Exploring the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point SC

It was over 30 years ago that I first visited the naval ships in Charleston, SC.  My grandfather, who had served in the Navy, took all of his grandkids when we were all very young.  I was about Payton’s age and really enjoyed our visit.  I remember the excitement and the awe of visiting the ships and thinking about the time he had spent on board during his younger days. When we began planning our visit to Charleston, I knew that I wanted to show Payton what my Grandfather had experienced during World War II. She has the utmost respect for our Veterans; and enjoyed learning about their experiences on the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point SC.

Disclaimer: Our visit to Patriots Point was hosted, however, as always, all opinions are my own.

Arriving at Patriots Point SC

There is a parking lot dedicated to those visiting Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, and costs $5 (flat fee). Once you get your tickets, stop to pose for a souvenir picture. We love family photos and always purchase a package to take home when visiting new places with cool backdrops. After your picture, proceed down the walkway to the USS Yorktown.  There are also volunteers to shuttle visitors over in motorized carts if you prefer not to walk / can’t walk over.  We chose to walk and take in the view of the ship and the numerous American flags that were waving proudly above us.

USS Yorktown Museum

The USS Yorktown was completely built in 14 months in the early 1940s.  Originally it was 872 feet long and weighed 27,000+ tons when it was first commissioned. Over the course of its service, it gained additional features which added to its weight and length.  It is now part of the Naval and Maritime Museum at Patriots Point.

Self-guided tours of the USS Yorktown

There are multiple self guided walking tours available that are included with your ticket price.  The map that you receive with your ticket gives you a brief overview of each one and directions as to where they begin.  Each tour is labeled and there are arrows painted on the floors and the walls to help guide you through the tour. You can choose to do one or all of them based on the amount of time you have available.  

The Galley

Here in the galley, we learned that they prepared meals for over 3,500 people everyday, four times a day! The ship’s cooks used about 120 tons of food every month!

The Bunks

We toured many areas in the living and working quarters of the ship.  I am claustrophobic so I could not imagine so many people living and working on this ship for months and years at a time.  Payton said it would not be a problem for her!  

One of the volunteers gave Payton an eye exam like the sailors and pilots would have done; explaining how they checked peripheral vision back then.  Every volunteer we met during our visit was helpful, friendly, and full of information.

Museum Exhibits

After touring the lower decks, we made our way up to the top floor that is still inside and just below the flight deck.  This level includes various WW II period aircraft, the Apollo 8, and the Medal of Honor Museum. A new addition, which we also enjoyed, is a space for temporary exhibitions. Payton loved being able to view and learn about each aircraft, but she especially loved being able to sit inside one!

Apollo 8

All 3 of us enjoyed the Apollo 8 experience.  You can actually climb inside and experience the action from blastoff to splashing back down in the ocean.  Here we learned that the USS Yorktown was on site to retrieve the astronauts from the ocean after returning to Earth.

The Medal of Honor Museum

The Medal of Honor Museum was very humbling and fascinating at the same time.  The sacrifices that these people made seems almost hard to imagine.   Their courage is truly incredible.  Inside the museum, each recipient was recognized in a time line fashion as to the conflict or war it was received from.  It was as if walking through history with some of the most courageous people to have ever lived.

The Flight Deck

The views from the flight deck are breathtaking.  Not just the views of the aircraft, but also the views of Charleston, the Arthur J Ravenel bridge, and the other ships and submarines onsite. I am still amazed that pilots (then and now) can land a plane on something this size that is rocking and swaying with the waves out in the ocean!

The Bridge

Don’t forget to explore the highest point on the USS Yorktown – the bridge. Try your hand at being the Commander of the ship. Payton climbed into the Commander’s chair and could see for miles.

USS Clamagore

While at Patriots Point, you can also tour the submarine USS Clamagore (pictured), and the USS Laffey (a Benson-class destroyer).  Your ticket includes both of these along with the USS Yorktown access. There is ongoing debate as to whether to restore the USS Clamagore or to sink her to become an artificial reef. Check the Patriots Point website for up to date information.

Educational Programs

There are so many things to do at Patriots Point including a Flight Academy, overnight camping programs, educational programs, and event rentals.  These programs would be amazing opportunities for school groups, field trips, youth groups, church groups, and more.  There are also ferries to Fort Sumter leaving from this area.

Visiting Charleston with kids? Don’t forget add the South Carolina Aquarium and The Hunley to your list of activities!

Exploring the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point SC

We truly enjoyed our time at Patriots Point SC, and exploring the USS Yorktown & Museum. Being a homeschool family, there is no better way to learn history than hands-on.  We recommend spending the whole day at Patriots Point, and discovering all the naval history that Charleston has to offer.

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