Love American history, scenic river views, and coastal charm? Head to Yorktown, Virginia! As a key site in the American Revolution, Yorktown offers immersive history, waterfront dining, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re exploring battlefields or strolling the Riverwalk, this historic village is full of timeless appeal.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Yorktown is in spring and fall (April–June and September–November). These seasons offer mild weather, beautiful foliage, and lively events. Summer is warm and ideal for beach days along the York River.

How to Get There

  • By Car: Easily accessible via I-64, Yorktown is about 1 hour from Richmond and 30 minutes from Williamsburg and Norfolk.
  • By Air: The closest airport is Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF), just 20 minutes away.
  • By Train: Take Amtrak to nearby Williamsburg, then drive or use a rideshare service to reach Yorktown.

Where to Stay

  • Hornsby House Inn – Elegant B&B with river views, historic charm, and Southern hospitality in the heart of town.
  • Duke of York Hotel – Casual riverside hotel with balconies overlooking the York River and beach access.
  • Historic Williamsburg Lodging – Stay nearby in Colonial Williamsburg for more options with easy access to Yorktown.

Top Attractions

Drive Through History and Natural Beauty on the Colonial Parkway

Drive Through History and Natural Beauty on the Colonial Parkway

© Colonial Parkway

The Colonial Parkway in Yorktown, Virginia is a scenic parkway that stretches for twenty-three miles, linking together the three different points of the state’s Historic Triangle: Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Jamestown. The parkway is a part of the Colonial National Historical Park, managed by the National Park Service. With parts of it constructed from 1930 to 1957, the Colonial Parkway connects the three historic communities by way of a road shielded from any view of the nearby commercial development. The roadway is also toll-free and free of any semi-trucks, with the ends being the York River and James River.

Step Into Revolutionary War Life at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Step Into Revolutionary War Life at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

© New Yorktown Museum

The American Revolution Museum in Yorktown, Virginia replaced the former Yorktown Victory Center, officially opening in 2017. Through outdoor living history exhibits and immersive, comprehensive indoor exhibits, the New Yorktown Museum provides a national perspective that conveys a sense of the epic scale and transformational nature of the American Revolution, as well as the complexity and richness of the Revolutionary heritage of the United States. The permanent exhibit galleries contain dioramas, immersive environments, period artifacts, and films, such as the museum’s “The Siege of Yorktown” experiential theater presentation. The Revolution-era farm and Continental Army encampment provide living history experiences.

200 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690, Phone: 757-253-4838

Honor a Nation’s Triumph at the Yorktown Victory Monument

Honor a Nation’s Triumph at the Yorktown Victory Monument

© picturin/stock.adobe.com

The Yorktown Victory Monument is a memorial column, as well as a Liberty statue, that commemorates the battle and peace treaties of the year 1781. While the name of “Yorktown Victory Monument” is the more common name for the monument, the official name of the site is known as the “Monument to the Alliance and Victory.” A the base of the Yorktown Victory Monument are a number of plaques that list the Americans who gave their lives during the Yorktown Campaign. Other plaques can be found with the names of those in the French army and sailors who gave their lives.

803 Main St, Yorktown, VA 23690, Phone: 757-898-2410

Swim, Stroll, or Sunbathe Along the Shores of Yorktown Beach

Swim, Stroll, or Sunbathe Along the Shores of Yorktown Beach

© Jenny Thompson/stock.adobe.com

The Yorktown Beach is situated within historic Yorktown and offers a public, two-acre beachfront catering to family-friendly fun. It is also one of the Hampton Roads’ only beach that features a Mobi Chair and Mobi-Mat for wheelchair accessibility. The year-round Yorktown Beach is ideal for fishing, swimming, boating, and sunbathing. The grassy picnic area and ADA-accessible fishing pier are available to beach guests as well. Free parking can be found in several lots around town, along with the complimentary Trolley. Bikes, paddleboards, and kayaks can be rented at the beach to further explore the Yorktown area.

425 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690, Phone: 757-890-3500

Explore Battlefield Sites and Colonial Legacy at Colonial National Historic Park

Explore Battlefield Sites and Colonial Legacy at Colonial National Historic Park

© Andrii Chagovets/stock.adobe.com

The Colonial National Historic Park can be found within Virginia’s Hampton Road region in Yorktown. The historic park is managed by the National Park Service, protecting and interpreting several historical sites related to the Virginia Colony, and more broadly, the history of America. These sites range from the first landing site of settlers from England who go on to settle Jamestown to the Yorktown battlefields, the site of the final battles of the American Revolution. In all, the Colonial National Historic Park is made up of the Colonial Parkway, the Yorktown Battlefields the Cape Henry Memorial, the Green Spring Plantation, and Jamestown.

Shop, Dine, and Watch the Water at Riverwalk Landing

Shop, Dine, and Watch the Water at Riverwalk Landing

© jomo333/stock.adobe.com

Yorktown’s Riverwalk Landing is nestled along the banks of the York River and is one of the best kept secrets of the state of Virginia. While the town is mostly known for its historical significance, there is also plenty of locally-owned specialty shops and delicious food to be found as well, particularly along Riverwalk Landing. Unique eateries serve a variety of fare, ranging from gourmet burgers and artisan pizzas to fresh seafood and sushi, while specialty shops provide one-of-a-kind gifts, such as home decor, local art, and jewelry. Numerous different free community events are hosted here year-round as well.

331 Water St,Yorktown, VA 23690, Phone: 757-890-3500

Tour the Historic Moore House Where the British Surrender Was Negotiated

Tour the Historic Moore House Where the British Surrender Was Negotiated

© jomo333/stock.adobe.com

The Moore House is the site where the terms for surrender were negotiated from the British army on October 17th of 1781. After close-range bombardment by American and French artillery that lasted eight days, General Cornwallis of the British army requested a ceasefire to negotiate his surrender. The negotiations were held the following day at the residence of Augustine Moore. Two representatives were sent to the home and an agreement was settled on late that night. The house today has been altered and renovated, but is open to the public between the months of April and October.

228 Nelson Rd, Yorktown, VA 23690, Phone: 757-898-2410

If You’re Interested in the Coast Guard’s Story, Visit Training Center Yorktown

If You’re Interested in the Coast Guard’s Story, Visit Training Center Yorktown

© Training Center Yorktown

The US Coast Guard Training Center in the town of Yorktown, or TRACEN, is one of the country’s eight major training facilities for the Coast Guard, with a mission to “Forge Today’s Force to Execute Tomorrow’s Mission.” Local residents or visitors in Yorktown, Virginia can possibly take a tour of the US Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown by contacting the Training Center Public Affairs and scheduling a tour of the facility if possible. The grounds of the first-class learning and working environment Training Center Yorktown are kept clean well landscaped. The center can also sometimes be visited during events.

Training Center Yorktown, Yorktown, VA 23690, Phone: 757-856-2031

Where to Eat

  • Water Street Grille – Riverfront dining with fresh seafood, craft beer, and beautiful views.
  • Carrot Tree Kitchens – Cozy café serving homestyle Southern meals, boxed lunches, and decadent desserts.
  • Yorktown Pub – Casual spot for burgers, oysters, and local brews with live music on weekends.

Local Events

  • Yorktown Victory Celebration (October) – Commemorates the 1781 surrender with reenactments, lectures, and family activities.
  • Independence Day Celebration (July 4) – Patriotic fun with concerts, cannon firings, and fireworks by the river.
  • Yorktown Market Days (Saturdays, April–December) – Weekly riverside market featuring local produce, crafts, and music.

Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Yorktown, Virginia

  • Colonial Williamsburg (20–25 min) – Step into the 18th century with costumed interpreters, working trades, and immersive history experiences.
  • Jamestown Settlement (25–30 min) – Explore re-creations of ships, a fort, and a Powhatan village at this living-history museum of America’s first permanent English colony.
  • Waller Mill Park (25–30 min) – Hike forested trails, rent pedal boats, or enjoy lake views near Williamsburg’s peaceful retreat.
  • Newport News Park (20–25 min) – One of the largest municipal parks in the U.S. with biking, boating, archery, and nature trails.
  • Virginia Living Museum (25–30 min) – Discover native wildlife, touch tanks, and planetarium shows at this family-friendly science and nature center in Newport News.

FAQ

  • What activities can visitors enjoy in Yorktown?
    • Yorktown offers an array of different things to do, from beaches to boutiques to battlefields.
  • What experiences does Yorktown’s waterfront offer?
    • Visitors and locals alike can stroll along the waterfront, learn about the area’s history, admire the architecture of the eighteenth century, or grab a meal at one of the historic restaurants.
  • What is Yorktown most famous for?
    • Yorktown is most famous for its historic battles and riverfront charm.
  • What attractions are ideal for history enthusiasts in Yorktown?
    • History enthusiasts in particular will love the town, as it’s home to the American Revolution Museum and the Colonial National Historic Park, home to multiple historic sites.

At a Glance


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Pleasant temperatures and blooming gardens. Hornsby House Inn – A charming and historic bed & breakfast. Visit the Yorktown Battlefield – Walk through Revolutionary War history at this iconic site.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for waterfront activities. Marriott’s Manor Club at Ford’s Colony – A comfortable stay with excellent amenities. Relax at Yorktown Beach – Enjoy swimming, boating, and scenic views.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and beautiful autumn colors. Duke of York Hotel – A waterfront hotel with easy access to historic sites. Explore the Riverwalk Landing – Stroll along shops, restaurants, and enjoy waterfront views.
Winter (December-February) – Cool but festive with holiday events. Colonial Williamsburg Resorts – A cozy and historic stay just a short drive away. Visit the American Revolution Museum – Learn about the nation’s founding with interactive exhibits.

Plan Your Trip