Glimpse Back Into Naval History

Guests will take a step into military history when they enter the Patriots Point Museum, home of the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, the USS Laffey Battleship, the Vietnam Experience Exhibit, the Cold War Memorial, and the Medal of Honor Museum. Tours depart in the morning and guests will have approximately 4 hours to explore the exhibits of these amazing examples of maritime and WWII history.

Check Availability and Book Your Patriots Point Ticket

This ticket grants guests access to all the Patriot's Point exhibits above including access to the flight deck of the USS Yorktown. Transportation from any location downtown to the museum and back is included. Guests may purchase lunch on-board but the cost is not included in the fees below.

*It is highly recommended that guests wear comfortable walking shoes as many exhibits involve going up or down narrow staircases aboard the ships.

There are many reasons why Conde Naste Travel Magazine has named Charleson it's Top US City multiple years running. Charleston is home to superb shrimp and grits, she crab soup, historic homes, blooming gardens, world class women's tennis, glistening harbors and tidal creeks, warm sandy beaches, America's only tea plantation, Darius Rucker, and Bill Murray. The list goes on and on. It's easy to see why hundreds of thousands of people visit every year, and why some decide to pack up their homes and make Charleston a permanent residence.

There are quite a few attractions in Charleston that make the city, well, attractive. Below are some of our favorites. Whenever we can, we try to offer discounts, so look for our coupon links or discount booking codes associated with the tours and attractions featured. Click below or browse our Charleston Attractions section to find out more.

Jestine's Kitchen (Casual)

• 251 Meeting St
• Charleston, SC 29401

843- 722-7224 

Hours: 

Closed: Mondays

Jestine's Kitchen is my favorite restaurant downtown. Period. It's not the fanciest. It's not the most expensive. It's chef doesn't have the best pedigree in Charleston. But none of that matters to me. It's been my favorite since the first time I ate there. It is Lowcountry cooking at it's finest. You couldn't eat there every night...your arteries would eventually revolt. But when you want to treat yourself, it is the place to be. The down-home southern atmosphere is great. The service is outstanding. The ham steak is awesome. Fried chicken, awesome. Squash casserole (a daily veggie specialty), awesome. Coca Cola cake, awesome. You get the picture. The only draw-back is that there's a bit of a wait for a table most days, but that's to be expected considering its reputation. The restaurant doesn't take names and put you on a list with a wait time as many restaurants do. If a table is not available, you simply stand in line until one opens up. So if you arrive and there's a line, get in it. The wait can sometimes be avoided by going early or late for meal times. Even if you end up waiting a bit for a table, the meal will be worth it. Don't miss this place. 

The Appeal of Magnolia Plantation

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a favorite of many Charleston locals, including quite a few Charleston tour guides, for good reason. It is a delight for history and nature lovers alike. It is the oldest public gardens site in America and the oldest tourist site in the Lowcountry, opening to visitors in 1870. It has a rich history having witnessed and survived the American Revolution, the Civil War, and beyond. It's richness of history may only be surpassed by the natural free-flowing beauty of this place. Award winning gardens, excellent bird watching, a unique Audubon Swamp, historic house tour, zoo and nature center are only some of its highlights.