Updated in October 2026, this Fort Pulaski National Monument guide covers ticket prices, opening hours, parking, transport, accessibility and what to see.
Fort Pulaski National Monument is a 19th-century brick coastal fort run by the National Park Service on Cockspur Island, east of Savannah, Georgia. Updated in October 2026: the park accepts card payments only, and the America the Beautiful annual pass has cost $250 for non-US residents since 1 January 2026.
Quick facts about Fort Pulaski National Monument
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Park grounds and Visitor Center 9am to 5pm daily. Historic fort 9am to 4:30pm daily. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. |
| Ticket prices | $10 per person for visitors aged 16 and over. Free for youth aged 15 and under. Annual Pass $35. Card payments only. |
| Address | 101 Fort Pulaski Road, Savannah, GA 31410 |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Car park near the Visitor Center. No scheduled public transport to the entrance. |
| Typical time needed | About 2 to 3 hours |
Fort Pulaski National Monument opening hours
Fort Pulaski National Monument is open daily from 9am to 5pm, but the historic fort itself closes at 4:30pm.
| Area | Opening hours (all year) |
|---|---|
| Park grounds, Visitor Center and restrooms | 9am to 5pm daily |
| Historic fort | 9am to 4:30pm daily |
The year-round hours are the same in every season, with no separate summer and winter times. The park is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The park has closed early on the day before Thanksgiving in past years. In 2023, the fort closed at 2:30pm and the grounds at 3pm. Check the park’s alerts page before travelling in late November or December.
5 great Savannah experiences to book
- 🚋 Take a trolley tour with a twist – the Savannah for Morons comedy tour.
- 🕯️ On a candlelit ghost tour, discover Savannah’s haunted history.
- 🌳 See the famous trees of Bonaventure Cemetery on a golf cart tour.
- 🐬 Head to Tybee Island on a day tour – with a dolphin cruise thrown in.
- 🍽️ Taste the flavours of the South on a food tour and historic pub crawl.
Fort Pulaski National Monument ticket prices
Entry to Fort Pulaski National Monument costs $10 per person for visitors aged 16 and over, and youth aged 15 and under enter free.
| Entrance pass | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Pass | $10 per person | Valid for seven consecutive days. Free for youth aged 15 and under. |
| Annual Pass | $35 | Covers the pass holder and three other adults for one year from the month of purchase. US citizens and residents only. |
| America the Beautiful Resident Annual Pass | $80 | Covers up to four adults at per-person fee sites such as this one. |
| America the Beautiful Non-Resident Annual Pass | $250 | Same coverage as the resident pass. |
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in October 2026.
The park does not accept cash, so bring a credit or debit card. Standard passes are only sold at the entrance station, and there is no advance reservation system. The remaining fee-free days in 2026 are 27 October (Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday) and 11 November (Veterans Day), for US citizens and residents. Seniors, military members, visitors with permanent disabilities and US fourth graders can get free or discounted America the Beautiful passes.
City passes: Fort Pulaski National Monument is not part of any city pass scheme, including the Savannah Tour Pass. That pass does include Old Fort Jackson, the Savannah History Museum, the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Webb Military Museum.
Why book the Savannah TourPass?
- 🚋 Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley: Includes a comprehensive sightseeing trolley tour, making it easy to navigate the city’s iconic historic squares and moss-draped streets at your own pace.
- 🏛️ 30+ Top Attractions: Gain access to Savannah’s premier sites, including historic house museums like the Andrew Low House and world-class art at the Telfair Academy.
- ⛴️ Savannah Riverboat Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the Savannah River to see the city’s historic waterfront and busy port from a unique perspective.
- 👻 Guided History & Ghost Tours: Choose from a variety of walking tours that explore the city’s deep history, beautiful architecture, and famous haunted legends.
- 💰 Exceptional Value: Save up to 40% or more on combined admission fees compared to purchasing individual tickets at the gate for each attraction.
