred dates and times by following the instructions in the email you receive. If it's a gift, the recipient will also get an email with booking instructions.

Year-Round, Daily

Full description

Discover the haunting history of the USS Yorktown on this unique ghost tour. The "Fighting Lady," commissioned in 1943, played a significant role in World War II and housed over 3,000 crew members. Today, their stories of bravery, sacrifice, and the supernatural echo through the ship. This 1.5-hour tour offers exclusive nighttime access to parts of the USS Yorktown not open to the general public. Hear about maritime superstitions, the unusual christening of the ship, the legendary Captain Jocko Clark, and the mysterious disappearance of a sailor. Experience the eerie atmosphere and fascinating history that make the USS Yorktown a must-visit for ghost enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Practical information

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age : All age groups are welcome.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children : Children ages 3 and under may attend for free, but need to register with a free ticket.
• Individuals with disabilities : The tour is not handicapped accessible due to narrow stairways and ladders.
• Languages : Tours are conducted in English only.
• Pets : Sorry, no pets allowed.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration : 1.5 hours.
• What’s included : Guided tour of the USS Yorktown with exclusive night time access to areas of the ship that are closed to the public, including the flight deck after dark.
• Who will be present : You will have a guide with you at all times; other guests may be joining, with a total of up to 20 participants.
• Spectators : No spectators are allowed, everyone must have a ticket/reservation.
• Photo/ video : You may take your own photos.
• Specific rules to follow : No alcohol or illegal substances are permitted while on tour or on our premises. Follow the guide’s rules.

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency : Rain or shine, the experience will be running. Be prepared for the weather conditions with an umbrella or poncho.
• Arrival : Plan to arrive 20 minutes in advance.
• Parking : The USS Yorktown Ghost Tours meet at 40 Patriots Point Rd in Mt. Pleasant. All tours meet at the booth located right inside the admission gate.
• What to wear : Comfortable walking shoes.
• What to bring : Any necessary personal items
• Restrooms/ lockers/ changing rooms : Restrooms are available in our office before the tour starts.

Returns, exchanges and cancellation

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 30 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 24 hours before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 24 hours in advance means losing the value of your experience.

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Unused experience vouchers can be returned within 30 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked. If you have any unused experience vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, all you’ll need to do is pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, we’ll send you a credit towards your next booking!

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USS Yorktown Ghost Tours

Stories of Heroes, Sacrifice and the Unexplained

Listed as a must do by the Today Show and Family Circle Magazine, this exclusive guided tour explores the unexplained mysteries of the USS Yorktown in historic Charleston, SC. Hear stories of sacrifice and devastation as this tour ventures into areas normally restricted to the public. Learn of the strange activity that has been documented and reported including the startling results of the investigation by Syfy Channel’s “Ghost Hunters.”

 Venture into the bowels of the ship and to the flight deck where many sightings have taken place!

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USS YORKTOWN GHOST TOUR

Tour exclusively with bulldog tours. adults: starting at $37, children $27.

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

Adult ($40 9/9:15pm Fri & Sat) - $40.00 + tax 12 and up

Child - $27.00 + tax Ages 4 to 12

Child ($30 9/9:15pm Fri & Sat) - $30.00 + tax Ages 4 to 12

Wee One - $0.00 + tax Ages 3 and under

•  Adult ages 13+ : Starting at $37 •  Child ages 4 -12 : Starting at $27 •  Wee One ages 3 and under : FREE

1.5 hour tour

Come aboard The USS Yorktown and hear the stories of the American Heroes who lived, died, and are still rumored to be here today. Commissioned in 1943, the “Fighting Lady” was once manned by over 3,000 people and designed to fight off enemies all over the globe during WWII. You will hear stories of their ultimate sacrifice and heroism as the people that once inhabited this ship dedicated their lives to the service of our country and to this great ship. This tour gives you exclusive night time access to areas of the ship that are closed to the public, including access to the flight deck after dark.

