Patriots Point is one of the largest fleet museums in the world and is located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, just across the Cooper River from Charleston, South Carolina. Patriots Point SC houses Naval and Maritime ships, bombers and fighters from the most significant wars fought by the United States. For travelers interested in war memorabilia and vehicles, Patriots Point is a must-see attraction for trips through Charleston. Patriot Point SC is located about 12 miles from the Charleston International Airport; travelers should be able to make the drive in about 20 minutes.

Patriots Point Museum first opened in 1975 with the arrival of the USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier which made a trip through Charleston Harbor. The Yorktown stayed in port for multiple months in celebration of the birthday of the Navy and was opened to the public for viewing at this time. The popularity of the Yorktown convinced locals to keep the ship open as a permanent museum and since that time many more ships and jets have been added to the Patriot Point SC collection. Today, guests can tour more than 3 hours worth of naval and maritime vehicle exhibits.

The Medal of Honor Museum is one of the most popular exhibits at Patriots Point. Located on the USS Yorktown, the Medal of Honor Museum recognizes recipients of this rare medal through stories, pictures, artifacts and other memorabilia. The Medal of Honor was first introduced by President Lincoln toward the start of the Civil War in 1861. Other exhibits at Patriots Point SC focus on World War II fighter planes, memorabilia from the Korean War and much more.

South Carolina Map

In addition to touring the museum, many travelers choose to plan Patriots Point boat tours Charleston. Patriots Point boat tours Charleston offer service from Patriots Point to the nearby Fort Sumter National Monument a few times each day. This is an excellent option for planning a South Carolina day trip, as the service allows guests to enjoy a full day of historical museums. Boat tours cost around $12 for adults and $6 for children, and admission to Fort Sumter is free. Tour times change throughout the season, but in general a boat tour leaves once in the morning and once in the afternoon daily. Patriots Point boat tours are authorized by the National Park Service and are offered through the Fort Sumter Tours Company.

For guests who plan to stay and tour Charleston, there are some great Charleston hotels located close to Patriots Point. The Charleston Harbor Resort and the Belvidere Club and Resort are two of the most popular choices and are both located within walking distance of the museum. Patriots Point Museum is open daily from 9am until 5pm daily. Tickets can only be purchased at the Patriots Point ticket office during these hours. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 6-11. Children age 5 and under are free when they are accompanied by an adult. A gift shop is also located on site for visitors who want to take home some memorabilia of their own.