Things to Do in Mount Pleasant

Tour a historic Southern plantation or explore a U.S. aircraft carrier. When you’re ready for a break from all the history, enjoy some quiet time on the waterfront and reflect on the city’s natural beauty. This small South Carolina town will make you feel right at home.

War Heroes

Take a tour from the flight deck down to the engine room of the retired aircraft carrier, USS Yorktown, at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. You've heard Grandpa's stories about war heroes; now learn about some of them first-hand at the Congressional Medal of Honor museum onboard. Visit the interactive Vietnam Experience Exhibit and check out the vintage aircraft in the hangars. If you're really looking for a unique experience, hop aboard a helicopter for a bird’s-eye view of Charleston Harbor. All the excitement of Patriots Point will certainly leave you hungry, so grab lunch at the Fighting Lady Cafe or just tide yourself over with a snack from .

On the Waterfront

Spend some time relaxing at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park, where you’ll see picture-worthy views of Charleston. The park sits at the gateway to the city in the shade of the Ravenel Bridge. Stroll lazily along the 1,250-foot-long pier and watch the boats passing by. Revisit your childhood on the playground and grab an ice cream cone at the River Watch Cafe. Keep an eye out for special events in the park—it hosts live music, festivals and other activities. Parking is free.

Taxi Around the Harbor

Take the Charleston Water Taxi from Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant across the harbor to downtown Charleston and back. Watch the dolphins frolic alongside the boat and see pelicans fishing for their lunches. Taking the taxi combines a relaxing break with a great view of Ravenel Bridge. It runs on a continual loop all day, so you can hop on and off every hour with your day pass—no need to stress about missing it. Stop at Market Street and the South Carolina Aquarium, then head back to Mount Pleasant.

Relive the Old South

You'll get a feel for old Southern aristocracy as you drive along the lane toward Boone Hall Plantation. Major John Boone established the 738-acre plantation in 1641. He's long gone now, but you can still be a guest at his mansion—at least to take the guided tour. Attend a performance at the Gullah Theater, then hop aboard a motorized carriage for a drive under oak trees that are over two centuries old. In case you were wondering how a plantation of that size functioned every day, you can explore the eight slave cabins and see a presentation about the history of slavery. The plantation still produces a variety of fruits and vegetables—enjoy fresh strawberries or tomatoes and even pick your own in the U-pick fields.

Dining in Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant offers many locally owned dining options. Try a sandwich at the Pickled Palate, a tiny restaurant housed in a charming cottage that makes its own ciabatta bread fresh daily. Page's Okra Grill offers traditional Southern food such as country fried steak and fried okra. They even pick fun at their own Southern stereotypes with humorously-named dishes such as redneck rolls. If you’re in the mood for Italian, stop by Bacco—they make their own pasta and mozzarella cheese.

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