Highlights may include:

-Maritime Superstitions -Unusual Ship Christening -Captain Jocko Clark -Smokey Stover -Mysterious Sailor Disappearance

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.

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

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.

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

This tour does require a minimum of four people to run. Should the tour not meet its minimum, Bulldog Tours will notify you as soon as possible.

Regardless of whether you choose the Trip Protection option or not, your tickets can be refunded up until 24 hours prior to start time. Any refunds requested past the 24 hour window will not be refunded unless you have selected the Trip Protection add-on.

Please note, trip protection is per person.

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.

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USS Yorktown Ghost Tour with Exclusive Night-Time Access

Come aboard The USS Yorktown and hear the stories of the American Heroes who lived, died, and are still rumored to be here today. Commissioned in 1943, the “Fighting Lady” was once manned by over 3,000 people and designed to fight off enemies all over the globe during WWII. You will hear stories of their ultimate sacrifice and heroism as the people that once inhabited this ship dedicated their lives to the service of our country and to this great ship. This tour gives you exclusive night time access to areas of the ship that are closed to the public, including access to the flight deck after dark.

Highlights may include:

-Maritime Superstitions -Unusual Ship Christening -Captain Jocko Clark -Smokey Stover -Mysterious Sailor Disappearance

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USS Yorktown (CV-10)

Statistics for USS Yorktown (CV-10)

An American Heroine: From WWII to Vietnam

The USS Yorktown (CV-10) was the tenth aircraft carrier to serve in the United States Navy. Under construction as Bon Homme Richard, this new Essex-class carrier was renamed in honor of the USS Yorktown (CV-5) that was sunk at the epic Battle of Midway in June 1942. Built in a record 16 ½ months at Newport News, Virginia, the USS Yorktown was commissioned on April 15, 1943. World War II’s famous “Fighting Lady” would participate significantly in the Pacific offensive that began in late 1943 and ended with the defeat of Japan in 1945. The USS Yorktown received the Presidential Unit Citation and earned 11 battle stars for service in World War II.

In the 1950s, the Yorktown was modernized to operate jet aircraft as an attack carrier (CVA). In 1957, she was re-designated an anti-submarine aircraft carrier (CVS) and would later earn 5 battle stars for service off Vietnam (1965-68). The ship notably recovered the Apollo 8 astronauts and capsule in December 1968. The USS Yorktown was decommissioned in 1970 and placed in reserve. In 1975, this historic ship was towed from Bayonne, NJ to Charleston, SC to become the centerpiece of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.

Included with admission.

USS Yorktown Ship Library

An exciting new exhibit is now open! The exhibit promises to captivate history enthusiasts and military history buffs alike, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich historical significance of naval exploration and its impact on global affairs. It offers visitors a unique look at what life was like on board the ship.

Engine Room Experience

Feel the USS Yorktown roar and watch the Engine Room come alive with interactive kiosks. Discover what it was like for a technician during WWII in our exciting, new Engine Room Experience.

Apollo Spacecraft

Take a ride to the moon and back inside this replica Apollo 8 capsule while listening to actual radio communication and watching video recorded during the mission.

USS Yorktown Gallery

Patriots Point Audio Tour

Add the Patriots Point Experience app to all that there is to see and do here. Download the app for access to audio tours that immerse you in the real human histories of the USS Yorktown.

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USS Yorktown

Date Posted: August 15, 2017 | Updated: August 7, 2024

The USS Yorktown

The USS Yorktown is a haunted living museum that’s sure to delight ghost hunters and fear fans. Encounter maritime spirits and relive important American naval battles aboard this grand vessel. She is named after the Battle of Yorktown, which ended in a decisive victory by Franco-American forces. The city of Yorktown is just as historically significant (and haunted!) as Colonial Williamsburg.

