Sullivan's Island, SC

Travel Guide

Fort Moultrie which includes heritage elements and military items
Fort Moultrie which includes military items and heritage elements
Fort Moultrie showing heritage elements and military items
Fort Moultrie which includes signage
Fort Moultrie showing military items, heritage elements and general coastal views
Spend long hours on the beach, dine outside, try kiteboarding or learn about Revolutionary War history at Fort Moultrie on this attraction-filled barrier island.

Find enough to fill several days on a visit to Sullivan’s Island. The space exudes an addictive small-town charm and offers unspoiled Atlantic Ocean beaches, award-winning dining and insight into local life in the 17th century.

The island was first settled by Captain Florence O’Sullivan. The area played a significant military role in the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Sullivan’s Island and the American Civil War. Learn more while exploring Fort Moultrie, a defensive structure that was important to Charleston and U.S. history. As you stroll through the park, you’ll go backward in time from the World War II Harbor Entrance Control Post to the original site of the palmetto-log fort. At the African Passages exhibit, learn about Sullivan’s Island’s role in the international slave trade.

From Sullivan’s Island, take a boat ride to Fort Sumter. A national park ranger will oversee your visit and explain the fort’s origins, giving insights into the opening battle of the American Civil War.

Take photos of the slim, triangular Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, one of the most recent lighthouses built in the United States. It’s still operational, lighting up the city’s seaport. Rent a stand-up paddleboard or a kayak and paddle along the Intracoastal Waterway. Try surfing or kiteboarding at the beach. Ride a bike around the 3.3-square-mile (8.5-square-kilometer) island.

Browse two blocks of shops and galleries along Middle Street in the town center. Satisfy a hearty appetite at Poe’s Tavern, which was named for the author Edgar Allan Poe, who was stationed at Fort Moultrie in the 19th century. Consider the foodie favorite, The Obstinate Daughter, where you can try local griddled octopus.

Walk along the Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail off the Station 16 beach path. The 650-foot (200-kilometer) boardwalk showcases the island’s plants and animals and rich bird life. Spot dolphins and porpoises from Thompson Park at Breach Inlet, site of a historic Revolutionary War battle.

Sullivan’s Island is bordered by the entrance to Charleston Harbor to the west, the Intracoastal Waterway to the north and Breach Inlet to the east. Travel to the island by car and park along the street.

Where to stay in Sullivan's Island

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United States Coast Guard Historic District

Charleston Lighthouse and Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in United States Coast Guard Historic District. Travelers also love the stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife, and island views.

United States Coast Guard Historic District
Emeline
Emeline
4 out of 5
181 Church St, Charleston, SC
$238 nightly
The price is $271 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$271 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,624 reviews)
"A lot very boutique hotel. The staff are exceptional. They are warm and"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Emeline
Drury Plaza Hotel North Charleston
Drury Plaza Hotel North Charleston
3 out of 5
West Montague Avenue, 2934, North Charleston, SC
$108 nightly
The price is $123 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$123 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in North Charleston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Charleston Tanger Outlets ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (284 reviews)
Would go back again
"The evening food was amazing surprise. Free barbecue sandwiches and hotdogs with baked beans Mac and cheese and three adult beverages. Breakfast buffet with also very good."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel North Charleston
The Francis Marion Hotel
The Francis Marion Hotel
4 out of 5
387 King St, Charleston, SC
$179 nightly
The price is $204 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$204 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,726 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

The Francis Marion Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sullivan's Island 5bd/4ba July 5th and 19th week open due
Sullivan's Island 5bd/4ba July 5th and 19th week open due
Sullivans Island
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Sullivan's Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Popular attractions Port of Charleston Cruise ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (188 reviews)
Best Vacation House on Sullivans Island
"My family had wonderful stay in this beach house. It is spacious, cool, comfortable and had everything we needed for a restful happy week at Sulllivans Island. it is a close walk to the station 26 walkway to the beach and a short golf cart ride to Poe's and Obstinate Daughter.We had a wonderful stay ..."

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Sullivan's Island 5bd/4ba July 5th and 19th week open due
The Palmetto House
The Palmetto House
2.5 out of 5
99 Spring St, Charleston, SC
Stay at this aparthotel in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal and South ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"Great property."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2024

The Palmetto House
The Quarters on King
The Quarters on King
3 out of 5
288 King Street, Charleston, SC
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and concierge services. Popular attractions Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (192 reviews)
Great Experience on King Street
"I had a great experience with the Check-in Charleston team and their 2 bedroom unit in Quarters on King. They, particularly Emily, couldn’t have been more prompt, helpful or friendly. The unit itself (202) exceeded my expectations. It has a large open family room/kitchenette space with 10’ or so ..."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

The Quarters on King
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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