Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

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.

Ways to explore

The USS Yorktown is the star attraction of Patriots Point, housing history exhibits, a real Apollo 8 capsule, and more than a dozen naval aircraft. Adjacent, climb aboard the USS Laffey—the most decorated surviving World War II-era US destroyer—before visiting the Vietnam Experience Exhibit and Medal of Honor Museum.

Prebook a self-guided audio tour to breeze through the museum at your own pace, or upgrade your admission to include expert-led tours of the Captain’s Quarters or an after-hours ghost tour. You can also use Patriots Point as a starting location for sunset cruises or tours of Fort Sumter.

Accessibility

Most of the museum is wheelchair accessible, but access to the USS Laffey and parts of the USS Yorktown is limited by stairs. Complimentary wheelchairs are available to borrow.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, snacks, sunscreen

What to wear

Dress for the weather, as many of the ships aren’t climate-controlled. Closed-toed shoes are recommended for steep staircases.

Not allowed

Smoking outside of designated areas, eating or drinking on board the ships

Amenities

Restrooms, Wi-Fi, café

Address 

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is located on the Mount Pleasant side of the Charleston Harbor, about a 12-minute drive from downtown. It’s an easy trip by car or water taxi.

Driving

If you’re traveling from downtown Charleston, take US 17 east across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Patriots Point is located just on the other side, and paid on-site parking is available.

Public transportation

The Charleston Water Taxi runs seasonal routes to Patriots Point; you can pick it up at Waterfront Park or the Charleston Maritime Center. Traveling by bus is not recommended, as there are no direct lines from Charleston.

Best times to visit

The museum is open daily, typically from 10am to 5pm, with limited hours on holidays. Plan to arrive early and head straight to the USS Yorktown to maximize your time.

Best days to visit

Plan your visit to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum midweek to avoid bigger weekend crowds.

Best months to visit

Because Patriots Point has indoor and outdoor attractions, visit in the spring or fall for mild weather—ideal for picnicking near the pier after your tour.

Special events

The museum regularly hosts special events, from fitness classes to holiday celebrations, but is most exciting around the Fourth of July, when it puts on a fireworks display over the Charleston Harbor.