The three cities that form the points of Virginia’s Historic Triangle are Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown. They are linked by the scenic, twenty-three mile long Colonial Parkway. Each of these settlements has its own unique claim to fames. Jamestown, for instance, was the first permanent English settlement in the United States. It was established as “James Fort” on May 4, 1607. Its original team of settlers set sail from England late in 1606. Their fleet of three ships was commanded by Captain Christopher Newport, an ex-privateer known for plundering Spanish freighters during the Anglo-Spanish War. During the voyage, Captain Newport charged John Smith with mutiny and planned to execute him upon landing. To learn more about John Smith and the establishment of Jamestown, check out a few of our other posts, here , here and here .

Colonial Williamsburg was originally called Middle Plantation and was settled in 1638. Prior to the founding of Jamestown, Williamsburg was a heavily wooded area and was occupied by the Powhatan Confederacy. The chiefdom’s leader, Wahunsunacock, captured and imprisoned John Smith in 1607. Smith was released a few weeks later, and the Native Americans became trading partners with the English colonists in 1608.

After Jamestown was burned during Bacon’s Rebellion, Williamsburg became the colony’s new capital.  What was once a sleepy little town became alive with activity. For eighty one years, it was where great political leaders, such as Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, George Washington and Patrick Henry, met to shape our nation. State legislators would gather regularly at Williamsburg’s Capitol building, which was constructed by Henry Cary and completed in 1705. Cary was an acclaimed American contractor whose other projects include the Governor’s Palace, the Wren Building at the College of William and Mary, and the President’s House. He designed Williamsburg’s Capitol as a two-story, H-shaped structure, which really functioned as two buildings. One wing was dedicated to the Council, while the other served the House of Burgesses. Cary made sure the structure had no fireplaces, as many of Virginia’s earlier capitols had been destroyed by fires.

Yorktown, Virginia is the famous site at which General Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington during the American Revolutionary War. General Charles Cornwallis was a British Army officer born in London. He began his military career as a member of the 1st Foot Guards. He studied at the military academy of Turin, before participating in fights including the Battle of Minden, the Battle of Villinghausen and the Battle of Wilhelmsthal. When the American Revolutionary War broke out, he played a pivotal role during the Virginia Campaign. The Virginia Campaign (also referred to as the Yorktown Campaign) lasted from January to October 1781. Two British officers – General William Phillips and Benedict Arnold – had been sent to raid Virginia. Franco-American forces responded by dispatching the Marquis de Lafayette to defend the colony. Due to a series of confusing orders from General Sir Henry Clinton, General Cornwallis eventually found himself and his troops trapped in the Virginia Peninsula. Thus, during their final attack on October 14, 1781, Franco-American troops easily battered the British. General Cornwallis, realizing that the situation was hopeless, was forced to surrender. In the morning of October 17, he sent a drummer and an officer to the battlefield with a white handkerchief, to signal the British army’s relinquishment.

We have previously posted about some haunted structures in Yorktown (including the Nelson House, the Moore House and the Dudley Digg’s House), but did you know that the city is also the home of a haunted ship? If you are interested in encountering some maritime ghosts, stop by Patriots Point’s Naval & Maritime Museum and climb aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-10). This grand aircraft carrier “is the fourth of five United States ships to bear the name, a name that was taken from the [aforementioned] Revolutionary War battle”1. It is rumored to be haunted by members of the ship’s old crew.

Patriots Point’s museum was established in the 1970s and is located on Charleston Harbor. Besides the USS Yorktown , it houses 2 the USS Laffey destroyer, the USS Clamagore submarine, the Vietnam Experience exhibit and the Medal of Honor Museum. The USS Laffey (DD-724) was named after the famous seaman Bartlett Laffey and is also known as “The Ship That Would Not Die,” due to her ability to withstand numerous assaults during D-Day and the great Battle of Okinawa. The USS Clamagore (SS-343) was built in 1945 and served in the United States Navy for thirty years. The Vietnam Experience exhibit spans two and one-half acres and simulates wartime experiences, complete with 3D holograms of marine officers. Finally, the Medal of Honor Museum displays interactive biographies of American heroes who served during the Civil War, the War on Terror, etc.

