Right in the middle of Charleston Harbor rests a massive aircraft carrier called the USS Yorktown, one which you and your kids are welcome to tour!
The USS Yorktown is flanked by other historical, climb-aboard gems like the USS Laffey Destroyer, as well as several aircraft, a Vietnam memorial exhibit, and a Medal of Honor Museum. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is like the game of Battleship, come to life.
What you’ll discover at this museum
On the USS Yorktown and other ships
My kids enjoyed tunneling through passageways, sitting at helms, and checking out the helicopters and awesome aircraft on the flight deck. These vessels served our nation in many wars including WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War before they were put on display and transformed into a must-see floating museum.
The USS Laffey Destroyer is also known as The Ship That Would Not Die – learn all about the amazing legacy while aboard the ship herself. The stories each of these ships will tell you are simply remarkable.
On Land: More to see
Out on dry land, you can find the Vietnam Experience Exhibit. A 3-acre immersion experience with simulations to give you an idea of what life was like during wartime. You can also tour the Medal of Honor Museum which honors the courage and tells the stories of brave American heroes.
Here’s our full story on the Vietnam Experience, we brought the kids and they had a great time learning history!
How long should we plan to spend at Patriots Point?
That depends on how much you want to see. If you’re short on time, pick one or two areas to explore. You can do that in two hours comofrotably. If you want to see everything at Patriots Point, plan to spend most of your day.
Plan a Visit to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
The museum currently operates from 10 am to 5 pm daily, with the ticket office closing at 4 pm.
40 Patriots Point Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Located near the base of the Ravenel Bridge.
843.884.2727
Visit the Patriot’s Point website for more details.
Admission cost: Tickets are $27 for adults, $16 for children ages 6 to 11, free kids under 6, Veterans/First Responders $21, Active/Retired Military & Seniors $19. Buy Patriot’s Point tickets online in advance.
Check out local tour books for the occasional coupon.
They also hold events, including fireworks on the 4th of July, Ghost Tours, Wings & Things, and more.
There is a gift shop, café, and a snack shack available to feed your crew.
Additional adventures include:
- Flying Circus Simulator ($10), VR Ride ($11), or bundle $19
- Scavenger Hunt ($3)
- Audio Tour (~$7.99)
- Captain’s Tour ($18)
- VIP Tour available for groups
Have you ever visited Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum?
This article was originally written by Jackie Vest and has been updated by the Kidding Around Team.
Looking for more fun in Charleston, SC? Here’s your entire Guide to Things to Do in Charleston!
