Explore Mount Pleasant through several distinct stories: from an 18th-century plantation to an immersive exhibit about the Vietnam War. There is also Gullah culture, sweetgrass basketry and a fishing pier over the Cooper River. These themes offer a good starting point for planning: first consider which aspects of the town you want to shape your visit—historic sites, exhibits, local traditions or activities on the water.
Plantation History and Cultural Heritage
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site preserves a 28-acre remnant of Charles Pinckney’s original 715-acre 18th-century plantation, known as Snee Farm. Comparing the two areas puts into perspective how small the preserved section is relative to the original plantation. The site also includes an 800-meter walking trail with the archaeological site of an enslaved community. This brings the archaeological traces of that community into focus alongside the plantation’s history.
At Boone Hall, general admission includes access to the Avenue Of Oaks. Another cultural highlight is the live presentation “Exploring The Gullah Culture.” It focuses on the unique culture developed by enslaved Africans. Visitors particularly interested in Mount Pleasant’s cultural traditions will find a different perspective here than at the historic sites and military history exhibits.
Ships and the Vietnam War Exhibit
General admission includes self-guided access to the USS Yorktown, the USS Laffey, the Vietnam Experience Exhibit and the Medal of Honor Museum. This offers a clear focus on ships and military history. Visitors who would like to explore the USS Yorktown with a guided tour of areas not otherwise open to the public can consider the Captain’s Tour, which takes them through parts of the aircraft carrier that are not accessible to the general public.
The Vietnam Experience Exhibit is a fully immersive 2.5-acre exhibit that brings the history of the Vietnam War to life with holograms. Its design evokes two military settings: a Brown Water Navy base and a U.S. Marine Corps artillery base during the Tet Offensive and the Battle of Khe Sanh in 1968. Its size, multimedia presentation and historical references give the exhibit a different character from the self-guided tours aboard the ships.
Sweetgrass, Fishing and Local Events
The Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival celebrates Mount Pleasant’s local shrimping and fishing heritage. The 39th edition, held in 2026, featured live music, a boat parade and local seafood. The Sweetgrass Festival, meanwhile, has celebrated the art of weaving baskets from sweetgrass, which originated in Mount Pleasant, since 2004. The two events highlight different local traditions: fishing and maritime work on the one hand, and basketry on the other.
Visitors can also watch basket weavers at work and buy their products at the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion in Memorial Waterfront Park. This offers a chance to discover basketry not only as a festival theme but also through the weavers’ work and their products.
Memorial Waterfront Park and Market Season
Memorial Waterfront Park combines several different park amenities with views of the Cooper River. Its fishing pier extends 1,250 feet over the river. The park’s third phase opened on June 4, 2025, and includes a splash pad, an inclusive playground, basketball and pickleball courts, a covered pavilion and expanded dog play areas. Visitors looking to compare different park amenities will find both play and sports facilities, as well as the fishing pier and pavilion.
During market season, the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market offers fresh local fruit and vegetables, seafood, baked goods and freshly prepared meals. Local produce and prepared food complement the historic and cultural themes of a visit. Which of these aspects matters most to you—plantation history, Gullah and sweetgrass culture, military history or the riverfront park—can also help guide your choice of hotel in Mount Pleasant.
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