What to do and see in Yorktown, United States: The Best Places and Tips

April 4, 2018 Darwin Bolte

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.
Restaurants in Yorktown

1. Colonial Parkway

Yorktown, VA
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 583 reviews

Colonial Parkway

Reviewed By Rockiroads - Oshawa, Canada

A very nice drive. We seemed to be on this parkway many times visiting the old villages and touring historic sites and monuments. The roads created in a bit of an old style of highway building being very scenic, it the trees, little shoulders, lots of cool bridge going underneath them and the road itself sort of stone looking. Great drives some look outs.

2. American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

200 Water Street, Route 1020, Yorktown, VA 23690 +1 757-887-1776
Excellent
59%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
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1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 968 reviews

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Museum where you can find all types of displays regarding the momentous events and activities during Revolutionary times.

Reviewed By WHGC

This museum is a wonderful, modern venue that includes exceptional indoor exhibits and films as well as interesting outdoor settings. It is geared for all ages, so is a super family site. They also have a small cafeteria which serves great casual fare. Don't miss it if you are in the area.

3. Yorktown Battlefield

1000 Colonial Parkway, Yorktown, VA 23690 +1 757-898-2410
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Yorktown Battlefield

Reviewed By Big_bro_1_usa - Chicago, Illinois

PROS: included with our payment for Historic Jamestowne so we went. George Washington’s tent and Lafayette’s cannon are here.

CONS: not much to see; antiquated video in the theater, limited items in the museum. Good thing admission was free with Jamestowne. Otherwise, we may not have paid the $7 to enter here. Most of the different battle field areas are scattered throughout town not just in the park.

4. Yorktown Victory Monument

Main Street, Yorktown, VA 23690 +1 757-890-3525
Excellent
55%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 196 reviews

Yorktown Victory Monument

Reviewed By travel7continents - Norfolk, Virginia

The battle at Yorktown followed by English General Cornwallis' surrender of his 7000+ man Army to General George Washington marks the end of the American War for Independence. When word reached Philadelphia, the congress in their enthusiasm ordered a grand monument be built in Yorktown. No money was appropriated and the monument was not built until the 100 year anniversary was approaching. Finally the Masonic fraternal order and the Daughters of the Revolution (DAR) raised the money, took charge, and got the monument built. The monument is dedicated to the Americans and their French allies. The plaques on the monument were financed by the DAR and list the American dead, the French sailors who died in the Battle of the Capes, and the French soldiers who died. Yorktown which was a prosperous colonial town based on sea trading, farming and fishing, was almost destroyed and never recovered its former prosperity.

5. Yorktown Beach

425 Water Street, Yorktown, VA 23690 +1 757-890-3500
Excellent
51%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
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4.5 based on 337 reviews

Yorktown Beach

Reviewed By paj0756 - The Woodlands, Texas

Beautiful white soft sand. Extremely suitable for towels or beach chairs. Very little debris or trash. Picked up some while walking, but everyone should. Parking across the street. Outdoor showers available. High and low cost Restaurants walking distance, including ice cream.

6. Riverwalk Landing

Yorktown, VA +1 757-890-3500
Excellent
52%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
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4 based on 296 reviews

Riverwalk Landing

Reviewed By Tracey M - Washington DC, District of Columbia

We stumbled on this place after leaving the Battlefield and loved it quaintness and beauty. There were beautiful sailboats on the water, sun was setting and there were people enjoying the beauty all around. It is small..but that is what makes it so special. Nice hidden gem.

7. Colonial National Historical Park

1000 Colonial Pkwy, Yorktown, VA 23690 +1 757-898-2410
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 92 reviews

Colonial National Historical Park

An area of southeast Virginia where the following major historical sites/towns are linked by a 23-mile road: Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown.

Reviewed By T5184AQtimp

Colonial Williamsburg was reconstructed using original foundations and plans of each building, street and businesses. The actors portraying the people of the time are very good at what they do. You get the feel of what it was like to live during the period of our nations birth. The history comes alive as you listen to a character or have a meal served in one of the taverns. Childrens classes have visited here from around the nation and many other countries. Christmas is special as the houses and buildings are decorated as they were then. Using fruit and native vegetation as well as carriage rides and drinks of the day and time of year are offered. Adults who love history do not want to miss this historical area. Not only is Williamsburg here but also Yorktown where our freedon was secured and Jamestown where the first settlement was has been totally reconstructed including one of the ships that brought the settlers here. Come and have a great time while being able to visualize how it really was.

8. Yorktown National Cemetery

Near French Battery - Parking Lot GPS is 37°13'33.52N 76°30'21.77W, Yorktown, VA
Excellent
49%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
4%
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Terrible
2%
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4.5 based on 42 reviews

Yorktown National Cemetery

Over 2,000 Civil War soldiers are buried at this site.

Reviewed By Steve H - New Jersey

This is a stop on the tour of the Battlefields. I ended up hitting this near the end but it is right by the Visitor Center where you begin the tour (and pay your fee.) It's filled with many unknown soldiers. There's a sign explaining things and a list of all who are buried here (that they know names of.) One of the few stops on the Battlefield tour that isn't just an empty field.

301 Main St, Yorktown, VA 23690-4031 +1 757-890-4490
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
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4.5 based on 23 reviews

The Gallery at York Hall

Reviewed By W8LT3R - New Jersey

The Gallery at York Hall is among the larger art and craft centers in Yorktown. On the first floor it displays the art work from many local artists. There were a few pieces that caught my eye but I really liked some of the simple clay pottery pieces on display. The ladies who work there are very friendly, proud and eager to tell you about their gallery what is on display that day.

But, the Gallery at York Hall is more than just a craft center. The basement is dedicated to a museum of artifacts found in Yorktown over the ages that reveals its past. After you browse the craft and artwork you take an elevator downstairs where an older gentlemen takes you through a personal guided tour of all the many pieces of Yorktown memorabilia they been collected. Objects and pictures from past wars with Yorktown's involvement. Such as old rifles and tombstones. Objects used in industries of the region. Objects left behind from major storms that had hit the area and shipwrecks. Outside the Yorktown Hall is a sealed time capsule to be opened in year 2030.

The Galley is a short walk from Riverwalk Landing at the corner of Ballard and Main Street. There is a free trolley stop next to the building on Ballard Street. A public parking lot behind the building. To casually browse both floors only took about 30 mins and is worthwhile stop while in Yorktown.

10. Moore House

Route 17, Colonial National Historical Park, Near Yorktown Battlefield, Yorktown, VA +1 757-898-3400
Excellent
44%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
13%
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3%
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4 based on 30 reviews

Moore House

Reviewed By travelgalAvon - Avon, Connecticut

A stop on the self guided auto tour of the battlefield. Get out and go inside of the home where the terms of the end of the battle were negotiated although they aren't sure in what actual room. Regardless, a beautiful preserved piece of architecture and history..if only walls could talk.

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