The Citadel
The Citadel
4.5
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A historic military college best known for its Moorish-inspired architecture.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
756 reviews
Excellent
499
Very good
212
Average
41
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Jack Courtney
Severn, MD182 contributions
Jan 2020
The Citadel is no longer the place I remember from my past visits back in the 1960's and 1980's. (As a former student of their biggest football rival, East Carolina University (ECU) I am proud to say ECU has grown in stature, college standings and no longer has to beat up on the cadets of The Citadel in foot ball every year.) It has grown larger, but has kept some of it's great buildings, narrow sidewalks, monuments, the very pretty Summerall Chapel and their parade fields. They have added more buildings, with less character than the older ones and I was not very fascinated with many of the "officers" and "enlisted" personnel standing around skylarking in dirty uniforms or looking like they couldn’t run a hundred yards without stopping for a double bacon cheeseburger and a 32 oz. coke! As a former member of the US Armed Forces (U.S.M.C. and Navy), I can honestly state that the Citadel may be a civilian college with a military program, but it is NOT a “military college" in any manner. My feelings are that they have not improved in their academics, sports or military bearing, but has remained one of those old institutions that survives on their past glories, former students and possibly on large Illumni contributions every year. I am sorry to see such a grand Southern institution become like a poor, abused, ugly, stepchild with no future. The leadership of The Citadel needs to be more selective on it;s growth, it's selection of students, it's military training and bearing, and to sell greasy, unhealthy, fast foods in it's buildings will not improve it's military standards or fitness. Shame on you!
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ri N
3 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We Stopped by the Citadel in December while visiting friends in Charleston. In fairness, we had visited the “WestPoint of the South” in Virginia earlier in the year, so we may have set our expectations a bit too high. Needless to say we were unimpressed with what we encountered at the Citadel. In addition to many kid (and adult) students walking around with backpacks in civilian clothes, we saw a number of severely dirty cadet uniforms and unfit cadets “milling about” or chatting outside. We returned for the parade and we saw cadets out of step and looking quite unkept. What’s more, I was fascinated with many officers and enlisted personnel standing around who either had dirty uniforms or looked like they couldn’t run a mile without stopping for a cheeseburger and a coke.
As a former member of the US Armed Forces, I can say the Citadel may be a civilian college with a military program, but it is NOT a “military college.”
As a former member of the US Armed Forces, I can say the Citadel may be a civilian college with a military program, but it is NOT a “military college.”
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our America
Apache Junction, AZ276 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
I have never seen a college like this before. Looks like a fort. Hence the meaning of Citadel. Grounds complete with military equipment, large church, cafe and a replica of a school class ring large enough to stand in the center of it.
Written December 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sara C
Baltimore, MD86 contributions
Apr 2023 • Business
I was at The Citadel for business and my visit was nothing short of amazing. Kind staff and the students left me in awe. They are so hard working and kind. The bookstore is really great and has a huge selection of gear if you want some Citadel swag. The history here is rich and highly recommend visiting on a Friday after noon for the school’s Parade so you can see all the hard work the student put into this school. Five stars, hoping to visit again!
Written April 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie G
3 contributions
Jul 2021
As many people on site seeing adventures, we couldn't fit everything in, so this was a real quickie. The landscape was beautiful. Grounds were immaculate, as if someone was hiding in the trees to pick up a stray leaf or blade of grass. The architecture was awesome.
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noraatc
Sudbury, MA39,398 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
The Citadel has impressive campus buildings and the Chapel, but we were more interested in the military helicopters and cannons on the vast field, where the graduation ceremonies take place. Busy cadets were everywhere on the grounds… they are very courteous and welcoming.
We spent thirty minutes at the Citadel and started our drive to the airport, which is very close to it.
We spent thirty minutes at the Citadel and started our drive to the airport, which is very close to it.
Written March 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C P M
241 contributions
Sep 2019
This is a State run Military Academy similar to West Point. Students from thos school fired the firdt shots in the American Civil War. Graduates of this school are very tight. It has been the subject of novels. It does not occupy its civil war grounds now but the building structhresmare very similar. Interesting for a quick visit.
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mmredsox
Niceville, FL25 contributions
Dec 2020
The campus is always kept in immaculate condition. If you want to see what a military college is like, then visit this campus. There is a nice museum with tons of historical artifacts. The chapel is amazing and is home to a nice organ. Its nice to just sit by the parade ground and watch the world go by. If in town, catching a Friday parade is a great experience you don't get in many places in today's world.
