We walked about 15-20 minutes to Fort Sumter from our hotel near city market. The admission to the Fort cost $36 for 2 adults with departures at 11am or 230pm. They recommend advance ticket purchase but we were able to acquire tickets 20 minutes before departure. The visitor center has a detailed history of the Fort. A 3 level tour boat with indoor & outdoor seating brings you to the Fort in approximately 25 minutes. There are restrooms & a snackbar on board. The ride was very calm even with our drizzly cold weather. The history of the Fort was very interesting. We really enjoyed the Park Rangers synopsis once we arrived. An hour of time is given on the island to enjoy the structure. Incredible to imagine the beginning of the Civil war started here. On site their are many cannons, gift shop & a museum with some interesting facts & artifacts. The controversy surrounding the flag & that it survived is truly amazing. As an added bonus we were fortunate enough to see dolphins on our way to & from the monument.