Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum — Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Discover Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in South Carolina

Located on Charleston Harbor in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum offers visitors an immersive look into U.S. naval history aboard real historic military vessels. This self-guided experience allows guests to explore aircraft carriers, destroyers, submarines, and naval aircraft while learning how maritime technology, shipbuilding, and military operations shaped modern history.

Why it’s special:
This is not a factory tour—it’s one of the largest naval museums in the world. Visitors can walk the decks of a legendary aircraft carrier, step inside operational warships, and explore aircraft and exhibits that bring naval engineering, aviation, and life at sea into sharp focus.

History/Story of Patriots Point

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum opened in 1976 and is anchored by the USS Yorktown (CV-10), a World War II–era aircraft carrier that served in multiple major conflicts. Over time, the museum expanded to include additional ships, aircraft, and exhibits honoring military service members and exploring naval innovation, aviation history, and Cold War technology.

What You’ll See & Do at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

• Explore the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, including flight deck and engine rooms

• Tour historic naval vessels such as a destroyer and submarine

• View military aircraft in the Naval Aviation Museum

• Learn about shipboard life, navigation, and naval engineering

• Visit memorials honoring service members and Medal of Honor recipients

Hands-On Elements: Interactive exhibits and walk-through ship exploration
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed throughout museum grounds
Souvenirs & Extras: Museum gift shop with books, apparel, and naval-themed merchandise

Pricing at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Museum admission requires paid entry.
Pricing varies by age group and ticket type.

Visiting information

Duration: 2–4 hours (self-paced visit)
Format: Self-guided ship tours and museum exhibits
Schedule & Seasonality: Open year-round
Audience: Families, history enthusiasts, military history fans, tourists
Accessibility: Partially accessible; ships include steep ladders and narrow passageways
Safety & Restrictions: Closed-toe shoes recommended; strollers limited on ships
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Group and school programs available with advance booking
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable walking shoes; weather-appropriate clothing
Facilities: Restrooms, café, gift shop, parking
Closures & Downtime: Closed select holidays and during special events
Working hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (last admission typically 1.5–2 hours before closing)

Nearby

• USS Yorktown Vietnam Experience Exhibit

• Charleston Harbor waterfront

• Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

FAQs About Visiting Patriots Point

Is this a working naval base?
No. Patriots Point is a museum featuring preserved historic naval vessels.

Can I go inside the ships?
Yes. Visitors can explore multiple decks and compartments on select ships.

Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes, though some ship areas require close supervision.

How long should I plan to visit?
Most visitors spend between two and four hours on site.

Are guided tours available?
Most experiences are self-guided, with occasional guided programs and special exhibits.