Monument · Charleston

Fort Sumter National Monument

Fort Sumter National Monument
Photo: Bubba73 (talk), (Jud McCranie), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

This national monument preserves the fort that saw the first shots of the Civil War. Rangers provide tours and explain the battle and its significance. Visitors see original cannons and walls damaged in the fighting.

Updated September 27, 2026On day 4 of Charleston and Savannah in 7 Days

Visiting Fort Sumter National Monument: what to know

Tickets
Ferry tickets are required; check the National Park Service website for current prices.
Time needed
Plan for 2 to 3 hours including ferry travel.
Best time
Spring and fall offer the best weather for the outdoor visit.
Getting there
Ferries depart from Liberty Square in downtown Charleston and from Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant.

Charleston itineraries with Fort Sumter National Monument

Day 4 of Charleston and Savannah in 7 Days

Fort Sumter, then Savannah

How Fort Sumter National Monument fits into a day.
  1. 9:30Fort Sumter National MonumentCharleston
  2. 14:00Drive to SavannahCharleston
  3. 18:00Forsyth ParkSavannah
See all 7 days
Advertisement
Ad space · 728 × 90

Fort Sumter National Monument FAQs

How do I reach Fort Sumter?

The island is reached by the official ferry from Liberty Square in downtown Charleston or Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant.

How long is the ferry ride?

The boat trip takes about 30 minutes each way.

Are tours available?

Ranger-led programs run daily; schedules vary by season.

More places on this trip