The USS Yorktown was originally named Bon Homme Richard , which means “good man Richard” in French. She was renamed to commemorate the USS Yorktown (CV-5), which was lost during the Battle of Midway. The Battle of Midway occurred during WWII and lasted from June 4 to June 7, 1942. The USS Yorktown (CV-5) was found, remarkably well intact, over five decades later, by a team of scientists and veterans.

CV-10 was built in 1941 and first launched on April 15, 1943. She served during the Pacific Theater, WWII and the Vietnam War. In total, she has earned eleven battle stars. In 1974, she was donated to Patriots Point Development Authority to become a part of their living history museum. Since then, multiple scary incidents have been reported by vessel visitors. On a cold evening in 1987, for instance, a group of Boy Scouts having a sleepover on the ship saw several apparitions all dressed distinctly in sailor uniform. One lad also witnessed a series of eerie red lights emerge from just below the surface of the harbor. According to the book Haunted Harbor: Charleston’s Maritime Ghosts and the Unexplained , “no phenomena in Charleston has elicited so much haunting at one time”3. Then, in August 2008, William Butterfield took a photograph of what looks suspiciously like a ghost in the USS Yorktown’s radar room. The locker room, where many sailors committed suicide, is another area that people have frequently encountered spirits.

The Executive Director of the museum became concerned by the vessel’s high level of paranormal activity. Thus, in February 2012, the T.A.P.S. team from SciFi channel’s Ghost Hunters were invited to investigate the haunted ship. The team cites hearing odd noises (including door slams and disembodied voices) and spotting strange movements as some of the supernatural occurrences they experienced. While on the second deck of the USS Yorktown , two members actually managed to film a ghostly figure “ stand up and move ”4. Spirits were also seen by T.A.P.S. on the flight deck.

During the Battle of Midway, one hundred and forty-one men were killed on USS Yorktown (CV-5), and it seems that many of their spirits have made CV-10 their new home. If you need more proof that the vessel’s haunted, check out the “Ghost Caught on Camera at USS Yorktown”5 video filmed by the ETV production team in 2014.

Book a Williamsburg Tour and see for yourself

Our tour will take you on a leisurely stroll along the tree-lined cobbled streets of this beautiful and historic city. In around three-quarters of a mile on our standard tour, our entertaining and knowledgeable guide will regale you with stories of characterful spots in the Historic District of Williamsburg.

For those with an appetite for the terrifying, our extended tour will take in an additional haunted locations.

Works Cited

1. Orr, Bruce. Ghosts of the USS Yorktown: The Phantoms of Patriots Point. Charleston: The History Press, 2012. Page 31.

2. “Explore.” Patriots Point , n.d. Web. 5 June 2016.

3. Buxton, George and Ed Macy. Haunted Harbor: Charleston’s Maritime Ghosts and the Unexplained. Charleston: The History Press, 2005. Page 53.

4. “Haunted by Heroes.” Ghost Hunters – Season 8, Episode 10 Recap. NBCUniversal , 2015. Web. 5 June 2016. Para. 4.

5. “Ghost Caught on Camera at USS Yorktown | Palmetto Scene.” Media.KnowItAll.org. Footage filmed on October 6, 2014 by ETV Crew. South Carolina ETV Commission , 2016. Web. 5 June 2016.

• NKY COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Northern Kentucky's Newspaper

USS Nightmare haunted house attraction opens Friday, the 13th; get tickets here

The USS Nightmare, a haunted house attraction built on an actual steam-powered dredge boat, opens Friday September 13 at 7 p.m. at 201 Riverboat Row, east of the Taylor Southgate Bridge in Newport.

To keep reliving the nightmare over and over through November 9, season tickets can be purchased online .   Season Pass includes one Fast Pass Admission and unlimited General Admission tours of America’s Premier Haunted Steamboat each regular night of operation for passholder.

