Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl Shared Tour in Charleston

History never tasted so wicked! A bone-chilling dive into the criminal heart of Charleston—a city steeped in elegance, drenched in secrets, and soaked in blood. From the cobblestones of colonial corruption to the courtrooms of a sensational modern-day murder, this tour serves up centuries of true crime with a twist of lime and a shot of audacity. Led by our fearless guides, you’ll prowl the streets where con men, killers, and crooked aristocrats once ruled, stopping at some of Charleston’s finest bars to sip your way through its most scandalous chapters. You’ll uncover tales that Charleston would rather leave buried— tabloid-worthy tragedies that still echo through the alleyways. Thirsty? Good. You’ll need a strong drink for what you’re about to hear. Cocktails are available for purchase at every stop—because dark stories go down better with a stiff pour. If you have 7 or more guests in one group, please get in touch with our the private & group sales coordinator.

1. 1

   U.S. Custom House

   30 min

   Meet your guide and set off on a tour that discusses some of the most notorious criminal cases in SC history, from piracy to famous highway robberies to the brutal homicide of a local newspaper editor, in full view of witnesses. This tour mixes unforgettable, grisly tales with an exploration of Charleston’s most satiating cocktails.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   30 min

   What pushes a man to the point of murder? Is the killer’s past primarily responsible for his evil deeds, or does some innate impulse sit latent in him like a lion crouched and waiting for the right trigger to spring forth? Like Norman Bates said, “We all go a little mad sometimes.” But is that true?

3. 3

   Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

   30 min

   Beneath Charleston’s stately Old Exchange lies a dark and chilling past. The Provost Dungeon once held pirates, smugglers, and colonial criminals, including members of Blackbeard’s crew and other infamous outlaws of the high seas. Shackled in damp, shadowy cells, prisoners awaited justice—or the gallows. Today, the dungeon stands as a haunting reminder of Charleston’s gritty underworld, where crime, punishment, and piracy collided beneath the city’s elegant surface.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   30 min

   Once a hidden speakeasy during Prohibition, The Blind Tiger in Charleston earned its name from the era’s secret bars and the lawbreakers who ran them. Behind its historic walls, whispers of bootlegging, bribery, and backroom deals still linger. Today, it’s a popular tavern with a rich—and rowdy—past, where crime and cocktails once flowed hand in hand. Step inside and sip where Charleston’s outlaws once defied the law, one drink at a time.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Only for ages 21+

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.