Written December 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rhoni L
Paducah, KY59 contributions
Sep 2022
This tour taught me the Freshman Cadets had to walk with a slight run. The church had a little surprise as well. Freshman cadet was napping in the AC. He is the Smart Freshman Cadet. Fun and informative!
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martina
Hahei, New Zealand12 contributions
Mar 2021
For such an overpriced school, grounds are unkempt. It needs more gardening time. Paint over is overdue. Sad to see a so called West Point of the South like this.
Written April 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am Jacob T. Williams of Anderson, SC - Mike-65*** Who knew or knows a Preston Poole from Greenwood SC and a former Cadet; now a dentist in Anderson, SC? I have been expecting a call from his office for 2 months and this is what I got yesterday. He called and said he would not take me as a patient for putting in my application 5 other crooked dentist keep wanting to remove my good fillings of ceramic. He knows I went to the Citadel, too: I gave him this review in three places: ***** I am 80 years old; a Citadel guy and you would not take me as a new patient because I refuse to let other dishonest dentists remove expensive ceramic fillings when nothing is wrong; my funds are limited; the first crooked dentist wanted to start doing this 22 years ago and the same fillings are there with no problems henceforth. A second opinion confirmed my suspicions of this fact. This continued with 4 more dishonest dentist and/or their hygienists. All I want is an honest good dentist. So which are you, and why are you afraid of me Dr Preston Poole? I want to know!
Written September 13, 2023
Could you please tell me what tour you signed up for? Heading to Charleston in a couple of weeks and I have always wanted to see the campus. Thanks!
Written July 12, 2018
Toured with friend who lives sorta locally.
But, the horse, carriage tour, in downtown Charleston is outstanding!
Written July 22, 2018
My family is intrested in the guided tour by a cadet. There is 5 of us coming in September 19th. Does anyone know if we can call and be added with other ppl. I see you must have a group of 10 atleast to be guided. Also is there a a fee I should plan for?
Written March 28, 2018
I would assume there is no fee as this is a state university. I would suggest you call the Visitors Center and discuss wanting to take the tour to see if they will put you with another group. We are older so a walking tour was not for us but i think you would enjoy it. And if you really want to see them at their best the Friday parade marching is said to be great. We just happened on the practice on a Thursday so they are in fatigues not dress uniforms.. The campus police were very nice to us and allowed us to park beside the end of the field. Having Disabled Vet license plates probably helped for the favor. Since your visit is during football season you might want to be mindful if there is a home game or not. This could make a difference as to what is available regarding tours. Enjoy.
Written March 30, 2018
Yes it is. Originally it wasn’t until the early 90s. When the first female was admitted to the college. (It didn’t go well for her) but eventually over the years, the Corps of Cadets percentage of women increased. I believe it’s up to about 15% or 20% now, that are women
Written March 28, 2018
We will be in Charleston this coming weekend. What is hours that we can visit/tour the Citadel.
Also will there be the parade on Fri? If so what time?
We have a nephew, that would enjoy all there is to see!
He is 5 years old, autistic - would there be something specific he would enjoy ?
Thank you for all your information!
Penny
Written October 15, 2017
Will definitely love parade that is mid afternoon on Friday....The campus is overall open as far as viewing and taking in. Specific requests and activities are on the website and they do respond to inquiries pretty quickly..
Written October 17, 2017
Can my family walk around and look at the campus without making a reservation? Are the parades only on Fridays? Thank you
Written March 6, 2017
Yes, you can walk around and walk into some of the buildings. There are no reservations required.
The parades are only on Fridays during the school year and are typically at 3:30pm.
Written April 5, 2017
I have heard there is a morning flag and prayer ceremony that is open to the public. Is this true, and if so, what time does it begin in February?
Written January 30, 2017
Sorry I do not know. I would suggest calling the Citadel directly
Written February 10, 2017
What is Parents Weekend at the Citadel? Is there a parade on Saturday, October 8th?
Written August 25, 2016
Parents Day Weekend is when mostly parents of the freshman class visit...for most, its the first time they have seen their parents since their freshman year started. Parade is usually 11:00AM on Saturday.
Written August 29, 2016
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