Fort Sumter National Monument - Directions to Fort Sumter (U.S. National Park Service)

You cannot get to Fort Sumter from Sullivan's Island and Fort Moultrie. The Sullivan's Island address is for mail and the street address for Fort Moultrie.

Fort Sumter is located on an island in Charleston harbor and is only accessible by boat.

If you do not have access to a private boat, a concession-operated ferry is available. The primary departure site is from the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center located in downtown Charleston. For departure schedules and fees, visit the .

The secondary departure site is located at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. Visitors with large vehicles such as buses and RVs should plan on using the departure site.

Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center
340 Concord Street
Charleston, South Carolina

From I-26

Take I-26 E to Charleston.
Exit at Meeting Street.
Pass the Charleston Visitor Center on the right.
Proceed through one traffic light (John Street)
Turn left at next light onto Calhoun Street.
Proceed through two traffic lights (East Bay Street and Washington Street).
The visitor center is straight ahead.
Parking is on the left in the garage (7' clearance) or on Concord Street by meter. (Note: Most meters are two-hour limit.)

From points North on US-17

Exit at Meeting Street.
Pass the Charleston Visitor Center on the right.
Proceed through one traffic light (John Street)
Turn left at next light onto Calhoun Street.
Proceed through two traffic lights (East Bay Street and Washington Street).
The visitor center is straight ahead.
Parking is on the left in the garage (7' clearance) or on Concord Street by meter. (Note: Most meters are two-hour limit.)

From points South on US-17

Take the Calhoun Street exit.
Merge with Lockwood Drive. Stay in the left lane.
Turn left on Calhoun Street.
Proceed through ten traffic lights until you cross Washington Street.
The visitor center is straight ahead.
Parking is on the left in the garage (7' clearance) or on Concord Street by meter. (Note: Most meters are two-hour limit.)