Take a Trip to See Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, SC

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!

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.

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 comfortably. 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 Patriots Point website for more details.

Admission cost (starts at): Adults (ages 13–61) $28, Children (ages 6–12) $23, Seniors (ages 62+) $25, Military (with ID) $22, SC First Responders & SC Teachers $23. Children 5 and under and active-duty military in uniform are free. Gate prices are $2 more per person. Buy Patriots 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, 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)
• Captain’s Tour ($20)
• Admiral’s Tour ($40/person, ages 12+) — Patriots Point’s most exclusive 90-minute experience aboard the USS Yorktown

Frequently Asked Questions About Patriots Point

How much does Patriots Point cost?

Online admission: Adults (13–61) $28, Children (6–12) $23, Seniors (62+) $25, Military (with ID) $22, SC First Responders & SC Teachers $23. Children 5 and under and active-duty military in uniform are free. Buying online saves $2 per person vs. gate prices.

What are Patriots Point’s hours?

The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. The ticket office closes at 4 pm, so plan to arrive with time to explore.

How long should we plan to spend at Patriots Point?

Plan at least two hours to cover the highlights. To see everything — the USS Yorktown, USS Laffey, Vietnam Experience, Medal of Honor Museum, and add-on experiences — budget most of a day.

Where is Patriots Point located?

Patriots Point is at 40 Patriots Point Road in Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, near the base of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, overlooking Charleston Harbor.

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.