You may be wondering, what is the aircraft carrier seen in the distant shoreline of Charleston, South Carolina? I know Steve was when we visited the low county. So of course, we had to check it out.
Steve’s Dad retired from the Navy and served in several wars. This made the sight of the Aircraft carrier of particular interest. To be honest, I went along only because it was of interest to him.
However, this historic naval museum turned out to be enjoyable to us both. Even I was surprised by how fun the tour and walking the decks of the carrier would be.
Located at 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is an impressive display of naval history.
Why I Recommend Patriots Point Naval Carrier & Maritime Museum in Charleston, South Carolina:
The highlight of the museum is the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, which served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam experience exhibit. It is now a museum ship and a National Historic Landmark.
The museum also features two other ships, the USS Laffey and the USS Clamagore, along with a variety of aircraft exhibits, including fighters, bombers, and helicopters. Fort Sumter can be seen in the distance and tours can be purchased from ticket booth.
Address: 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Cost of Entry:
Adults: $27
Seniors (62+): $19
Children (6-11): $16
Children under 6: Free
Hours:
Open daily from 9 am to 6:30 pm
Last admission at 5 pm
What to Explore at The United States Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum:
USS Yorktown (CV-10): The USS Yorktown aircraft carrier is the centerpiece of the museum. Visitors can tour the ship and see the living quarters, mess hall, engine room, and flight deck.
USS Laffey (DD-724): This destroyer was heavily damaged during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. It is now a museum ship and a National Historic Landmark.
USS Clamagore (SS-343): This submarine served in World War II and the Cold War. It is now a museum ship and a National Historic Landmark.
Aircraft exhibits: The museum has a variety of aircraft on display, including fighters, bombers, and helicopters.
Vietnam historical exhibit: This exhibit tells the story of the Vietnam War from the perspective of the American sailors who served there.
Medal of Honor wall: This wall honors the 46,000 American service members who have been awarded the Medal of Honor.
Tips for Visiting Patriots Point Naval Carrier & Maritime Museum:
The museum complex is very large, so wear comfortable shoes and expect lots of walking. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and plan enough time. I would allow 2-3 hours for most afternoon trips. If you have children, be sure to check out the Kids’ Cove, which has interactive exhibits and activities for children of all ages. The museum offers a variety of tours, including self-guided tours, group tours, and educational tours. The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, and educational programs.
Fun Things to Do in Mount Pleasant, SC:
Ravenel Bridge: Can’t-miss driving or walking over the iconic bridge offers stunning views of Charleston Harbor.
Waterfront Park: The waterfront park offers stunning views of Charleston Harbor. This is a great place to relax, have a picnic, or go for a walk.
The Old Village: Home to a charming historic district filled with charming shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Boone Hall Plantation: This historic plantation is home to a working farm, a museum, and a beautiful garden. Though this is a popular attraction for many, I found the tour underwhelming. The grounds are beautiful though and are still worth the visit.
Charles Towne Landing: This living history museum recreates the life of the early settlers of Charleston.
Shem Creek: My personal favorite and Shem Creek is also popular with the locals. Shem Creek offers waterside dining, bars, and breathtaking views.
If you’re interested in naval history or just looking for a fun and educational day trip, I highly recommend visiting the Patriots Point Naval Carrier & Maritime Museum in Charleston, South Carolina.
My Daughter and I recently took a Mother/Daughter vacation to Charleston, SC. If you are planning a girl’s weekend getaway, check out the highlights and lowlights of our vacation.
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