Though only three miles, the island is home to many historical homes that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include Fort Moultrie, Battery Gadsden, Battery Thomson, Atlanticville, Moultrieville, U.S. Coast Guard District, and the Historic District.
The town is historically known for its wartime past. This includes famous Fort Moultrie, a focal point during the American Revolution. Gunfire by the British forces could not penetrate the sand-filled palmetto logs that constructed the fort. Because of its resiliency, the Palmetto Tree was placed on the state’s flag and has become a signature of South Carolina pride.
Today, Sullivan's Island is a popular day destination because of its wide beaches, sand bars, and pristine coastline. Local seafood restaurants, a convenient store, and friendly pubs are located just off the Ben Sawyer Bridge, a drawbridge that connects the island to nearby Mount Pleasant. Sullivan's can also be accessed via Isle of Palms, another Charleston barrier Island. Residents appreciate the close proximity to downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant Town Center, Gold Bug Island, and a host of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. However, many residents prefer to walk to Dunleavy’s Pub, Poe’s Tavern, Mex 1, Home Team BBQ, or The Obstinate Daughter for food and libations. Families are pleased to send their children to the esteemed Sullivan's Island Elementary School, a public school that is located just one block from the beach. With views of the Atlantic Ocean and with hands on classes taught on the beach, the school is a partial magnet for math, science, and coastal environment. Parents appreciate the safe, small town and enjoy sending their children off to school by foot or bike. Next door to the school is Edgar Allen Poe’s Library, a public library that is hidden underground in Battery Gadsden, a four gun battery from the Spanish-American War. After finishing 5th grade, students transition to Laing Middle School of Science and Technology, a brand new school in Mt. Pleasant that features kinesthetic classrooms and computer-based courses. Students then graduate to Wando High School, a nationally ranked high school located in the northern region of Mt. Pleasant.