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

Default Image

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
The price is $386 total per night from Oct 20 to Oct 21
$386 total
per night
Oct 20 - Oct 21
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! (1,662 reviews)
"The room was clean but was very small."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2025

Emeline
Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

4 out of 5
20 Patriots Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC
The price is $227 total per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
$227 total
per night
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Mount Pleasant. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,970 reviews)
"We loved that they had a free shuttle to downtown historic Charleston. You could also take the Water Taxi for a small charge. The room was very nice and we had a great view of the harbor/ocean. Overall it was a great stay!"

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2025

Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
Planters Inn

Planters Inn

4.5 out of 5
112 N Market St, Charleston, SC
The price is $396 total per night from Oct 6 to Oct 7
$396 total
per night
Oct 6 - Oct 7
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"Clean room, helpful staff, nearby shopping."

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025

Planters Inn
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! (190 reviews)
"Wonderful stay! The inside stairs were a challenge for the older members of our party, but Linda was a fantastic host very communicative and went above and beyond to ensure we had a nice time."

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2025

Sullivan's Island 5 Bdrms/4 Baths
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 and South Carolina Aquarium ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"Wonderful property in a great location. Very responsive host. Walk to restaurants and coffee. We loved this place!"

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2025

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 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Sullivan's Island

5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
0
4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

Cities near Sullivan's Island

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia