Things to do & places to visit in Yorktown, Virginia, United States

On October 19, 1781, in Yorktown, Virginia, the British forces surrendered to George Washington, effectively ending the Revolutionary War and ushering in the early days of the United States. Learn more about the Siege of Yorktown at the Yorktown Victory Center, a museum located at Yorktown Battlefield National Park. Yorktown is part of "America's Historic Triangle," along with the nearby colonial towns of Jamestown and Williamsburg, an area aimed at allowing visitors to interact with the past.

Yorktown city in Virginia, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 10:54.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Patriot Tours & Provisions (669 reviews)
- Fun and Educational
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Segway Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Gear Rentals

I found this lovely company via the visitor’s website for the area and I am so happy I did! The ease of making reservations, watching the safety video and signing the waiver on line was a snap. They send reminder email with directions to the free parking that is directly across the street. The Segway itself is so much fun to ride! After feeling a bit awkward for a minute it becomes intuitive, so now worries there. Aaron was our guide and he did a fantastic job blending history, fun tidbits about local drama, and giving us time to ride the Segway for fun and wander around the graveyard. 10/10 I recommend you take this tour and patronize the shop afterward - they have fantastic stickers! See more..
5.0 Pinot Anriki Glass Designs, LLC (1 review)
- real craftmanship
Speciality & Gift Shops

It's a really cute little store in Yorktown. The lady in the store makes beautifull, handcrafted designs on any glas you want. Apart from all the deals and discounts she gives from time to time, she is outermost friendly. Anyways, a must visit store if you are tired of your boring blend glasses. See more..
4.5 Yorktown Battlefield (1.665 reviews)
- Very Informative
Historic Sites • Battlefields

There is a visitor center with some exhibits and a 15 minute video which is helpful in understanding what happened at the battle. There was a ranger giving a talk outside, but there was no published schedule of when those programs were happening. We downloaded the (free) app and took the driving tour. You are able to go at your own pace and stop at each place and get out to look around. Definitely recommend getting out at the Redoubts (walk down the path to the left to see the redoubt structure) and Surrender Field (there is an overlook and a path down to see the cannons that were surrendered by Cornwallis). Recommend doing the "red" tour as a minimuim, but the "yellow" route was also interesting. Our 13 year old was very interested, and kids 15 and under are free. You can save your receipt and get a 50% discount at Historic Jamestown within 7 days. (If you have already visited Historic Jamestown, then the battlefield is free) See more..
4.5 Yorktown Sailing Charters (1.648 reviews)
- Sailing Into The Sunset ... If There Is A Sunset!
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Boat Tours

A well organized schooner sailing experience. About thirty guests and a crew of four travelled two hours on the York River. Covid-19 presentations and USCG Safety Briefings were appropriate. The challenge for this vendor is an unusually large number of uncontrolled variables. Our experience was a sun-free, sunset cruise, a sailing experience without wind and an offering of amenities limited by Covid-19 controls. With no outside food and beverage allowed, we were limited to house wine, beer and soft drinks, some snacks and cold hot dogs, all offered for sale at reasonable rates. The Mate providing the spiel regarding schooners, sailing and local history was informative and helpful but not able to give guests full attention during her sailing duties. The Guest areas on deck are minimal, uncomfortable and not conducive to social distancing. No availability to restroom facilities was problematic for several guests from the start. See more..
4.5 American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (1.381 reviews)
- Engaging for the whole family. A must-see.
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Battlefields • History Museums

Museum where you can find all types of displays regarding the momentous events and activities during Revolutionary times. See more..
4.5 Colonial Parkway (806 reviews)
- Relaxing Drive
Scenic Drives

One of the most relaxing drives connecting Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown. Big plus is you don't have to navigate the local roads to visit the 3 attractions. The parkway is popular with commuters, cyclists and joggers. Just watch your speed and for cyclists. They do have several points where you can pull over and stop. Also mind the no passing zones. The road has no traffic markings. See more..
4.5 Yorktown Beach (458 reviews)
- Peaceful & Beautiful
Beaches

