Fort Sumter Entry Ticket and Ferry Ride

Beyond Bricks and Battles: Where History Whispers and Cannons Roar – Your Fort Sumter Adventure Awaits!

Charleston, South Carolina, isn’t just a city adorned with pastel hues and wrought-iron balconies. It’s a living, breathing tapestry woven with threads of history, whispered secrets, and echoes of thunderous battles. And nestled within its harbor, like a stone guardian of forgotten stories, stands Fort Sumter – a silent sentinel waiting to share its tale with you.

Embark on a Time Machine Voyage

As you board the ferry, the Charleston skyline fades into the background, replaced by the imposing silhouette of the fort. Feel the salty breeze whip through your hair, imagine the anxious whispers of soldiers preparing for battle, and let the anticipation simmer until you step onto the very ground where history was made.

Where Stone Whispers Tales

Wander through the weathered brickwork, feeling the weight of time etched in every crevice. Explore the bomb-scarred ramparts, remnants of a tumultuous past. Stand beneath the same sky that witnessed the first shots of the Civil War, and let the silence speak volumes.

Unravel the Layers of the Past

Guides, not mere ticket dispensers, become your time travel companions. Immerse yourself in captivating stories of courage, resilience, and sacrifice. Witness the ghosts of soldiers marching, hear the thunderous echoes of cannons, and feel the emotions of a nation forever changed.

More Than Just a Museum

Fort Sumter is not just an exhibit; it’s an interactive experience. Climb the spiral staircase to the gun deck, peer through the cannons’ apertures, and imagine the adrenaline pumping through the veins of defenders. Feel the weight of a musket replica, and understand the gravity of the decisions made on this very spot.

A Breathtaking Backdrop

As you explore, don’t forget to look beyond the fort’s walls. The Charleston harbor paints a stunning picture, with sailboats gliding gracefully and seabirds soaring overhead. Breathe deeply, savor the moment, and capture the essence of this unique location.

More Than Just a Day Trip

Your Fort Sumter adventure doesn’t end with the ferry ride back. Take the stories home with you. Discuss what you saw, research the battles, and share your experience with others. Let Fort Sumter spark a love for history, a deeper understanding of the past, and a renewed appreciation for the peace we enjoy today.

Your Fort Sumter Adventure Awaits

So, dear traveler, ditch the ordinary sightseeing and embark on a journey unlike any other. Your Fort Sumter experience promises not just entry and transportation, but a chance to connect with the past, ignite your imagination, and carry a piece of history within your heart. Are you ready to answer the call?

Timings

Starting time is 12:30 PM

Duration of the tour is 2 hours

Ticket Prices

Adult (12-61) 37 USD

Children (4-11) 23 USD

Senior (62 and above) 33 USD

Military (with ID) (Age 18-99) 33 USD

Infant (3 and younger) do not require a ticket

Important Information

Not suitable for wheelchair users

Food and non-alcoholic beverages are not allowed inside the fort’s museum

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited outside. Beer and wine will be available for purchase on the return boat trip only

Tours run rain or shine

Duration is around 2 hours and 15 minutes. This includes a relaxing 30-minute narrated cruise to historic Fort Sumter

What to bring:

Camera

Comfortable clothes

Sunglasses

Comfortable shoes

Not allowed:

Luggage or large bags

Intoxication

Pets

How To Get There

Visiting Fort Sumter begins with a ferry ride—there’s no road access to the fort itself, so the ferry is your only way in (and part of the experience!). There are two official departure points: Liberty Square in downtown Charleston and Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. Both locations are easy to reach by car or rideshare, and they have nearby parking.

Liberty Square is a popular choice if you’re staying in downtown Charleston. Just head toward the South Carolina Aquarium, and you’ll find signs pointing to the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center. For Patriots Point, you’ll cross the Ravenel Bridge, and signs will lead you directly to the departure area near the USS Yorktown.

Your ticket will mention your departure location—make sure to check it so you don’t go to the wrong spot. Once there, staff will help you check in, answer questions, and guide you to the ferry. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes and offers beautiful views of Charleston Harbor, so have your camera ready.

It’s a smooth, scenic way to reach one of America’s most historic landmarks—just don’t forget to arrive a little early!