USS Yorktown CV-10 — Attraction in Mount Pleasant

Great museum on Patriots Point devoted to our military heritage. The star of the show is the USS Yorktown, a WW2 era aircraft carrier. The are guided, self paced, and audio tours available as well as helpful staff. You could literally spend an entire day here if you have the time and interest but at minimum I would devote 2-3 hours for your visit. The Yorktown visit allows you to access the flight deck, the deck below where the planes were stored, and below deck to the crew quarters and various support sites including one of the engine rooms. There are interactive exhibits and recreations of various day to day activities and plenty of history. There is also a Cold War museum inside the ship.

Also accessible is the USS Laffey, a WW2 era destroyer which was nearly sunk in action in the Pacific. There is an exhibit related to that event in the rear gun deck that is very interesting.

Finally, there is a large, land based, Vietnam Experience that shows various vehicles, airships and boats used in that conflict as well as a Medal of Honor museum.

Parking is $5 and entry fees are about $30 for an adult. There are discounts for military/veterans and military in uniform are free. I took a photo of the pricing but check the website and plan your visit ahead of time to make sure you get to see everything you are interested in.

Oh. If you have kids there is a scavenger hunt that will win them a free ice cream at Jeni's ice cream in town if they find all the answers. It will keep them motivated.

Last of all; the visit to the ships requires that you climb many steps and some are quite steep. Please consider that before paying...

TL;DR: The USS Yorktown (CV-10) at Patriots Point in Charleston is a must-visit. It offers an incredible mix of military history, personal stories of life aboard an aircraft carrier, and an impressive collection of aircraft spanning decades of U.S. naval aviation.

The USS Yorktown (CV-10) is one of Charleston, South Carolina’s must-visit attractions. As part of the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, it presents a rich history spanning multiple wars and decades of service.

What makes the Yorktown special is not only its historical significance but also the immersive look into daily life aboard an aircraft carrier—how sailors served, worked, and lived at sea.

Two highlights stand out:

Human History – Exhibits and preserved areas show what life was like for the men and women who served on the ship.

Aircraft Collection – The Yorktown houses an impressive array of U.S. Navy aircraft, showcasing the evolution of naval aviation. Visitors can see everything from historic jets like the F-4 Phantom, F-8 Crusader, F-14 Tomcat, A-4 Skyhawk, A-6 Intruder, A-7 Corsair II, S-2 Tracker, to more modern aircraft like the F/A-18 Hornet.

I spent six hours there and still didn’t get to see everything.

Overall, the USS Yorktown offers a perfect balance of human stories and technological history, making it an unforgettable stop for anyone...

The USS Yorktown CV-10 is a remarkable piece of American naval history that offers visitors a unique opportunity to step aboard a legendary aircraft carrier and experience life at sea. From the moment you set foot on the deck, you're surrounded by the sights and sounds of a bygone era, where courage and sacrifice were the hallmarks of daily life. For future visitors, I highly recommend taking advantage of the guided tours offered onboard. Knowledgeable docents provide fascinating insights into the ship's illustrious service history, from its pivotal role in World War II to its subsequent missions during the Cold War and beyond. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for the bravery of the sailors who served aboard this iconic vessel. One useful tip for next visitors is to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for lots of walking. The USS Yorktown is a massive ship with multiple decks to explore, including aircraft displays, exhibits, and interactive experiences. Be sure to also bring sunscreen and water, especially during the warmer months, as much of the tour is outdoors and can get hot. Overall, the USS Yorktown CV-10 offers a captivating and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a history buff, a military enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and memorable outing, this aircraft carrier has something to...