Getting to the Point at Patriots

Is it really worth it to wander around in an old aircraft carrier like The Yorktown? Especially given that it is virtually a steel ghost town? Unequivocally, yes. Even if you have no interest in things military, the sheer size of the ship is astonishing. It’s like a city unto itself.

The Yorktown looming over 2 fishermen

Make sure you follow all the tours (the red lines on the floor) and get down into the lowest sections where the engine is. And by all means buy a big salty pretzel in the concession area. A perfect appetizer out at sea. When you’re done, take an extra 20 minutes to visit the small black submarine next door. How those guys lived aboard that thing—underwater no less—is hard to comprehend. And the fact that someone could build it. You come out of there very grateful for twenty-first century technology (assuming we don’t have another major war soon).

Speaking of new technology, when you visit Patriots Point, it’s too convenient not to take a walk up the Ravenel Bridge and appreciate the fantastic view of the Yorktown and the city. But the bridge itself is the main thing. Astonishing in its design, engineering, and materials—North America’s longest cable stay span bridge. Again, that someone could conceive and build it is very, very impressive.

Climbing The Ravenel Bridge

Having grown up with the single Cooper River Bridge, and later the two bridges, I initially looked scornfully at the ‘modern’ Ravenel bridge. I was sure it had permanently ruined the traditional skyline of Charleston. But it has slowly grown on me to the point that I cannot imagine it not being there, so wonderful it is.

Nevertheless, it is one thing to drive across the bridge and another to walk on it—up it—and feel it hovering in the air over the harbour.

Patriots Point
just north across the Ravenel Bridge
Get directions