Imagine wandering through the charming streets of Charleston, West Virginia, but with a twist — you’re on a survival mission during a zombie apocalypse. For just $20 per group (up to 10 people), you can dive into this self-guided scavenger hunt that lasts about an hour and transforms a typical city stroll into an adventurous challenge. Led by an interactive app and supported by a remote guide, this experience is perfect for small groups looking for a bit of quirky fun, especially those who enjoy a little friendly competition or themed storytelling.
What we really appreciate about this experience is how it blends local exploration with engaging gameplay. It encourages you to truly look at Charleston’s streets and landmarks in a new light — not just as a tourist but as a survivor in a simulated crisis. Plus, the inclusion of a leaderboard adds a competitive edge that can motivate your team to strategize and work together. On the downside, since it’s self-guided, you’ll want to be comfortable relying on an app and occasional hints rather than a traditional tour guide.
This scavenger hunt is most suited for families, friends, or small teams who love games, outdoor activities, or themed adventures. If you’re traveling with kids or groups that enjoy light-hearted, interactive experiences, this could be a great way to spend an hour exploring Charleston in a fun, different way.
Key Points

- Affordable and fun activity designed for small groups
- Self-guided with remote support, ideal for independent exploration
- Zombie apocalypse theme adds a humorous and engaging twist
- Competitive element with a leaderboard for bragging rights
- Flexible and adaptable — find items in any order around Charleston
- Includes local haunted landmarks for a touch of spooky charm
Exploring the Charleston WV Zombie Scavenger Hunt

This experience is a creative take on city exploration. Instead of a typical walking tour, you’re part of a simulated survival scenario, searching for items and completing challenges that test your resourcefulness. The activity is played via a mobile app, which delivers your list of survival items and zombie-themed challenges. It’s a self-guided, flexible adventure, meaning you can decide the pace and route, whether you prefer to stick close to downtown or explore a bit further.
Planning more time in West Virginia? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
What the Experience Looks Like
Once you meet at 301 Capitol St, you’ll receive instructions for your adventure. The app will then give you a list of survival items to find scattered across Charleston’s streets. These include everyday objects that, in this scenario, are essential for zombie survival. You can search for these in any order, making your route entirely customizable.
The challenges add a layer of fun — perhaps you’ll need to snap a photo of a haunted landmark or find a specific “survivor” item like a flashlight or bottled water. The goal is to maximize your points by efficiently collecting items and completing challenges. During your hunt, a remote guide named “Lara” (or similar) is available via chat to give hints or encouragement, which adds a nice touch of support without the formality of a full tour guide.
What We Love About It
One highlight is how interactive and flexible this activity is. You are free to roam around at your own pace, which means you can take breaks, explore local sights, or stay focused on the game depending on your group’s mood. The inclusion of haunted landmarks taps into Charleston’s spooky vibe, making the experience more atmospheric — especially if you’re a fan of ghost stories or local legends.
Another aspect we appreciated was the cost-effectiveness. For just $20 per group, you’re getting an hour of entertainment that combines outdoor exercise with mental challenge. The leaderboard feature adds a friendly rivalry, motivating teams to strategize and compete for the highest score — a great way to boost engagement and team spirit.
Possible Drawbacks
Since this is a self-guided activity, it requires a bit of independence in reading instructions and navigating on your own. If you prefer a structured, guided tour with a person leading the way, this might not be your best fit. Plus, it relies on smartphones and data — so be sure your devices are charged and have good reception, especially if you’re in areas with spotty coverage.
In-Depth Breakdown of the Itinerary

The start point at 301 Capitol St sets the stage for your adventure. From there, you’ll be given a list of items tailored to the survival theme. Some of these are straightforward — like finding a flashlight or bottled water — but others lean into the spooky side, such as locating landmarks associated with Charleston’s haunted reputation.
While the app doesn’t specify a strict route, the freedom to choose your own path is a significant advantage. You might prefer to head toward well-known sites like the Capitol building, or wander into quieter neighborhoods to find hidden objects. The challenge is to balance speed with accuracy — grabbing everything quickly to maximize points or taking time to enjoy the city’s atmosphere.
The challenges, apart from hunting for items, could involve photo tasks or answering riddles, which add variety to the game. The remote guide, available via chat, can help if you’re stuck or unsure where to go next, providing hints or clarifications.
The activity concludes back at the starting location, making it easy to wrap up, compare scores, and chat about the adventure. Since the duration is about an hour, it’s ideal as a quick but memorable break in your day of sightseeing.
Authentic Traveler Perspectives

