The USS Yorktown is an 888-foot (271-meter) aircraft carrier. The naval ship served in several wars, earning a host of battle stars. Today it lies in the water off Patriots Point in the Charleston Harbor and is open to the public as a memorial and museum.
The USS Yorktown was the tenth aircraft carrier to serve in the U.S. Navy. It was commissioned in 1943 and served in the Pacific Offensive. The ship was involved in heavy battles, including the sinking of enemy battleships and providing support to troops landing at Okinawa in Japan. During the Vietnam War it earned battle stars providing anti-submarine warfare support for faster carriers. One of the ship’s last missions was recovering the Apollo 8 astronauts and capsule from the ocean in 1968.
This historic ship was decommissioned in 1970 and towed to Patriot’s Point Maritime Museum at Charleston Harbor. Take a tour to learn about life aboard this vessel. The ship housed up to 3,500 naval personnel and 90 aircraft at a time. Walk along the flight deck, through engine rooms and officers’ quarters. You can even take a ride in a flight simulator.
There are two museums on board, including a shipyard with photographs and tools. The Medal of Honor Museum is a memorial to sailors and officers and the hangar deck houses vintage airplanes.
Two films were made aboard the Yorktown: the Academy Award–winning documentary The Fighting Lady, filmed in 1944, and the 1970 American-Japanese war movie Tora! Tora! Tora! See a screening of The Fighting Lady for free in the Yorktown's theater.
When you need a break and some refreshments, head to the chief petty officer’s mess hall and enjoy a hot meal. There are also two snack bars.
Patriot's Point plays host to a Guppy III submarine, the USS Clamagore, and the battleship USS Laffey, which provided support on D-Day for the landing at Normandy.
USS Yorktown is on the waterfront at Patriot’s Point, Mount Pleasant, about a 10-minute drive from downtown Charleston. Consider taking a water taxis to get there, as dolphins are sometimes seen in the harbor. Water taxis leave hourly from Wharfside Street in downtown Charleston. If you’re driving, expect a fee to park. Patriot’s Point is open daily, except on Christmas Day.
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Reviewed on Sep. 21, 2024
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Patriots Point
Learn about American military heroes, climb aboard the vessels in the harbor and sleep the night in the quarters of a ship.
South Carolina Aquarium
See an array of aquatic creatures, including an albino alligator, in underwater habitats ranging from salt marshes to coastal plains.
Liberty Square
Explore the great outdoors at Liberty Square, a lovely green space in Charleston. Visit the area's stunning cathedral or amble around its beautiful beaches.
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Marvel at the innovative design of this stylish eight-lane bridge that connects downtown to Mount Pleasant over the Cooper River.
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Explore the waterfront in Charleston with a trip to Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours.
Charleston City Market
Purchase food, jewelry and handicrafts in the market and learn about local tradition, the Civil War and slavery at its museum.
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