Best of · FORTRESS AND CITADEL TOURS IN THE USA
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 12 fortress and citadel tours in the USA worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Take a 30-minute narrated ferry from Liberty Square or Patriots Point to Fort Sumter. A National Park Service ranger gives an on-site overview, then you have about an hour to explore the ruins, museum, bookstore, and harbor views before sailing back.
“Very informative guides with even great book recommendations about the Civil War. Would do this again.”
Take a roundtrip ferry from Liberty Square or Patriot’s Point to Fort Sumter. A narrated harbor cruise leads to roughly one hour at the fort, where National Park Rangers explain the first battle of the Civil War. Expect city views, possible dolphins, and a compact but worthwhile visit.
“Was a bit skeptical about booking with a third party but liked skipping the add on fee charged by the regular company. Easy to book and changing it to a later day was easy.”
Walk Charleston’s historic core with Eric Lager, Ph.D., a history professor at The Citadel. In a group capped at 12, you’ll connect colonial Charleston, the Revolution, slavery, religion, architecture, and the Civil War while visiting 13 important sites over about three hours.
“This was a great experience, informative and fun. Eric really knew his stuff. Love the history of Charleston!”
Ride in an air-conditioned van with up to 14 people from downtown Sitka to Fortress of the Bear, the Alaska Raptor Center, Sitka National Historical Park, and a local pub stop. Guides such as Jim, Mike, Greg, and Syd add local stories, wildlife facts, and help with timing.
“Good driver and guide. Got us to where we needed to be on-time and was very joyful to be around. Appreciated.”
Join Eric Lager, a Citadel history professor with public-history experience, for a three-hour walk through Charleston’s historic district. Expect colonial, Revolutionary, Antebellum, and Civil War context, landmark architecture, old alleys, graveyards, and a group capped at 12 people.
“Eric was very interesting and knowledgeable. The group is limited to 12 people and lasts three hours. During that time, he tells a great deal of Charleston history in an engaging manner. Highly recommend.”
Drive a powerful two-person dune buggy through a working bamboo farm near Fort Meade. You’ll tackle bumps, mud, bugs, and enclosed trails at a guided pace, with helmet and goggles included. Drivers must be 16 or older, and Long and Treydon are among the guides.
“It was a great activity to do. People who guided my group was were very very professional and kind. I loved the experience. Shout out to Long and treydon.. they did a great job on guidence. Well worth experience”
Sail aboard the Elizabeth Grace from Portland to privately owned House Island. You’ll tour Fort Scammel with an English-speaking guide, hear about Portland Harbor, enjoy one alcoholic drink, and return by boat after two hours on the water and island.
“It was wonderful. We had seen Fort Knox the day before so we were rocking the fort fun!”
Take an evening Skunk Train from Fort Bragg to Glen Blair Bar, a train-only stop in the redwoods. Enjoy live music, firepits, games, heaters, cocktails, local beer, wine, coffee, sandwiches, and snacks before returning on an hourly train.
“It was a fun trial ride through the redwoods. The bar had jenga blocks, corn throws, marshmallow pits. They also had a singer, Johnny, who sang great sets. Restroom was nice and clean. Wine, coffee, sandwiches and chips were offered too at very reasonable prices. Would recommend for family and friends. Ps. Fur babies were allowed as well.”
Join Bay E-bikes for a small-group ride through Fort De Soto Park, starting at the boat ramps. Your guide, possibly Jordan, leads you along paved waterfront trails past beaches, ospreys, mangroves, and oak trees before a fort visit with views across Tampa Bay.
“Jordan was outstanding! He was very enthusiastic and made the ride very fun!”
Explore Sitka National Historical Park, hear about WWII defenses on Japonski Island, visit the Raptor Centre and Fortress of Bears, and spot wildlife with an English-speaking guide. Groups are capped at 10, with ship pickup and return timed to your port call.
“They never showed up. Very big disappointment. Never responded to emails or anything. Not good for your company to have this provider as it leaves a very bad image to have such a provider.”
Take the wheel of a modern Slingshot for a one-hour private ride around Aventura, Sunny Isles, Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale, or Hollywood. You get a safety orientation, a two-person vehicle, optional pickup, and a $150 refundable deposit. Bring sunscreen and expect open-air driving, music, and plenty of sun.
“Driving and riding the Slingshot was so much fun! We truly enjoyed our 4-hour experience: this beast is born for places like Florida. Don’t forget to use a sunscreen or cover your skin if rented during the daytime.”
Leave your Anaheim hotel at 11 a.m., shop more than 130 Citadel Outlets stores, use luggage storage and the VIP Lounge if selected, then ride an air-conditioned van to LAX. The package suits late flights, with discounts, snacks, Wi-Fi, and optional gift-card perks.
“The citadel outlets are good value, the VIP room was certainly worth it to relax in and sort our luggage and we did plenty of shopping. The van that picked us up in the morning was early and we had to rush to leave our hotel room. On the way to the outlets we requested an earlier pickup in the early evening-we wanted an hour earlier to allow plenty of time for our international flight. This was not available at the time that the driver requested, but the company said to ring later and they'd see if a van could do an earlier pickup. Throughout the afternoon phone calls were…”
Pick a great one, a way in, or a shape of castle.
