Are you planning to spend your Independence Day with us at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum? If so, here are all the things you need to know to ensure that your evening is as fun as it is patriotic!
Let's start with the basics, our address. We are located in the Town of Mount Pleasant at the base of the Ravenel Bridge. If you are a GPS pro, type in 40 Patriots Point Road and follow the little arrow to the USS Yorktown.
"You've arrived at your destination." Parking is $20 per vehicle for the entire day. If you come early, between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., you can purchase a ticket to tour our historic warships. There's certainly a lot to see, so keep an eye on the time. At 5 p.m., the museum will close for the day.
Please note that parking is limited. Many families choose to arrive early to tour the museum and then stay for the Fourth of July Fireworks Blast event. We advise visitors to plan to arrive before 5 p.m. for the best shot at securing a parking spot.
LET THE FESTIVITIES BEGIN!
Our official 4th of July Fireworks Blast is free of cost to attend and starts as Awendaw Pizza Band takes the stage at 6 p.m. Live music will also include the rockabilly and vintage rock and roll band Jared Petteys & the Headliners. Dysfunction will close out the night.
An open lawn in front of the stage is perfect for blankets and folding chairs. Our grassy bank space overlooks Charleston Harbor.
In addition to the picnic-style, many families also enjoy the evening tailgating next to their vehicles. If you choose to use a pop-up tent, please ensure it is down before the fireworks show starts. Although you can bring coolers and food, grills and open flames are forbidden.
Food Trucks
Because of the demand in 2021, we are increasing the number of food trucks this year. We plan to have 10 savory and five sweet trucks for you to choose from.
Savory trucks include: Dizzy Lamb, &Lobster, Shaka Shrimp, JMACs, Taste of Berlin, Area 51, The Maine Course, Mr. Nothin' But Chicken, Southern Seafood, Atlyss Food Co.
Sweet trucks include: Ice Cream Team, Kona Ice, Mr. Narwhal's Magnificent Snoballs, Kool Katz Italian Ice, King of Pops
Alcohol will be provided by The Altered Alchemist
Enhanced Fireworks Viewing on the USS Yorktown Flight Deck
After a three-year hiatus, we are reopening the USS Yorktown's flight deck for the fireworks show. Tickets to access the flight deck for the fireworks show are now sold out. All guests over the age of one will need their own ticket to the flight deck. The deck will open to ticket holders at 7:30 p.m. A DJ will play hits as the sun sets and through the fireworks show at full sundown (around 9:20 p.m.). Seating is not provided. Guests are encouraged to bring folding chairs. King Of Pops will sell frozen treats. Full meal options are limited to the landside celebration.
We're all about safety here at the world's best museum. Once your ticket has been scanned and your bag passes inspection (no weapons, food or booze), you'll take a walk down our pier to board the Yorktown. Feel free to enjoy those picturesque views. Our team will guide you up to the ship's flight deck.
An elevator will be available for those with mobility challenges. Don't worry. Our team will help you locate it.
Do you still have unanswered questions? Below is a list of things people usually want to know! We'll see you on the 4th.
SO, WHAT ABOUT….
Parking
Parking is a flat $20/vehicle free for everyone. Parking is first-come, first-serve, and the ticket is good all day. Your spot will not be reserved for your return if you leave throughout the day.
Are strollers allowed landside and on the USS Yorktown?
Yes, strollers are welcome in both locations.
What areas are considered blind spots?
The fireworks will be shot from a barge in the Cooper River. We have taken extra measures to ensure the barge is located in an area that will provide the highest visibility for our guests. In addition, we will be placing signs on landside areas where viewing may be limited.
Are pets allowed?
Except for service animals, no pets are permitted at Patriots Point for the Fourth of July Blast. Owners of service animals should be aware that the surface of the flight deck (enhanced viewing ticket needed) can get very hot in high temperatures during the summer.
What time will the fireworks start?
