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Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum: Our most recommended tours and activities

Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket and Ferry Ride

1. Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket and Ferry Ride

Enjoy a ferry ride to the grounds of Fort Sumter and explore the grounds at your own pace. Pass by the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and take in the sights of Charleston’s stately Rainbow Row and Battery homes. As you approach Fort Sumter, graceful sailboats and playful dolphins add to the photogenic scene. If you depart from Mt. Pleasant you will enjoy views of the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier from up-close, while tours embarking from downtown will see Aquarium Wharf as they depart and return. Arrive at The Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, which sits prominently at the mouth of the Charleston Harbor, a strategic location that was crucial to its defense.  While here, explore the grounds of Fort Sumter. Stand on the grounds where America’s deadliest war began at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. The first shots were fired here, igniting a conflict that saw more than 700,000 casualties. Experience the opening battle of the American Civil War and explore its origins with a National Park Ranger. Your approximate 1-hour visit to Fort Sumter allows ample time to explore well-preserved fort ruins and browse Museum Store souvenirs. A visit to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park provides a window into the life and trials of America’s heroes, from the Civil War to today’s modern conflicts. Learn about the events leading to the war from knowledgeable National Park Rangers who will relay stories of courageous heroes in action from the Civil War’s first battle. Walk in the steps of those who shaped this nation alongside a National Park Ranger. Then enjoy the beautiful views of the city as you ride the ferry back to Charleston.

Charleston: Historic City Highlights Guided Bus Tour

2. Charleston: Historic City Highlights Guided Bus Tour

The bus tour departs from Charleston Visitor’s Center where you’ll hop on board a deluxe, climate-controlled shuttle for a 90-minute tour of the city’s historical highlights. Accompanied by a knowledgeable, local guide, pass by 100 of Charleston’s most iconic sights of the past and present whilst listening to amazing tales and anecdotes about the city. On your tour, travel through some of the city’s most historic parts. Visit Charleston’s Historic Homes, The Battery Sea Wall, the Four Corners of Law, and Rainbow Row to name but a few. Other highlights of the tour include several historic churches, old markets, and picturesque neighborhoods.

Charleston: Historic City Tour and Harbor Cruise

3. Charleston: Historic City Tour and Harbor Cruise

Discover 300 years of Charleston history from land and sea with passionate licensed tour guides. Experience a 90-minute narrated tour of Charleston in a climate-controlled luxury coach and then head to the water for another perspective of the city from Charleston Harbor. Learn fascinating historical facts about Charleston while you cruise the gentle waves of her harbor. Knowledgeable and entertaining tour guides are licensed by the City of Charleston and are eager to share their knowledge with all guests aboard the cruise. Don't forget your camera as you will see all that the Holy City has to offer: Charleston's Historic Homes and Churches, the Old Market, Rainbow Row, Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, and incredible views from Charleston Harbor.

Charleston Harbor 2-Hour Speedboat Adventure

4. Charleston Harbor 2-Hour Speedboat Adventure

Take the wheel and become the captain of your very own speed boat with this one-of-a-kind adventure tour. Experience driving your own boat while taking in the views from the Charleston harbor. This fully narrated tour takes you 13 miles through the world-famous Charleston Harbor. See everything while listening to a highly trained and professional guide through a two-way communication system.   You will have a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Battery, USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier, Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge, the downtown Charleston skyline, Waterfront Park, South Carolina Aquarium, the cruise ship terminal and all the wildlife that call Charleston Harbor home.  This is a great adventure for all ages.

Charleston: Historic City and Southern Mansion Combo Tour

5. Charleston: Historic City and Southern Mansion Combo Tour

Take a journey through Charleston's 300 years of living history with passionate licensed tour guides. Experience the Old Market area and the historic homes and churches where generations of Charlestonians worked, lived, and worshipped. Step out of the air-conditioned minibus onto the famous Battery Seawall to admire the wonderful views. See and hear about Fort Sumter, the Harbor of History, and the Aircraft Carrier Yorktown at Patriots Point. Enjoy a tour through the elegant interior of a fully-restored historic home - Joseph Manigault House. Come and enjoy the beauty and hospitality of one of America's most historic cities.