How to get to Fort Pulaski National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument is on Cockspur Island, about 15 miles east of downtown Savannah on US Highway 80, and the easiest way to reach it is by car.
- From Savannah: Follow US-80 East (Victory Drive) for about 13 miles. The entrance is on the left, just after a turn in the highway. Allow 25 to 35 minutes.
- From Interstate 95: Take Exit 99 onto I-16 East, then I-516 East towards US-80 East.
- Satnav: Use 101 Fort Pulaski Road, Savannah, GA 31410. The coordinates are N32° 01.680, W080° 53.525.
- Driving distances: Charleston is 125 miles (2.5 hours), Jacksonville is 156 miles (3 hours) and Atlanta is 265 miles (4.5 hours).
There is no scheduled public transport to the entrance, so taxis or ride-share services are the alternative to driving.
Why book the Savannah Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour?
- 🚋 15 Strategic Stops: Explore Savannah’s Historic District at your own pace with a route that hits all the major landmarks, including Forsyth Park, City Market, and River Street.
- 🎤 Live Narrated History: Enjoy entertaining and educational stories from expert guides who bring the “Hostess City of the South” to life with tales of its architecture, history, and famous residents.
- 🕰️ Full Day of Exploration: With a single ticket, you can hop on and off as many times as you like, allowing you to spend more time at the shops, museums, and squares that interest you most.
- 🌳 Iconic Garden Squares: Get convenient access to many of Savannah’s 22 historic squares, known for their lush greenery, statues, and moss-draped live oaks.
- 🚌 Frequent Trolley Service: Relax knowing that trolleys run regularly throughout the day, so you’ll never have to wait long to continue your journey through one of America’s most beautiful cities.
Parking at Fort Pulaski National Monument
General parking at Fort Pulaski National Monument is in the car park near the Visitor Center, and there is no separate parking fee. A paved walkway leads from the Visitor Center and car park to the fort.
Parking for the McQueens Island Trail and for fishing is on the west side of the entrance station. Parking on grass or in front of the gate keypad is prohibited. The grounds close at 5pm.
How long to spend at Fort Pulaski National Monument
Most visitors need about two to three hours at Fort Pulaski National Monument to see the film, tour the fort and walk one short trail.
| Activity | Length |
|---|---|
| Park film | 20 minutes |
| Ranger programme | 20 to 45 minutes |
| North Pier Trail | Under 1 mile, out and back |
| Lighthouse Overlook Trail | 1.7 miles, out and back |
| Historic Dike System | 2-mile loop around the fort |
The fort closes at 4:30pm and the last film starts at 4:30pm. Arrive by early afternoon to fit in the film, the fort and a trail.
Accessibility at Fort Pulaski National Monument
Most of Fort Pulaski National Monument is accessible to wheelchair users, but the top level of the fort can only be reached by steep staircases. A paved walkway leads from the car park and Visitor Center to the fort, and the exhibit rooms and casemates have accessible ramps.
The Visitor Center has an entrance ramp and automatic doors, but the interior doors to the theatre are not automatic and swing outward. Closed captioning is available on video presentations. Service animals are permitted throughout the park, including the fort and trails. The North Pier Trail is paved and mostly flat to the start of the pier, where the surface is uneven sand and grass. Other trails are grass or crushed shell. Some ranger programmes may not be accessible, so ask at the Visitor Center desk.
What to see at Fort Pulaski National Monument
The Visitor Center has an information desk, exhibits and a theatre showing a 20-minute park film. The film plays on the hour and half hour from 9am, with the last showing at 4:30pm. Children can pick up Junior Ranger materials here.
The historic fort was built from 1829 and took 18 years to complete. The Battle of Fort Pulaski lasted about 30 hours, so much of the original structure remains. Visitors can explore the exhibit rooms and casemates, and the top level is reached by steep staircases.
Ranger programmes include talks inside the fort and guided walks lasting 20 to 45 minutes. The daily schedule is posted at the Visitor Center front desk, and offerings depend on staffing. The park also has an events calendar for scheduled talks and special events.
