Located just a short drive from the Savannah historic district, Fort Pulaski National Monument in Georgia is one of the best things to see in Savannah. Fort Pulaski NM offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore a pivotal site in American history during your Georgia road trip. Start your visit at the Fort Pulaski Visitor Center and head into the authentic Civil War fort. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a fascinating day trip on the way to Tybee Island, Fort Pulaski has something for everyone.
~~~> If you’re exploring as a Georgia native or a Georgia traveler, make sure you check out “Best of Georgia: Hidden Treasures and Local Favorites” to get detailed information about all my favorite Georgia destinations.
Is Fort Pulaski Worth Visiting?
Fort Pulaski National Monument offers a unique combination of history and nature, making it a perfect destination for visitors of all ages. Given the impressive size of Fort Pulaski and the 8-foot-deep water-filled moat, this fort will bring history alive to your kids for a perfect Georgia field trip. Walk on top of the fort’s historic walls, enjoy a peaceful hike through the surrounding marshlands, or participate in one of the park’s educational programs.
If you’re looking for things to do in Savannah, Georgia, Fort Pulaski provides a memorable experience that connects you to both the past and the present. Whether you’re here for nature or history or plain curiosity, this Savannah GA fort has something for all ages and interests. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t forget to grab a Junior Ranger booklet at the Fort Pulaski Visitor Center.
What is Fort Pulaski’s History?
Fort Pulaski was constructed in the early 19th century as part of a series of coastal fortifications to protect the United States from foreign invasion. Fort Pulaski is named after Casimir Pulaski, the Polish Revolutionary War hero. The fort was considered nearly impregnable due to its massive brick walls, which were up to 11 feet thick. This well-preserved Savannah fort played a significant role during the Civil War and today stands as a testament to military engineering, innovation, and resilience.
The Fort Pulaski battle was short but significant. Fort Pulaski’s claim to fame came during the Civil War when it became the site of a significant technological breakthrough. In April 1862, Union forces used rifled cannons (the pointed ammo spins through the air) to breach the fort’s walls, marking one of the first instances where such artillery was successfully employed in combat.
This Civil War event signaled the end of masonry fortifications as the dominant form of coastal defense. The breach, and the subsequent surrender of Confederate forces, was a turning point in military history, proving the effectiveness of new weaponry and tactics. It headed to ruin until the National Park Service brought it back to be the best fort near Savannah today.
Where is Fort Pulaski?
Fort Pulaski is located on the coast of Georgia, four hours east of Atlanta and fifteen minutes away from historic Savannah. It makes a great day trip away from the busy downtown Savannah visitor area. This Georgia fort’s marshland location was ideal for its purpose to protect the mouth of the Savannah River during the Civil War. If you’re driving to Tybee Island from Savannah, you will pass Fort Pulaski. Located off to the north side of the causeway, you can see the entrance next to the road.
~~~> Looking for a Savannah vacation rental near Fort Pulaski or a place to get out in coastal Georgia nature? Head only 20 minutes away to Skidaway Island State Park. This post has everything you need to know about Skidaway: what to do, where you can stay, and what to expect.
What To Do at Fort Pulaski
Only minutes away from downtown, Fort Pulaski is perfect if you’re looking for things to do in Savannah with kids. Today, visitors to Fort Pulaski can explore the fort’s well-preserved structures and learn about its history through engaging exhibits and guided tours. When done seeing the fort, make sure you leave time to see the beauty of the surrounding Cockspur Island. There’s something for every type of traveler.
Walk through History at Fort Pulaski
Walking through the fort, you’ll see the large, arched casemates, the remains of the Confederate barracks, and the historic moat that still surrounds the fort. One of the highlights is the massive drawbridge, which offers an impressive entryway into the fort.
The park rangers at Fort Pulaski are passionate about sharing the fort’s history and often conduct live demonstrations, including musket and cannon firings. These reenactments provide a vivid sense of what life was like for the soldiers stationed at the fort during the Civil War.
- Read and watch the video about the history of the fort at the Fort Pulaski Visitor Center. It shows every 30 minutes in the theater.
- Listen to a ranger talk about the history of the park. See the Fort Pulaski ranger schedule here.
- Get park maps and get your National Park passport stamped at the visitor center desk.
- Grab extra reading material at the store inside the fort.
- See the storage and living quarters in the walls of Fort Pulaski.
- Explore the “secret passages” – tunnels – in the grassy area in front. The kids will love this maze!
~~~> If you’re headed up the US East Coast, read up on “Ultimate Road Trip to Virginia: 7 Days in American History” to help plan your next family trip.
Enjoy Nature at Fort Pulaski
Beyond its historical significance, Fort Pulaski National Monument is also a haven for nature lovers. The fort is situated on Cockspur Island, which is surrounded by salt marshes and the Savannah River, providing a beautiful backdrop of coastal Georgia’s natural beauty. The park features several walking trails, including the popular Lighthouse Overlook Trail, which offers stunning views of the Cockspur Island Lighthouse and the surrounding waterways.
Birdwatchers will appreciate the diversity of species that can be spotted in the area, including herons, egrets, and ospreys. The park’s natural environment also supports a variety of other wildlife, making it an ideal spot for nature photography.
Bike, Kayak, and Fish Fort Pulaski
Fort Pulaski’s location on the Cockspur Island makes it perfect for nature lovers – and why locals get a year-long pass. Every time I visit the Georgia coast, I am reminded how much I love the marshland and coast. It’s such a unique area and so peaceful. Don’t rush over to the island.
Paddle out to the historic Cockspur Island Lighthouse. Use the boat ramp to launch your personal watercraft and see the fort from the water. Or try out your fishing license. Follow the old railroad line with a six-mile bike ride or hike.
Fort Pulaski FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Visit Fort Pulaski?
If you plan to visit Fort Pulaski, plan to stay a couple of hours. The Fort Pulaski Visitor Center is small compared to most history museums, but the history of the actual fort makes up for it. To explore some of the nature in the cooler months, it could be a half or full day adventure. With its inexpensive cost to enter, Fort Pulaski even makes a one hour rest stop on the road to Tybee Island.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Fort Pulaski?
A $10 entrance fee is required to enter Fort Pulaski which you will pay at the entrance before crossing over onto the island. Make sure you have a credit card as they don’t accept cash.
If you have a fourth grader, make sure you check out the Every Kid Outdoors site to sign up for a free National Pass for the year. If you have any upcoming road trips to other US National Parks, consider getting an America the Beautiful National Park pass for the year.
~~~> Hint hint. Now that you have the pass, check out my “Yellowstone to Texas Road Trip” post. It’s a perfect way to save a ton of money and see your national park bucket list.
Are there restrooms at Fort Pulaski?
There is a separate restroom facility outside the entrance to the Fort Pulaski Visitor Center. This is also a great place to fill up your water bottles for a hot Savannah summer day.
Is Fort Pulaski Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible?
Fort Pulaski is perfect for wheelchairs and strollers – even if you have a giant double stroller. With paved sidewalks leading up to the fort, you can get across without any difficulty. However, there are no elevators to get up to the top of the fort walls given it’s historic age, but there is plenty to do exploring the rooms located in the fort wall on the bottom floor.
Is Fort Pulaski Good for Kids?
With lots of open spaces, Fort Pulaski is a great place to allow kids to get out of downtown Savannah for an hour or to explore all day. The impressive size of the fort walls and the moat (complete with jumping fish!) and the cannons are everything your kids imagine when they think about castles and forts. Let history come alive here; Fort Pulaski is the perfect Georgia homeschool field trip.
If you’re looking for even more learning, check out the online Fort Pulaski Junior Ranger booklet if you want to do some learning ahead of the trip. You can always pick it up at the park if you forget. The grounds of the historical fort are wide open for exploring… and has cool tunnels that every kid will love to discover on their own.
What is Near Fort Pulaski?
Only minutes from islands and Savannah (which you can see from the fort), there are plenty of places to keep you occupied on your Savannah family vacation.
- Skidaway Island State Park (post) – If you’re looking for a Georgia State Park with cabins, RV spaces, or yurts, head here for everything you need to know.
- Tybee Island Beach
- Tybee Island Marine Center
- Savannah, Georgia
Thanks for stopping by my little corner! Here’s to your next adventure.
I’m Bobbie. As transplants from Texas, my family of six is on a mission to discover all of Georgia’s amazing places, experience amazing road trips across the United States, and create a homeschool life along the way.
Want to adventure like me? Reach out! I’d love to chat. Stop by my Instagram or Pinterest page to discover more of our adventures.
Want to work with me? I’d love to work with your destination and tourism board to help other family travelers see all you have to offer.
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