Fort Pulaski National Monument

Things To Do Near Fort Pulaski National Monument

Four trails of different lengths grace the island. Many local bird watchers come to the monument to watch waterfowl lay claim to a section of Cockspur Island. Fishing is allowed on the shores of the Savannah River on and around the beaches of the island; angling is also permitted on the Cockspur Island Bridge but only after the monument's hours of operation. Many guests spend extra time exploring the fort, its moat, and the tidal barriers. A 20-minute film, shown at the Fort Pulaski National Monument Visitor Center, explains the entire history of the fort and much of the area surrounding Savannah's port. 

Hiking Trails

• North Pier Trail

  The North Pier Trail is the shortest and most accessible of the paths on the island. It is an ADA-accessible pathway that travels past the North Pier — the access point where all the supplies were delivered to construct the fort — and Battery Hambright. Battery Hambright is an additional fortification built during the Spanish-American War. 

  Location

  Fort Pulaski parking area (Cockspur Island, 15 miles east of Savannah, GA.)

  Length

  0.6 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Historic Dike Trail

  The Historic Dike Trail takes visitors along parts of the dike constructed to control tidal influences. The barrier, essentially, blocked ocean tides from interfering with the construction of Fort Pulaski. The trail circles the fort and offers incredible views of the Savannah River and Cockspur Island.

  Location

  You can pick this trail up anywhere around Fort Pulaski, Cockspur Island, GA

  Length

  2.3 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Savannah Botanical Gardens

  Volunteers operate the Savannah Botanical Gardens to create a diverse biological environment in the heart of Savannah. The garden features both naturalistic and formal plantings reminiscent of the diverse culture that makes up the social fabric of Savannah. Other features include the historic Reinhard House, nature trails, an amphitheater, and a two-acre pond decorated with a vast array of water lilies. 

  Location

  1388 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406

• Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

  The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge covers 31,551 acres. It is an area preserved for migratory birds and other swamp wildlife. Though it is primitive, visitors use small boats, kayaks, and canoes to explore the hidden regions beneath heavy canopies.

  Location

  694 Beach Hill Lane, Hardeeville, SC 29927

Museums

• Wormsloe State Historic Site

  The Wormsloe State Historic Site is a living museum of plantation life before the Civil War. Covering 840 acres, the site features a breathtaking avenue protected by overhanging oaks and Spanish Moss. Visitors interact with interpretive experts to learn of the hardships experienced by the original colonists of Savannah, GA, and how the plantation system developed from its humble beginnings.

  Location

  7601 Skidway Road, Savannah, GA, 31406

• Georgia State Railroad Museum

  The Georgia State Railroad Museum displays the history and effect of the Georgia railroad system in the state's recovery after the devastation suffered during the Civil War.

  Location

  655 Louisville Road, Savannah, GA 31415

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Aleksandra's Gift Shop

  Aleksandra's Gift Shop specializes in personal items that reflect the personality of Savannah, GA. Calming coffee mugs, soy lotion candles with light scents, funny-phrased kitchen towels and couch pillows, and unique jewelry items are just a few of the things that grace the shelves of this store.

  Location

  205 West Broughton Road, Savannah, GA 31415

• Jere's Antiques

  Jere's Antiques is one of the most famous antique stores in the city. With over 33,000 square feet of area, the shop displays the finest in early British and Continental furniture, knick-knacks, and wall décor. The store curates all its wares to eliminate any knockoffs.

  Location

  9 North Jefferson Street, Savannah, GA 31401

• Cotton and Rye

  Cotton and Rye is a restaurant that believes in freshness. They grind their hamburger, hand-carve meats, fillet fish, and use only the freshest herbs and vegetables in their kitchen. Their spicy pork ragu uses traditional techniques accompanied by modern methods to create a smooth yet spicy meal.

  Location

  1801 Habersham Street, Savannah, GA 31401

• The Olde Pink House

  The Olde Pink House focuses on the presentation of old-fashioned Southern cooking with a modern twist. Some locals consider this restaurant to be a fine dining establishment. It is all in the presentation, but their meals, like the crispy fried lobster tail, are immersed in Southern ingredients such as bacon-buttermilk mashed potatoes and butter beans.

  Location

  23 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401

How To Get To Fort Pulaski National Monument

The Fort Pulaski National Monument attracts visitors from around the country. Many of these travelers come through Charleston, SC. To get to the fort from Charleston, get onto South Carolina Highway 61 (SC-61) and drive for 1.1 miles. Turn left to get onto South Carolina Highway 171 (SC-171) and go for 0.1 miles; turn right to access United States Highway 17 South (US-17 S). Drive US-17 S for 88.3 miles. At this point, the name of the road changes to United States Highway 17A South (US-17A S) or Speedway Boulevard. Drive for another 0.7 miles to enter Georgia. Go for 2 miles and turn right to access the Georgia Highway 25 Connection (GA-25 Conn). Keep straight for 1 mile until you reach Savannah. Once in Savannah, follow the signs to Fort Pulaski National Monument.

The Fort Pulaski National Monument is open year-round. There is a vast parking lot from which you can access the fort, Fort Pulaski National Monument Visitor Center, or any of the trails that run around the defense and across Cockspur Island.

Address

101 Fort Pulaski Road, Fort Pulaski Visitor Center, Savannah, GA 31410

Fee: Entry fee per day (ages 16+) $10.0

Fee: Entry fee per day (ages 15 and younger) $0

The Fort Pulaski National Monument includes a relic from the past, an ongoing ecological project that provides information essential to the present, and an expansive natural space that gives hope for the future. An RV trip to this monument leaves you with knowledge that lasts a lifetime.