Not valid on Captain’s Extreme Tour or for other special events.

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Welcome to st. petersburg's #1 rated ghost tour.

The Sunshine City can’t contain the tortured souls of tragedy and untimely deaths. Join St. Petersburg Ghosts to uncover a grisly history that keeps its icy grip on this Florida getaway.

Venture with St. Petersburg Ghosts down a sordid path that leads to the city’s most terrifying places and infamous hauntings. Learn why the ghosts of Babe Ruth and Jack Kerouac are forever tied to their former stomping grounds and why some spirits refuse to leave.

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THE EXPERIENCES YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT

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Preview The Most Haunted Locations In St. Petersburg

Williams park.

An unassuming park harbors a darkness that bleeds into its surroundings. Learn how the park earned its malevolent reputation and why its mystique made the Williams Park Hotel the choice hotel for Babe Ruth and Jack Kerouac… in the afterlife.

S.H. Kress and Co. Building

A former “five-and-dime” store, the building is now home to a variety of businesses and spirits. One business in particular was rife with so much unexplained activity the Paranormal Society of Bradenton was called in to investigate. What they found made the building a “must-see” on our St. Petersburg ghost tour.

Vinoy Resort and Golf Club

This luxurious hotel is a popular destination for MLB players in town to take on the Tampa Bay Rays. Not all of them, however, enjoy their stay. Discover the hair-raising events and terrifying entities that have made numerous players from various teams steer clear of the mystical hotel.

Welcome to St. Petersburg Ghosts

Tragedy traverses the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and spills out onto the blood-stained streets of the Sunshine City, infesting downtown St. Petersburg with restless souls and hair-raising hauntings. 

The Souls That Wander by The Water

Known as an ideal waterfront escape, St. Petersburg offers everything needed for a picturesque vacation. Though some may come for a permanent stay, others didn’t have a choice. St. Petersburg Ghosts invites you into the depths of the city’s most beautiful bodies of water to expose the dark secrets that dwell within the buildings they’ve taken hostage.

From the safety of the Mirror Lake Community Library, we introduce you to the terrors of Mirror Lake, a reservoir known for the numerous deaths that occurred around it, many of them brutal murders. Hear disturbing tales of spirits doomed to remain a fixture of the lake, such as Eric Hall, who isn’t shy about making his presence known.

The horrors of this cursed lake keep a cold, dead grip on everything near it. Learn the ugly truth of St. Petersburg High School. Though the school has since relocated, its time near the lake proved disastrous. No matter where it’s gone, students and faculty continue to report the chilling sounds of scratching and banging on the walls. It’s the dark shape figures that glide through the hallways, however, that keep the police coming back to the school. 

Of course, the apartments that now occupy the former site of the school aren’t unscathed. Prepare for a spine-chilling journey that begins at one of the most haunted areas in St. Petersburg and continues with a heart-pounding exploration of the places where spirits of a tortured past lurk in the shadows, ready to reveal themselves to those they envy the most: the living.

Welcome to St. Petersburg Ghosts.   

What Will I See?

Learn About St. Petersburg’s Most Haunted Locations, Including:

• Williams Park – An unassuming park harbors a darkness that bleeds into its surroundings. Learn how the park earned its malevolent reputation and why its mystique made the Williams Park Hotel the choice hotel for Babe Ruth and Jack Kerouac… in the afterlife.
• S.H. Kress and Co. Building – A former “five-and-dime” store, the building is now home to a variety of businesses and spirits. One business in particular was rife with so much unexplained activity the Paranormal Society of Bradenton was called in to investigate. What they found made the building a “must-see” on our St. Petersburg ghost tour.
• Vinoy Resort and Golf Club – This luxurious hotel is a popular destination for MLB players in town to take on the Tampa Bay Rays. Not all of them, however, enjoy their stay. Discover the hair-raising events and terrifying entities that have made numerous players from various teams steer clear of the mystical hotel.

