Exploring Charleston – Everything You Need to Know About the Fort Sumter Entry Ticket and Ferry Ride

Located in Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter is a popular tourist attraction with a rich and interesting past. Originally built in 1809, this massive fort has withstood the test of time and still stands as a symbol of its backstory and history. For those looking to experience this piece of American history, this guide is perfect for you! Below, we’ll cover all the details you’ll need to know about the Fort Sumter entry ticket and ferry ride in Charleston.

Part 1: About the Fort Sumter Entry Ticket and Ferry Ride

Fort Sumter is home to beautiful surroundings, purposeful architecture and interesting monuments all in one place. Here, you can explore the fort’s grounds, interact with knowledgeable tour guides and learn more about the fort’s rich history. But before entering the fort, visitors must first understand the process behind getting an entry ticket and ferry ride.

Where to Buy Fort Sumter Entry Tickets?

When it comes to buying Fort Sumter entry tickets, there are quite a few options. National Park Services’ offers entry tickets that can be purchased over the counter at Fort Moultrie Visitor and Education Center, online through Recreation.gov, or directly online on their official website. Additionally, there are combo tickets available that combine the entry ticket with the ferry fee (which will be discussed shortly).

Ferry Rides to Fort Sumter

If you didn’t purchase a combined entry ticket that includes ferry fees, then you would need to buy a separate ferry ride ticket for admission into the fort. From April through October, you can use Fort Sumter Tours to purchase a ferry ticket. These round-trip tickets are good for both same-day and two-day visits at Fort Sumter National Monument. There are different types of tickets available, depending on your age. Full-price ferry tickets cost $25 per adult and $12 per child (ages 4-11).

Combo Tickets for Fort Sumter Entry Ticket and Ferry Ride

For those who wish to both enter Fort Sumter and take a scenic ferry ride to get there, then combo tickets are perfect for you. For just $26 per adult ($23 for the ticket and $3 for the ferry fee) and $15 for children (ages 4-11) ($12 for a ticket and $3 for the ferry fee), you can buy your combo ticket on the official NPS website. Before paying, be sure to double check that your chosen date is available as tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged afterward.

Part 2: What to Expect at the Fort Sumter Site?

Now that you’ve purchased your ticket, let’s talk about what you can expect when visiting the actual Fort Sumter site. As previously mentioned, this fort offers a unique view into South Carolina’s history. It was originally built as a guard against naval vessels docking at Charleston harbor and is home to many artifacts from this period. Upon arriving, you’ll be greeted by knowledgeable historical guides who will show you around the fort’s grounds, providing insight and commentary throughout your visit.

In addition to exploring the grounds of the fort, visitors will also have the opportunity to view monuments, buildings and artifacts. Tours typically last one hour, but be sure to plan for an hour and a half to visit both inside and outside sections of the fort. Afterward, there’s a small museum containing an exhibit on Civil War ammunition and another dedicated to artifacts from the fort.

Part 3: What You Should Bring

The site at Fort Sumter is an outdoor experience so it’s important to plan ahead for your visit and anticipate any needs there might be when traversing around it. Here are some suggestions for visitors:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunscreen
• Portable snacks
• Water bottle
• Hat (optional)

Depending on the weather conditions during your visit, certain items may become necessary. During colder or rainy days, bring a light jacket or poncho that can protect you from frequent winds and low temperatures. In addition to clothing, also bring a camera or cellphone for recording your time there. This way, you can take photos of all the different monuments around the fort and view them after your return home – making it a truly memorable experience!

Part 4: Tips For Visiting

Visiting anything historic can be be daunting but following these tips can help make your visit even more smooth and enjoyable:

• Plan ahead: As with any trip, planning ahead will help you make better decisions along the way. Before purchasing tickets online or in-person, research what activities are available during your visit as this will determine how long your trip should last.
• Arrive early: Despite purchasing tickets beforehand, there may be a queue of people ahead of you so arriving early will help make sure your timeline is properly respected.
• Dress appropriately: Given that most of Fort Sumter is outdoors, it’s important to dress for warmer temperatures during summer months — avoid shorts and dresses as this may attract unwanted insects!
• Bring basic necessities: To prepare for any major changes in weather conditions or other unforseen circumstances, it’s important to bring basic necessities such as water bottles, insect repellent, hats or sunglasses and sunscreen.

Fort Sumter is more than just an iconic site – it’s an amazing view into what South Carolina was like during its height of glory. Now that we’ve covered all the basics of getting a ticket and visiting, we invite you to explore Ft. Sumter yourself, so come book a ticket now!