USS Yorktown, Aircraft carrier museum at Mount Pleasant, United States.
USS Yorktown is an Essex-class museum ship in Mount Pleasant and sits permanently moored at a pier in Charleston Harbor. The vessel features a flight deck on top, a hangar deck below, engine rooms inside, and living quarters for the former crew.
The ship was commissioned in 1943 and took part in combat operations in the Pacific during World War II. After the war it remained in active service until 1970 and was then opened as a museum.
The painted nickname "The Fighting Lady" appears in several locations and reflects the naval tradition of giving warships personal identities. Onboard displays show how different departments of the crew worked together and what daily routines looked like at sea.
Visitors can explore the flight deck, hangar, and several interior spaces on their own. On hot days it can get warm in the non-air-conditioned areas, so comfortable shoes and plenty of water are recommended.
The ship served as the recovery vessel for Apollo 8 astronauts in December 1968 after their return from lunar orbit. Today visitors can see the spot where the capsule was brought aboard.
Location: Mount Pleasant
Part of: Patriots Point
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-18:30
Phone: +8438842727
GPS coordinates: 32.79056,-79.90861
Latest update: December 3, 2025 21:49
The historic ships of the United States Navy are a direct testament to the country’s naval development throughout the 20th century. These warships, converted into museums accessible to the public, allow visitors to learn about life onboard and the technologies used during major global conflicts. The collections include Iowa-class battleships such as the USS New Jersey in Camden and the USS Wisconsin in Norfolk, destroyers like the USS Laffey in Mount Pleasant, as well as World War II submarines like the USS Cod in Cleveland and the USS Lionfish in Fall River. Visitors can walk the combat decks, examine original weapon systems, and explore preserved interior spaces. The USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point also displays vintage military aircraft, while the Naval Submarine Museum at Keyport features diving equipment and historical torpedoes. These sites, spread across oceans, provide a tangible view of the US Navy's role during Pacific conflicts, the Korean War, and more recent operations, showcasing nearly 80 years of maritime military history.
USS Laffey
121 m
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
1.5 km
Patriots Point
283 m
Old Slave Market
13100.7 km
City Market
2.4 km
Castle Pinckney
1.9 km
American Civil War Museum
2.4 km
Pink House
2.4 km
Waterfront Park
2.1 km
Exchange and Provost Building (Charleston)
2.3 km
Huguenot Church
2.2 km
Dock Street Theatre
2.4 km
South Carolina Aquarium
1.6 km
International African American Museum
1.7 km
McCrady's Tavern and Long Room
2.2 km
Powder Magazine
2.4 km
Gaillard Center
2.1 km
People's Office Building
2.3 km
Col. William Rhett House
2.2 km
Middleton-Pinckney House
2.3 km
Faber House
2.3 km
Farmers' and Exchange Bank
2.3 km
Presqui'ile
2.4 km
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
2.2 km
Benjamin Simons Neufville House
2.2 km
Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center
1.6 km
St. Philip's Episcopal Church Cemetery
2.3 km
Tiedemann Park
2.4 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes