Learn about American military heroes, climb aboard the vessels in the harbour and sleep the night in the quarters of a ship.
Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum is a fun institution with overnight camping and tours of ships. The site is ideal for kids. The museum contains many vessels and teaches children about the nation’s maritime history via intriguing displays and antics of the museum’s mascot, Scrappy the Canine Sailor.
Choose one of the tours for a comprehensive overview of the museum. Take along a personal audio player to cover the exhibits at your own pace. Venture behind the scenes with a guide on the VIP group tour. Camping is available in authentic ship berths. Bring your kids for packages that include lodging, meals and educational activities on the vessel.
Climb aboard the ships in the museum’s harbour. Notable vessels include the USS Laffey destroyer and the USS Clamagore submarine. Explore the Vietnam Experience Exhibit, which simulates life as part of the “Brown Water Navy” in the Vietnam War. Climb to the top of the observation tower and listen to the sounds of jet aircraft and helicopters flying overhead.
Peruse the photographs and military artifacts displayed in the Medal of Honour Museum. Learn about American heroes who have served and protected the United States.
Take the kids to see Scrappy the Canine Sailor, who is based on a real dog that lived on the USS Yorktown during World War II. Get souvenir photos with a military-themed background to remember your trip.
Purchase souvenirs, such as military memorabilia and clothes, from the site’s gift shop. Enjoy a meal at the Fighting Lady Café in the CPO Gallery or take the kids to the Sticky Fingers Snack Shack in Hangar Bay 3 and next to the Yorktown ship.
The museum opens daily from morning until late afternoon. There is an entrance fee with discounts for seniors and children. Toddlers enter for free.
Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum is on the eastern Mount Pleasant side of the Cooper River in Charleston. It is near the Charleston Harbour Resort and Marina and directly across the water from the South Carolina Aquarium. Pay a fee for the day to leave your car in the parking lot.