The sun is expected to set around 8:30 p.m. The fireworks will begin once it is dark, usually by 9:10 – 9:20 p.m.
Are guests allowed to ride bicycles into Patriots Point?
Yes, biking is one way to reach the celebration. There is some bike parking available. Bikes will not be allowed to go down the pier.
If I purchase a museum ticket during the day, what time will I have to leave?
The ticket window will be open for regular touring tickets beginning at 9 a.m. The last ticket to the museum will be sold at 3:30 p.m. The museum will close at 5 p.m. Everyone will be required to leave the ships and Vietnam Experience at that time.
Are guests allowed to take the Charleston Water Taxi to Patriots Point on July 4?
Check with the Charleston Water Taxi for their exact schedule, but that is definitely an option to arrive at Patriots Point on July 4. However, you will still need to purchase a general museum ticket if coming through the gate there to enter the museum during business hours.
If you don't want to buy a museum ticket, You can take the pier around the Fish House restaurant to the main entrance.
Can I arrive early and set up a tent and table for landside viewing?
You are welcome to come and set up your area early (on July 4), but all tents must be taken down by 8 p.m. so as not to block fireworks viewing for any other spectators.
I have a portable grill; am I able to bring that out?
Due to fire codes, no fire-producing devices, including grills of any type, are allowed on the grounds of Patriots Point.
Are coolers for food or drink allowed?
Yes, coolers are welcome if you plan to stay landside. They will not be allowed on the pier or flight deck.
Will credit cards be accepted at food/beverage vendors?
Yes, the food trucks accept credit cards. However, it's always a good idea to bring cash as a backup plan if a credit card server fails. Plan for large crowds and poor cellular service.
What type of food and beverages will be available for sale?
We will have more than a dozen food trucks. The complete list of trucks will be available a few weeks before the event.
What time will the music begin?
Live music will begin at 6:00 p.m. on the land-based stage.
Will we be able to bring in sparklers during the landside celebration to enjoy personally before the fireworks show?
Due to fire codes, no fire-producing devices, including sparklers, are allowed on the grounds of Patriots Point.
ENHANCED VIEWING TICKET FOR USS YORKTOWN'S FLIGHT DECK
Are there any ticket refunds if there is inclement weather?
All ticket sales are final. The fireworks will go off rain or shine.
What time will guests be allowed on the flight deck?
Guests may board the ship starting at 7:30 p.m.
Are coolers and wagons allowed on the ship?
Coolers and outside food/beverages are not allowed on the ship or pier, and neither are wagons. Wheelchairs and strollers are the only wheeled items permitted on the Flight Deck.
Will tables and chairs be provided?
No seating or tables will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own folding chairs.
What time will the music begin on the flight deck?
A DJ will begin playing hit music on the flight deck at 7:30 p.m.
Is there a less expensive ticket option for children?
No, all guests must have a regular ticket. All children over the age of one will need their own ticket to the flight deck.
Is there a military discount available for July 4th tickets?
Not for the event that night.
Is there a discount if I purchase both a ticket to the museum on July 4 and July 4th Event tickets?
No discounts are offered on July 4th event tickets.
Is there an elevator available for the handicapped?
Yes
Can we tour the USS Yorktown if we have an enhanced viewing ticket?
No, access to the enhanced viewing area will be limited to the USS Yorktown's flight deck.
What happens if there is inclement weather?
Safety is a priority. The Patriots Point public safety team will evacuate visitors to the aircraft carrier’s hangar deck if there are unsafe weather conditions. In that case, the flight deck will reopen when the storm has passed. Rain is usually not considered a safety risk. Safety measures are typically only needed for strong winds and lightning.
What type of food and beverages will be available for sale on the flight deck (enhanced viewing area)?
King of Pops will sell frozen treats on the flight deck. Full meal options are limited to the celebration landside.
DO YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Please email your questions to info@patritspoint.org.