Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum Tours

Located in the beautiful Charleston Harbor, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is one of Charleston’s most popular museums for hands-on learning. Climb aboard the USS Yorktown (an aircraft carrier), the USS Laffey (a destroyer), and the USS Clamagore (a submarine) as you learn about American naval and maritime history first-hand.

The Basics

The USS Yorktown is the star attraction of Patriots Point. This aircraft carrier saw action during World War II and the Vietnam War, and today it houses detailed exhibits about naval maritime history, an Apollo 8 capsule with real audio and video footage from the spacecraft launch, and 25 naval aircrafts such as an F-14 Tomcat and A-7 Corsair, all available for viewing. Adjacent, you can climb aboard the USS Laffey to explore the most decorated surviving WWII-era US destroyer, and go below deck on the USS Clamagore, the only Cold War GUPPY III submarine preserved in the United States.

Additional exhibits include the Vietnam Experience Exhibit, an immersive exhibit that uses holograms to simulate life on a naval support base during the war, and the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum, housed inside the USS Yorktown.

Things to Know Before You Go

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is a must for history buffs, especially those interested in the military and WWII. This kid-friendly venue is a hit with families, too.
Plan to spend roughly four hours exploring the museum.
A lunch café and snack shack are available on-site.
Self-guided audio tours are available for an additional fee.
The USS Yorktown is the museum’s only wheelchair-accessible vessel.

How to Get There

Patriots Point is located in the Mount Pleasant side of the Charleston Harbor, just a 5-minute drive from downtown at the base of the Ravenel Bridge. Paid on-site parking is available, or you can take a water taxi across the harbor.

When to Get There

The maritime center is open daily from 9am to 6:30pm with limited hours on holidays. Because this is a popular attraction, plan to arrive early.

Patriots Point Tours and Experiences

If you’re looking for a tour that goes beyond the typical museum visit, try a USS Yorktown ghost tour that includes access to restricted parts of the ship, a fly-in helicopter tour, or a USS Yorktown sleepover. You can also use Patriots Point as a starting location for tours of Fort Sumter.

40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant 29464, USA

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5 Tours and Activities to Experience Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

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Afternoon Schooner Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

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Get out on the waters of Charleston Harbor during this cruise aboard an 84-foot-tall (25-meter) classic tall ship. As the crew hoists the sails of the schooner, you'll glide past some of the city's historical sights and watch for dolphins in the water. Drinks are available for purchase on board. Select a departure time when booking.

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2 hours
Taking safety measures

From

US$50.88

From

US$50.88

Taking safety measures

90 Minute Private Vacation Photography Session with Photographer in Charleston

Flytographer 90 Minute Vacation Photoshoot Connect with a local professional photographer in Charleston and capture your most memorable moments during this private photoshoot. Get insider tips on the best things to do in Charleston, including where to eat and what to see from your vacation photographer. Return from your trip with beautiful, high-quality, vacation photos. The best souvenir ever.

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1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation

From

US$566.67

per group

From

US$566.67

per group

Private Sunset Cruise

We offer a Private Sunset Cruise for up to 20 passengers. You and your family or friends enjoy being on the water with a Licenced Captain and Crew to attend to your needs. We provide unique local knowledge of Charleston Harbor. You play the music you want. Bring anything you would like to eat or drink. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a beautiful Charleston Sunset.

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2 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation

From

US$769.24

per group

From

US$769.24

per group

Charleston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise with Live Narration

The "Holy City" skyline is on full display with this scenic Charleston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise. Sail past notable American landmarks, such as Fort Sumter, the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, The Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, Castle Pinckney and other sites from the past and present. You will hear enthralling tales of the city’s colorful past as well as scintillating facts about her most-interesting former citizens. Sit back and relax while a Licensed Charleston City Guide shares stories from Charleston’s historical sights, including some listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Great photo opportunities and a fresh sea breeze round out this pleasant and informative Charleston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise.

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1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
Taking safety measures

From

US$30.00

From

US$30.00

Taking safety measures

Fort Sumter Admission Ticket & Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry Shuttle

Visit historic Fort Sumter in Charleston, the site of the battle which signified the start of the American Civil War. This tour is provided by the only operator within the city that includes both round trip ferry service in addition to entry into Fort Sumter. Enjoy a scenic 30-minute cruise each way along Charleston Harbor from two convenient departure locations, Liberty Square and Patriots Point. On the way, view top Charleston sites such as Rainbow Row and the Battery from your ferry. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by National Park Rangers who will relay stories of America's deadliest war before your 1-hour self-guided tour of Fort Sumter National Monument. Make sure to leave time for a stop at the museum and souvenir shop before making your way back to Charleston or Mt. Pleasant.

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