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
$323 nightly
The price is $367 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$367 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with 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! (1,671 reviews)
"Breakfast was not included, did not have breakfast there."

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2025

Emeline
Courtyard by Marriott Charleston-North Charleston

Courtyard by Marriott Charleston-North Charleston

3 out of 5
7465 NORTHSIDE DR, North Charleston, SC
$100 nightly
The price is $114 total per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
$114 total
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in North Charleston. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a health club, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,017 reviews)
"I was very comfortable in this hotel. The employees were friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient."

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Charleston-North Charleston
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Dwtn - Westedge by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Dwtn - Westedge by IHG

2.5 out of 5
250 Spring Street, Charleston, SC
$110 nightly
The price is $125 total per night from Nov 16 to Nov 17
$125 total
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,400 reviews)
"The rooms are nice and the staff is very helpful and friendly. We did have some issues with the room but they weee all quickly rectified."

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Dwtn - Westedge by IHG
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 5 Bdrms/4 Baths

Sullivan's Island 5 Bdrms/4 Baths

Sullivans Island
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Sullivan's Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Port of Charleston and Fort ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (191 reviews)
"Loved the location!! And Linda is a great host"

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2025

Sullivan's Island 5 Bdrms/4 Baths
The Iris Charleston

The Iris Charleston

3 out of 5
84 Line St, Charleston, SC
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (111 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2025

The Iris Charleston
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 and Charleston ...
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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