In short
- Street parking on Magazine Street is scarce and residential.
- Walking from the Historic City Market takes 10 to 15 minutes.
- Ride-shares from downtown Charleston take 5 to 10 minutes.
In this article
You cannot park directly at the Old Charleston Jail. The building is located in Harleston Village, where parking rules are strict. You will need to rely on downtown garages, walking, or ride-shares to reach your evening tour.
Can I park on the street at the Old Charleston Jail?
You will rarely find open street parking near the jail.
The spaces along Magazine Street and the surrounding blocks are strictly residential. Parking is highly restricted and very scarce. Do not plan on finding an open spot directly in front of the building.
Are there parking garages near the jail?
The jail does not have an on-site parking lot or garage.
You will need to use various pay-to-park lots and garages in the downtown area. Pricing for these garages varies. From a downtown garage, you can either walk or take a short ride-share to 21 Magazine Street.
How long is the walk from downtown?
Walking from the Historic Charleston City Market takes 10 to 15 minutes.
The jail is located in Harleston Village between Franklin and Logan streets. The walk is free and straightforward. Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes. The jail interior tour involves navigating uneven ground and stairs.
Can I take an Uber or Lyft to the jail?
Yes, taking a ride-share is highly recommended.
A drive or ride-share from downtown Charleston to 21 Magazine Street takes 5 to 10 minutes. This drops you off right at the front gate. It saves you the hassle of searching for residential parking in the dark.
When should I arrive for my jail tour?
Arrive slightly early to check in with your photo ID.
Tours run exclusively in the evening. If you wait outside for your tour during summer evenings, bring bug spray. The Romanesque Revival facade looks imposing at dusk, making it a great time to take exterior photos.
Do I need tickets to go inside?
Yes, you cannot enter the jail without a guided tour ticket.
Interior access requires booking a 45-minute evening ghost tour. These tours cost approximately $37 to $39 for adults. Only the unrestored ground floor is open to the public. Do not trespass on the upper event venue floors.
Questions travellers ask
Where is the Old Charleston Jail located?
The jail is located at 21 Magazine St, Charleston, SC 29401. It sits in Harleston Village between Franklin and Logan streets.
Is the Old Charleston Jail still open for tours?
Yes, the jail is open year-round for 45-minute evening tours. You can only enter the unrestored ground floor via a guided ghost tour.
Where should I park for the Old Charleston Jail tour?
Park in a downtown pay-to-park garage or lot. Street parking near the jail on Magazine Street is residential and very scarce.