One of the many reasons why we love living in Charleston is because of the various activities that are available to do with our children. With my family homeschooling, we create bucket lists for field trips to take the kids on. When it comes to an attraction to do with the family, we all agree that Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum is a must-do. I made a list of the must-know things to make your trip to Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum a day to remember with your kids.
Location and Parking at Patriots Point
Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum is located by the Ravenel Bridge in Mount Pleasant. You can order tickets online or you can pay in person. Prior to entering the parking lot, you will be prompted to pay a parking fee. There is plenty of parking space, which is a bonus. Being so close to the Ravenel Bridge, you will have lots of opportunities to snag breathtaking photos of the bridge while there. Patriots Point has wonderful opportunities to take amazing photos.
What to Wear
I suggest if you are visiting during the summer months to dress lightly; we wore shorts and t-shirts. If you are visiting during the winter months, it can get a bit chilly especially when you are outside looking at the aircraft carriers, so I suggest wearing anything that has long sleeves and a jacket. We spent a total of two hours but could easily spend more time just walking around and exploring. So that being said, I advise wearing a good pair of sneakers or walking shoes during your visit.
Top Attractions to See
- My kids will hands down tell you that their favorite part of the museum is the guided tours on the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier (CV-10) that will eventually lead you to see the military aircraft.
- The kids get an immersive experience of what life was like during the war and get to see things up close.
- We loved walking through the Medal of Honor Museum to pay respect to those who have served and sacrificed for us and our country.
- They also offer the Vietnam Experience exhibit that shows what it was like during the Vietnam War. It really helped give my kids a deeper understanding of what took place.
After your tour of Patriots Point, make sure to head over to the gift shop towards the exit. The gift shop offers so many great books, shirts, and other amazing finds that may interest you or your kids.
Extra Information About Patriots Point
If you would like to have a guided tour, Patriots Point offers a tour called Captain’s Guided Tour which is an experience that you would need to book on their website in advance. You can also book an overnight stay called Operation Overnight, which offers a “Live Like a Sailor” program. Lastly, you can get your picture taken for purchase as a souvenir to take back home. This is always my kids’ favorite part, plus it is great for memories to look back on.
Restaurants Around the Area
There are plenty of wonderful restaurants around Patriots Point to make this into an all-day family fun event. If you are planning on going early, I suggest eating at Vicious Bisquit or Vintage Coffee Café. The Vintage Coffee Café is perfect if you have little ones in tow; they have an outdoor playground. Vintage Coffee Café also makes an amazing lavender iced coffee!
If you plan to eat lunch or dinner, our family loves Saltwater Cowboys located a few minutes away in Shem Creek. We love ordering their Trash Can Nachos.
I hope after reading this information it will give you a better idea of how to plan your day at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum! We hope you enjoy our tips on what to see while visiting as well. My family truly loves visiting this museum; it is one of our favorite places to take our kids.
If you have any other suggestions of your favorite things to see at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, please share them with us in the comments below!
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