The Bad News Phantoms

Hampton Inn’s usually offers cozy lodging unless it happens to be the one located in the heart of St. Petersburg’s hauntings. Don’t let its position as a chain fool you. Though only two decades old, the Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown St. Petersburg is really owned by a variety of mysterious entities that enjoy taunting the staff and guests. 

Learn what keeps the maintenance men on their toes, dodging water bottles, and on a never-ending search for their tools that constantly go missing. Hear true accounts of guests experiencing disembodied voices crying for help and ominous sightings of a mysterious woman who sends chills down witnesses’ spines before vanishing.

But it’s not the only haunted hotel in the Sunshine City. St. Petersburg Ghosts will give you the lowdown on the places where the accommodations include a free pass to the unknown. Learn all about the most well-known of them all, the Vinoy Resort & Gold Club, famous for the MLB players that stay there and the sinister spirits that keep so many of them away.

Museum of Haunts and History

The Vinoy isn’t the only place where baseball and the dark side collide. As you stroll through the otherworldly streets of downtown St. Petersburg, you’ll get a haunted history lesson whose main characters infest the St. Petersburg Museum of History. 

Join St. Petersburg Ghosts to hear more about a building designed to preserve pieces of the city’s history, even the most malevolent artifacts. Should you decide to venture into the museum during your visit, be sure to stop by the Victorian-era black mourning gown, an item known for moving on its own and exuding a heavy energy.

It’s the baseball exhibit, however, that keeps the staff peeking over their shoulders. Hear the eerie tales of the unknown figure that stalks all those brave enough to enter its territory. The dark shadow is known for evoking a feeling of dread, especially in those who are alone in the exhibit. And it’s not alone. Who else terrifies guests and has a reputation for making them run for the doors? Find out with St. Petersburg Ghosts.

Why is St. Petersburg so Haunted?

A park of peculiar deeds.

It’s not called the “Sunshine City” for nothing, as St. Petersburg holds the Guinness Book of World Records for “most consecutive days of sunshine.” But even the rays of bright light can’t penetrate the wickedness that taints even the most unsuspecting areas of the city. Case in point: Williams Park – a charming recreational spot that’s delightful by day and ghostly by night.

Visit the very park that has been subject to nightmarish acts that resulted in the discovery of numerous corpses over the years. The body count may have come to a standstill, but the spirits born of brutal crimes have yet to find peace. Stay vigilant, as they’re known for manifesting at night, crying out for attention.

Like Mirror Lake, the darkness that consumes the park cannot be contained, as several buildings surrounding the park come with their own mysteries of the macabre. Discover Williams Park Hotel, a historic hotel that caters to everyone from tourists to the spirits of Babe Ruth and Jack Kerouac. Learn more about The Williams House and its resident ghost known for its violent temper. Who is this entity that causes the hair on staff members’ arms to rise? And what other locations are possessed by the horrors of Williams Park? Get these answers and more with St. Petersburg Ghosts.

Rooms With Otherworldly Views

No matter how much the city grows and how many new buildings pop up in downtown St. Petersburg, it seems that nothing can hide the dark underbelly of the Sunshine City. Venture with St. Petersburg Ghosts on an unflinching exploration of the city’s most cursed locations and peek behind the spectral veil that envelopes this historical site.

Uncover the mysteries of the creepy Ponce De Leon Hotel, a Spanish Mission-style staple with a backstory so disturbing the residual energy that has made guests flee the hotel in the middle of the night. Who or what is causing the blood-curdling screams that send chills down the spines of visitors and staff alike?

The sinister spirit that scares people right out of the Ponce Del Leon likes to keep an invisible profile, opposite of the one that inhabits the infamously haunted Don CeSar Hotel. Though a bit less petrifying, the hotel has its own resident specters that don’t shy away from letting the living know who truly owns the hotel. Find out who these ghosts are that leave a cold chill in the air and witnesses in a state of shock with St. Petersburg Ghosts.

What’s so Special About the St. Petersburg Ghosts Tour?

