Step aboard the USS Yorktown before the crowds with Bulldog Tours’ VIP Early Access. Discover hidden corners and stories of this iconic aircraft carrier during a unique pre-opening experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Basic mobility with ability to climb ladders and navigate confined spaces is required.
Wildlife
History
The USS Yorktown, commissioned in 1943, earned five battle stars in WWII and now serves as a critical educational site for naval heritage on the South Carolina coast.
Conservation
Preservation efforts led by organizations and tour operators like Bulldog Tours contribute to ongoing maintenance of the USS Yorktown, balancing tourism with respectful stewardship of this historic vessel.
Bulldog Tours
Step aboard the USS Yorktown before the crowds with Bulldog Tours’ VIP Early Access. Discover hidden corners and stories of this iconic aircraft carrier during a unique pre-opening experience.
Bulldog Tours offers immersive walking, ghost, culinary, and VIP harbor experiences in historic Charleston, South Carolina. With a deep focus on accurate history, Bulldog Tours presents a variety of themed itineraries including daytime history walks, themed holiday strolls, culinary tastings on Upper King and downtown, cocktail tours, and multiple ghost and paranormal investigations. Signature options feature combined boat-and-walking combos to Fort Sumter, exclusive access and early-entry tours aboard the USS Yorktown, and visits to Drayton Hall and museum homes in the South of Broad neighborhood. Experiences range from family-friendly Strolls that highlight Rainbow Row, The Battery, and gardened estates to adults-only R-rated tours that explore corruption, scandal, and the city’s darker past. Guided private tours are available for history groups and special events. Guides use certified narration and local expertise to connect visitors with Charleston’s layered stories—from colonial trade and Lowcountry cuisine to African American heritage sites and Civil War-era landmarks. Bulldog Tours accommodates food lovers, history buffs, and paranormal enthusiasts with well-paced routes, curated tastings, and hands-on investigations using paranormal equipment on select overnight or restricted-access experiences. Safety, respectful interpretation of difficult histories, and clear meeting details are standard for each reservation. By combining compelling storytelling with exclusive access points and a wide calendar of departures, Bulldog Tours provides dependable, memorable ways to experience Charleston’s architecture, gardens, harbor, and haunted places. Customer-friendly booking, clear cancellation policies, bilingual guide options on request, and customizable private itineraries make Bulldog Tours a reliable choice for planning Charleston travel experiences and family reunions.
Tours Offered
25+
Walking, ghost, harbor & VIP combos
Local Guides
Certified Guides
Knowledgeable Charleston storytellers
Tour Lengths
1–2.5 hrs
Quick walks to in-depth experiences
Special Access
USS Yorktown & Drayton
Exclusive access to historic sites
Reserve Fort Sumter combos, VIP Yorktown access, or a ghost tour—limited seats available.
Arrive Early
Arrive at least 15 minutes before the 9:00 AM tour start to complete check-in and maximize your quiet access time.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour involves walking and climbing narrow ladders on uneven surfaces aboard the ship—sturdy footwear is recommended.
Bring a Water Bottle
Though this is a mostly outdoor tour, hydration is key—especially during warmer months in Charleston.
Mind Age Restrictions
Participants must be at least 12 years old due to safety considerations on ship ladders and confined spaces.
Sturdy Walking Shoes
Necessary for climbing ladders and walking on uneven ship decks safely.
Light Layered Clothing
Weather can shift quickly; layers help you stay comfortable both inside and on deck.
spring|fall|winter
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses protect you during exposed outdoor sections on the flight deck.
summer
Water Bottle
Keep hydrated during the tour, especially in warm or humid conditions.
summer|spring|fall