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Sightseeing

USS Yorktown

📍 Charleston · USA
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4.4/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Introduction

The USS Yorktown is an Essex-class aircraft carrier moored at Patriots Point in Charleston, South Carolina. Commissioned in 1943, she served in major Pacific Theater campaigns during World War II and later in the Vietnam War, earning a distinguished combat record. Decommissioned and permanently berthed in Charleston Harbor in 1975 as a museum ship, she forms the Patriots Point Naval Maritime Museum alongside the destroyer USS Laffey and the submarine USS Clamagore. Visitors can explore the flight deck, bridge, hangar bay, and crew living spaces to learn about US naval aviation and maritime warfare history, making it one of Charleston's most popular historic attractions.

Highlights

1
Essex-Class Carrier
WWII distinguished carrier commissioned in 1943
2
Flight Deck and Bridge
Explore the flight deck and command bridge
3
Hangar and Aircraft
Hangar bay displays historic carrier aircraft
4
Crew Spaces
Experience sailors' daily living quarters
5
Patriots Point Complex
Combine with destroyer and submarine museums

🛈 Practical Info

HoursDaily 9:00 AM-6:30 PM, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
AdmissionAdults about $29, children about $18
Duration2-3 hours
Address40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
TransportAcross the bridge to Mount Pleasant

💡 Tips

Wear sturdy shoes; interior passages are narrow and steep
Start on the flight deck and work down to lower levels
Combine with USS Laffey destroyer and submarine
The Medal of Honor Museum aboard is worth extra time
Bring water in summer as the ship interior gets hot

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting USS Yorktown?

Wear sturdy shoes; interior passages are narrow and steep Start on the flight deck and work down to lower levels