See the darker, seedier side of the sunshine city .

Beyond the sandy beaches and fascinating museums, St. Petersburg offers a variety of family-friendly activities that add to the draw of this tourist destination. Theater lovers of all types of entertainment are in good company when visiting the city as downtown is home to the best of them. Of course, you have to be willing to mingle amongst the dead.

St. Petersburg introduces you to the local venues where the performers are in constant competition with the otherworldly entities vying for attention. Backstage is synonymous with seedy, and these theaters are no exception. Learn about the ghosts that command the curiosity of venue-goers, putting on heart-stopping performances for more reason than one.

Experiences and Stories You Won’t Get Anywhere Else 

Book lovers rejoice! The only thing better than a bookstore is an indie bookstore, and in St. Petersburg, there’s one that was so delightful the spirit of one of the most prolific novelists in the nation still visits. His name is Jack Kerouac, and his presence is so profound that paranormal investigators have explored the building attempting to contact him.

Uncover the oddities of Haslam, the former bookstore that provided readers with ample reads and unlimited frights. Hear more about the famous Beat writer’s inebriated spirit traipsing around the building, wreaking havoc on the work of the employees, moving books around, and giving his prominence. The bookstore may be no more, but the building is still very much alive with unexplained activity. Hear more with St. Petersburg Ghosts.

Be a Part of a Growing Ghostly Community

The otherworldly industry is continuously growing with no end in sight. Whether it be to curb curiosity or to find a ghostly hot spot to explore, more and more individuals are attempting to lift the veil on the unknown and peek beyond the curtain of the unexplained. 

Tonight, become one of the many who dare to explore the events and entities that defy logic. From the Comfort Station One that’s meant to be a relief station but serves as a terminal of terror, to the rows of haunted eateries such as La Cote Basque Winehouse, our expert guides leave no stone unturned. The ghostly community is growing, and we invite you to join them on a thrilling ghost of St. Petersburg with St. Petersburg Ghosts.

* This is a walking tour and we do not enter privately-owned buildings or private property *

5 REASONS TO BOOK YOUR ST. PETERSBURG GHOSTS TOUR RIGHT NOW!

1) you want to explore st. petersburg on dry land.

The beautiful beaches and luscious lakes make St. Petersburg the perfect vacation spot for families and lovers of the sea. But let’s be honest, there’s only so much you can do out on the water. If you’re ready to take your exploration of the Sunshine City out on dry land, we have an ideal way to keep your journey enjoyable. Take a St. Petersburg Ghosts Tour and uncover an entire world that beckons to be investigated and is guaranteed to keep you on your toes.

2) You’re a Baseball Fan 

Tampa may have the Tampa Bay Rays, but St. Petersburg has Tropicana Field. From baseball players to the fans that pack the stadium, the city is a mecca for America’s favorite pastime. Visiting the city to take in a game or two? Fill your downtime with a ghost tour by St. Petersburg Ghosts. We’ll give you the lowdown on the haunted hotels known for sending chills down the spines of MLB players and where you just might be able to meet the Sultan of Swat himself – if you don’t mind seeing a ghost.

3) You’ve Seen the Museums, Now You Want to Hear the Haunted History

St. Petersburg has a great variety of museums that provide an in-depth look at how the city came to be. As informative as they are, these places of knowledge don’t tell the whole story. Take a St. Petersburg Ghosts tour to learn about the city’s history that the Visitors Center doesn’t want you to know about. Get the whole truth on what keeps the Sunshine City in the dark.

4) You Need a Fun Way To Walk Off Your Brewery Tours

St. Petersburg is a city that’s fun for all ages. There’s plenty to do for the kids, and the breweries offer an afternoon of fun for the adults. When you’re ready to do something that’s fun for the whole family and will help you walk off some of that delicious craft beer, join us on a thrilling ghost tour of St. Petersburg. When it comes to entertainment and frights for the whole family, we’ve got you covered!

