Plan your visit

Plan Your Visit

Prepare for strict park rules, a hard 60-minute time limit on the island, and varying harbor weather conditions.

Fort Sumter National Monument

340 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401

GPS 32.7523, -79.8747

Open directions

Getting there

You must choose a departure point before booking your ferry ticket.

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Ferry: Take the authorized Fort Sumter Tours ferry from either Liberty Square or Patriots Point.	30-40 minutes each way	$35-$40 (combo tours up to $78)	This is the only permitted way to access the fort. Private boats are strictly prohibited from docking.
Car: Drive to the Liberty Square Visitor Center in downtown Charleston.	Depends on origin	Varies by time (paid city garage parking)	Park at the 24 Calhoun Street garage; note the 7-foot height restriction.
Car: Drive to the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant.	Depends on origin	Paid onsite parking applies	This departure point is strongly recommended for visitors traveling in RVs or large vehicles.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

Fort Sumter is open year-round, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The most pleasant weather occurs in spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Summer brings intense heat and humidity; book the earliest morning tour to avoid the worst temperatures.

What to bring

Reusable water bottle (free filling stations are available at the visitor center and on the ferry)
Sunscreen (there is very little shade on the island)
Sunglasses to combat the glare from the water
Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes for uneven historic brick and grassy terrain
Light jacket or windbreaker (the ferry ride and harbor can be breezy and chilly)
Camera or smartphone with a zoom feature to capture harbor views and dolphins
Hat or visor for sun protection
Motion sickness medication if you are sensitive to boat rides in open water
Credit or debit card (tickets and onboard concessions are largely cashless)

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There are no trash cans on the island.

Fort Sumter is a trash-free facility. You must pack out everything you bring in.

How the day runs

A simple schedule for your historic harbor trip.

The exact timeline for the official 2 hour and 15 minute tour.

-0:45
Arrive early
Check in and explore the free Visitor Center Museum before boarding.
0:00
Ferry departs
Enjoy a 30 to 40-minute scenic cruise across Charleston Harbor.
0:40
Explore the fort
You have exactly 60 minutes to view the cannons and museum on the island.
1:40
Return trip
Board the ferry for the 30-minute ride back to your departure point.

Important park rules

The National Park Service enforces strict rules. Pets are prohibited on the fort and in buildings, with exceptions only for ADA-recognized service animals. Do not bring food or sugary drinks to the island. Only clear water is allowed. Use the What to Wear guide to dress appropriately.

For parking, Liberty Square has a city garage at 24 Calhoun Street with a 7-foot height limit. If you drive an RV, use the Patriots Point departure location in Mount Pleasant instead.

Easiest way to do it

A black cannon on a grey carriage inside a brick fort structure.

Fort Sumter Access and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

2 h 15 min 4.6 (7,122)

Access to the Fort Sumter Museum, Bookstore, and Souvenir Shop
Experience the opening battle of the American Civil War with a National Park Ranger
Access to historic Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina
1-hour Self-Guided Tour to explore Fort Sumter and its well-preserved ruins

From$46per person

Viator$46 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

Can you bring food or water to Fort Sumter?

You can bring clear water in a reusable bottle. Food, sugary drinks, and picnicking are strictly prohibited on the fort itself. You may eat snacks on the ferry.

Are dogs allowed at Fort Sumter?

No. Pets are strictly prohibited on the ferry, the fort, and inside park buildings. Only ADA-recognized service animals are permitted.

What should I wear to visit Fort Sumter?

Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes for the grassy and uneven brick terrain. Bring a light jacket for the breezy ferry ride, plus sunglasses and sunscreen.