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National Monument sign at the entrance, Fort Sumter, Charleston, SC
Welcome board to the national monument, Fort Sumter
Daytime ferry ride experience with fort sumter tours company
Civil War Historic cannons at Fort Sumter
 Ferry arriving for Fort Sumter Tours return

Fort Sumter Tours: Departure from Liberty Square

Book your Fort Sumter Tours from Liberty Square, the one smack in downtown Charleston by the water. Enjoy a ferry ride to the historic fort where the Civil War began, with engaging ranger talks and museum access included. Our Fort Sumter tours provide historical information. And views (killer!). Book your tickets online today.

What’s Included in a Fort Sumter Tour from Liberty Square

If you’re staying in downtown Charleston, the Fort Sumter tour from Liberty Square is really easy. It leaves right by the South Carolina Aquarium, so super easy to get to. You’ll cruise across Charleston Harbor with awesome views, hear some cool history along the way, and then have plenty of time to wander the fort on your own. Here is what is included:

  • Round-trip ferry ride from Liberty Square is included with every ticket
  • Direct access to Fort Sumter and its on-site exhibits
  • About one hour to explore the fort independently
  • Ranger-led history program covering Fort Sumter’s Civil War significance
  • Opportunity to see original cannons and museum displays
  • Ferry ride across Charleston Harbor with views of:
    • Charleston’s historic waterfront and Battery
    • Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
    • Castle Pinckney
    • The city skyline from the harbor
  • A blend of education, sightseeing, and history
  • Fort Sumter tours from Liberty Square provide convenient downtown departure, guided insight, and time for self-exploration
  • Visitors leave with unforgettable views and a deeper understanding of American history

A Complete Fort Sumter Tour Schedule From Liberty Square

Fort Sumter tours from Liberty Square in Charleston, South Carolina, at the Visitor Center, open daily 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Exhibits cover slavery, secession, and the Civil War, with top things like the original 1861 garrison flag.

The trip includes a 30-minute narrated Fort Sumter ferry ride across Charleston Harbor with views of the skyline, USS Yorktown, and Ravenel Bridge. At the fort, rangers give an overview before guests explore the grounds, museum, and a 360-degree video on its Civil War role.

The return ferry completes this 2.5-hour Fort Sumter tour from Liberty Square. It combines history, beautiful views, and a relaxing trip back to the city.

Fort Sumter Tours

(Departure from Liberty Square)

~2 hrs 15 min

9:30 AM, 12:00 PM & 2:45 PM daily

Why Choose Fort Sumter Tours from Patriots Point?

Preparation Tips

Central Location in Downtown Charleston

From Liberty Square, Fort Sumter tours are perfect for visitors staying in Charleston’s historic district. This point is all bordered by hotels, restaurants, and popular attractions within easy walking distance. Its central location saves time. This makes it the most convenient choice for exploring the city and joining a Fort Sumter tour.

Preparation Tips

Easy Public Access and Parking

Liberty Square offers excellent access for those without a car, just because of nearby parking garages and public transportation connections. Unlike Patriots Point, it’s located right in downtown Charleston. Because of this, it is simple to reach by foot, shuttle, or bus. This easy setup causes smooth travel to your ferry.

Preparation Tips

Views from Liberty Square

Leaving from Liberty Square gives you wide views of Charleston’s waterfront. As the boat moves out, you can see the Ravenel Bridge, historic homes along the Battery, and the busy harbor with boats and ships. It’s a great way to start your trip to Fort Sumter.

Preparation Tips

Best Option for First-Time Visitors

For first-time visitors to Charleston, Liberty Square departures are the easiest choice. You don’t need to cross the Ravenel Bridge to reach Mount Pleasant, saving travel time. Also, Liberty Square is very next to top spots like the South Carolina Aquarium and the waterfront park, perfect for combining activities.

Preparation Tips

Flexible Departure Times

Fort Sumter tours run on a schedule with morning and afternoon options. Each tour is about 2 hours and 15 minutes, with ferry travel and one hour at the fort. This flexibility lets visitors plan around other Charleston activities. Booking Fort Sumter tours early secures preferred times.

Why Choose Us

Historic Access

Historic Access

Guaranteed Fort Sumter tour tickets with ferry ride included (no hidden fees)

Instant Booking

Instant Booking

Quick and easy online booking with immediate confirmation

Scenic Harbor Cruise

Scenic Harbor Cruise

Relaxing ferry ride across Charleston Harbor with stunning skyline and water views

Expert Rangers

Expert Rangers

Learn from National Park Service rangers who share powerful stories of the Civil War

Flexible Departures

Flexible Departures

Multiple daily departures from Liberty Square and Patriots Point

Trusted Experience

Trusted Experience

Top-rated tours enjoyed by thousands of history lovers every year

Why Choose Us

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Fort Sumter boat tour?

The full tour lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes. This includes the ferry ride to and from the fort, plus roughly one hour on site.

Are Ft. Sumter tours family-friendly, like for all ages?

Yes. The ferry ride and fort exploration suit all ages. Families often combine the tour with a visit to the nearby Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.

Which is better: Patriots Point or Liberty Square departure?

Both provide the same tour experience at the fort. Patriots Point is easier for visitors staying in Mount Pleasant or those who want to pair the trip with the naval museum. Liberty Square is more convenient for downtown Charleston stays.

Fort Sumter tours Charleston SC with views of cannons and harbor

Our Unforgettable Fort Sumter Tours Experience

*Take a ferry ride to Fort Sumter and just see where American history changed forever. This is where the very first shots of the Civil War were fired. Step inside the fort. Touch the bricks. Stand by the cannons. The rangers tell stories that stay with you. All of this brings the old days back to life. The ride itself is very special, with wide views of Charleston Harbor and the Ravenel Bridge. Every ticket includes your two-way ferry and time to explore the fort on your own. And yes, we are a private booking company, so if anything feels unclear, please contact us. We’ll be happy to help!

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Book your Fort Sumter tickets and explore the site where the Civil War began. Enjoy an unforgettable visit to one of America’s most historic coastal forts.

Let's Plan the Fort Sumter Tour Now!