Outdoor Activities

Pavilion at Liberty Square outside the Fort Sumter Visitor Center.

NPS/Taormina

Fort Sumter Visitor Center

(340 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401)

Located at Liberty Square, an urban national park site in downtown Charleston on the banks of the Cooper River. Here visitors may sit, rest, read, and watch the harbor. Picnicking and casual recreational activities are permitted in the park. Pets on leash are welcome on the grounds, but only service animals are permitted inside the Visitor Center.

Fort Sumter

(Accessible by Boat Only)

This is a designated historic and commemorative site, recreational activities are limited to passive pursuits such as scenic viewing and birding. Ranger talks are offered to visitors inside the fort and are subject to change according to staff availability. Wayside exhibits interpret the historic resources found throughout the site and the sites visible from the observation level.

 

A view from Battery Jasper facing Fort Moultrie. Explore this Endicott Period (1890-1900) fortification to learn more about the history of seacoast military defense over time.

NPS/ N. Boyd

Fort Moultrie

(1214 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482)

This is a designated historic and commemorative area; recreational activities are limited. A self-guiding brochure can be picked up at the Fort Moultrie Visitor Center and interpretive wayside exhibits are posted throughout the fort. Daily programs are available depending upon the season. Activities include: birding, fishing (with a proper fishing license), nature walks, and wildlife viewing.

There are various sites to see around the Fort Moultrie area. These include:
Battery Jasper
The Harbor Entrance Control Post Building
The 1809 Powder Magazine
The Bench By the Road
Fishing Dock
General William Moultrie's Grave
Patapsco Monument

 

All other activities including events, commercial filming (photo or video), and etc. require a Special Use Permit. Contact the Special Use Permits Office at [phone] x225.