If you’re anything like our communications team here at Patriots Point, you want to know exactly where to find the most “Instagrammable” locations at every place you go. Everyone knows if you go to Disney, you take a picture in front of the castle. So, where are the must-have pictures at Patriots Point?
I’m glad you asked!
1. If you want an iconic photo to show just HOW COOL your visit was, begin your picture taking adventure on your walk down the pier to the Yorktown! Whether you’re sitting or standing, our massive aircraft carrier is the perfect background to rack up those Instagram likes.
2. The second picture you’ll come across features the Laffey destroyer on the left-side of our pier. If you stand at an angle, you can get most of the historic tin-can (destroyer) in your photo.
3. Now, we walk onto the Yorktown where you will have seen the giant “I Pledge Allegiance” photo-op while walking down the pier (let’s face it, this mural is kind of hard to miss). This bay door is sure to catch any Instagram scroller’s attention!
4. Our fourth fave spot is inside the Hangar Bay (through the big door you just took a picture in front of). When you walk through, make sure to stop at the information desk to hear stories of valor from some of our veteran volunteers. We promise you they will have a service story that will make your day. After that, turn left and head to the giant American flag on the wall. Don’t be afraid to hop up on the stage, it isn’t off-limits to visitors.
5.Now that you’ve snapped your patriotic picture at the flag, head out of the doors on either side and enter the Yorktown's fantail. Want to know a little secret? This is a favorite lunch spot for many Patriots Point employees because of how pretty it is! In the summer, you can watch dolphins play in the Charleston Harbor while enjoying the shade and your lunch.
This spot can be a little tricky because of the lighting, but go ahead and snap a picture anyway; who doesn’t want to show off this view?
6. So, now that you’ve gotten to experience the magic that is the Yorktown’s view of the harbor, head to the other end of the Hangar Bay for a little history. You’ll see that the first plane as you walk up isn’t like the others, you can actually sit in the cockpit of this one! Hop in to get that one-of-a-kind Patriots Point picture.
You may think you’ve taken a ton of pictures already, but hang tight because some of the best are yet to come!
7. Keep walking down the Hangar Bay until you see “Bill’s Bench” on the left where the long row of planes is. Go ahead and sit on it! You might be a little tired from the walking already, so take a load off and say cheese because this is one of our favorite spots for an Instagram worthy post. Bill Watkinson served as a night combat air patrol pilot on the Yorktown during World War II. During summers, he volunteers here at the museum and enjoys sharing war stories with our guests.
8. Congrats, you’ve made it to the flight deck! I’m sure you can already see this, but you’re now in the BEST place for pictures at Patriots Point. Between the impressive planes and the beautiful view of the iconic Ravenel Bridge, you will have #throwback posts for weeks. Speaking of the Ravenel, go ahead and try a few locations at the front of the flight deck. You can’t find this perfect angle anywhere else!
9. Wanting to post something more museum-exclusive? Don’t worry, this next one is for you. If you head towards the back of the flight deck with the aircraft, you can get a plane-filled picture. This is one of our team's favorites!
10. The last, but definitely not the least impressive, can be found all the way down in the engine room located on tour 2. It’s quite the trek to get down to since there are several flights of stairs, but it’s so worth it. Once you get down the stairs, follow the arrows around the corner to the giant walls of controls.
Throw a filter or two over any of these and you'll have an Instagram-ready post in no time!
There are dozens are great places to get a good picture while on your visit here at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, but these ten are our most favorite. Don’t forget to tag us (@patriots_point) in the awesome pictures you take! It’s likely we will even repost yours on our pages since we appreciate a cool post just as much as you do.
Don’t have an Instagram? Tag us on Facebook or Twitter instead!