Spend the Day at Patriots Point, End the Night on Shem Creek

Looking for things to do in Charleston, SC? You can’t go wrong with a stop in Mount Pleasant. From boutique shops and waterfront bars to some of the best restaurants in Charleston, our slice of coastal paradise has something for everyone — especially history buffs. Located just minutes from Saltwater Cowboys on Shem Creek, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is a must-see for fans of military and American history.

Step Aboard and Explore

Visible from the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, Patriots Point’s nearly 1,000,000 square-foot museum is a prime destination for history and adventure. 

The museum features hands-on educational experiences across several retired combat vessels, each with its own rich history.

USS Yorktown (CV-10): This Essex-class carrier was the tenth aircraft carrier (ever!) to serve in the U.S. Navy. Known as the famous “Fighting Lady,” the USS Yorktown received honors and battle stars for its service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. It also served in Vietnam and was the ship that recovered the Apollo 8 astronauts. This ship has served as the museum’s historic centerpiece since 1975.

Included with admission:

  • The Medal of Honor Museum

  • USS Yorktown Ship Library

  • Engine Room Experience

  • Apollo Spacecraft

Explore the full USS Yorktown experience here.

USS Laffey (DD-724): This warship has some serious credentials. As the most decorated WWII-era destroyer still in existence, the Laffey provided support during D-Day and then transferred to the Pacific. It came to be known as “The Ship That Would Not Die.” It retired to Patriots Point in 1978 for some much-needed R&R on the Charleston Harbor (after serving in the Korean War and Cold War, of course).

Included with admission:

  • Combat Information Center

  • Mount 53

Check out more about the USS Laffey.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum still has even more to offer families, veterans, tour groups, educators and others. 

The Vietnam Experience Exhibit transports visitors back in time to the Tet Offensive and the Battle of Khe Sanh (1968). You can also visit the Medal of Honor Museum, take the Captain’s Tour, visit the Combat Information Center, try a scavenger hunt and more.

After a day exploring historic warships, there’s nothing better than grabbing a frozen cocktail, watching the boats drift down Shem Creek and catching sunset from the deck. Outdoor dining in Mount Pleasant, SC, is the perfect way to end the day, and, luckily, some of the best waterfront bars and restaurants in Charleston are right down the road. 

Unwind By the Water

Once you’ve wrapped up your harbor-side history tour, head over to Shem Creek for waterfront dining, frozen cocktails and live music at Saltwater Cowboys.

From dancing and drinks to late-night and to-go bites from The Wagon — SWC’s to-go food truck in Mount Pleasant — we’re serving up the Lowcountry’s favorite morsels and moments:

Want to keep the fun going? Check out our events calendar for the latest on live music on Shem Creek, bar crawls, Miracle @ SWC (our Christmas holiday pop-up) and more.

Create a Night for the History Books

For a time just as rich as our local history, stop by Saltwater Cowboys on Shem Creek. We’re serving up classic Southern BBQ, delicious frozen cocktails, fried seafood platters and more. Check out our full menu and come see why folks keep coming back for more.

Maddie Acee