Experience the best of Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter National Monument is accessible only by boat from Liberty Square in Charleston or Patriot's Point in Mount Pleasant, with a National Park Service ranger programme on the island. Find ferry and guided tour combo tickets and departure point options here.
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Similar things to do in Charleston
About Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter tours offer a seamless way to explore one of Charleston’s most iconic historic sites. Your ticket typically includes round-trip ferry transport, entry to the fort, and time to explore its exhibits and grounds. With convenient departures and a structured itinerary, it’s an easy and rewarding addition to your Charleston visit.
Did you know?
Fort Sumter sits on an artificial island built atop a sandbar in Charleston Harbor, emphasizing its strategic importance.
The fort’s battered walls still display scars from Civil War bombardments, offering a tangible link to 19th-century conflict.
Ranger talks at the fort typically last 10–15 minutes and are often highlighted by visitors as a tour highlight.
The American flag flying over Fort Sumter is a powerful symbol, with stories of its raising after the Civil War often featured in ranger programs.
Private boats are not permitted to dock at Fort Sumter—access is exclusively via the official ferry operated by Fort Sumter Tours.
Why visit Fort Sumter?
Plan your visit
Liberty Square Ferry boarding area
Located on the waterfront side of Liberty Square, right next to the South Carolina Aquarium at 340 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401. This entrance is ideal for visitors staying in downtown Charleston or arriving by public transit. The boarding area is step-free, but the gangway to the boat can be steep at low tide—wheelchair users can usually board with assistance. Lines form in the plaza before boarding, so early arrival is recommended.
Patriots Point Ferry boarding area
Found along the waterfront near the USS Yorktown within the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum complex at 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. This entrance is best for those with a car or staying in Mount Pleasant. The area is level from the parking lot to the pier, but some walking over piers is required. Gangway accessibility is similar to Liberty Square—wheelchair users may need assistance, especially at low tide.
Regular Hours: Tours generally run daily, with the first departure mid-morning and the last in the mid-to-late afternoon. Exact times shift seasonally—check the current schedule before booking.
Last Entry: The last access to Fort Sumter is via the final scheduled boat of the day; there is no independent walk-up entry.
Special Hours/Closures: Tours may be canceled or rescheduled due to severe weather (storms, lightning, high winds) or occasional holiday adjustments. Always confirm your departure time and monitor for weather updates, especially during stormy seasons.
Souvenir shop
A small souvenir and gift shop is available at Fort Sumter, offering books, memorabilia, and historic items.
Dining outlets
Basic snacks and drinks are available for purchase on the ferry. There are no full-service dining outlets at Fort Sumter.
Toilets
Restrooms are available both on the ferry and at Fort Sumter. Lines may form during peak times.
Wheelchair accessible
Boats and Fort Sumter are partially wheelchair accessible. Boarding is usually possible, but gangways may be steep at low tide and some assistance may be required. Some areas of the fort, especially upper levels and uneven paths, are not accessible to wheelchairs.
Strollers allowed
Strollers are allowed on the ferry and at Fort Sumter. Folding strollers are recommended due to crowding and uneven surfaces.
Service animals allowed
Service animals are permitted on the ferry and at Fort Sumter as per ADA guidelines.
Smoking
Smoking is strictly prohibited on all boats and at Fort Sumter, in accordance with National Park Service regulations.
Cigarettes
Cigarettes are not permitted to be used on the boats or at the fort.
E-cigarettes
E-cigarettes and vaping devices are not allowed to be used on the boats or at the fort.
Drugs
Illegal drugs and controlled substances are strictly prohibited on all boats and at Fort Sumter.
Outside food and drinks
Outside food and drinks are generally discouraged. Small snacks and water bottles are allowed; large coolers and picnics are not permitted. Limited snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board.
Pets
Pets are not allowed on the ferry or at Fort Sumter. Only service animals are permitted.
Service animals
Service animals are allowed on the ferry and at Fort Sumter in accordance with ADA guidelines.
Knives
Knives and sharp objects are not permitted on the boats or at the fort.
Weapons
Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on the ferry and at Fort Sumter.
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