Enjoy Fort Sumter Entry Tickets and Ferry Rides in Charleston
Charleston is a beautiful, historic, and culturally rich city situated in South Carolina. Popularly referred to as the “Holy City,” it offers many activities to its visitors, like sightseeing, beaches, museum hopping, harbor walks, and a plethora of eateries to enjoy.
One of the city’s most popular attractions is Fort Sumter. This fort holds a significant amount of historical significance as it hosted the first battle of the American Civil War. A visit to this landmark is a must for history lovers and anyone who wishes to explore the city’s rich past.
Entry tickets and ferry rides to the fort can be easily acquired with a predetermined reservation or in person upon arrival. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps required to enjoy the ticketing and ferrying experience while visiting Fort Sumter.
Reserve in Advance
Online Bookings
The easiest and most popular method to reserve tickets and ferry rides is to make an online booking. There are various companies who offer tickets and tours depending on the type of experience visitors seek.
One of the most popular companies is GetYourGuide, whose website offers numerous guided Fort Sumter experiences.They offer 3 hour trips on National Park Service ferries, with the added bonus of hearing from a National Park Ranger guide about the fort’s unique historical lore and facts during the voyage. It also includes free entry to Fort Moultrie where visitors can view additional historical installations.
Alternatively, visitors can also opt for a 6-hour day trip which involves disembarking at Fort Sumter, enjoying a picnic lunch at one of the permitted areas on the fort’s island, and browsing a museum-style information center that offers various media displays on the fort’s history. Visitors will also be accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable guides who offer commentary and advice throughout the tour.
Buying Directly Through the Agency
Unlike GetYourGuide, there are other companies that sell tickets to Fort Sumter as well. The National Park Service operates dedicated boats to transport people to the fort; therefore, tickets can be bought directly from the official website here at an economical price of only $17 per adult and $10 per child.
This style of ticket allows visitors to not only explore Fort Sumter for free but also enjoy a pleasant ride on the ferry along with access to educational installations at Fort Moultrie. It does not provide access to a guided tour or lunch but yields about two hours for free exploration at one of America’s iconic historical sites.
That said, it is important to note that tickets from this agency should be bought in advance as cruising times to Fort Sumter might not be available given high demand; furthermore, the departure times may not be optimal for some visitors. For example, the ferries tend to leave on a strict timetable starting at 8:30 AM; after that departure time, the next ferry leaves a couple of hours later at 10:30 AM, giving travelers very little flexibility since visitors should return to shore before 4 PM.
Arrival at Fort Sumter
After tickets are booked ahead of time or while buying tickets on arrival at the pier, visitors will have to present their tickets (either in physical or electronic form) at the pier before boarding the ferry. Similarly, those who purchased tickets online should bring either the confirmation number or the printed tickets.
The arrival at the fort marks the start of a unique experience for all visitors; during this phase, visitors should pay attention to certain details that add value to the trip. Firstly, visitors should collect commemorative Fort Sumter tags from the ticket counter as souvenirs; these tags feature pictures from early 19th century battles and help visitors gain an appreciation for Charleston’s deep history. Furthermore, these tags serve as proof that visitors actually visited Fort Sumter as opposed to merely reading about it online.
Upon arrival and collection of commemorative tags, visitors will have access to exploring areas within the fort and learn about its history through informative displays that explain key events of the Civil War that occurred within this iconic landmark. Visitors are also allowed to picnic in designated areas of the fort where they can take a break and enjoy various snacks while they explore this landmark’s historical structures.
Conclusion
Fort Sumter is a vital part of Charleston’s history that should not be missed. Though it can be tempting to simply buy tickets on arrival at the pier and enjoy exploring at leisure, it is highly recommended that tickets be bought in advance so that visitors can enjoy a better and more organized experience with additional perks like stops at Fort Moultrie and limited access to guided tours for added convenience.
By following this guide, visitors can deploy the optimal method of obtaining tickets that aligns with their budget and preferred itinerary: whether it be through online booking services or directly from the organization’s official website itself. Ultimately, visitors will have guaranteed access to some of Charleston’s deepest historical landmarks that have stood for centuries as ongoing reminders of America’s past – truly an experience not to be missed!
Want to visit Fort Sumter? Book your tickets now!
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