Yorktown Beach is very relaxing. The water is not rough. Has decent clarity but not far out in middle of summer. The warmer the water there is a lot of jellyfish to watch out for especially in Late July and August. Water is calm and peaceful. Some shells to watch out for by the rocks that are sharp. Parking is very limited and bathrooms are not close by only by restaurants. You will most likely have to park far away in the summer. Not recommend it with a big family or small children. If you’re allergic to ragweed don’t go in the fall because it is in the Sand dunes. The bridge and the pier are very beautiful and I always meet very nice and friendly people here. Once the sun goes down earlier after the time changes back it does get cold fast I need to improve the parking situation and put out Porta potty‘s. They should have hamburger or hotdog vendors in the beach access areas that are farther away from the restaurants and bathrooms. See more..
4.5 Riverwalk Landing (403 reviews)
- Great Experience Honoring Veterans
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We spent Saturday morning at the Riverwalk Landing. After visiting the monument and enjoying the fife and drummers we went to the landing where the Saturday market was being held and the fife and drummers as well as a small combo played. We watched the short reenactment and browsed inside where displays had been set up with veterans at each one to answer questions and discuss the exhibits. We took lots of pictures of the landing and enjoyed our morning very much. A plus is free parking and several restaurants nearby. See more..
4.5 Yorktown Victory Monument (301 reviews)
- Visit to Yorktown
Monuments & Statues

My wife and I recently visited Yorktown with friends. While there, we drove to the Victory Monument. This is a very cool historical location in our country’s early years. The monument is located on a hilltop overlooking the water making it a very moving experience. Don’t miss seeing this extraordinary place. See more..
4.5 Colonial National Historical Park (124 reviews)
- Good Place to Start
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • National Parks

An area of southeast Virginia where the following major historical sites/towns are linked by a 23-mile road: Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. See more..
4.5 Yorktown National Cemetery (68 reviews)
- Small Civil War Cemetery in the Midst of Revolutionary War Battlefield
Cemeteries

Over 2,000 Civil War soldiers are buried at this site. See more..
4.5 The Watermen's Museum (68 reviews)
- A unusual gem by the water museum.
History Museums

We had a great time at this museum. There is a minor charge, but worth the cost. The staff was very helpful and they provide a short introduction to the museum and area. Make sure you meet Bruce - he is a master model ship builder. Spend some time with him to learn about his love for this hobby. See more..
4.5 Yorktown Farmers Market (38 reviews)
- Worth It!
Flea & Street Markets

Be sure to visit the farmers market in Yorktown first thing when it opens at 10am! Parking (while free for those visiting the businesses, NOT the beach) can be hectic along the Riverwalk as the day progresses. But we left with wonderful quality produce at very reasonable prices, some beautiful artwork, and snacks for the trip home. There was everything from baked goods and produce to soaps and soups, to breakfast burritos and several types of art. Bring a cooler with ice! See more..
4.5 The Gallery at York Hall (32 reviews)
- Local Art
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The is a large gallery full of local art including paintings, basketry, jewelry, pottery, etc. It is nicely arranged and offers something for everyone. See more..
4.5 Grace Episcopal Church (20 reviews)
- Held a wedding there
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Outstanding small church on the high bluff in the middle of historic Yorktown. Friendly church staff. Very welcoming. See more..
4.5 Auntie M's American Cottage (15 reviews)
- Love This Shop!
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 6:00 PM, 10:00 PM - 12:00 AM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

The tag line for this lovely shop is, "Where history meets handmade". It fits well in the historic area of Yorktown. Almost all of the items for sale are handcrafted by local and regional artists. It is an eclectic mix of fine art and re-purposed materials along with pottery and artisan jewelry. What a nice place to shop, browse, and cool off on a hot summer day! They even offer craft classes to make some of the cute things found in the shop. See more..
4.5 US Coast Guard Training Center (13 reviews)
- Why is this on here? It requires a security check and is not open to the general public.
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
Gorgeous. Be mindful of the deer and the 15mph driving. My car does more than that without me even stepping on the gas...can be annoying. They have several eateries, but some require being either GS or being a Coastie. Again, I don't even know why this place is on here. It's NOT a tourist attraction, but it is very pretty. See more..
4.5 On The Hill Gallery (10 reviews)
- An Artistic Gem in Historic Yorktown
Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Lessons & Workshops

