Sullivan Island (Station 18 Beach)
National Park Service
Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse
1815 Ion Avenue
Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
(843) 883-3123
The Charleston Light on Sullivan’s Island has guided mariners into the harbor since 1962. The unique lighthouse is part of the United States Coast Guard Historic District that includes historic buildings dating back to 1894 when the US Life Saving Service protected seafarers from dangers along the nation’s coastlines. The National Park Service now protects and preserves the historic district.
In 2008, the lighthouse changed ownership, and was transferred from the US Coast Guard to the National Park Service. The Coast Guard continues to check and maintain the light itself, but the National Park Service ensures that the light maintains standing, and keeps its place as a local structure of historical importance.
This short hike near the lighthouse starts at Station 18 street and uses the boardwalk and beach for a short hike. You can see the nearby lighthouse in the distance – although the lighthouse is fenced off and is not open to the public. You can, however, explore the surrounding beach and grounds during the day on this public beach.
- click to see a photo of the Sullivan Island Station 18 Beach: June 11, 2022
- click to read a trip report from our hike on the Station 18 Boardwalk/Beach (password required)
- click to see an area map of the Station 18 beach and the Sullivan’s Island lighthouse
- click to see another LAX trip to the Hyde Park Polo fields in June 2023
- click for another hike near Charleston at Sewell Mound in March 2006
- click to access the guidebook Best Hikes With Dogs Georgia And South Carolina which has other hikes in this area
- click for the guidebook Hiking South Carolina for more adventures in this State