11:00 AM
Arrive
Start with Sullivan's Fish Camp.
The first stop should make the trip feel underway without making a compact day feel complicated.
Day trip itinerary
Sullivan's Island day-trip itinerary
Begin on the Atlantic before the sand and streets heat up, eat lunch on Middle Street, then give the afternoon to Fort Moultrie and the nature-trail corridor.
By Cal Mercer — a Second Star Guide itinerary
A Sullivan's Island day moves from palmetto-shaded fortifications to dunes, broad sand, and a compact Middle Street evening.
Best length
Day trip
Go for Fort Moultrie, the nature trail, Atlantic beach, and Middle Street, add a local meal or short wander, and skip the hotel unless this is part of a larger route.
Overnight
No overnight stay
Book lodging only when this is part of a larger nearby weekend.
Main activity
Fort Moultrie, the nature trail, Atlantic beach, and Middle Street
Fort Moultrie, Charleston Light, the nature trail, and 3.5 miles of Atlantic beachfront give a day trip unusual range within a small island.
Best length
Easy day out
Best when Fort Moultrie, the nature trail, Atlantic beach, and Middle Street is the highlight of a day, not an excuse to pad the schedule.
Day trip
Fort Moultrie, the nature trail, Atlantic beach, and Middle Street is the point; the rest should stay light.
A day trip has to respect its scale: reach Sullivan's Island, give Fort Moultrie, the nature trail, Atlantic beach, and Middle Street real time, add one easy meal or wander, and save the overnight for a bigger route.
12:30 PM
Main activity
Give Fort Moultrie the early afternoon.
The fort interprets 171 years of seacoast defense through successive fortifications and harbor views. Current access, hours, parking, exhibits, and weather can change.
2:30 PM
Afternoon
Leave room for the small-town part of the day.
A compact destination usually gets better when the plan has time to wander, take the photo, browse the odd little stop, or sit still before the drive home.
Recommended stay
Shem Creek Inn
Waterfront hotel with contemporary rooms & an outdoor pool, plus free breakfast, parking & Wi-Fi.
Check availability
Upgrade
The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
Upscale harborfront resort with a relaxed restaurant & 4 bars, plus a posh spa & a private beach.
Compare the upgrade
4:00 PM
Last stop
Reserve dinner at The Obstinate Daughter.
For a no-sleepover trip, this should be a satisfying final stop: early dinner, late lunch, coffee, or a snack that sends everyone home happy.
Highlight
The trip’s main event
Viator
Light to Light Tour: Morris and Sullivan's Lighthouses, Citadel and Fort Moultrie
A Charleston-area tour featuring two lighthouses, the Citadel and Fort Moultrie.