Fort Sumter National Monument

The Basics

Fort Sumter National Monument is composed of three sites: Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, and the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center. The simplest way to visit is with guided tour tickets. Basic tours include round-trip transportation to Fort Sumter (accessible only by boat), commentary from a National Park Service ranger during the 30-minute ferry ride, and a guided tour inside the fort. The Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center is located at the downtown ferry launch on Liberty Square and provides additional information about the historic site. You can also catch views of Fort Sumter on a historic Charleston walking tour, Charleston harbor tour, or paddleboard tour of the harbor.

Though part of the Fort Sumter National Monument, Fort Moultrie is on Sullivan’s Island and accessible only by car. Look for tours that combine a visit to both forts to easily see them in a day. Fort Moultrie also offers self-guided tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Fort Sumter National Monument is a must for history buffs and Civil War enthusiasts.

• Book early to guarantee entry—tours sell out far in advance.

• Fort Sumter is accessible only by boat.

• Both forts are located on islands—dress in layers if visiting during cool weather.

• Fort Sumter does not require an entrance fee, but Fort Moultrie does.

• Tours to Fort Sumter typically last 2.5 hours. Plan to spend roughly 30 minutes in the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center.

• Most of Fort Sumter is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

Fort Sumter is accessible only via commercial ferry or private boat from either the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center or Patriots Point, across the Ravenel Bridge in Mt. Pleasant. The Visitor Education Center is located in on Liberty Square in downtown Charleston and is open daily to the public. Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan’s Island, is accessible only by driving.

When to Get There

Because the Fort Sumter National Monument is largely outdoors, it’s best to avoid the hot and humid summer months, roughly June through September. Spring and fall bring mild climates that make exploring more pleasant.

Fort Sumter’s Three Wars

Though famous for its role in the Civil War, Fort Sumter was actually named after an American Revolutionary War General and built as a response to the War of 1812.

Ways to explore

Fort Sumter National Monument consists of three sites: Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, and the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center. The simplest way to visit is with a guided tour. Basic tours include round-trip transportation to Fort Sumter (accessible only by boat), commentary from a National Park Service ranger during the 30-minute ferry ride, and a guided walk inside the fort.

The Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center is located at the downtown ferry launch on Liberty Square and provides additional information about the historic site. You can also catch views of Fort Sumter on a Charleston walking tour, sunset cruise, or paddleboard trip around the harbor.

Accessibility

Fort Sumter is partially accessible for travelers using wheelchairs, including the historic parade ground and Battery Huger. The ferry departing from Liberty Square is accessible, but the ferry from Patriots Point is not. Service animals are permitted across the site.

Age limits

None; Fort Sumter is popular with families.

What to pack

Sunscreen, snacks, refillable water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers for the ferry

Not allowed

Pets, picnics, alcohol, smoking, concealed weapons

Amenities

Restrooms, water refill stations, onboard concessions

Address

Fort Sumter is located in Charleston Harbor and can only be reached by authorized Fort Sumter Tours ferry services. There are two departure points: Liberty Square in downtown Charleston and Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant. Paid parking is available near both points.

Driving

Liberty Square is a quick drive from anywhere in downtown Charleston. Head east down Calhoun Street and look for the Aquarium parking garage on your left. To reach Patriots Point from downtown, drive across the Ravenel Bridge and take the SC-703/Coleman Boulevard exit.

Public transportation

The Orange Line (Route 210) of the free DASH shuttle goes straight to Liberty Square; get off at the Concord Street/Aquarium Wharf stop. For Patriots Point, take CARTA Routes 40 or 41 to Patriots Point Boulevard, then walk for about 10 minutes to the ferry terminal.

Best times to visit

Tours depart five times a day between 9:30am and 2:45pm. Catch the first ferry of the day for the chance to participate in the flag raising, and to avoid afternoon heat and sun.

Best days to visit

For the fewest crowds, plan your visit midweek—especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays—rather than on weekends.

Best months to visit

Early spring (mid-March to early May) offers the most comfortable temperatures on and off the ferry. Fall (mid-September to mid-November) is a close runner-up, but keep an eye on the forecast as it’s also the start of hurricane season.

Special events

Fee-free days and historical reenactments take place between April and September when Fort Sumter participates in events such as National Park Week, Carolina Day, and National Public Lands Day.