I’m never quite sure what businesses reside in the old historic buildings that comprise Main Street of Historic Yorktown (up the hill from the waterfront). The On the Hill Gallery fills one of those iconic buildings. The gallery is light and airy (and air conditioned!). There’s a variety of art from local artists who volunteer to run the gallery. Prices range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. There are all kinds of mediums (paintings, pottery, glass, encaustics, jewelry, etc.). Definitely worth a stop. See more..
4.5 Vintner's Cellar Winery of Yorktown (9 reviews)
- Excellent
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Bars & Clubs
The food was great, the various wines were better and the staff was the BEST. We just wished we lived closer. See more..
4.5 Yorktown Bookshop (7 reviews)
- So much to look at
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops
Part bookstore, part antique shop, there's no shortage of interesting items to catch your eye. Our family really had a great time browsing through as much as we could. We actually went back to the area a second day, and my oldest son stopped by here again. They had a good selection of books for pretty much every interest, but they also had everything else to go along with whatever those interests were. Very cool place. I wish I lived closer because I would be there all the time! See more..
4.5 Yorktown Surrender Field (4 reviews)
- Significant stop on the Battlefield tour road
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Great Site on Red loop of Battlefield tour. If you are a fan of cannons, don't miss this stop. Hidden in the observation building is a exhibit of captured British cannons winding up to the field view. Their are two parking areas that provide access to the site, depending on which way your enter the driving loop. One access trail is wooded, the other loops along the surrender field. Spend 15 minutes to fully enjoy the site. See more..
4.0 Moore House (44 reviews)
- Site of negotiations for British Lord Cornwallis's surrender at the Siege of Yorktown
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums

Lord Cornwallis, realizing the defeat of his army was inevitable, he sent message to George Washington to surrender the Siege of Yorktown. Cornwallis selected the Moore House for the negotiations. This was a stop on the audio auto tour. House remains closed at this time. See more..
4.0 Nelson House (14 reviews)
- “Cannonball House”
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Battlefields

One of the clerks at the Visitor Center recommended this as a “must see” in Historic Yorktown. Why? Yes, it was the home of Thomas Nelson Jr. who served in the House of Burgess and as a delegate to the Continental Congress. Other notable information includes he signed the Declaration of Independence, served as governor of Virginia and commanded the Virginia militia at Yorktown. The home was used as a Confederate Hospital in the Civil War and also served as Lord Cornwallis’ headquarters during the siege of Yorktown. Walk the grounds of the home taking note of the cannonballs still imbedded on the side and top of the home. See more..
4.0 York County Historical Museum (13 reviews)
- Small but interesting
Spent < 1 hour History Museums
This was a very small local County History Museum. It is in a small little basement area, but it's packed with all kinds of neat history that you really don't get to see in the high touristy areas. It didn't take that long to go through, and there was plenty of interesting information to make it a nice little stop. See more..
4.0 Bay Haven Grille (9 reviews)
- Excellent
Bars & Clubs

GREAT FOOD, GREAT FUN ! Good selection, good prices, home cooked food with a hometown atmosphere. Good spirits in every sense of the word! See more..
4.0 Cozy Cottage (9 reviews)
- Nice place to browse.
Spent < 1 hour Antique Shops

Item selection is good. Good area to look around for antiques and old fashioned goodies! Would come back! See more..
4.0 River Fruit Tropical Wines (5 reviews)
- Wine and More!
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

I first visited this wine shop when I attended the outdoor Virginia Symphony concert here last summer. They have a wide variety of delicious fruity wines. My favorite is the Port. It even comes in a cool bottle. Wine tastings are always on, and samples of the fabulous Tortuga Cakes are offered up as well. I purchased several of the Tortuga Cakes for Christmas gifts. They were a big hit! See more..
4.0 Shear Style Salon and Spa (4 reviews)
- 10 years younger!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spas
I was looking for a place to get my hair done and found them on line. I called and got an appointment with Bobbie who truly took her time to listen and help me get my hair back on track. My husband later bought me a gift certificate for Christmas, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to go back and try out thier facials. I booked a Shear Glo Facial with Anne and my skin looks AMAZING! Thier staff was knowledgeable, courteous, and thorough. I have recommended them to a lot of my friends and family who LOVED my new hair color and those that were a little jealous of the noticable improvement in the health and smoother appearance of my skin after the facial. Thank you ladies!! See more..
Maranatha Baptist Church (0 review)
Churches & Cathedrals
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Velocity Church (0 review)
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals
Velocity Church is a life-giving church in Yorktown, Virginia, with a great kids program, bible-centered messages and an encouraging atmosphere. We want to help you connect relationally and grow spiritually. See more..