Yorktown
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Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

4.8
·7k reviews·Mount Pleasant, United States

Explore a legendary aircraft carrier, destroyer, and submarine, and step into history at this premier naval museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
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Yorktown

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a legendary aircraft carrier, destroyer, and submarine, and step into history at this premier naval museum.

4.8
(7k reviews)

"A must-visit for history buffs, offering an incredible journey through America's naval past."

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 7,475 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier

USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier

Main attraction

Step aboard a legendary WWII aircraft carrier, explore its decks, and see historic aircraft.

Vietnam Experience

Vietnam Experience

Onsite

An immersive 2.5-acre exhibit with trailers, hologram soldiers, and realistic war scenes.

USS Laffey Destroyer

USS Laffey Destroyer

Docked at museum

Tour a historic destroyer that survived intense WWII battles, offering a glimpse into naval combat.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tickets in Advance

While Patriots Point is vast, booking tickets online can save time, especially during peak seasons. Consider combo tickets if you plan to visit Fort Sumter too. Reddit

Prepare for Lots of Walking

Exploring the USS Yorktown and other vessels involves numerous stairs and ladders. Wear comfortable shoes! An elevator is available but small. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Father's Day
Why
Surprisingly not crowded, unique experience
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🗺️ Luogo e info utili 👇🏻 📍Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, a Charleston in South Carolina. E’ una destinazione imperdibile per gli appassionati di storia navale. Il museo offre una vasta gamma di attrazioni, tra cui la portaerei della Seconda Guerra Mondiale USS Yorktown, il cacciatorpediniere USS Laffey, l’esperienza del Vietnam, il Museo della Medal of Honor e molto altro.  🕰️ Orari ...
__giulia.gonella__
44 likes • 1.6K views

Wear Comfortable Shoes! :athletic_shoe:

Lots of stairs and ladders on the ships. An elevator is available but small. Reddit

Allow 3-4 Hours :stopwatch:

You'll need ample time to explore the USS Yorktown and other exhibits thoroughly. Reddit

Patriots Point - Naval & Maritime Museum. Home of the USS YORKTOWN aircraft carrier, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is South Carolina’s largest museum. Located along the Charleston harbor in Mt. Pleasant, SC, this one-of-a-kind museum includes three Navy vessels, 28 historic aircraft, and an immersive 2.5-acre Vietnam Experience that tells the story of the Vietnam War using advanced tech...
julianesquivel
53 likes • 1.3K views
⚓ Step aboard history at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Charleston, SC! 🇺🇸 From the legendary USS Yorktown to submarines and historic aircraft, this is a journey through America’s military past you don’t want to miss. ✈️ 👉 Add Patriots Point to your Charleston bucket list today! Who are you bringing with you? #USSYorktown #PatriotsPoint #CharlestonSC #ExploreCharleston #HistoricCharle...
travelwithaandv
0 likes • 335 views

Consider the Captain's Tour ⭐

Many visitors rave about the Captain's Tour for an in-depth and entertaining experience. Reddit

Check for Dolphins! 🐬

Keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the harbor – a delightful bonus! Reddit

Reposted from @mpeacockmedia ⚓️Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum (@patriots_point) 📍40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 📝 Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum serves as a national destination of excellence for the preservation and education of current and future generations about America’s history, traditions and values. Since opening in 1976, Patriots Point has become one of the...
southcarolinasbest
471 likes • 12.8K views

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. Reddit

Allow 3-4 Hours :stopwatch:

You'll need ample time to explore the USS Yorktown and other exhibits thoroughly. Reddit

Consider the Captain's Tour ⭐

Many visitors rave about the Captain's Tour for an in-depth and entertaining experience. Reddit

Check for Dolphins! 🐬

Keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the harbor – a delightful bonus! Reddit

Interactive Exhibits for Kids :child:

The Medal of Honor exhibit and Vietnam Experience are engaging for younger visitors. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(7k reviews)

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

USS Yorktown aircraft carrier
Immersive Vietnam Experience
Historic naval vessels

What People Dislike

Many stairs/ladders
Parking can be busy

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. InstagramReddit

Yes, parking is available at the museum. Some visitors have noted it can get busy, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Yes, general admission typically grants access to the USS Yorktown and other vessels. Special tours, like the Captain's Tour, may have separate fees. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokInstagram+1

Most visitors spend about 3 hours exploring the USS Yorktown, but you could easily spend longer if you delve into every nook and cranny. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a highly immersive and educational exhibit with trailers, hologram soldiers, and realistic war scenes that many visitors find very impactful. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are food and beverage options available on-site, including a cafe. The ferry to Fort Sumter also offers refreshments. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout Patriots Point for personal use. It's a fantastic place for capturing historical and maritime imagery. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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