Fort Pulaski National Monument

Fort Pulaski National Monument is a national monument run by the National Park Service in Georgia.

In the park service’s words

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 (public domain).

Things to do

• Birdwatching at Fort Pulaski: Explore birdwatching opportunities at Fort Pulaski National Monument.
• Become a Fort Pulaski Jr. Ranger: Explore, Learn, and Protect by becoming a Junior Ranger.
• Explore Fort Pulaski: Step back in time by exploring the historic Fort Pulaski, the best-preserved fort of its kind.
• Visit Fort Pulaski's Visitor Center: The best place to start your visit to Fort Pulaski!
• Watch Fort Pulaski's Park Film (20 Minutes): Twenty-minute film that explores the history of Fort Pulaski from its construction through the end of the 20th century.
• Boating at Fort Pulaski: How to explore Fort Pulaski's waterways.
• Fishing at Fort Pulaski: Information about fishing in the waterways around Fort Pulaski National Monument.
• Biking at Fort Pulaski: Fort Pulaski features multiple trails great for bike riding.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: $10 per person. The America the Beautiful pass covers it.

Hours: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. 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.

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

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Fort Pulaski Visitor Center: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. While the Visitor Center is now open, the park film is not being shown. Please visit www.nps.gov/fopu to view the film online.

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Congaree, about 121 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Fort Pulaski National Monument (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.