Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Explore a legendary aircraft carrier, destroyer, and submarine, and step into history at this premier naval museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a legendary aircraft carrier, destroyer, and submarine, and step into history at this premier naval museum.
"A must-visit for history buffs, offering an incredible journey through America's naval past."
Wear Comfortable Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Lots of stairs and ladders on the ships. An elevator is available but small.
Allow 3-4 Hours :stopwatch:
You'll need ample time to explore the USS Yorktown and other exhibits thoroughly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier
Main attraction
Step aboard a legendary WWII aircraft carrier, explore its decks, and see historic aircraft.
Vietnam Experience
Onsite
An immersive 2.5-acre exhibit with trailers, hologram soldiers, and realistic war scenes.
USS Laffey Destroyer
Docked at museum
Tour a historic destroyer that survived intense WWII battles, offering a glimpse into naval combat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Prepare for Lots of Walking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Lots of stairs and ladders on the ships. An elevator is available but small.
Allow 3-4 Hours :stopwatch:
You'll need ample time to explore the USS Yorktown and other exhibits thoroughly.
Consider the Captain's Tour :star:
Many visitors rave about the Captain's Tour for an in-depth and entertaining experience.
Check for Dolphins! :dolphin:
Keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the harbor – a delightful bonus!
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Lots of stairs and ladders on the ships. An elevator is available but small.
Allow 3-4 Hours :stopwatch:
You'll need ample time to explore the USS Yorktown and other exhibits thoroughly.
Consider the Captain's Tour :star:
Many visitors rave about the Captain's Tour for an in-depth and entertaining experience.
Check for Dolphins! :dolphin:
Keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the harbor – a delightful bonus!
Interactive Exhibits for Kids :child:
The Medal of Honor exhibit and Vietnam Experience are engaging for younger visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Patriots Point for its impressive collection of historic naval vessels, particularly the USS Yorktown, and the immersive Vietnam Experience. Many highlight the educational value and the engaging nature of the exhibits for all ages. Some note the extensive stairs and ladders as a physical challenge, and parking can occasionally be an issue.
"We visited both the Yorktown and the fort Sumter exhibits during our 1-day visit. It is reasonable to visit both in the same day if you get an early start, like by 10am.
The ferry took us to Ft Sumpter and we stayed just about an hour there. At the fort there was no food drink or bathrooms, but the ferry had those on board. It was well worth the trip.
After returning, we took in the Yorktown. It was well worth worth the 3 hours that we spent on board. We did not do a guided tour but we were able to see all the placards and got a good sense of the ship. Just be aware that there are a lot of steps/ ladders involved, but I think if you're reasonably able to negotiate them you would have a good time."
Raymond Becker
"I had a great time exploring the U.S.S. Yorktown! I decided to add the Captain’s Tour to my tour experience and it was well worth it. My tour guide, Dan Bommarito, did a fantastic job making the tour entertaining, enlightening and all around more enjoyable for everyone in the group. As a marine, it was great to hear about the history of the ship from the perspective of a fellow Devil Dog. I look forward to taking my kids next time I go!"
Josh Salinas
"We visited Patriots Place on a Sunday, which happened to be Father's Day! I was expecting large crowds, but it's so big with so much to see that it didn't feel crowded at all.
The ship is amazing. There were lots of captain staircases involved. They do have an elevator if you can not do them. However, it is small.
In the Medal of Honor exhibit, there were a lot of interactive things for kids, like seeing how cold their metal cups would get overnight, seeing if you could do pull-ups and how heavy a rucksack felt.
Off the boat, we saw two dolphins playing in the water, which enhanced the trip. My favorite part was surely the Vietnam War experience. Make sure you follow the wooden boardwalk and go into all the trailers to watch the videos (even kids will like them, i promise). I loved the hologram soldiers and how the trailer vibrated during the realistic war scenes. Staff were all helpful and friendly.
They have plenty of bathrooms available on the main floor of the ship and some outside the gift shop. I was not prepared for the parking to be prepared, which I was a little disappointed by, but still a great trip nonetheless."
Kristin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Patriots Point is located at 40 Patriots Point Road in Mt. Pleasant, SC. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Many visitors also combine their trip with a ferry to Fort Sumter, which departs from the museum.
Yes, parking is available at the museum. Some visitors have noted it can get busy, so arriving early is recommended.
While specific public transport routes might vary, the most common way to reach Patriots Point is by car or as part of a tour that includes transportation. Check local Charleston transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
While the grounds are generally accessible, navigating the ships can be challenging due to stairs and ladders. An elevator is available on the USS Yorktown, but it is small.
The museum offers ferry services to Fort Sumter, making it a convenient option for a combined visit. The ferry also has amenities like food and restrooms.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Patriots Point website or at the museum's ticket counter. Booking online in advance is recommended to save time.
The museum is typically open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with the last admission at 4 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current hours, especially around holidays.
Admission prices vary for adults, seniors, and children. Combo tickets that include the ferry to Fort Sumter are also available and offer good value. Check the official website for current pricing.
Discounts may be available for military personnel, veterans, and sometimes through partnerships or special promotions. Keep an eye on their website or local deal sites for potential coupons.
Yes, general admission typically grants access to the USS Yorktown and other vessels. Special tours, like the Captain's Tour, may have separate fees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions include the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, the USS Laffey destroyer, the USS Clamagore submarine, and the immersive Vietnam Experience. You can also see numerous historic aircraft.
Most visitors spend about 3 hours exploring the USS Yorktown, but you could easily spend longer if you delve into every nook and cranny.
Absolutely! It's a highly immersive and educational exhibit with trailers, hologram soldiers, and realistic war scenes that many visitors find very impactful.
Yes, guided tours are available, including the popular Captain's Tour on the USS Yorktown, which many visitors highly recommend for its engaging and informative nature.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. Water bottles are also a good idea, though food and drinks are available for purchase.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are food and beverage options available on-site, including a cafe. The ferry to Fort Sumter also offers refreshments.
While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally best to check the museum's policy. However, given the availability of concessions, it's often easier to purchase food there.
Expect typical museum cafe fare, such as sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. The variety might be limited, so plan accordingly if you have specific dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout Patriots Point for personal use. It's a fantastic place for capturing historical and maritime imagery.
The flight deck of the USS Yorktown with its array of aircraft, the ship's unique architectural details, and the harbor views offer excellent photo opportunities.
Photography is permitted inside the ships, but be mindful of the lighting conditions and the historical nature of the exhibits. Flash photography might be restricted in certain areas.
Drones are typically not allowed within museum grounds or over historical vessels due to safety and preservation concerns. Always check the museum's specific policies before flying.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for general shots. For tighter spaces, a wider lens can be beneficial. Consider a camera with good low-light performance for interior shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as there's a lot of exploring to do, and the ships have many stairs. The museum does have an elevator on the Yorktown for those who need it. Packing snacks and water is a good idea, though concessions are available. Keep an eye out for dolphins in the harbor – a delightful bonus for kids!
History Buffs & Military Enthusiasts
The Vietnam Experience provides a powerful and immersive look into a significant period of American history, complemented by the Medal of Honor Museum. The collection of historic aircraft adds another layer to the naval aviation story. Consider booking a guided tour, like the Captain's Tour, for an even richer understanding of the vessels and their missions.
Budget Travelers
To save on food costs, consider packing your own snacks and water. While there are dining options on-site, bringing your own can help manage expenses. Prioritize which exhibits you want to see most if time is limited, though most visitors recommend dedicating at least 3-4 hours to fully appreciate the main attractions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the USS Yorktown
+1Navigating the Yorktown involves a significant amount of climbing stairs and ladders, which are characteristic of naval vessels. While an elevator is available for those with mobility issues, it's quite small. The museum provides placards throughout the ship to explain its various sections and historical significance. For a more in-depth experience, consider the Captain's Tour, which is highly recommended by many visitors for its engaging narrative and access to areas not typically open to the public.
Beyond the main decks, the USS Yorktown also houses the Medal of Honor Museum, which features interactive exhibits that can be particularly engaging for younger visitors. The ship's history is deeply intertwined with American military achievements, making it a powerful educational tool and a poignant memorial.
The Vietnam Experience
A significant highlight of the Vietnam Experience is its use of hologram soldiers and realistic war scenes that incorporate vibrating trailers to simulate combat. These elements create a powerful sensory impact, making the historical accounts feel more immediate and visceral. The exhibit is designed to be educational and engaging for all ages, offering insights into the challenges faced by soldiers and the impact of the war on American society.
Visitors are encouraged to take their time exploring all the trailers and watching the included videos to fully appreciate the depth of this exhibit. It serves as a solemn reminder of a pivotal period in American history and is often cited as a favorite part of the Patriots Point visit.
Naval Vessels and Aircraft
The museum also showcases a diverse collection of historic aircraft that once served aboard the USS Yorktown. These include various fighter jets, bombers, and helicopters, each with its own story and role in naval aviation history. Seeing these aircraft up close on the flight deck and in the hangar bay offers a powerful visual representation of the carrier's capabilities and the evolution of aerial combat.
Together, these vessels and aircraft create a comprehensive maritime museum experience, allowing visitors to understand the interconnectedness of different branches of naval power and the technological advancements that shaped modern warfare.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit