Dana D.
Yelp
I work here, so I am going to refrain from my usual yay or nay kind of review and just identify some points of interest.
Friday's during the regular school year is the best time to visit, as most Friday's there is a dress parade. This is a full military review for the cadets and they get judged on their performance. The band and pipe band also perform as well, which is the highlight of the event, other than the cannons being fired off. Parade times are different each week so check the parade schedule here: http://www.citadel.edu/root/parade-schedule. Visitor parking is available all around the parade ground, except in front of the barracks. Don't take a chance and park in a permit only lot because you will surely be ticketed by campus public safety.
All around the parade grounds are military related artifacts, mostly dating from the Korea/Vietnam era.
There is a museum located on the third floor of the Daniel Library, but has a separate entrance on the side of the building closest to the main gate. The museum is free and doesn't take that long to go through. The hours are 12-5 every day. Stop in the library to get help with directions and a brochure for a self-guided walking tour. There are several murals depicting Citadel history as well. The library has two computers available for public use for general internet browsing if you need to look something up or check your email, but no access to a printer.
Food options are a little limited on campus, but there is a newly renovated Food Court, nicknamed "The Canteen" to get some food, drinks and a self serve milkshake machine. A gift shop is also available during business hours for souvenirs and a light offering of snacks.
Many of the places on campus are available to the general public even though it might not seem that way. There is a barbershop, a print shop (think Kinkos but a lot cheaper), a US Post Office, a Dry Cleaners and tailor shop, and a Cadet Store (not just for cadets despite the name).
If you visit The Citadel, make sure to take a walk around Hampton Park if time allows.