Charleston: Patriot's Point Haunted USS Yorktown Tour

6. Charleston: Patriot's Point Haunted USS Yorktown Tour

Come aboard the USS Yorktown and hear the stories of the American heroes who lived, died, and are still rumored to be here today. Commissioned in 1943, the Fighting Lady was once manned by over 3,000 people and designed to fight off enemies all over the globe during WWII. Learn about the ultimate sacrifice and heroism of the people who once inhabited this ship.  This tour gives you exclusive nighttime access to areas of the ship that are usually closed to the public, including the flight deck after dark. Don't forget your camera, you never know who or what you might capture.

Charleston: City Tour and Museum Combo

7. Charleston: City Tour and Museum Combo

Feel the past come alive on this combination tour in Charleston. Ride in comfort on a climate-controlled coach and discover Charleston's 300 years of living history with passionate licensed tour guides. Follow your bus tour with a visit to the Charleston Museum, one of the oldest museums in the United States. On your bus tour, experience the Old Market area and admire the historic homes and churches where generations of Charlestonians worked, lived, and worshipped. See and hear about Fort Sumter, the Harbor of History, and the Aircraft Carrier Yorktown at Patriots Point. Make sure to take your camera as you will have the opportunity to stop at the famous Battery Seawall and enjoy the spectacular views. Keep your camera handy when you pass by the colorful houses on Rainbow Row, too. Finally, dive into the history of the Holy City at the Charleston Museum, which was opened to the public nearly 200 years ago. Explore the exhibitions that cover the American Civil War, the natural history in the area, and much, much more.

Mount Pleasant: Charleston Harbor E-Bike Tour

8. Mount Pleasant: Charleston Harbor E-Bike Tour

See Mount Pleasant's attractions and get to know its neighborhoods on this guided E-bike tour. Have a one-of-a-kind riding experience as you cycle through historic areas and along the Charleston Harbor. Meet your guide and have a quick demonstration of how to use your e-bike. Once ready, ride into the old village towards Pitt Street Bridge and check out Fort Sumter in the distance. Bike along Pitt Street to Shem Creek Park and pass restaurants, dockside bars, watersports, an active shrimp boat fleet, and regular dolphin sightings. Work your way toward the Ravenel Bridge. Cycle through quiet neighborhood streets and head directly to Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. From here, start the trip to the USS Yorktown Naval aircraft carrier along a connected walkway that includes meandering boardwalks and gravel pathways. Get a broadside view of USS Yorktown with its deck filled with fighter planes and sometimes helicopters that take off from this point. On your way back to the meeting point, pass by Patriots Point Cold War Submarine Memorial, a large submarine that has been buried inland to become a memorial to submariners.

Charleston: Private Sightseeing & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

9. Charleston: Private Sightseeing & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

Enjoy Charleston like a local with a privately guided sightseeing tour on a boat. Admire the stunning views of Waterfront Park, the iconic Ravenel Bridge, Patriots Point, the charming Shem Creek, the historic Fort Sumter, and secluded beaches that can only be accessed by boat. Keep your eyes peeled for those grinning, finned friends as you soak up all the scenery! Let's embark on the perfect boat for a one-of-a-kind Charleston adventure! With its optimal size and equipment, you'll be able to explore every nook and cranny of the city's stunning waterways. Let me, your captain, tailor your journey to fit your every whim and desire. The possibilities are endless. Experience Charleston in a way that is uniquely yours. Here are a few local favorites to choose from: - Savor a joyful dolphin tour, where you'll delight in the graceful movements and playful antics of these charming creatures. - For the adventurous, go fossil hunting and search for ancient treasures like shark teeth, antique bottles, and even the mighty Megalodon. - Treat yourself to a luxurious lunch on a private sandbar as you soak up the beauty of the surroundings. - Be swept away by breathtaking sunsets, and explore the charming Shem Creek, home to a fleet of shrimp boats and stunning scenery. - Hunt for sparkling sand dollars and, if time permits, visit the spellbinding Boneyard Beach on Capers Island. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable boat adventure. As your enthusiastic captain, I guarantee a tour filled with the charming beauty of Charleston on the water!

Other Sightseeing Options in Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

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What people are saying about Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 2,457 reviews

The ferry ride provided a great view of the harbour. The Fort, history and Ranger’s talk was incredibly informative and interesting. Highly recommended!

Bus driver/Tour guide was very knowledgeable. Provided a very through rendering of Charleston history.

Park Service Rangers were knowledgeable and made the history-learning fun and meaningful.

The tour was excellent. Lots of information was shared during the tour and well planned.

Very informative and interesting. Well worth the time.