Right after the calendar flips to 2026, one of the Lowcountry’s most visited sites is marking a very important milestone.
And they’re planning to celebrate all year long.
What is Patriots Point?
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is a fascinating, expansive indoor/outdoor historical site with many different parts to it. They describe it as “nearly 1,000,000 square feet of hands-on history combined with heroes’ stories and stunning natural landscapes.”
It’s most recognizable as the official home of the USS Yorktown - the massive aircraft carrier that’s visible from the Ravenel Bridge as you cross Charleston Harbor.
In addition to being home of the Yorktown, Patriots Point also has the following exhibits that are located in, on or near the Yorktown:
- The Vietnam Experience Exhibit - the only Vietnam Support Base Camp exhibit in the United States;
- The USS Laffey, another historic ship (a WWII destroyer);
- The Medal of Honor Museum - honoring those who've received the United States military's highest award for valor, awarded by the President for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty" in combat;
- The Cold War Memorial;
- A total of 27 aircraft on board.
Where is it?
Patriots Point is located on the Mount Pleasant side of the Harbor, at 40 Patriots Point Road… to the left, just before you cross the Ravenel into downtown Charleston.
If you’re staying in one of our Isle of Palms vacation rentals, it’s an easy drive, about 25 minutes to get there via either Coleman Boulevard or Highway 17.
All ages staying in your IOP beach house will get something out of it. Older folks will appreciate the history and the memories it brings back. Kids will be wowed by its size, seeing the planes on the flight deck, and activities like the Flying Circus Simulator, Virtual Reality Ride and Scavenger Hunt. Fun fact: they even let Boy Scouts and other groups camp overnight on the ship!
The Fighting Lady
The USS Yorktown is a World War II aircraft carrier from the Essex class, among just two dozen in the war.
Her nickname is the “Fighting Lady,” due to her incredible service in the Pacific from 1943-45. She was awarded a whopping 11 battle stars during WWII.
She returned home to the States, was modernized, and went back out to war yet again during Vietnam, earning another five battle stars. The Fighting Lady recovered the astronauts from the Apollo 8 space mission, and even starred in “Tora! Tora! Tora!,” the classic movie about Pearl Harbor.
Then, in the mid-1970’s, she found her permanent home here in the Lowcountry, at Patriots Point.
On January 3, 1976, Patriot’s Point had its grand opening, welcoming an excited crowd of 2,601 people aboard to tour the Fighting Lady, in all her restored glory.
It’s pretty noteworthy, since that was the very first time an aircraft carrier had ever been opened as a museum. It launched a trend that’s since spread to many other cities across the world.
In the years since, well over 10 million people have visited the USS Yorktown.
In 2017, the renowned Swiss light artist Gerry Hofstetter lit up the Yorktown as part of his “Light Art Grand Tour USA,” which featured one location in each of the 50 states (as seen above).
Happy 50th Anniversary – Let the Party Begin!
Patriots Point is kicking off its 50th year celebration with a very special event – Throwback Day.
It’ll take place on its actual anniversary day, Saturday, January 3, 2026.
And get this - admission will be the same amount it was 50 years ago on opening day - just $2.00 per person. You can reserve tickets online here or in person at the event, if available.
As Allison Hunt, Executive Director of Patriots Point, explains: “This celebration is about looking back with gratitude and forward with purpose. For fifty years, we’ve connected people to stories of service and sacrifice. The years ahead will build on that foundation with fresh programming, deeper engagement, and new ways to inspire visitors.”
On January 3rd, Patriots Point will be open from 10:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m., with the following schedule of special events:
- 11:00 a.m. - Ceremonial ribbon cutting and launching of the year-long anniversary celebration, with Patriots Point Executive Director Allison Hunt and Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie. Opening of the new exhibit, “Charting 50 Years” showcasing Patriots Point’s last five decades. Photo opps and early access to special archival materials, rarely seen images and stories about the museum’s founding.
- 11:30 a.m. - Historian Talk #1 Celebrating 50 Years of Patriots Point, by Museum Historian Colby Causey;
- Noon - Ceremonial cake cutting led by the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, with veterans, families and community partners.
- 12:30 p.m. - Historian Talk #2 Celebrating 50 Years of Patriots Point
- 1:00 p.m. - Historian Talk #3 Celebrating 50 Years of Patriots Point
So if you’re coming to one of our Charleston luxury beach rentals anytime in 2026, make some time to visit Patriots Point… and be sure to wish her a very happy anniversary!
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger
(photo credits: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum)