What to do and see in South Carolina, United States: The Best Specialty Museums

The history of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum began in June 1975 when the legendary aircraft carrier USS Yorktown entered Charleston Harbor. A few months later, the USS Yorktown was dedicated as the first ship of the Naval & Maritime Museum on the 200th birthday of the United States Navy. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum was officially opened to the public on January 3, 1976. Today the museum consists of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) with 29 aircraft on display from WWII to the present; the USS Laffey (DD-724), a Sumner-class destroyer; and the USS Clamagore (SS-343), a GUPPY III submarine. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is headquartered here and their official Medal of Honor Museum is onboard the USS Yorktown. There is also a Cold War Sub Memorial and Vietnam Support Base Camp on the surrounding grounds.

The Pat Conroy Literary Center educates and inspires a community of readers, writers, and teachers in and beyond our home in the South Carolina lowcountry. In honor of our namesake, one of America's best-loved writers and truth-tellers, the Conroy Center continues Pat Conroy's courageous and generous-hearted legacy as a teacher, mentor, advocate, and friend to storytellers of every kind. The nonprofit Conroy Center is South Carolina's first affiliate of the American Writers Museum and second American Library Association United for Libraries Literary Landmark. Voted as Favorite Local Museum in the 2019 Eat Stay Play Beaufort "Best of Beaufort" Awards, the Conroy Center is also winner of the 2019 Civitas Award for Tourism Leadership, presented by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Looking for fun things to do in Myrtle Beach, SC. Pinball and Retro lovers this one is for you! Take a totally awesome journey back to the 1980’s and 90’s, share the games of your youth with your kids, or reconnect with friends. HOW IT WORKS: ALL ADMISSION TICKETS require pre-payment online for timed ticketing with slots available for a specific date and time purchases. No Admissions will be taken at the door! All Admissions will be purchased directly on https://www.MyrtleBeachPinballMuseum.org due to modifications due to social distancing. This is a unique museum where you can actually play pinball games from the 70’s to the present day. If you’re on a budget and looking for affordable fun things to do, this is nostalgic must see! Located close to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and only 4 blocks from the ocean, this attraction is one of the top things to do in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Of Charleston's many fine house museums, only the Edmondston-Alston House (constructed in 1825 and enhanced in 1838) commands a magnificent view of Charleston Harbor. From its piazza, General P. T. Beauregard watched the fierce bombardment of Ft. Sumter on April 12, 1861, signaling the start of the Civil War. And on December 11 of the same year, the house gave refuge to General Robert E. Lee the night a wide-spreading fire threatened his safety in a Charleston hotel. Much like the Middleton Place House Museum, the collection at the Edmondston-Alston House Museum consists of pieces that belonged to the family, reflecting not only family history but American history. Despite the ravages of the Civil War, the Earthquake of 1886 and numerous hurricanes, the Alston family pieces remain in place much as they have for over 150 years. Notable in the collection is an original print of the Ordinance of Secession, portraits, dining room table, gas lights, mirror and exquisite interior woodwork.

The South Carolina State Museum is a state-of-the-art facility featuring four floors of permanent and changing exhibits, a digital dome planetarium, 4D interactive theater and an observatory. The State Museum, the largest and most comprehensive museum in the state, is located along the banks of the Congaree River in downtown Columbia, South Carolina.

The Gibbes Museum enhances lives through art by engaging people of every background and experience with art and artists of enduring quality, by collecting and preserving art that touches Charleston, and by providing opportunities to learn, to discover, to enjoy, and to be inspired by the creative process. Recognized among the oldest arts organizations in the United States, the Gibbes has played a significant role in shaping the careers of American artists for over a century. The Museum connects the city and region's artistic past to a vibrant contemporary art scene.

If the beach gets boring, families head to this interactive museum to learn about the history and wildlife of sea islands.