You can’t visit Charleston without seeing the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point. The naval and maritime museum is on Charleston Harbor, and the aircraft carrier offers self-guided tours and a Captain’s Tour, which is led by expert guides.
Exploring the USS Yorktown is a Must When in Charleston!
The USS Yorktown was commissioned in 1943 and fought battles in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. It was also the recovery ship for the Apollo 8 mission. The museum is an immersive experience guaranteed to make you feel thankful for those who served and reignite your love for America and those who served on our behalf.
When my oldest son was in elementary school, he and my husband spent the night on the aircraft carrier as part of a YMCA trip. I wasn’t sure if I had ever been there, so after moving to Charleston, I wanted to check it out. guaranteed to make you feel thankful for those who served and reignite your love for America and those who served on our behalf.
When you arrive at Patriots Point, you can pay for parking or park down the street if available and you don’t mind walking. After you get your tickets, like many museums, you can stop for a photo opportunity before you enter. The pictures are a little pricey, but the proceeds go to the USS Yorktown Foundation.
I love the flag-lined entrance. It feels significant and patriotic as you walk towards the ship with the flags waving in the breeze and the Charleston Harbor in front of you.
Start exploring the USS Yorktown with a stop at the information desk at the hangar bay, where you can talk to the volunteers and get any guidance you need. The self-guided tour is split up into different sections of the ship, which gives you the chance to see as much or as little as you have time to do on your visit. The tours are labeled with arrows on the floor so they are easy to follow and you don’t get lost. Which would be easy to do, considering the expansiveness of the ship.
Start exploring the USS Yorktown by walking through the area below deck, including the engine room, barracks, and the galley mess hall. It gives you a perspective of how tight those quarters really are.
Check out the Medal of Honor Museum for moving personal stories and artifacts. The Medal of Honor Museum pays tribute to those American heroes who received Medals of Honor and the stories that bring them to life. Learning about their sacrifices and bravery is a humbling experience.
I loved the ship’s library and could spend a lot more time there on a rainy day. It offers a unique view of what life was like onboard.
My favorite part of exploring the USS Yorktown is the flight deck, where you can see fighter jets, helicopters, and take in stunning views of Charleston Harbor. Then, tour the bridge and the captain’s quarters to see the control room. If you have time, visit the submarine and destroyer as well. The views from the flight deck are incredible. You can see the Ravenel Bridge and downtown Charleston.
The USS Lafely and the Vietnam Experience offers an immersive 3-D exhibit that simulates wartime.They also offer a Ghost Tour, a Scavenger Hunt, and a simulator ride. There is also a replica Apollo 8 capsule, where you can relive the first crewed spacecraft to orbit the moon. You can listen to the recordings of the actual radio communications from the mission.
This exhibit is a ‘do not miss’ for any history buff, or really any American. Exploring the USS Yorktown provides an appreciation for the men and women who served.