5) You Want to Make the Most of Your St. Petersburg Vacation

If St. Petersburg isn’t a place that’s a regular vacation spot for you, why not make the most of it while you’re here? There’s plenty to see and do in the Sunshine City, but none offer the nonstop excitement that comes with a heart-pounding tour through the city’s most haunted area. You’ll hear stories you won’t hear anywhere else and visit places that you may only see once in a lifetime. Get everything there is to get out of your St. Petersburg vacation and book your ghost tour with St. Petersburg Ghosts tonight.

Further Reading

• Philadelphia PA
• Special Events
• Group Tours
• Lancaster PA
• Lancaster Ghost Tour
• Strasburg Ghost Tour
• Contact Lancaster & Strasburg
• Strasburg PA
• Brinton Lodge
• St Petersburg FL

St. Petersburg Ghost Tour

Join us for a fun and entertaining evening of true ghost stories, real haunted houses, and where they buried the bodies!

Why does the "Lady in White" materialize at the Vinoy Hotel? Is there a phantom hitchhiker on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge?

Join our costumed tour guide for a night of mystery and intrigue along Tampa Bay's historic streets and beautiful waterfront!

Discover forgotten tales brought back to life...wandering spirits, haunted mansions, phantom lovers, age old curses, and more!

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LOCATION: DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG

DEPARTS FROM: SWEET DIVAS CHOCOLATES, 181 4TH AVE NE, ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33701 VIEW MAP >

Peer into the shadows and mysteries of Florida's "Sunshine City" on a candlelight walking tour of downtown St. Petersburg! Hear true ghost stories of wandering spirits, haunted mansions, phantom lovers, and age old curses...forgotten tales brought back to life. Join our costumed tour guides for a leisurely stroll along St. Petersburg's quaint streets and beautiful waterfront!

Tickets are $24 per person ($16 ages 4-12). Advance ticket purchase required. We recommend purchasing by 6pm to ensure your spot. Book online or call 727-894-4678.

BOOK NOW >

Tickets are non-refundable. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

GHOST STORIES OF ST. PETERSBURG

The Ghost Tour is based on the book, Ghost Stories of St. Petersburg, FL. Discover cursed happenings at the Vinoy, Al Capone's love nest, Dead Man's Key, haunted forts, and "deserted" islands! 140 pp. Purchase with your tickets or at our Book Store .

Open for private tours for parties of 6 or more through the winter. Please call 727-894-4678 to book. Regularly scheduled tours will resume in the spring!

Reviews, Ratings, & Rankings

"We had a great time last night! The tour was a lot of fun, and even having lived in Tampa for the better part of 30 years I learned some local history I wasn't previously aware of." - Eric K.

"Love haunted history? This walk is for you! It was very interesting and entertaining." - Richele C.

"The tour was fun and exciting. I truly enjoyed this, and highly recommend it." - Ruthie R.

Read more reviews >

• Tampa Ghost Tour on ABC - Watch now >
• VisitSouth.com: "Tampa's colorful past makes it a perfect host for ghosts."
• VisitFlorida.com: The Ghost Tour "carefully documents all of the stories...This makes the tours equally popular with history buffs who want an entertaining trip through town. But it’s still entertainment, not history. All of the guides are trained storytellers."
• Florida's Ghostly Legends and Haunted Folklore: "This tour is entertaining and offers a good history along the way. The tour guides tell fun and fascinating tales of specters and haunted places throughout St. Petersburg."
• Tampa Bay Times: "Where to get your scream on"
• Recommended by destination360.com for a "candlelit walk through the most historic and mystic city streets."
• Best in St. Petersburg Magazine and City Guide: Attractions and Entertainment

Phone: 727-894-4678

Group Tours: 727-894-4678

Email: [email protected]

Fax: 866-692-9332

DEPARTURE POINT

The Ghost Tour of St. Petersburg departs from Sweet Divas Chocolate, 181 4th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 View map >

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Twitter: @tampabayghosts

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