National Monument · NPS · GA
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Photo: NPS Photo / Joel Cadoff, The Casemates of a Fort
Alerts and conditions
Information McQueen's Island Trail Closed Beginning August 3, 2026
The McQueen's Island Trail will close for a Chatham County restoration project beginning August 3, 2026.
Information Gorge Wall Preservation Closures Begin Fall 2026
Fort Pulaski's Gorge Wall interiors will undergo preservation work beginning September 2026. For your safety, follow signage and do not cross any barricades.
Information The North Shoreline is Closed
The shoreline is closed permanently for resource protection and visitor safety.
Overview
For much of the 19th century, masonry fortifications were the United States’ main defense against overseas enemies. However, during the Civil War, new technology proved its superiority over these forts. Using rifled cannons, the U.S. Army compelled the Confederate garrison inside Fort Pulaski to surrender. The siege was a landmark experiment in the history of military science and invention.
From the National Park Service
History
The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.
What to see and do
Activities
- Biking
- Boating
- Fishing
- Saltwater Fishing
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Hiking
- Living History
- Historic Weapons Demonstration
- Paddling
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
- Park Film
- Museum Exhibits
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store
Plan your visit
Hours
Fort Pulaski National Monument: Fort Pulaski National Monument is open year round from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm, except for New Years, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Days. Last entry into the park is at 4:30 pm. Historic Fort Pulaski is open 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 pm and the Visitor Center is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Historic Fort Pulaski: Historic Fort Pulaski is open from 9:00am to 4:30pm, every day.
Entrance Station: Last entry to the park is at 4:30pm.
Fees and passes
- Entrance - Per Person — $10.00
- Commercial Entrance - Per Person — $10.00
- Annual Entrance - Park — $35.00
The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at federal recreation lands across all four agencies.
Getting there
From Interstate I-95, take Exit 99 onto Interstate I-16 East (James L Gillis Memorial Hwy) for 7 miles. Take Exit 164A onto Interstate I-516 East toward US-80 East. Take Exit 3 (US-17 S/US-80 E) toward US-80 East. Turn left onto Ocean Highway, Ogeechee Rd (US-17 N, US-80 East). Bear right onto West Victory Drive (US-80 East). Continue on US-80 East for 13 miles. GPS Coordinates for Fort Pulaski National Monument: N32° 01.680 W080° 53.525
Visitor centers
Weather
Savannah has a humid sub tropical climate with over two hundred days of sunshine each year. Summers are typically hot, bright and humid with afternoon thunderstorms common. Temperatures often range from the lower 70s to the mid 90s F. Spring and autumn can be quite pleasant with temperatures ranging from the upper 50s into the 80s F. The winter months are usually dry. Temperatures can be cooler than one would expect, ranging from the upper 30s through the 60s F generally, though sudden cold snaps can occur.
Phone: (912) 219-4233
Whose lands these are
These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.
Photos
Pair it with
- Tybee National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 2 miles
- Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 10 miles
- Savannah National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 17 miles
- Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 18 miles
- Reconstruction Era National Historical Park NPS · 30 miles
- Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 34 miles