Beautiful hidden alleyways to explore in Charleston

Apr 24

If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Charleston, take a leisurely stroll though the historic alleyways hidden throughout the city.

Longitude Lane

Dating back to the 1720s, Longitude Lane intersects with East Bay Street and runs parallel to Tradd St offering picturesque, shady views of Charleston’s South of Broad neighborhood. Longitude Lane was first named by George Bedon in 1762 as a celebration of John Harrison’s development of the marine chronometer, which solved the enduring problem of finding longitude and properly determining a ship’s position at sea.

Philadelphia Alley

Perhaps the most well-known is Philadelphia Alley. You’re likely to come across this one via the areas numerous tours, but if not, it’s worth a walk through this one block stretch should you be nearby. Also known as Blood Alley, or Duelers Alley, in the 1800’s, this is where pistol duels were held. With that bit of information, it seems inevitable that it would be haunted. There’s even a door leading to a cemetery. After dark, Daisy Mae — a pet ghost in the form of a cat — is known to roam this alley and bump into your leg with her head.

Unitarian Church Graveyard and Gateway Walk

Charleston’s Unitarian Church was founded in 1774 due to overflow from Charleston’s First Independent Church (itself a split from the Church of England). Visitor’s can stroll through the Unitarian Church’s lush churchyard by entering off from Archdale St. However, a much more interesting point of access would be through Gateway Walk. Feeling like an urban jungle, this alley provides access to the rear of the churchyard from King St.