The North Pier Trail passes the remains of the fort’s construction village, Battery Hambright and the historic north pier. The Lighthouse Overlook Trail gives views of the Cockspur Island Lighthouse, which is closed to the public.
The Historic Dike System is a two-mile trail around the fort. It follows dikes designed by Lt Robert E. Lee to control tides and drainage during construction.
The McQueens Island Rails to Trails path is a six-mile packed-gravel route managed by Chatham County Parks and Recreation. It follows the old Tybee rail line. More than 200 bird species have been recorded in the park, and the north shoreline is permanently closed to visitors.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip category | Advice |
|---|---|
| Timing | The fort closes at 4:30pm and the last film starts at 4:30pm, so arrive by early afternoon to see both. |
| Crowds | There are no timed entry slots, and the park film runs every 30 minutes, so missing a showing means a short wait. |
| Layout | The Visitor Center is the first stop, and a paved walkway leads from there to the fort, with trail maps available at the Visitor Center and in the fort. |
| Entry process | Pay by card at the entrance station, as the park does not accept cash, and show any America the Beautiful Pass there. |
| On-site logistics | The only water inside the park is at the Visitor Center, and insect repellent is advisable because of ticks, gnats and mosquitoes. |
Frequently asked questions about Fort Pulaski National Monument
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Fort Pulaski National Monument suitable for children? | Yes. Youth aged 15 and under enter free, and the park runs a Junior Ranger programme from the Visitor Center. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Fort Pulaski National Monument? | No. There is no reservation system, and entrance passes are sold at the entrance station. |
| Is Fort Pulaski National Monument open on Sundays? | Yes. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, and the fort closes at 4:30pm. |
| Are dogs allowed at Fort Pulaski National Monument? | Leashed pets are allowed outdoors, including in the fort and on trails. Pets are not allowed in the Visitor Center or park store, and service animals are always welcome. |
| Does Fort Pulaski National Monument accept cash? | No. The park accepts credit and debit cards only. |
Things to do near Fort Pulaski National Monument
- Tybee Island Marine Science Center: A catch-and-release marine science centre on Tybee Island, just east of the fort, with live coastal animal exhibits that change over time.
- Old Fort Jackson: A restored 19th-century brick fort on the Savannah River, east of downtown Savannah, with cannon-firing demonstrations.
- Savannah History Museum: A museum inside the Savannah Visitor Information Center that covers the city’s history from 1733 and includes a steam locomotive.
- Georgia State Railroad Museum: A railway history complex with historic buildings and locomotives, just south of the Visitor Center.
- Webb Military Museum: A privately collected display of military uniforms and artefacts from the Civil War to the Cold War.
Alternative attractions to Fort Pulaski National Monument
- Fort Sumter ferry, Charleston: Fort Sumter National Monument is a Civil War fort in Charleston Harbor that visitors reach by ferry. Charleston is 125 miles, or 2.5 hours, from Fort Pulaski.
- Harbour Town Lighthouse, Hilton Head Island: A lighthouse at the Harbour Town yacht basin in Sea Pines, a short drive across the state line into South Carolina.
- Nathaniel Russell House Museum, Charleston: A historic house museum in downtown Charleston, South Carolina.
- Aiken-Rhett House Museum, Charleston: A second historic house museum in Charleston, South Carolina.
- Wormsloe State Historic Site, Savannah: The colonial estate of Noble Jones, with tabby ruins, a museum and a live oak avenue, on the Isle of Hope in Savannah.
More Georgia travel
Other Georgia travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- The best places to see manatees in Georgia.
- What you need to know before catching the St Mary’s to Cumberland Island ferry.
- Key information for visiting the Andrew Low House Museum in Savannah.
- Practical guide to visiting the Cathedral Basilica of St John the Baptist in Savannah.
- Learning about civil rights history at Atlanta’s Martin Luther King Jr sites.
