Discover Sullivan's Island

Sullivan's Island combines coastal scenery with a complex history. Beach access points, natural areas, and historic fortifications offer different ways to plan your trip—from a seaside stay to exploring the island's historic sites.

Beach, nature, and activities

Sullivan's Island has 2.5 miles of white sandy beach. Public beach access points have wooden walkways and footpaths. The Sullivan's Island Nature Trail runs across 190 acres of reclaimed land along the beach, from Station 12 to Station 29. This makes it possible to experience the beach and natural areas as distinct aspects of the island.

Thomson Park is on the beach between Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms, at Breach Inlet. It offers opportunities for surf fishing. The park is also the site of a historic battle of the American Revolutionary War at Breach Inlet. Two-hour paddleboard tours through marshes and creeks are offered around Sullivan's Island. You can also take a bike ride on the paved side roads between Fort Moultrie and the Breach Inlet Bridge.

The activities take place in different settings: the Nature Trail runs along the beach, while the paddleboard tour goes through marshes and creeks. If you plan to enjoy several experiences, you can take Fort Moultrie's daily opening hours, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., into account and set aside a separate two-hour time block for a paddleboard tour. The fort has exceptions to its opening hours on holidays.

History and fortifications

Between 1619 and 1808, Sullivan's Island served as the arrival point for about 40 percent of the enslaved people brought to North America. In 1863 and 1864, a total of 248 enslaved people escaped from fortifications on Sullivan's Island, including Fort Moultrie.

Fort Moultrie was restored to show the main phases of its history from 1809 to 1947. Visitors can explore the fort on a self-guided tour. The historic fort and visitor center are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; exceptions apply on holidays. Fort Moultrie is accessible by car at 1214 Middle Street. If you plan to visit, check the opening hours, especially on holidays.

The U.S. Army built Battery Jasper from 1897 to 1898 as the main battery of the Endicott System on Sullivan's Island. One gun emplacement is open to the public; it includes the magazine, shell room, and gun platform above. Check the access conditions for this emplacement before your trip.

Battery Gadsden was originally a Spanish-American four-gun battery. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in July 1974; since March 1977, it has housed the Edgar Allan Poe/Sullivan's Island Library.

Charleston Light and its access conditions

Charleston Light has stood on Sullivan's Island since 1962 and is the last major lighthouse built in the United States. It is part of the historic United States Coast Guard Historic District, which the National Park Service protects and preserves.

As of September 5, 2026, the grounds of Charleston Light and the historic Life Saving Station are closed to public use. Exceptions apply under a special use permit and for events approved or hosted by the park. Since the status may change, check the current access conditions before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Hollywood, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Seabrook Island, Charleston, Kiawah Island, Isle Of Palms, Folly Beach

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