Family Fun

Choose from a variety of expert offshore and inshore fishing charters around Mount Pleasant. Catch fish and make memories of a lifetime!

If you’re searching for history in Charleston or unforgettable things to do near Charleston, a visit to the USS Laffey (DD-724) at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant is a must. Known as “The Ship That Would Not Die,” the USS Laffey is one of the most decorated destroyers of World War II and a powerful, hands-on way to experience American naval history just minutes from downtown Charleston.

Commissioned in 1944, the USS Laffey (DD-724) was a Sumner-class destroyer that saw intense combat in the Pacific Theater during World War II. On April 16, 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, Laffey endured one of the most ferocious kamikaze attacks in U.S. Navy history. The ship was struck by multiple bombs and kamikaze aircraft in a single assault, yet remarkably, she survived. Despite devastating damage and heavy casualties, the crew kept her afloat, earning the ship its enduring nickname and a Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism. After World War II, Laffey continued to serve during the Cold War before being preserved as a museum ship, now standing as a floating tribute to the sailors who served aboard her.

Today, visitors can step directly onto this historic destroyer and explore:

⚓ Self-Guided Deck Tours - Walk the weather decks, stand beside massive 5-inch gun mounts, and imagine what life was like during wartime operations.

🛏️ Crew Living Quarters - See the tight sleeping bunks, mess areas, and command spaces that housed hundreds of sailors at sea.

🎖️ Combat Information & Bridge Areas - Explore the nerve center of the ship where critical battle decisions were made.

📚 Educational Exhibits - Learn about World War II naval warfare, the Pacific Theater, and the bravery of Laffey’s crew through interpretive displays and preserved artifacts.

The USS Laffey is included with admission to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Visitors can also tour other historic vessels and exhibits during their visit, making it one of the most comprehensive maritime history experiences in the Southeast.

Discover one of Mount Pleasant’s most scenic outdoor experiences on the Patriots Point Nature Trail, a natural pathway surrounded by coastal views. Located on Patriots Point Road and minutes from downtown Charleston, this easy, family-friendly trail offers shaded paths and lookout points perfect for walking, photography, and quiet nature exploration. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Lowcountry landscapes, making it one of the most memorable places to walk and explore near Charleston, SC. Whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll or a beautiful spot to connect with nature, the Patriots Point Nature Trail delivers a uniquely stunning Mount Pleasant experience. Follow the Keep It Pleasant Promise while exploring the Patriots Point Nature Trail!

Walk in the footsteps of heroes when you come aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-10) museum. Known as "The Fighting Lady", the USS Yorktown (CV-10) was an aircraft carrier that participated in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and was the recovery ship for the NASA Apollo 8 mission. In 1975 the ship was brought to Mount Pleasant where it has served as a museum ship and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

Experience interactive tours, the Medal Of Honor Museum, viewing fully restored historic aircraft and other vehicles, the Battle Of Midway Exhibit, the Apollo Spacecraft Exhibit, and more!

The Mount Pleasant Splash Pad is located at Memorial Waterfront Park, as a piece of the 2025 Phase III addition. This popular splash pad is designed with the heart of Mount Pleasant in mind with elements of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge and the old Mount Pleasant water tower included. Restrooms are available at the park. There is not a life guard on duty, swim/splash at your own risk. No pets, bikes, or skateboards allowed in the splash pad area.

Operating Hours: April - October, 8:00 AM - Dusk. The last day of the 2026 season is Sunday, October 25, 2026.

The Splash Pad is closed on Tuesdays from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm for routine maintenance to keep it in safe conditions. To see if the Splash Pad is open or closed before you go, sign up for Mount Pleasant Recreation Department alerts!

The Vietnam Experience at the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is an outdoor and indoor exhibit spanning 2.5 acres, transporting guests into the experience of the Vietnam War. The exhibit recreates a Brown Water Navy support base with recreations of a mess hall, fire control bunker, a Quonset hut, and more. Five authentic Vietnam War-era helicopters can be viewed along with an MK1 River Patrol Boat named "Elaine", and other vehicles and artifacts. The Vietnam Experience is an exhibit for education, as well as a place of reflection for Vietnam War veterans. Access to this exhibit is included with admission to the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.

Experience stunning panoramic views of Shem Creek and the Charleston Harbor along 2,000 feet of boardwalks. Watch the sun sink into the sea while keeping an eye out for dolphins splashing nearby.

Explore the scenic Hog Island Trail in Mount Pleasant, SC, a peaceful walking path that winds through nature and salt marshes at Patriots Point. This easy, family-friendly trail offers incredible views of the Charleston Harbor and historic downtown Charleston. It’s one of the most picturesque walking trails in Mount Pleasant, perfect for nature watching, photography, or a relaxing stroll by the water. Trail visitors can also walk up a short ramp and steps to see the view of the Charleston Harbor from the observation deck. Hog Island Trail showcases the natural beauty that makes Mount Pleasant a true Lowcountry treasure! Follow the Keep It Pleasant Promise while exploring Hog Island & Trail!

The entrance to Hog Island Trail can be found on Patriots Point Road across from the golf course parking lot.

Trail Length: ~0.3 miles. This trail is a part of the larger 1.0 mile Patriots Point Nature Trail.

Travel between Mount Pleasant and historic downtown Charleston aboard the Charleston Water Taxi. The Charleston Water Taxi makes hourly trips to Patriots Point, Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, downtown Charleston and Aquarium Wharf. You may even see a dolphin or two!

If you're staying in Mount Pleasant: Meet the Water Taxi at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, which is located at the end of Patriots Point Road. Follow the signs to the Water Taxi.