Right in the middle of Charleston Harbor rests a massive aircraft carrier called the USS Yorktown, one in which you and your kids are welcome to tour and even sleep aboard! The USS Yorktown is flanked by other historical, climb-aboard gems like the USS Laffey Destroyer, the USS Clamagore Submarine, as well as several aircraft, a Vietnam memorial exhibit, and a Medal of Honor Museum. Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum is like the game of Battleship, come to life.
See our Charleston page for even more suggestions of things to do and places to eat in Charleston, SC. We even have a 2-3 day itinerary for Charleston, SC!
What you’ll discover at this museum
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.
Out on dry land, you can find the Vietnam Experience Exhibit. A 2.5-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.
Plan a Visit to Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Open every day of the week 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
40 Patriots Point Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Located near the base of the Ravenel Bridge.
(843) 884-2727
Visit the website for more details.
Check out local tour books for the occasional coupon.
They also hold events, including fireworks on the 4th of July!
Plan to spend 2-4 hours here depending on your kids.
There is a gift shop, café, and a snack shack available to feed your crew.
Have you ever visited Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum?
Jackie Vest is a writer and at-home-mom of two energetic little boys. She enjoys adventuring around the beautiful Upstate, the hilarity of kiddo-raising, outdoor fitness with friends, and her Favorite 5 C’s: cooking, crafting, camping, coffee, and chocolate. You can connect with her via her blog at: JackieVest.com.
