Things To Do
in Yorktown
Yorktown, Virginia is a small, historic riverside town on the York River best known for its pivotal role in the American Revolution and the Yorktown Battlefield. The compact downtown along Riverwalk Landing features colonial architecture, waterfront views, shops, and museums that bring 18th-century history to life. The town serves as a quiet but scenic gateway to the Chesapeake Bay, with opportunities for boating, birding, and fresh seafood.
Nearby Williamsburg and Newport News expand dining, nightlife, and transport options while Yorktown retains a relaxed small‑town, heritage-focused atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Yorktown and check into your accommodation, allowing yourself some time to settle in. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, soaking in the charming atmosphere. Afterward, take a stroll along the historic waterfront to appreciate the scenic views of the York River.
Visit the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown to learn about the pivotal battles that took place here. Engage with various exhibits and perhaps watch a live reenactment to better immerse yourself in history. After your educational excursion, check out the quaint shops and art galleries that dot the town.
Enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant where you can sample seafood while taking in stunning sunset views over the river. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the beach to reflect on your first day in this storied town. End the night with a ghost tour for a spine-tingling introduction to Yorktown's haunted past.
Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a nearby diner before heading to the Yorktown Battlefield. Spend your morning exploring the historic sites and trails where the final battle of the American Revolution unfolded. Guided tours are available to provide you with deeper insights into key events.
After the battlefield tour, make your way to the historic Moore House for a glimpse into colonial life. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the nearby Riverwalk Park, taking in the nature surrounding you. Spend the afternoon kayaking or paddle boarding on the York River for an exhilarating view of the area’s natural beauty.
Return to town for a relaxing dinner, choosing from a variety of local favorites. Visit the local brewery or grab ice cream for dessert and enjoy it by the waterfront as the evening sets in. If you’re up for it, catch a live music performance at a local venue to cap off your evening.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Coffee / Cafe drink | $3-5 |
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-25 |
| 🍺Beer (domestic) | $5-8 |
| 🏨Midrange hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
| ⛴️Boat tour / attraction ticket | $15-35 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Revolutionary War history and well‑preserved battlefield sites
- Scenic York River waterfront with relaxed atmosphere and good seafood
- Close to Williamsburg, Jamestown and larger transport hubs for day trips
- Walkable historic downtown with museums and interpretive programming
- Limited late‑night nightlife and entertainment compared with nearby cities
- Public transportation options are sparse—car recommended
- Seasonal crowds in summer can make parking and dining busier
- Some attractions have reduced hours in the off‑season
Places to Visit in Yorktown
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide views of the York River, boardwalk scenes, marinas and sunsets; great for golden hour waterfront photos.
Historic landscapes, cannons, monuments and sweeping fields—strong subject matter for dramatic heritage photography.
Recreated encampments, historic buildings and costumed interpreters provide evocative period scenes.
Shoreline textures, boats, birds and sunrise/sunset compositions along the town beach and pier.
Close-up shots of colonial-era facades, narrow lanes and period details around the historic district.
Food in Yorktown
Yorktown Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh Chesapeake blue crab served steamed or in crab cakes—available at waterfront restaurants and crab houses near Riverwalk Landing.
Must-Try!
Local oysters, often served raw or roasted; try them at seafood-focused eateries and seasonal oyster roasts.
Rich, creamy crab bisque flavored with sherry—found at classic local restaurants and inns.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market (spring–fall) with local produce, baked goods, cheeses and occasional food vendors. Great for picnic supplies and regional specialties.
During summer weekends and special events vendors and food trucks appear offering casual eats, seafood snacks and desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents are generally friendly and polite—greet shopkeepers and staff, and expect casual, courteous conversation. Tipping and thanking service workers is standard.
Respect preserved landscapes: follow signage, do not climb monuments, and stay on marked paths at battlefields and park areas. Photography is usually allowed but check signage for restricted exhibits.
Obey posted speed limits in residential and historic districts; parking near Riverwalk Landing can fill quickly—use paid lots and respect residential spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Yorktown
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S. standard restaurant tipping is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for table service; bartenders typically receive $1–2 per drink, and valet/parking or hotel staff $1–5 depending on service. Tour guides and drivers are usually tipped 10–20%.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless/mobile payments (Apple Pay / Google Pay) are common. Smaller vendors and some market stalls may prefer cash—carry a small amount for farmers markets and tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming trees make spring a lovely time to visit; historic sites are open, and boat/kayak season begins. Bring a light jacket for breezy riverside mornings and be ready for occasional rain showers.
Warm to hot and humid with peak tourist crowds, outdoor events and festivals. Expect busy weekends, abundant mosquitoes at dawn/dusk, and bring sun protection, insect repellent and stay hydrated.
Crisp, pleasant weather and colorful foliage—one of the best times for outdoor exploration, battlefield views and winery visits. Cooler evenings are common; layers recommended.
Cool to mild winters with occasional freezing temps and sporadic light snow; many attractions remain open but with reduced hours. Off-peak travel yields lower rates and quieter streets, though some seasonal services may be limited.
Yorktown at Night
Hiking in Yorktown
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive multi-use trails through tidal marshes, hardwood forests and river bluffs—good for hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing; several trail loops of varying lengths.
Interpretive trails that trace troop movements and historic sites; relatively easy walking with informative signage and vistas across the battlefield.
Located nearby (Newport News/Williamsburg area) with woodland trails, marsh overlooks and a river launch—popular for hiking, biking and kayaking access.
Scenic, low-traffic roadway and adjacent paths connecting Yorktown to Jamestown and Williamsburg—ideal for long, scenic rides or walks with historical pull‑offs.
Airports
How to reach Yorktown by plane.
The closest regional airport (~20–30 minutes by car) with limited commercial flights and convenient access to Yorktown via Route 17 and local roads; rental cars and rideshare options available.
Major regional airport (~45–60 minutes drive) with more flight options, car rentals and ground transport; good choice for wider domestic connections.
Larger airport (~60–75 minutes by car) offering many domestic flights and rental services—suitable if flying from major hubs or for better fares.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Multi-generational families and retirees who value the town’s historic character and quiet lifestyle.
Seasonal influx of visitors drawn by Revolutionary War sites, museums, and Chesapeake Bay recreation.
Personnel and families associated with nearby military installations contribute to the community demographic mix.
Proximity to William & Mary and other institutions brings students, researchers and academic visitors to the area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Water-based sports dominate locally—recreational boating, sport fishing and sailing are popular among residents and visitors.
Nearby College of William & Mary (in Williamsburg) generates interest in collegiate sports, especially basketball and football seasons.
Youth and high school sports, including lacrosse, soccer and baseball, are community focal points.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yorktown.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in larger cities—many restaurants will offer salads, vegetable sides, and pasta; ask chefs for simple modifications using seasonal produce.
Vegan and gluten-free dishes are available but may require advance notice; most cafés can accommodate gluten-free bread or substitutions and larger venues will have menu notes.
Seafood is a staple—always inform servers of shellfish allergies. Smaller kitchens may have cross-contamination risks; request preparation details if you have severe allergies.