While reviews are limited, what’s available suggests that participants find this activity enjoyable and light-hearted. One said, “We loved the way it made exploring Charleston feel like a game,” which captures the appeal of turning a simple walk into a mini adventure. Others appreciate the cost efficiency and the flexibility to go at their own pace, especially with kids or in small groups.
Some note that the app-based format is both a plus and a minus — fun when everything runs smoothly, but potentially frustrating if there are technical issues. The haunted landmarks and zombie theme** tend to resonate well with those looking for a quirky twist on urban exploration.
Practical Details and Tips

- Price: $20 per group, so it’s affordable for families or small teams.
- Duration: About 1 hour, perfect for fitting into a sightseeing day.
- Group Size: Up to 10 people, making it ideal for families or friends.
- Meeting Point: 301 Capitol St, Charleston, WV.
- Best Time: The activity is available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday, year-round.
- Weather: Since it’s an outdoor activity, good weather helps — always check the forecast.
- Preparation: Bring fully charged smartphones and be ready to explore at your own pace.
- Accessibility: Service animals are welcome, and it’s near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.
The Sum Up

If you’re seeking a unique way to experience Charleston, this zombie-themed scavenger hunt offers a playful, interactive twist on city exploration. It’s particularly suited for small groups or families that enjoy outdoor games, storytelling, and friendly competition. The cost and duration make it a flexible addition to your itinerary, offering just enough adventure without taking up an entire day.
While it’s not a deep historical tour, it allows you to see parts of Charleston that you might overlook and gives you the chance to share a memorable, laughter-filled experience with your travel companions. It’s a perfect option if you want to add some humor and fun to your visit, especially if you’re into spooky stories or zombie lore.
This scavenger hunt isn’t about learning history but about enjoying the city in a playful, engaging way — a true gift for those who love games, surprises, and local charm. Just remember to bring your sense of humor and a charged phone!
Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the scavenger hunt last?
It takes about an hour, giving you plenty of time to enjoy without feeling rushed.
What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers all activities, a self-guided walk, and support from a remote survival guide via chat.
Can I participate with a large group?
Yes, up to 10 people per group, making it great for families or small teams.
Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s self-guided with an app, but you have a remote guide available for hints and support.
What do I need to bring?
Bring a fully charged smartphone, and be prepared to explore Charleston at your own pace.
Are there haunted landmarks involved?
Yes, the activity mentions landmarks with spooky reputations, adding an atmospheric touch to the game.
Is there any flexibility in when I can do this?
Yes, it’s available Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, year-round.
This zombie scavenger hunt in Charleston offers a fun way to see the city through a different lens — with a little thrill, some laughs, and a dash of friendly competition. Perfect for a quick break from traditional sightseeing, it promises a memorable and slightly spooky adventure that’s both affordable and approachable.
More Tour Reviews in West Virginia
- Promise Land Bee Farm Private Tour in Charleston
- Fun Scavenger Hunt in Charleston, WV by Operation City Quest
- New River Gorge ATV Adventure Tour
- New River Gorge Guided Paddleboarding and Kayaking
- Lower Gauley Fall Rafting Special in WV
- Art and Architecture in the Downtown Charleston: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
More West Virginia experiences we've covered
- Promise Land Bee Farm Private Tour in Charleston
- Fun Scavenger Hunt in Charleston, WV by Operation City Quest
- New River Gorge ATV Adventure Tour
- New River Gorge Guided Paddleboarding and Kayaking
- Lower Gauley Fall Rafting Special in WV
- Art and Architecture in the Downtown Charleston: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
- Half Day New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting
- Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Charleston by Wacky Walks
- West Virginia: Lower Gauley Full-Day Whitewater Trip
- New River Gorge Jeep Tour (Half Day)
- New River Gorge, WV Adventure Waterpark – Full Day
- Multi State Concealed Carry Course
