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Everything You Need To Know For July 4 At Patriots Point

Mary Edwards Jun 06, 2023

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum will continue the tradition of being the Lowcountry’s destination for patriotism this Fourth of July. If you’re interested in attending, here’s what you need to know as you make plans to celebrate the birth of American independence with us!

We’re located in the Town of Mount Pleasant at the base of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Our address is 40 Patriots Point Rd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

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. Many choose to arrive early to tour the museum and then stay for the Fourth of July Fireworks Blast event. Parking is limited, so we advise visitors to plan to arrive before 5 p.m. for the best shot at securing a parking spot.

LET’S CELEBRATE!

Our official 4th of July Fireworks Blast is free of cost to attend and starts with live music at 6 p.m. We have an open lawn in front of the stage that’s perfect for blankets and folding chairs, and a grassy bank space that 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 prohibited.

Food Trucks

This year’s food vendors include:

• JMac’s Philly Cheesesteaks
• New Dog Hot Dogs
• Taste of Berlin
• Southern Seafood
• Area 51
• Shaka Shrimp
• Chick-Fil-A
• Ice Cream Team
• Kona Ice
• King of Pops
• Holy City Popcorn

Enhanced Fireworks Viewing on the USS Yorktown Flight Deck

***NOTE: Enhanced viewing tickets have been sold out for the 2023 event.***

In addition to the free landside activities, we’re selling tickets to an enhanced fireworks viewing area on the USS Yorktown’s flight deck. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased through Eventbrite. They include access to the ship at 8:15 p.m. and a complimentary bottle of water. Orders are limited to six tickets per person. All guests over the age of two will need their own ticket to the flight deck. Seating is not provided; guests with flight deck passes are encouraged to bring chairs. Personal food and drinks are not permitted on the ship. King of Pops and Holy City Popcorn will be on the flight deck selling dessert treats. Full meal options are limited to the landside celebration.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Once your ticket to the flight deck has been scanned and your bag passes inspection (no weapons, food, or alcohol), you’ll 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. Our team will help you find it if you need assistance.

WHAT ABOUT…?

Parking

Parking is a flat $20/vehicle fee. 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 launched 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 begin setting at 8:30 p.m. The fireworks will begin once it is completely dark, usually by 9:20 p.m.

Are guests allowed to ride bicycles into Patriots Point?

Yes. Bike parking is 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 4 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?

It’s recommended that you check with the Charleston Water Taxi for their exact schedule to make sure it’s an option to arrive at Patriots Point on July 4. However, you will still need to purchase a general museum ticket to enter through the gate for access to 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 they don’t block the fireworks viewing for spectators.

I have a portable grill, am I able to bring that out?

No. 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 expect to have nine 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 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?

No. 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

Tickets can be purchased here.

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 8 p.m.

Are coolers and wagons allowed on the ship?

No. 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.

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. We have one elevator to get to the Flight Deck. It’s reserved for those with mobility issues.

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. The museum will close at 5 p.m.

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 and Holy City Popcorn will sell dessert on the flight deck. Full meal options are limited to the celebration landside.