Major city · United States
Sullivan's Island
Half a day to one full day: walk the wide beach, see Fort Moultrie and eat a burger at Poe's Tavern. Not a base — sleep in Charleston or Mount Pleasant.
Sullivan's Island is a quiet, low-commercial beach town 15 minutes from downtown Charleston. Its wide sand is good for walking and biking, but the water has no lifeguards and can be rough. The main draw is Fort Moultrie (Revolutionary and Civil War fort) and the Edgar Allan Poe library in a repurposed battery. Most visitors come for a half-day or a single night.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Jun–Aug (crowded, hot, rough surf)
- Airport
- CHS
- Nights
- 0–1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Sullivan's Island911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Sullivan's Island, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyVery safe town.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCHS Charleston International Airport (About 25 min by car; no direct public transport to the island.).
- Getting aroundCar or bike.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a cafécheck$4–6
- BeerDraft beer at Poe's Tavern$6–8
- Museum or sight ticketFort Moultrie entrycheck$10
- Budget bedHotel room in Mount Pleasant, a night, per roomUS$100
- Mid-range bedVacation rental (studio/1BR), a night, per roomUS$250
- High-end bedVacation rental (studio/1BR), a night, per roomUS$400
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$30 · Mid US$80 · High US$150
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CHS Charleston International Airport (About 25 min by car; no direct public transport to the island.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Feb
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Mar
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Apr
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
May
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jun
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Nov
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Dec
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jul (12 rain days), driest Oct (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Sullivan's Island: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Feb
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Mar
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Apr
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
May
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9 rd
Oct
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7 rd
Nov
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
7 rd
Dec
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car or bike. Free street parking along the beach road. No public transport on the island.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 15 min
Car, about 15 min
Historic district, markets, restaurants.
Door to door: 5 min
Car, about 5 min
More commercial beach with lifeguards and paid parking.
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
goDoor to door: 10 min
Car, about 10 min
Shopping, restaurants, Shem Creek boardwalk.
Door to door: 30 min
Car via Charleston, about 30 min
Surfing beach with a pier and bars.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Sullivan's Island
Very few hotels; most accommodation is vacation rentals. Book well ahead in summer.
Mount Pleasant
15 min drive, more hotels and motels; good fallback.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $30–60 excl. bed
- Mid
- $60–120 excl. bed
- High
- $120+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Vacation rental (studio/1BR)1 × 1 night × US$250 | US$250 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$80 | US$160 |
| Burger and beer at Poe's Tavern2 × US$25 | US$50 |
| Fort Moultrie entry2 × US$10 · check | US$20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$48 |
| Trip total≈ US$264 per person per day, bed included | US$528 |
check
2026 estimate in USD; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Burger at Poe's Tavern | $14–18 |
| Draft beer at Poe's Tavern | $6–8 |
| Coffee at a cafécheck | $4–6 |
| Fort Moultrie entrycheck | $10 |
| Parking on the island | Free (street) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No lifeguards: the surf can be dangerous, especially near the inlet.
- Dogs often run off-leash on the beach in the morning — check local leash rules.
- Very few shops or restaurants; bring water and snacks if you plan to stay all day.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Sullivan's IslandSullivan's Island
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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Take me to this addressTake me to this address
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
Embassies are in Washington, DC. Consulates in Atlanta or Charlotte may serve South Carolina.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- CHS → Sullivan's Island by taxi/rideshare: about $35–50, 25 min
- Sullivan's Island → downtown Charleston by taxi/rideshare: about $20–30, 15 min
Say or show
- Hello — Hello (hello)
- Thank you — Thank you (thank you)
- How much? — How much? (how much)
- Where is the beach? — Where is the beach? (where is the beach)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Sullivan's Island. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · avoid Jun–Aug (crowded, hot, rough surf) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Sullivan's Island
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