All things Shipyard
THE SHIPYARD TOURNAMENT — CHARLESTON, SC
Where do I even begin?! This is, hands down, one of my favorite baseball tournament destinations we’ve been to so far. And after doing Charleston four times, I feel like I’ve earned the right to give you the suburban baseball mom guide.
If you’re headed to The Shipyard Tournament in Charleston, put this one on your must-do list! Obviously, baseball is the main event, but when you have a little downtime between games, there is SO much to see, eat, and do.
Here are a few of my favorite spots — plus some extras we’ve picked up from the locals along the way:
1. Isle of Palms Beach - Coconut Joe’s Restaurant is a must and is right on the water and has that laid-back beach atmosphere I LOVE. Bonus: they can accommodate your team!
2. Downtown Charleston - Oyster House is a great stop for some yummy seafood, and yes, they can accommodate your team too! Perfect excuse to get everyone together after a game.
3. Mount Pleasant - For food around the area, these are some of our favorites: SOL — Mexican-inspired food + great margaritas, Basil — amazing Thai food, Marble Slab Creamery — because baseball tournament weekends require ice cream, and of course Swig & Swine — an absolute MUST DO between games, after games or during your rain delay! It’s right outside the ballpark and the BBQ is SO good!
4. Sullivan’s Island - The beaches are beautiful, and here’s a little local tip: there’s a free shuttle from Mount Pleasant Towne Centre to the beach, which can save you the headache of finding parking. And while you’re there, check out Poe’s Restaurant!
5. Boone Hall Plantation - Great for a little break from the ballpark with historical tours and the market. Definitely worth checking out if you have some extra time.
6. Crush Yard - Need something to keep the kids entertained? Pickleball courts + an arcade = a win for the whole family.
7. Pitt Street Bridge - Grab some food, head over for sunset, and just enjoy the view. One of the locals favorite low-key Charleston stops.
8. Shem Creek - Take a walk out on the pier and keep your eyes open for dolphins! And if you’re hungry: Page’s Okra Grill — great brunch, Red’s Ice House, and Saltwater Cowboys.
9. Fort Sumter - Take a tour and get out on the water. A great way to sneak in some history while the kids are taking a break from baseball.
10. ️ Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum - Another great family stop, especially if you have kids who are into history, ships, or anything military-related.
11. Palmetto Island Park - Looking for something to do when you need to burn off some of that baseball-tournament energy?! Check out Palmetto Island Park! There are trails, kayaking, fishing, a water park and shopping — basically something for everyone. Great option for a day when you want to get outside and let the kids have some fun!
BEFORE YOU GO — A FEW THINGS I’VE LEARNED:
Lodging:
You really can’t go wrong staying around Isle of Palms (IOP). Most options are within about 15–20 minutes of Shipyard, depending on traffic.
We’ve stayed at two places close to IOP/on IOP, and both were great. Courtyard by Marriott in Mount Pleasant was one of them, but our favorite so far — based on location alone and the continental breakfast — is Homewood Suites in Mount Pleasant.
It’s walking distance to Target and tons of other shops, restaurants, ice cream spots and sports bars, and it’s only about 4 miles from IOP Beach. For a baseball family, that location was a BIG win!
TRAFFIC. TRAFFIC. TRAFFIC. Be ready for traffic in Charleston and add extra driving time to the fields! What looks like a quick drive on the map can take considerably longer, especially around game times and beach traffic. Give yourself plenty of time — nobody needs a stressed-out baseball mom trying to get to the field on two minutes of sleep.
WEATHER:
It rains often in Charleston, so don’t stress too much when you see rain in the forecast or hear about rain delays/early game starts. They do a really nice job keeping the tournament moving and getting games played. Be flexible and just roll with it!
THE FIELDS:
For the 12U and under teams, there are 3 designated fields: Stewart, Port and Starboard. All three have nice stadium seating except Port.
My advice? If you’re playing at Port Field, bring your own bleacher seat or chair! Your back will thank you by the end of the weekend!
For 13U, there are 2 fields: Detyens and Wando River Fields- both have stadium seating! Shipyard is all turf fields so molded cleats or turf shoes only.
ADMISSION:
All games charge admission — roughly $15 per game but they also offer weekend passes, so keep that in mind when budgeting for the weekend.
COOLERS:
Coolers are allowed, but they will be checked. They are very strict about NO alcohol, gum, seeds or animals. So leave those things at the hotel and save yourself the hassle!
And lastly…
TAKE IN THE MOMENTS.
Because as much as we spend these weekends worrying about schedules, parking, weather, what time we need to leave, where everyone is eating and whether our kid remembered both cleats… these are the moments we’ll look back on.
The late nights. The early mornings. The team dinners. The beach trips between games. The wins, the losses, the laughs and the memories.
Baseball + Charleston + good food + the beach = pretty much the perfect tournament weekend.
Four trips in and I still feel like there’s more to explore. That’s probably why I love this tournament so much!
If you’re headed there this season, SAVE THIS POST because your baseball-mom self will thank you later!
For added fun, you have to check out this cool YouTube link made by one of Joey's teammates dads, the talented Ryan Kreamer!
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